While the Rune Factory series has generally remained in the hands of video game publisher Natsume internationally, it was XSEED Games – the publishing brand of Marvelous USA that has acquired, localized and from today launched Rune Factory 4 on the Nintendo 3DS in North America. While those in PAL regions cannot enjoy the latest RPG x Life Sim experience just yet, the game is available at both retailers and the Nintendo eShop within North America at a price of $39.99.
Rune Factory 4 is a fantasy life simulation game that blends farming, crop management, harvesting and traditional RPG dungeon battles all into one gameplay experience. As the game opens, players will find their character falling from an airship and landing atop a charismatic dragon. Amnesia-stricken and disoriented, players can select either a male or female hero and take their place as the newly-appointed prince or princess of Selphia.
Throughout Rune Factory 4, players will take on royal duties and can choose to fulfill an array of varied requests from townsfolk, or they can take a more rural approach to governing by harvesting their own fruits and vegetables to help out the people of Selphia in other ways. The prince or princess can also woo marriage candidates from among the townsfolk. Communication and gift giving will be key to romance, potentially resulting in marriage and perhaps even a child. Players will be aided in dungeon adventuring by the castle’s vast armament of swords, spears, and staffs along with magical Rune abilities in battle against dangerous foes, and can even be supported by a companion or tamed friendly monsters.
