Picked up Rune Factory Frontier last night. Had to sell a couple old games (something I swore I wouldn't do this gen), but it was a good decision. The game is excellent. It's everything that was good in the DS version plus a little more, with better combat (though still not great). So far I think the most interesting thing I've noticed is the more and more I play the less like Harvest Moon it feels. The farming aspect is still there (not quite to a true Harvest Moon level of depth), but they've stacked so much more onto this. There's combat, smithing, crafting, cooking, socializing, and monster training. And while most of those things have existed in the series they've been given an extra level of depth so that they feel genuinally important instead of just side projects.
In the previous Rune Factories farming still felt llike the main job. In fact in the first one, all you could do in the first weeks of the game was farm (everything else was introduced later). Now it just feels like one more part of the game. It's still important mind you, but it's getting pushed further and further from the center. In fact, the game is really starting to feel more like Legend of Mana now minus the world creation feature with all the directions you're able to take the character.
For the next month(s) this is likely all I'll be playing with a few minutes over We Ski and Snowboard to break things up. I shall reach GamingGeek/HotD: Overkill proportions of annoyance with the updates as well so please prepare yourselves.
Yeah the game needs to be played in large hour incriments. Particularly the early portion. But a wise move in buying it all the same. 'Tis a fine game indeed.
I have the finely honed palette, of a true gourmet.
The other guys here like Robio eat two KFC chicken fillets put together with cheese.
... and streaky bacon with some funky looking sauce!!!
estimated to have about 62.4 grams of fat and 858 calories.
The sauce is a melted pepperjack sauce. Spicy and tastey.
And for the record this is the natural evolution of the sandwich. Bread is on the way out. And once again, what country is on the cutting edge??? America. And god bless us!!
I'll have to ask Mrs. Aspro why she stopped playing Rune factory DS before deciding when to get it. She was digging Rune Factory -- but then this has been a disastrous year for game completion for her, so it may have had nothing to do with the game.
**SUPER BUMP!**
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Guess what game came out early... or at least earlier than the date it was pushed back to...?
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Between Disgaea and Dark Souls, it's not like I am lacking in games to play at the moment, but something made me seek this out today. Dunno why...
It starts out with a somewhat unique premise. You (male) and your female friend are about to go to a Dragon Shrine to pray for your safe journey to a distant farm. You have special Earth powers that make you a popular guy when it comes to successful harvests. You are about to depart to the shrine when a bright, white light shines from a lake and you awake to find you and your female friend are trapped in the same body! **Awkward!** The light also either propels you into the future or puts you in a parallel universe to your own time or island. I just started playing so I don' know which one is correct yet.
The game was made for the Wii and the PS3. It is in pleasant HD for the PS3 and although the textures and environment look simpler than most PS3 games, they don't look bad at all! They are clean, colorful and functional! The game happens to support motion control for both systems via the Wii-mote and Move, but even on the original Rune Factory for the Wii, I never used them... but they are there if you so desire!
Game starts out the same. You are given a place to stay. You are given a tour and introduced to some of the locals. They all have pretty clear cut personalities... I am ashamed to admit it, but there's actually a character that makes me feel... a tad... uncomfortable... The Priest on the island, a man by the name of Gerard... is... well... flaaaaaming... His eyes bug out of his head when he is introduced to you; little hearts surround his character in his dialog box when he speaks to you. Wouldn't be SO weird if he wasn't a PRIEST and also happens to take care of all of the island's orphans... **Awkward!** Meh! Whatever! Makes the game interesting, though, I suppose!
Speaking of which: I haven't gotten to the farming portion yet. Apparently it is different from the previous RF games! If what a heard is true, you don't even plant seeds! The crops that grow are dependent on the monsters that are tending your field! Definitely different! You can still forge (I think), cook, and of course fight. The calendar of events is still there. The bathhouse is still there. You still give gifts on birthdays and festivals, so MOST of the usual stuff is still in. We'll see just how different the farming is once I get to it!
And when I do, I'll post some more!
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**Hit him in his weak point for MASSIVE DAMAGE!**
Damn! The game is addictive!!
I don't want to say too much 'cause the fun of discovery is as strong as it is in all of the other Rune Factories... if not more!
I just played for another hour and a half. Spoke with all the people in town. You have a map that you can access at any time that shows where all the townspeople are at that moment. Handy!
You have a billion upgradeable stats in this game! I found myself walking around town and suddenly *Skill Up!* I levelled up in Walking. I spoke to a bunch of people and levelled up in Friendliness (I think)... or Talking... one or the other! Jumped around a bit... yup! *Skill Up!*
I got to an island via my... walking... monster barn... thingee... not gonna say more! Fought a bunch of monsters. Tamed some with my brush. Found a few Treasures. Got my first Mark of Bravery and Lump of Iron! Typical stuff, but fun nonetheless!
Got tips on how to cook. Got flirted with by the younger sister of the Inn owner... The other resident in my body didn't like that too much. This is gonna be weird! I wonder if I can marry myself...? Also got hit on by the Priest. Wonder if I can marry him? Weirder...
Still haven't touched my farm! Don't even know where it is yet!
More to come!