I have a particular nostalgia for Rune Factory 3. I played it the most out of the series. It introduces more quality-of-life features. It's a fun game to optimize. The story/characters are alright, with an actual plot and some dramatic moments. The post-marriage storyline is especially memorable--and legitimately infuriating.

The game is a bit too easy even on hard mode once you know the intricacies of the mechanics, but it is fun to wallop stuff with OP gear. I'd say it lacks some polish, and the art/audio doesn't hold up that well (it is on the DS). I have not tried the remaster, but I will if I end up replaying it again.

I actually don't think this game is that bad but I do have enough gripes. The ways to progress are so confusing that I got stuck and had to pull up a guide to find how to progress. The combat is fine. Its mashy, but it works for the type of game it is. There is no lock on so the greatest bane of combat is how much you'll whiff. If you don't move while attacking, your character will sometimes soft lock on to a enemy but only sometimes, its very inconsistent. You have a little step dash the game never tells you about, I dont think it gives you I-frames so the best weapons is probably magic so tou don't have to engage enemies. I used dual swords because magic is boring. There is a story? Theres events that happen but most the game is about talking to npcs and interacting with them. Sadly, npcs repeat a lot and most of them are pretty vapid characters. More of a personal issue but I hate the main characters design. Not just this game but most of the series protagonists look awful. You are a farmer but you also fight but your characters look like the most weak person in the village who does not like to fight. Your character acts spineless, and is like a piece of toast. The designs would work for a harvest moon game where you are JUST a farmer but it doesn't work when you are fighting big skeleton dragons. I'll probably play rune factory 4. I like the concept of a farm game with combat on the side. I think rune factorys idea of making everything you do give you level ups is genius. Its a constant dopamine rush and it insures that no matter what the player does, you will be making meaningful progress.