My Rune Factory journey goes like this: I fell in love with Rune Factory 4 on the 3DS, but when the Switch version dropped, I caved and bought it. Sadly, I lost my groove in the game and never finished it. Then came Rune Factory 5, and I was excited for a fresh experience. But it fell flat. The transition to 3D killed the charm, and the world felt boring to explore. Fast travel was a Band-Aid on a poorly designed game world.


Rune Factory 3 has unexpectedly claimed the title of my favorite in the series, even though it lacks the bells and whistles of its newer counterparts. The timeless appeal of its visual style, the endearing characters with their charming dialogue and unique personalities, and the captivating environment graced with a delightful color palette make it an absolute gem. Despite its age, I found the experience of exploration in Rune Factory 3 to be truly enchanting, and it has cemented its special place in my heart.