I really want to give a thumbs up because I love the series, but this game, even though I really was hoping for another good 3D world finally to play (like Tides of Destiny), it did not stand up to standards like previous games. [h3]Pros:[/h3] [list] [*] 3D rather than 2D finally, so more open world and better look at characters. [*] More voice overs than previous games and expressions more animated of characters. [*] Monsters look really good and 95% are still all tameable. [*] Same classic RuneFactory set up with quality controls and access to inventory in middle of battle. [*] Same perfect pacing of being able to do what you want in your own time, whether story, farming, or grinding. [/list] [h3]Cons:[/h3] [list] [*] Whether on switch, Steamdeck and even computer: game stutters and lags, drops frames, in areas. Computer is best for very little run ins, but still can find it. [*] Characters are good in personas and design, but romancable development is either too fa...

RF is one of my favorite JRPG series. The best part about this game is "Rune Factory", literally: about how we use our rune energy to be productive at every little thing. In Rune Factory 4, there is a story which not many RPG out there can top, but even that was not able to show all of the beauty of the whole "Rune Factory system" (I mean, all the Crafting + Cooking ... etc), I think at best it was only about 40%. In Rune Factory 5, basically the whole "Factory" is the same. And the story is only able to use about 10% of the factory. Which makes me wonder, really how much potential is still lying underneath this title, also how ingenious was the whole system back in 2012. Thank you for making the game. ^^

It's not the best rune factory but by god does it scratch the itch

I just finished Rune Factory 3-5 on steam. As much as I love games with romance in them, I never seem to get the girl until the end of the game. By then I am ready to move on which is sad because these games create a life for lovers and the ability to start a family. I would like it if these games didn't make it so difficult to romance so that I could experience my love life alongside the experience of the game story. I know that the love life is considered to be end-game content, but why does it have to be? I enjoyed all three of these games. RF5 stands out to me because of the quality-of-life features. The developers have nailed this genre down with this game, in my opinion. I noticed the fighting is on the easy side when compared to 3 and 4. Honestly, I was okay with that. I think it has a nice balance to it as crafting stronger weapons is still necessary. I noticed that the Love Interests were not as charming at the beginning of the game as they were in 3 and 4. However, I also n...

looks good initially in the trailer, 3 hours in i can tell, how clunky the game is: 1) very very annoying camera , that swaps unnaturaly to the farming field once you enter it, and other weird camera designs. 2) very clunky pickup design, have to pinpoint items on the ground and pick each one up (some stack if you pick up the same and hold one already in your hands) 3) ui very clunky, unnecessary weird buttons asking you to confirm, why cant you just enter your storage box? you literally have to speak with it. multiple things are like that 4) some cutscenes are skippable, some are not... very annoying so far i hate it... therfore cant recommend, will still play it more until i see how it is. feels more like a 1 dev indie game for 10$, than a premium product to me, only thing thats premium is the anime cutscenes and the voice/art, its like they focused most of their money on visual novel stuff. the new runefactory guardians of azuma is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better.

It's fine if you like Rune Factory games

Rune Factory 5 continues the beloved hybrid tradition of farming simulation and action RPG established by its predecessors, delivering a fresh yet familiar experience that blends heartwarming life management with thrilling dungeon exploration. Developed by Marvelous and released on Steam after an initial console launch, this installment refines many of the series’ core elements while introducing new features that deepen player engagement and narrative immersion. For fans of both farming sims and fantasy RPGs, Rune Factory 5 offers a rich, multifaceted world filled with charming characters, satisfying progression systems, and an expansive, evolving landscape to explore. At the heart of Rune Factory 5 is its balanced dual gameplay loop: managing and growing your farm while delving into dungeons to battle monsters and uncover secrets. Farming feels more polished than ever, with a variety of crops, animals, and crafting options that give players meaningful choices in how they cultivate ...

It didn't hook me enough within the 1st hour and the grind for progress was not enjoyable. Looked for a guide and it warned me that I have to do the fetch quests and mandatory dungeon runs for story progression. Maybe when I was young and played the first 2 on a borrowed DS with all the summertime in the world that made me try this, sadly my expectations were soured. This should have stayed on handheld consoles, maybe that's how it should have been, Thank you for reading this small review of someone who barely played the game.