Customer Ratings & Reviews

As stated above this will be a review of the contents of the box only NOT the game as I have not had enough time playing it to provide a fair and well informed Software review. The Rune Factory Archival edition, in addition to the game includes a music CD, artbook, and DLC voucher. i would also like to add that the included 41 page instruction booklet is a pleasant bonus for anybody not purchasing the game digitally. The Musical CD although not the full 94 track OST (track number estimated from the original game release) does offer a fairly generous 36 track music selection. For those unaware these type of collections usually only include 3-10 track musical demos on CD More extensive musical selections are usually reserved for for download only if offered at all. In addition the majority of the tracks included have been a joy to listen to. Next we have the artbook. This, I believe, is where this collection gets its name from. The book contains art, design, and notes(in english) spanning the entire rune factory series up to this point. At approximately 160 pages this book is the size and volume of a novella and is packed full of beaut drawings on good quality (to my inexperienced eyes) pages. Last we have the DLC which I have yet to experience due to my limited time with the game. However, my understanding is that this content is almost exclusively a series of short visual novel experiences revolving around each of the romance-able NPC characters. If so its value will likely depend on your enjoyment from that type of game. I find myself enjoying finding out more about a series that up until now I had barely any interest. The artbook and the fun I’ve had so far with the game has piqued my interest. My only nitpick is in the content of the CD. I think it might have been more fitting for the selection to, like the artbook, feature music from all previous games in the series. I enjoy what was provided in quality, variety, and quantity but I cannot help but feel this was a missed opportunity to transform this package into an indispensable look back at the history of the series for fans both new and old. In conclusion I have enjoyed the extra content beyond the $20 higher price tag from the standard and digital edition of the game. Ultimately though I believe those who will value these extras the most will be existing fans, but that doesn’t mean potential new fans won’t be able to find enjoyment from them. I know I did.

I own this game on the 3DS and I loved it so much that when I saw it was getting a port on the Nintendo Switch, I was one hundred percent on board (and not just because I was so excited that the company had come back from bankruptcy)! And I was not disappointed, it was just like the 3DS version with some cleaned up graphics! I loved seeing it on the big screen because I truly forgot how small the 3DS screen was until I started playing it again haha In all honesty, it's amazing and so much fun. You can complete the main storyline (it has three main arcs) at your own pace, you can befriend all the town's folk and even the visitors (from previous games), if you liked Harvest Moon, but get a little bored, this is it my dudes because it has farming, it was relationships (with marriage and a baby), it has a simple combat component that anyone can master!

I have the original on 3DS, that I played back when it originally came out. When they announced it was coming to Switch I knew I had to get it. The Rune Factory series is most likely what inspired the creator of Stardew Valley to create his game. It has everything, farming, dating, a good story, RPG elements as well, all dialed up to 11. There is so much packed in the game that it’s definitely worth the purchase. I honestly cannot wait for Rune Factory 5, especially since that one is being built from the ground up for the Switch.

Rune Factory 4 is a wonderful RPG that lends itself well to the Switch. The handheld mode feels familiar and suits the game, and the TV mode lets the character artwork shine on a big screen. The archival edition includes an extensive art book that commemorates the entire Rune Factory series, and the soundtrack CD is a nice bonus. To get all of this for the usual cost of a Switch game is awesome.

This is definitely a good game for people who like farming sim games like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley. The graphics are rather poor (being that they are slightly updated 3DS models) but apart from that, it plays really well and the game feels really alive. The characters are a bit bland but still very enjoyable and you get a pretty neat story to boot. This version came with a soundtrack CD and a very sizable artbook for the entire series, not just Rune Factory 4. If you never played Rune Factory, this is a great place to start, and if you have played 4 before on 3DS, its just as fun but may be a bit hard to justify buying it again. Hard, but not impossible. Strongly recommended.

A fantastic game to play while you wait for animal crossing ;p. I just got it today and cannot put it down. Super fun gameplay involving farming, rpg elements, combat, talking to villagers and running your own town. super fun game and i cannot wait for rune factory 5. super worth your $!

This game is just pure fun for those whom played this family line of game. It's update and allows for male or female game play. I haven't gotten far but if you want to enjoy all the quest without so much blood/gore then this is a must have to play.

I’ll say that I bought this on a whim and also missing out on the original release on 3DS. That being said, it’s a great game with rpg elements mixed with harvest moon type games.

I played the heck out of this game on the 3ds, so I was very much looking forward to playing this game on my Switch with the ability to see it on the TV. The remastered art looks great in handheld and TV mode. The controls also transfer very well considering the 3DS had a lot of touch controls available as alternatives to using the buttons. This box set also comes with an art book that is lovely. It celebrates the history of Rune Factory with full color illustrations of each of the characters. The section on RF4 will even tell you the likes and dislikes of the bachelors and bachelorettes.

This is an excellent port of Rune Factory 4, which was previously available for the Nintendo 3DS. The Special Edition has plenty of quality of life changes and additions for the Nintendo Switch that makes it easier to play and enjoy, and the game itself has much to offer. The game has plenty of farming elements along with dungeons and interactions with the town people, which will easily be enjoyed by people who liked the Harvest Moon series or even Stardew Valley.

First time i play a Rune Factory game, i had seen them before but never played them. I bought the Special edition box set because i was able to get it for $20 with rewards and it was the last one in my store. However tbh, i absolutely recommend the game! I have had a blast with it, its so peaceful and calm, the music is incredible. Handless great on the switch, specially when you are using the knucles/gloves weapon. Recomend picking it up, specially if you can get some discount on it.

The game is kind of like what I remember from the 3ds. It looks better and there’s a few less bugs, but compared to a couple other newer town sims like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing New Horizons, it doesn’t hold up as much graphically. In conclusion, I enjoyed it, but it’s a bit outdated.

Rune Factory 4 is one of the highly regarded installments in the long running series. Those not familiar with the series just picture Harvest Moon game play but with more rpg and fantasy elements. Originally released for 3DS it can now be experienced on the Switch with lots of extra contents and in HD. This is a great way for fans to re-experience it. And a great way for new fans who may have been curious about it or never owned a 3DS/2DS to play it for the first time!

I already owned this on the 3ds for years- and sunk in many hours. The joy it brings me to see my favorite npcs on the tv screen and to see the updated character artwork...! I cannot recommend this game more. If you enjoy harvest moon, story of seasons, or stardew valley, and light jrpg elements then you'll adore this game.

Rune Factory is one of my favorite niche series, and RF4 is by far the most quality of the bunch. Very fun and addicting. Better than Stardew Valley, traditional Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons, and Animal Crossing! The special edition comes with an amazing art book, which as a longtime fan of the series was cool to see.

I just purchased and received this today so I will admit that I have NOT played it today because I am dealing with exams right now. :( But the reason I am giving this 5 stars is because I received this in perfect condition as promised without any damages at all and everything completely intact. Thank you so much for making sure this was undamaged. Everyone, please DO NOT mark this review as unhelpful. If you have questions regarding how hard the game is or how fun it is, I will give you a definitive answer as soon as I play it but I will answer your question. But don't flag/mark as unhelpful my review just because I'm dealing with exams and haven't had a chance to play. Really not fair to do that.

Love this game! I knew I had to get this set! Beautiful artwork, came with soundtrack, and game is soooo fun! If youre into battling, building up your own lil shack / farming and love- this is for you! Similar to the sims except its in an anime format lol

This was my first Rune Factory game,but I had played Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons and figured I would give this a try while I wait for the next story of seasons game. I found it to be a fun game. I love the interactions with the townspeople, the storyline, and all the things you can do in this game. Farming, cooking, forging, battling, romancing a townsperson, giving orders to improve your town are just some of the things you can do when you play this game. If you enjoy any of those things I listed I would recommend this game.

The art book is really, really nice. Plus you get the CD and some extra DLC. The game is fantastic, looking forward to Rune Factory 5. Definitely worth the extra cash over the standard edition if you're a fan of the series.

Bought the archival edition and it arrived in mint condition from best buy. The artbook was wonderful and a soundtrack as well! Game itself is a lovely sim with light action elements. Buy it!