Rune Factory 3 Special (2023)

Developer: Marvelous Inc.
Publisher: XSEED Games, Marvelous USA, Inc., Marvelous
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Casual, RPG, Simulation
Rating: 4.8 of 5, 831 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 23 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More games like this Watch the trailer

or watch the trailer on YouTube

How it feels

You spend your days farming, befriending townsfolk, and gently exploring a charming fantasy world, shifting between human and monster forms with a relaxed, story-rich pace.

cozywhimsicalrelaxedfarming adventureromanticlightheartedfantasyaccessible

What players say

Players say Rune Factory 3 Special is a simpler, more focused entry than 4, with a beloved cast of eleven bachelorettes and classic farming-RPG loops. Many note the remaster is barebones, the redone voice snippets disappoint, QoL feels dated, and full price is hard to justify, but the original's charm and writing still win over returning fans.

Screenshots

More games like this

More by Marvelous

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.