XSeed Games have released Rune Factory 3 Special, a remaster of Rune Factory 3, on Nintendo Switch and Steam PC ($39.99).

Rune Factory 3 originally launched on Nintendo DS in 2009. Rune Factory is a sim-RPG series that combines dungeon crawling and monster battling with town and farm life. Hello, Stardew Valley!

Rune Factory 3 stars Micah, a typical RPG hero suffering from amnesia, with a mysterious backstory involving shapeshifting monsters.

In between battling and taming monster in dungeons, Micah can befriend local villagers, and grow crops to create helpful recipes. You also have a hefty dating pool, and can start a family.

The remaster features updated HD graphics and new 3D character models. New features include an additional difficulty level, and Newlywed Mode, which unlock additional adventures based on each of the game’s 11 possible romance options.

Rune Factory 3 Special is also available in a Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the, er, Swimsuit Mode DLC ($49.99). The Golden Memories Edition is a special physical version that features an acrylic standee, soundtrack CD, real-world calendar, and a limited edition box ($79.99).

Rune Factory 3 is rated T for Teen. Rune Factory 4 received the Special treatment back in 2020, while a new entry, Rune Factory 5, released in 2022. All three are available on Nintendo Switch and PC.


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Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.