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Rune Factory 4 (ルーンファクトリー4, Rūn Fakutorī 4) is a Simulation/Roleplaying game developed by Neverland Co. and published by Marvelous AQL for the Nintendo 3DS handheld console. It was announced in Famitsu on June 29, 2011. It is the sixth game in the Rune Factory series, and the first to be released on the 3DS.

As with Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny and Rune Factory 2, Rune Factory 4 has two protagonists: a male and a female. In Rune Factory 4, however, the protagonist's gender is chosen at the beginning of the game, and the same character is used for the entire storyline. By default, the male protagonist's name is Lest, and the female protagonist's name is Frey.

There have been many improvements to the game system such as the addition of pajamas for bachelors and bachelorettes, slumber parties, a new request system, and much more. The plot has also been divided into three arcs; with the first and second arcs being the main plot, and the third arc adding a bonus plot and an additional dungeon.

XSeed has released an eShop only version in PAL regions and as of December 11th, 2014, the game has been officially released in Europe. Marvelous AQL had previously announced that Rune Factory 4 would not be released in Europe in the foreseeable future, stating that, "While MarvelousAQL has made every effort to secure the title's release for this territory, it is, unfortunately, not possible to do so at this time."

Characters[]

Plot[]

Prologue[]

  • Pick your character. (Male or Female, affects potential love interests)
  • Do a tutorial fight, get bonked on head, drop something(probably wasn't important), fall off airship and meet your first new friend.

First Arc[]

The game begins with the protagonist riding a flying ship heading to Selphia to deliver a blue orb to the Native Dragon, Ventuswill. Soon afterwards, however, two men dressed as soldiers emerge from barrels from on board the airship aiming to steal what the protagonist is keeping safe for delivery. A battle begins, and after the protagonist thinks they have won, one of the soldiers surprises the protagonist from behind and ends up hitting them on the back of the head, causing amnesia.

Thinking that the protagonist was only pretending, the arrogant soldier threaten to toss them off the airship, and the oblivious, dumb soldier accidentally knocks them off for real. The protagonist falls a great distance, onto a large dragon's head. After the Native Dragon, Ventuswill, and her loyal butler Volkanon confirm that they have amnesia, the protagonist is mistaken for a member of the royal family that is being sent to rule Selphia, and is given a room in the castle to sleep in.

The next morning, one of the castle's butlers, Clorica wakes up the protagonist and tells them that even though they are (supposedly) of royalty, those who do not do work do not eat. She then feeds you apple pie, and sends you into the farm to meet another of the castle's butlers, Vishnal. He gives a short tutorial on how to farm.

After that, the protagonist goes back to report to Ventuswill, only to find that the real prince of Selphia, Arthur, has just arrived. Ventuswill will then freak out about her mistake and tries to put the blame on the protagonist, but after some explanations are made, Arthur tells them that he wouldn't mind them helping him out with managing the town. Even if it's against his father's wishes, he's against leaving you out on the streets with identity problems. This leads into another tutorial about Prince/Princess Points and how to use the Order Symbol.

To the east of Selphia is Yokmir Forest, and upon entering for the first time, the protagonist comments on a swarm of butterflies that seem to be leading them deeper into the forest. Following the butterflies, they arrive at the back of the forest, where a large, butterfly-like monster named Ambrosia is waiting. Upon defeating the boss, a little girl will appear. Shocked, the protagonist takes the girl to Jones, who looks over her in the clinic. Within a few days, she wakes up and introduces herself as Amber. She lives with Illuminata and helps with the flower shop after she wakes up. Talking to Ventuswill about her hints that she knows something about the girl, but she doesn't say anything.

Several days after Amber wakes up, the villagers will begin to talk about screams that can be heard throughout the village. Because of the help the protagonist contributed before, Ventuswill asks them as a favor to personally see what's going on. Just to the south of Yokmir Forest is the Water Ruins. When the protagonist is about to enter, Doug comes up from behind them, telling them not to trust "that fool.", referring to Venti. At the heart of the ruins is a black, horse-like creature named Thunderbolt, and like before, after defeating the boss, a person appears in its place. The man, Dylas, is forced to live and work at the restaurant by Porcoline after waking up, despite his protests.

As days go by, once again a rumor will be spread around about the appearance of ghosts near Selphia, and a girl who appears in the houses and streets of Selphia seeks out the protagonist for help to save "Dolly". This takes the protagonist to the Obsidian Mansion. Navigating to the end of the mansion will leave the protagonist in a theater of sorts. Here, a boss named Marionetta resides, and once again upon being defeated, a girl takes their place. Once she wakes up, the girl, Dolce, who is always accompanied by a ghost girl named Pico, moves in with Jones and Nancy to help them run the clinic.

Throughout these events, and with the three humans born from monsters moving into Selphia, Ventuswill acts strangely, and it is strongly hinted that she knows more than she lets on. After being pressured, she collapses, stating she is sick, which greatly shocks the protagonist. She tells them a good portion of the story, about Amber, Dylas and Dolce, mainly about their role as guardians while also explaining the depletion of the runes. Now that the Guardians were no longer creating runes, the runes were quickly running out and Ventuswill was slowly dying. This leads to a conversation about Rune Spheres, and how they might possibly be the things that could save Ventuswill.

Doug, however, is against Ventuswill due to him believing that she slaughtered everyone at his village and vows to get all the Rune Spheres before the protagonist does. A rune sphere placed at where the Guardians once stood greatly improved the rune population. However, one day back in the village, Doug threatens to kill Ventuswill on behalf of his village. Venti explains to Doug that she could not have done this. When asked if he still wished to kill her, Doug stops to think about his answer. Eventually, he gives the protagonist the final Rune Sphere, saying it is their decision whether Ventuswill would be saved or not.

Soon after, though the runes are coming back, Ventuswill still asks the protagonist to bring back the final Guardian, Leon, who resides at Leon Karnak. However, it is found out that Leon Karnak has been infused with the Forest of Beginnings, and that there is a small chance of getting there safely, and even smaller chance of getting out. This, and Ventuswill's illness, motivates the entire town of Selphia to try and find a way to get the protagonist to the Forest of Beginnings and back again. After several days of everyone researching, Arthur says that he knows of someone who once went to the Forest of Beginnings, and was trying to get in contact with them. This person turns out to be Barrett, and he gives the protagonist a homing ring, and a few words that will trigger the ring to allow them to return. However, it only works once, and if messed up, the protagonist would be stuck in the Forest of Beginnings forever.

At the entrance to Leon Karnak, stands a large Monster Gate, similar to the smaller ones found in dungeons and fields. Once the large gate is destroyed, the protagonist jumps through just as it's disappearing, getting transported into the Forest of Beginnings.

Going through the path, the protagonist hears flashbacks of the first three Guardians--Amber, Dylas and Dolce--just as they are giving up their lives to become Guardians to save Ventuswill. At the end of the Forest of Beginnings is the top of Leon Karnak, (You will get to explore the actual Leon Karnak later in the story) where two large fox statues, Sano and Uno are blocking the entrance to the boss chamber. Upon defeating them and proving themself worthy, the protagonist is able to continue to the final chamber, where a large Sarcophagus resides. Upon its defeat, Leon the last Guardian is revealed; However, Leon becomes airborne and floats in a meditation position, separating him from the protagonist. In a last attempt to save him, the protagonist throws the ring to Leon and says the incantation which sends him back, sacrificing their own safe return for his. Just as the protagonist thinks they are stuck in the Forest of Beginnings, Ventuswill swoops in and scolds the protagonist for being so reckless, then takes them back to Selphia with a ride on the dragon's back.

Once back in Selphia, she restores the Guardian's memories, who apologize for what they did to upset her. Life quickly returns to normal and all four live as residents in Selphia alongside Ventuswill.

Second Arc[]

About one week after the events of the first arc, the protagonist will be about to return to the village when they hear a scream coming from the village square. A man who appears to be from the Sechs Empire is threatening Forte all while telling Doug to help him, because he had been the spy for their kingdom. As the vulgar man does this, he accidentally reveals that it was really the Sechs army who had destroyed his village. He uses the power of the rune sphere to transform into a dragon, which the protagonist and Forte defeat in battle. Once doing so, they retreat, and Doug confesses everything. He reveals that he knows that the Sechs have a hideout in Idra Cave, though he isn't exactly sure where.

After finding and infiltrating their hideout, the protagonist comes face to face with Ethelberd, Lord of the Sechs Empire, who reveals that he has stolen the Rune Spheres that were placed and were using their power to recreate the Native Dragons. He summons a lesser clone of Terrable as a test for the protagonist, and states that even if they do not go after him, he will surely go after them alongside all the villagers. Arthur tells the protagonist to go to Maya Road, where the border of Norad touches Sechs Territory. However, the bridge was burned down by a Sechs soldier in their attempt of escape. After obtaining an airship license to cross the gap in the bridge, the protagonist follows the Sechs soldiers into their own territory, not before being forced to fight through the lesser clone of Fiersome. They unwillingly lead him to Ethelberd, who summons another Native Dragon for the protagonist. After defeating the lesser clone of Aquaticus, the Sechs are seen escaping to a floating empire.

Giving chase, Arthur steers an airship, however it is quickly overrun by Sechs creations, but the main protagonist stalls them long enough to find a clear spot on the fortress where there are few Sechs soldiers, and the protagonist jumps down into the area. The place where Ethelberd escaped to is blocked off, and the protagonist defeats three bosses who each remove a piece of the obstruction once defeated, which then gives the protagonist access to where Ethelberd is waiting for them.

He uses the power of the Rune Spheres to fight against the protagonist, saying that his power was that of an Earthmate, or even a God itself. When defeating him, he goes into a rage and becomes nearly invincible. It is then that Ventuswill comes to the protagonist's aid. This appears to have been Ethelberd's plan the entire time, as when he is defeated, he fuses himself to Ventuswill with the help of the rune spheres and becomes even more powerful than before. Doug and Arthur attempt to help the protagonist, but are hit by Ethelberd's demonstration of his newfound power, a raging tornado.

It is then when the protagonist feels Venti's Charm close to their heart, and the Guardians along with the people of Selphia are calling out to the protagonist, giving them their wishes, power, and desires. The protagonist then receives an immeasurable amount of strength and defeats Ethelberd who goes psychotic and is then slowly pulled into the Forest of Beginnings.

After coming home safely along with Doug and Arthur, who also managed to safely land the airship, the town of Selphia throws a party for the safe return of the protagonist and the well-being of Ventuswill.

Later that night, the protagonist talks to Ventuswill, who tells them that even though her spirit is in the castle, her body is already in the Forest of Beginnings. She also says she wanted to talk to the protagonist one last time before embarking. Venti wished to be sent off with a smile, while saying that she was grateful for all that the protagonist had done for her and for the town. The arc ends with Ventuswill's spirit slowly disappearing as she returns to the Forest of Beginnings.

Third Arc[]

The following day, Dolce converses with Raven in the Bell Hotel. Raven refers to her as "A Regular" and Dolce asks Raven if she knows about anything useful that could help bring Venti back. She then tells Dolce that she does not know of anything that could help, then Dolce leaves but sees you on the way out.

The day after that, Leon will talk with Barrett in the Bell Hotel, and Barrett will explain that when he first made the homing ring, it was by luck and he didn't even know how he made it.

Once again, another day passes and then Amber, Dylas, Dolce, and Leon stand in the middle of the castle when the protagonist (finally) consults them. They describe the situation to the protagonist, and then wonder what they can do at this point. The protagonist will eventually be forced to choose the option where you suggest using "Omni Gate". The 4 of them express worry, as before when you tried, you nearly incinerated yourself in an ensuing explosion. After arguing with the protagonist, they agree to let the them use Omni Gate, but they settle on one term - they have to supervise you.

They give the protagonist time to prepare, and when they're ready, you talk to Leon to begin. And, of course, another explosion occurs knocking them unconscious and causing them to be carried to the clinic. Then the idea of going back to Leon Karnak is roused and they send the protagonist up to Leon Karnak. They proceed up the tower fighting many a foe, plus a Grimoire, until finally you reach the top. Sano and Uno ask what has brought them to ascend to the top of the tower. The protagonist will then say they came to test their mettle. They beat them and proceeds down a set of stairs to fight a sarcophagus. Upon defeat, the protagonist hears a noise, which enables them to enter the Rune Prana through the center gate of Leon Karnak.

The Rune Prana consists of 7 sections with many powerful foes and traps to send you back to Jones. In the first area, a Bane Dragon will have to be defeated, in the second, an Octopirate, in the third, a Crystal Mammoth, in the fourth, the mythological beasts Hinoe and Kinoto, in the fifth, the bewitching Siren, in the sixth, the return of Death Wall, and then finally, you reach the last room where you meet Ragnarok.

After defeating a boss, a short room after every area gives Lest fragments of his Memories back, but upon Ragnarok's defeat, you enter a small segment where you call for Venti and she responds. The protagonist then tells Venti about using himself as a Vessel, but when the protagonist shouts, "ETHERLINK!", Venti disappears and you're left with a dimly-lit rune sphere.

Afterwards, the player must use escape to return to their room. Then, they can go to the center of the castle to pay tribute to Venti, who has returned. After thanking and scolding the player for the harm he/she puts himself/herself in, the player is free to do as he/she wishes.

New Features[]

  • Rather than having "heart events" with love interests alone, RF4 also has events that include multiple characters and serve as a way to get to know the characters better.
  • Unlike the previous handheld titles, RF4 allows for two travelling companions.
  • Combat is the smoothest to date (aside from Tides of Destiny).
  • With the exception of the bed and diary placement, your living space is completely customizable (with multiple expansions available).
  • Features the largest home farm yet.
  • Three new seed types - sword, shield, and dungeon. Swords and shields can have tremendous attack and defense abilities and dungeon flowers are randomly generated dungeons with varying degrees of difficulty and rewards.
  • It is now possible to tame boss monsters.
  • New to the series, you - the player - have a role in "developing" your town and that is handled with Prince/Princess points, which are earned through requests, talking to villagers, defeating enemies, and other things.

Content[]

Reception[]

Rune Factory 4 received "generally favorable" reviews on Metacritic holding a metascore of 78/100 based on 33 critic reviews.[1]

Trivia[]

  • Due to Natsume (the rights holders of the “Harvest Moon” moniker) no longer publishing the Rune Factory games, Rune Factory 4 is the first numbered entry whose title does not to contain the "A Fantasy Harvest Moon" label.
  • Rune Factory 4 is the only Rune Factory game in which the player is able to choose the gender of the main character at the start of the game. You can choose your gender later in the game in Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny, and you can choose to play as your child of either gender in the Second Generation in Rune Factory 2.

Links[]

References[]

  1. Metascore for Rune Factory 4Metacritic, Retrieved April 17, 2020
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