Now this one is a weird review. After playing Rune Factory 3 and Rune Factory 5. This game has as much content to keep you busy as both combined. The crafting system is the best it's ever been in the Rune Factory series. It has just enough QoL to not feel clunky compared to other games.

The issues: This was one of the first games to handle the, "You can be a boy or a girl!" aspect of the game, and the way it's handled is... clumsy, to say the least. Needless to say, it does *not* start off strong. But it's basically a game like Stardew with a very, VERY long and satisfying JRPG blended in seamlessly.

You can also change your characters appearance to any NPC including the opposite sex protag once you've beaten the game once (then it keeps this option in any new file you make)

The lack of gay marriage is... disappointing, but I think there are mods for that.

Would I take this over 5? Every time, yes. While 5 is flashier and introduces some new and fancy elements, it is big and empty and the game runs about 1/3rd the length with weird content pockets where little and less is happening. Is 5 worth it? I'll get to that later.

As for this game, it's a good pick. If you have any love of the series, this is the best one mechanically in my opinion. I still miss Rune Factory 3....

Now this one is a weird review. After playing Rune Factory 3 and Rune Factory 5. This game has as much content to keep you busy as both combined. The crafting system is the best it's ever been in the Rune Factory series. It has just enough QoL to not feel clunky compared to other games. The issues: This was one of the first games to handle the, "You can be a boy or a girl!" aspect of the game, and the way it's handled is... clumsy, to say the least. Needless to say, it does *not* start off strong. But it's basically a game like Stardew with a very, VERY long and satisfying JRPG blended in seamlessly. You can also change your characters appearance to any NPC including the opposite sex protag once you've beaten the game once (then it keeps this option in any new file you make) The lack of gay marriage is... disappointing, but I think there are mods for that. Would I take this over 5? Every time, yes. While 5 is flashier and introduces some new and fancy elements, it is big and empty and the game runs about 1/3rd the length with weird content pockets where little and less is happening. Is 5 worth it? I'll get to that later. As for this game, it's a good pick. If you have any love of the series, this is the best one mechanically in my opinion. I still miss Rune Factory 3....