Joystiq

Rune Factory 3 sprouts on DS

JC Fletcher — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST

The Rune Factory series is showing that it is still, at heart, part of the Harvest Moon franchise -- mostly by having lots of sequels. The latest issue of Famitsu reveals another, Rune Factory 3 for DS. This is actually the fourth Rune Factory, counting Frontier on Wii.

In addition to his duties as a farmer, new protagonist Maisu, who features a character design right out of Tetsuya Nomura's sketchbook, can transform into monsters, gaining different abilities in battle and interacting differently with other characters out of battle.

According to IGN's translation, the game now features "active seeds" that grow into plants that can be used in battle! Most exciting farming game ever.

Rune Factory 3 sprouts on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo unleashes full Q1 schedule

Chris Greenhough — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:46:00 EST

Filed under: News

Nintendo's carrier pigeon just landed on our windowsill with a complete list of Wii releases for Q1 2009. We do actually know most of these dates already (so yeah, maybe the mushroom cloud is a bit excessive), but there's still the occasional scrap of new news buried within.

Those Tenchu and Little King's Story dates are fresh to us, and there's also confirmation of the first Play on Wii "New Play Control" games, Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis. For the record, "New Play Control" is a bit of a rubbish name for the series. In our humble opinion, obviously.

Make the jump for the full line-up, and remember you can click on a game's name to bring up screens (where available)!

Continue reading Nintendo unleashes full Q1 schedule

Nintendo unleashes full Q1 schedule originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E308: DS Fanboy explores the lands of Rune Factory 2

David Hinkle — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Features

When hitting up Natsume's meeting room at E3, I kept catching myself wishing I wasn't alone. In fact, I wished that one specific person was with me, because all of these games that the company had on display were based on franchises I, frankly, didn't have the most experience with. That's not to say I went in biased, just that I prefer to be as well-informed as possible going in.

Imagine my surprise when I played Rune Factory 2 and it was like Harvest Moon had a baby with Secret of Mana.

Continue reading E308: DS Fanboy explores the lands of Rune Factory 2

E308: DS Fanboy explores the lands of Rune Factory 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E308: Rune Factory Frontier even dazzles us in motion

Candace Savino — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

After seeing this new Rune Factory Frontier video (not to mention the new screens in our gallery below), we can't help but crow on again about how wonderful this game looks.

We haven't learned many new facts about the game at E3 -- at least, not yet. We did find out, though, that the little fairy-like creatures hanging around in certain screens are actually spirits. As more spirits gather, you might run into larger and rarer creatures.

While we know Frontier won't be a sandbox style game, the video makes it look like there will be a lot of exploring to do. This could become a pain in a Rune Factory game (having to plant certain crops in a certain dungeon because of its season, and then constantly having to run around and take care of those crops), we love the idea of having a big area to feel out. We really can't wait for this one -- 2009 won't come fast enough.

Check out the screens in the gallery if you'd like, but make sure to click on the "High Res" button to get a feel for their full beauty.

E308: Rune Factory Frontier even dazzles us in motion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E308: Marvelous and XSEED's lineup is full of charm

Candace Savino — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

We've been nothing but impressed by how drop-dead gorgeous Rune Factory Frontier looks, so we're more than happy to know that good old Marvelous will be showing the game at next week's E3 conference. Hopefully we'll find out whether the game is as pretty in motion as it is in screens, and more importantly, if the gameplay matches up to its lovely graphics.

The other game that we're eager to learn more about is Little King's Story, which corners the "looks fun and adorable" market. This life sim meets real-time strategy meets adventure game had our hearts ever since we saw this charming trailer. We'll finally be able to get our hands on it when the title releases here this winter, but until then, a taste at E3 will do us some good.

[Via press release]

E308: Marvelous and XSEED's lineup is full of charm originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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North America harvests Rune Factory 2 this fall

Candace Savino — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: News

In the best DS news we'll hear all day (depending on which DS Fanboy staff member you ask), Natsume announced that they're bringing Rune Factory 2 to North America this fall. While we predicted localization would happen eventually, it was always a matter of when, so we're glad to see it being taken care of. Considering that the first game in the series took a year to find its way over here, a nine-month delay (Japan got the game last January) doesn't seem too bad at all.

While we initially thought this sequel would be too similar to the original Rune Factory, the premise adds some freshness into the RPG-Harvest Moon formula. In Rune Factory 2, you not only play as the main character, Kyle, but later you take over as his child. The game therefore spans two generations, providing us with double the fun.

If you share our excitement, make sure to check out the first English screens in our gallery below.

[Via press release]

North America harvests Rune Factory 2 this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Games to help curb your addictions

Candace Savino — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Features

The "self-help" era is upon us, even finding its way into the video game industry as of late. Aside from the obvious fitness awareness game on Nintendo's other system (we mean Wii Fit, of course), there have been quite a few attempts to help gamers improve their lifestyles and habits. Take, for example, the upcoming My Weight Loss Coach and Ubisoft's "Easyway" title to help people quit smoking.

Our favorite approach so far, though, was when DS Fanboy reader Dan used Pokémon to quit smoking. If there's anything we've learned from Dan's inspiring story, it's that the best way to curb an addiction is to replace it with another. We then decided that we wanted to help more of our fine readers that are suffering from such torments day in and day out. Pokémon may cure smoking, but what about other plaguing ailments? We're happy to say that after months of testing on monkeys and small children, we've finally come up with a few perfect video game cures.

So, look no further than Dr. DS Fanboy, and check out our ultimate self-help guide to find the fixes for your addictions.


		Master that addiction!

Games to help curb your addictions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rune Factory screens continue to impress

Candace Savino — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Imports, Screens

More beautiful Rune Factory Frontier screens have surfaced, and we're still pining over this lovely-looking game. Between the farming, monster slaying and collecting, flying whales, and glowing creatures, we're pretty much in awe of this RPG-meets-farming-sim hybrid.

Granted, not everyone who played the first title in the series for the Nintendo DS appreciated the gameplay, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Just by sticking to those basic tenets and adding visuals like these, we doubt we'll be disappointed. If Marvelous adds some extra goodies as well, that would just be icing on this agricultural cake.

You only have to check past the break to see the rest of the pretties.

Continue reading Rune Factory screens continue to impress

Rune Factory screens continue to impress originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rune Factory Frontier produces screens, website

Candace Savino — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

Harvest Moon fans (like us) are probably drooling at the thought of Rune Factory: Frontier, which is releasing in Japan sometime this year (and not in other territories until forever, we'd guess). Yet by now, you should be used to the "look but don't touch" mantra, with all the screens we show you week after week.

As far as Rune Factory: Frontier goes, being restricted to looking is especially painful because the screens are nothing short of lovely. We only wish that Marvelous was quicker with the whole localization thing.

In other news, the game's official website is open for business. Since the site isn't offering anything tangible at the moment, though, you can just click past the break to see the rest of the pretties.

Continue reading Rune Factory Frontier produces screens, website

Rune Factory Frontier produces screens, website originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Factor in some Runes on the Wii

Phil Larsen — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

An announcement for all those interested in putting some hours in down at the nearest factory or processing facility -- you can now work with runes. Marvelous Entertainment made the announcement for Rune Factory: Frontier in the latest Famitsu, and that's factoriffic. We unearthed some scans, which we have here for you today. Well, not here. Up there ... and here.

The series had a good showing on the DS, so it's time for the bigger console brother to take a shot at harvesting some quality gameplay. Rune Factory: Frontier also looks set to feature Raguna from the first title, as he goes about his day farming, looking for buxom beauties and occasionally roughing up a baddie or two. The game is scheduled for a 2008 release date in Japan, but hopefully it won't take long to make the international rounds.

Factor in some Runes on the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rising Star picks up Rune Factory for Europe

Candace Savino — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

Chalk this one up in the "better late than never" category, Europe. Rising Star, niche game publisher extraordinaire, will be bringing Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon to the continent in September, only a year after the game came out in North America and two years after it first released in Japan. In case you're confused, yes, we mean the first Rune Factory, not the hopefully-soon-to-be-localized sequel.

Still, for what it's worth, this blogger thoroughly enjoyed the game. Are any of you European Harvest Moon fans excited about this news, or has that ship sailed long ago?

[Via press release]

Rising Star picks up Rune Factory for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: Battle of the boxes

Alisha Karabinus — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

It's been a while since we've done one of our wacky "versus" topics for daily discussion, and when we saw these two boxes posted over at GoNintendo, they just seemed too perfect to resist. They have some similarities and yet are pretty distinct. Which would be more likely to catch your eye? Is that also the game you think you would prefer?

DS Daily: Battle of the boxes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: Harvest Moon

Alisha Karabinus — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

If you're in the northern half of the world, did you notice that harvest moon last night? Wednesday the 26th marked the full moon nearest to the autumn equinox, and of course, it made us think of the franchise of the same name. What, you expected us not to make the connection with games? We're serious fans here. Geez.

But are you? Of Harvest Moon, that is, and Rune Factory, as well. How do you feel about the franchise? We've noticed that it's usually one of those 100% things: people either love it or avoid it like the plague. How about you?

DS Daily: Harvest Moon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy III & Rune Factory go head-to-head in Japan

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, RPGs

On August 24, Final Fantasy III and Rune Factory: Shin Bokujou Monogatari (Harvest Moon spinoff) will be released in Japan fo DS. While FFIII certainly has the brand edge, both titles look to boost the DS's credibility as a viable RPG platform. Famitsu recently published its reviews for the two games, suggesting that FFIII is slightly superior:

Final Fantasy III (Square Enix): 9/8/9/8 - 34/40*
Rune Factory (Marvelous Interactive): 8/9/7/9 - 33/40

Keep in mind that, back in March, Children of Mana scored even higher than FFIII, earning a 36/40, and will be released in the US on October 30. FFIII will land stateside in November (hopefully). Rune Factory: Shin Bokujou Monogatari has not been confirmed for release outside of Japan, but Harvest Moon DS is scheduled for September 12.

*C3 News notes that Famitsu's score for the original FFIII (NES) was 35/40.

Final Fantasy III & Rune Factory go head-to-head in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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