Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon

 DS
  • Publisher: Natsume
  • Release Date: Nov 9, 2010
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. RPG Fan
    Dec 22, 2010
    89
    It's impossible to deny that Rune Factory 3 is the best entry in the series. It has improved in just about every area it possibly could: the battles are more dynamic, the farming isn't monotonous, the characters are deeper and more intriguing, and the dialogue is full of variety.
  2. Nintendo Power
    Dec 22, 2010
    85
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
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  3. GameZone
    Dec 22, 2010
    85
    As much as there is to do in Rune Factory 3, none of it ever gets too complex or stressful.
  5. Cubed3
    Nov 14, 2011
    80
    Rune Factory 3 definitely shares many similarities with its Harvest Moon heritage, but successfully branches out into a highly engaging action RPG that stands in good stead when compared to other role-playing efforts on Nintendo DS thanks to its enjoyable battle mechanic, variety of objectives and the above average storyline.
  6. Nintendo Life
    Oct 5, 2011
    80
    If you've played the previous entries, you'll probably already know you'd enjoy Rune Factory 3; it's a prime example of "if it's not broken, don't fix it" at work. The new features are bullet points rather than game changers, but it's the biggest entry in the series so far and a must for fans of farming and fighting.
  7. Nintendo Gamer
    Feb 6, 2011
    80
    Excellent character portraits. [Christmas 2010, p.61]
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  8. RPGamer
    Dec 22, 2010
    80
    This sweet experience is one that can be enjoyed by newcomers and veterans of the Harvest Moon series, as Rune Factory 3's positives definitely outweigh the negatives.
  9. IGN
    Dec 22, 2010
    80
    Rune Factory 3 does little to change the franchise formula, and for me, someone new to it, that's good enough.
  10. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Dec 18, 2011
    67
    It's all far too familiar. [Dec 2011, p.98]
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  11. GamesRadar+
    Dec 22, 2010
    60
    It's simply frustrating that, even after several previous installments, the series has yet to improve significantly – even moreso since a lot of the issues holding it back seem easily fixable. As it stands, Rune Factory 3 is a solid game – just not a great one.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best DS Game of 2010
11
#11 Most Discussed DS Game of 2010
13
#13 Most Shared DS Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 57
  3. Negative: 5 out of 57
  1. Kirisoul
    Jan 9, 2012
    10
    It's an underrated addictive game. Even compared to the other Rune Factories, this one is perfect in all it does. Expedited travelling, aIt's an underrated addictive game. Even compared to the other Rune Factories, this one is perfect in all it does. Expedited travelling, a quest system that adds story depth and more opportunities for exciting new items. Easier forging with instant access to storage, better dungeon design and bosses. A story that you actually kinda care about, more convenient farming. Deeper, more interesting characters, more strategy to battles, the list of improvements to this gem go on and on. Probably one of the best DS games I've had the joy to play and I've played a lot of good DS games.… Full Review »
  2. dpritch
    Dec 10, 2010
    10
    I bought this game at GameStop thirty dollars almost two weeks ago. Since then, I have been up til 3 in the morning playing through this game.I bought this game at GameStop thirty dollars almost two weeks ago. Since then, I have been up til 3 in the morning playing through this game. Quick Review? This game is ADDICTING. [Gameplay] The game starts off like any other RF game. You start off as a hero who loses their memory and you make money by farming, gathering, forging, cooking completing tasks, ect. You are a boy who has a secret. He is half human and half monster (a golden wooly). Throughout the game you are trying to unite an old Univor tribe with the town of Sharance (if spelling errors, I am sorry). The games customization features hit the mark, giving you customization over clothes, names and even little quirks in relationships. You will be playing for hours and talking to people over and over again just so you can see their reactions or even what would happen next. [Graphics] Despite hardware limitations, the games bright and vibrant overworld and character sprites really give the game it's initial appeal. With a beautiful and entertaining cast, the sprites really sell it. [Sound] Pretty adequate. Repetitive, but whatever. [Overall] A fun time. You will be up late at night farming your crops or trying to get your girl. It's best not to miss this title, for such a reasonable price, and you will definitely get your money out of it.… Full Review »
  3. SuperRobot9
    May 4, 2022
    9
    My first Rune Factory game and it wowed me. There is a ton of stuff to do in this game, and the charming atmosphere along with the interestingMy first Rune Factory game and it wowed me. There is a ton of stuff to do in this game, and the charming atmosphere along with the interesting characters, although gimmicky at times, definitely highlight the game for me. The combat was interesting enough to keep me involved, although mashy at times in the beginning of the game, it eventually requires a bit of strategy and some decent skill usage. However once you are completely done with the story there is not much to do after that. It is a long story though, so it is forgivable. 9/10 game, my favorite in the series.… Full Review »
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