Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon

 DS
  • Publisher: Natsume
  • Release Date: Aug 14, 2007
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. AtomicGamer
    85
    In the end, this meshing of two different styles of gameplay is what makes Rune Factory a worthy pickup for previous Harvest Moon-ers.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    94
    Series fans will find that Rune Factory far exceeds their expectations. The inclusion of combat, magic, and other RPG elements greatly expand on an excellent game design that will feel familiar, if not significantly improved, to many players.
  3. Cubed3
    80
    Rune Factory successfully implements an engaging dungeon crawling aspect without sacrificing, or even significantly altering, the core Harvest Moon formula.
  5. Cynamite
    80
    Despite its complicated start, Rune Factory rewards the player with a really charming role-playing experience.
  6. Deeko
    85
    Rune Factory might not be perfect, but it's the first Harvest Moon game to be released on the DS that doesn't feel old hat.
  7. G4 TV
    80
    The new elements all mesh perfectly to provide a more well-rounded farming RPG experience, and, as odd as that sounds to non-fans, this is an excellent DS adventure.
  8. GameBrink
    91
    A great game with an overwhelming amount of things to do giving you a lot of freedom to explore the little world and follow the main story at your own pace. [JPN Import]
  9. GamerNode
    80
    Rune Factory does a good job of changing up the Harvest Moon formula many have grown bored with. Veterans may not like the changes at first, but give them a chance and you’ll likely find yourself enjoying it.
  10. GameShark
    91
    It’s unlikely that Rune Factory is going to make converts out of anyone who doesn’t already enjoy the series but it will certainly please longtime fans, especially those who felt like the series was growing stale.
  11. GameSpot
    75
    Despite a totally different visual style and the introduction of combat, Rune Factory still delivers a relatively straight-ahead Harvest Moon experience.
  12. GameZone
    91
    This game earns a spot next to Advance Wars DS and Castlevania: DoS as an essential title in the library of anyone who enjoys top-notch single-player experiences on DS.
  13. GamingTrend
    88
    The good news is Rune Factory is long on farming, exploration, and relationships and short on the sillier aspects of the franchise. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the game is long, varied, and a great deal of addictive fun to play. Pick this one up especially if you have a long trip coming up.
  14. GamingXP
    81
    A very entertaining game that was released in Japan in 2006 in Europe in 2009! Let´s hope the second part will be released sooner in the old world.
  15. IGN
    84
    For Harvest Moon fans, Rune Factory is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. The game balances a classic farming system (with some changes for the better) along with a full dungeon-crawling aspect, monster collection, and all the added goodies you’d expect from the franchise.
  16. IGN UK
    84
    It might be old, but Rune Factory is still very, very good - a welcome reinvention of the Harvest Moon series by a developer who clearly loves it almost as much as we do.
  17. Nintendo Gamer
    83
    Very fun indeed. [Dec 2007, p.62]
  18. RPG Fan
    80
    Rune Factory is a great portable action RPG/sim with a vast array of activities and a great addictive vibe.
  19. The A.V. Club
    83
    Exploring Rune Factory's rural village of Kardia is like shaking a snow globe; the town is small but nuanced, perfectly preserved yet dynamic.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best DS Game of 2007
15
#15 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
20
#20 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 56
  3. Negative: 6 out of 56
  1. JoshH.
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Trevor R. states a lot of misinformed opinions on Rune Factory. For example: "Second, I can't keep track of my assets, like my money, Trevor R. states a lot of misinformed opinions on Rune Factory. For example: "Second, I can't keep track of my assets, like my money, and how much lumber i have, unless I visit a shop." Not true. You can check both simply by pressing start to access the menu and then hitting the shoulder buttons and checking the top screen. It's there. And this, "The love system is not present in this game, instead it is replaced by a terrible, 10 point love system, in a poor attempt, to tie the love aspect to the storyline." I wouldn't say the love system is GONE. Marriage is still an element in-game--so I really don't understand his opinion here either. Same goes for not "labeling" the wood shed, water, and supply bin. What Harvest Moon HAS labeled these? The best you've ever gotten was a little walkthrough by the Mayor. You're not making sense. While I would probably give Trevor's review a 2/10, I'd give Rune Factory a 9/10. It is simply the best Harvest Moon yet, with plenty of things to do and lasts VERY long--like most Harvest Moon--if you devote your time to it. Trevor, please read the game's manual next time.… Full Review »
  2. Radeen
    Aug 25, 2010
    8
    Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon is a spin-off to the original Harvest Moon series and in my opinion a generally great game. It takes allRune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon is a spin-off to the original Harvest Moon series and in my opinion a generally great game. It takes all the elements from Harvest Moon games and RPG games and puts them into one game. Harvest Moon fans will find the game a little bit hard to get used to and many RPG fans will criticise the slow pace but for others, this is a rare gem. The game-play is that of all the preceding Harvest Moon games and the battle system is similar to that of the Dragon Quest series. There are a few minor flaws however, one being the repetitiveness of the game. You will have to be very patient with this game to fully enjoy it. Another minor flaw is way too much back-tracking. Some dungeons can only be completed by going back to the beginning which can be annoying. This game isn't essential but it is one of the greatest Harvest Moon games to date and you might just truly enjoy this.… Full Review »
  3. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 4, 2023
    3
    A combination of resource management and RPG-lite based around farming. Clear fields, plough, sow seeds and water your crop and it's about asA combination of resource management and RPG-lite based around farming. Clear fields, plough, sow seeds and water your crop and it's about as fun as it sounds. Pretty to look at but tedious to play.… Full Review »
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