Like previous titles in the series, players venture to a town (in this case, Selphia) that needs help. By taking on requests from various NPCs, farming and slaying monsters in dungeons, it can be improved in a myriad of ways. There are also different companions to party up and a variety of different weapons to utilize in combat.

Along with the Newlywed Mode, which features a unique story with one’s spouse, there’s also the DLC “Another Episode” which includes 13 additional stories with full voice-acting and the new Hell difficulty. For more details, head here. Rune Factory 5 is also coming soon, releasing on March 22nd, 2022 for the West on Nintendo Switch.

First released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS as Rune Factory 4 and then on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, Rune Factory 4 Special sees players dropping into Selphia, a quaint town which appoints them as the de facto ruler. Thus one sets out to improve the town by farming, helping out various NPCs with tasks and venturing into dungeons to slay monsters. A number of companions are available who can join the player on their adventures and it’s possible to settle down with one of them.

Rune Factory 4 Special includes new content like Newlywed Mode which offers post-game content with one’s partner and a new Hell difficulty for an added challenge. XSEED is also working on bringing Rune Factory 5 to the West in March 2022 with support for same-sex marriages. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

Despite having no memory, the hero takes up residence in the castle and sets about developing the nearby town. This means farming, ordinances and even venturing to some dungeons to slay monsters (with various companions able to accompany you). Rune Factory 4 Special offers HD visuals and new features like Newlywed Mode which provides additional cutscenes.

Veteran Mode is also included which provides additional content for long-time fans to engage with. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay for the title in the coming months. Marvelous is also publishing Rune Factory 5, which has been delayed to 2022 for Nintendo Switch.

Rune Factory 4, the RPG/sim 3DS exclusive game that made waves within its cult following when it was released in Japan and North America last year, was due for a European release in 2014. However, now it appears like it will never be getting an official release in the country, with publisher Marvelous AQL confirmed to VG247.

‘We regret to inform you that the European release of Rune Factory 4 for Nintendo 3DS has been cancelled.

While MarvelousAQL has made every effort to secure the title’s release for this territory, it is, unfortunately, not possible to do so at this time.’

This follows the developer of the game Neverland declaring bankruptcy last year.

While future entries in the franchise are in jeopardy, fans in Europe will have no way to play Rune Factory 4 now, thanks to Nintendo’s region lock. Unless they decide to import a US or Japan 3DS with a copy of the game, the title is out of bounds for them.

Nintendo, this is another reason why you don’t region lock your systems.

Neverland has announced that it will be filing for bankruptcy after slow sales performance and a deteriorated financial status. This is following the Rune Factory 4, developed for Marvelous AQL, that became the fastest selling game in the series. Neverland initially tried to raise fund to continue operations, but were unsuccessful and are shut down as of today.

It’s a pretty big blow, especially since Neverland had a hand in developing the Lufia and Shining Force titles, which introduced new players to an entire generation’s worth of niche JRPGs (the first Lufia game was Fortress of Doom, which released in 1993, while Shining Force’s first game released in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive).

Neverland was also working on Rune Factory 5, which Marvelous AQL confirmed would be releasing in the near future. We’ll have to wait and see what decisions are made regarding the future of the game along with Neverland’s other properties. Stay tuned for more details.

(Source)