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MONSTER

Rune Factory 5

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Rune Factory 5
Item: Rune Factory 5
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Simulation, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Casual, Single Player

AvailableMar 22, 2022

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperNeverland, HAKAMA

Overview

Set off on a grand adventure in a fantasy world with the latest entry in the Rune Factory simulation RPG series. After losing their memory, the hero lands in a small town blessed by nature. There, they are recruited into a band of peacekeeping rangers, and their new life begins. In addition to their normal duties, the hero can farm the land, cast a line into the nearby river, and so much more! Team up with townsfolk to battle monsters and unleash powerful combination attacks - just one of the features new to the series. The stage is set, and the curtain rises on an exciting new adventure in Rune Factory 5!

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Rune Factory 5's story is a mixed bag: critics praise its charming world and engaging character interactions but slam its predictable amnesia trope and slow pacing. While the character-driven plots add depth, the overall narrative feels uninspired and linear, leaving series veterans wanting more. It's a charming experience with familiar comforts, yet it falls short of the emotional highs and innovation seen in earlier titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

12%

Mixed (50-79)

81%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Rune Factory 5 has received a mixed but generally favorable reception from critics, particularly regarding its character interactions and the immersive world of Rigbarth. Several reviewers, including Cubed3 and Movies Games and Tech, highlight the engaging nature of the townsfolk and the depth that comes from building relationships with them. Critics like Game Informer and The Games Machine appreciate how the narrative allows for personal stories to unfold, enriching the overall experience through character-driven plots. Additionally, the game is noted for its charming dialogue and sub-events, which keep players invested in the lives of the villagers, as mentioned by RPG Site and Digital Trends. However, the narrative's reliance on the amnesia trope has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers, including Starbit and Hey Poor Player, describing it as unoriginal and lacking depth. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Gfinity point out that the plot feels linear and predictable, failing to deliver an engaging experience that stands out from previous entries in the series. The pacing of the story has also been criticized, with iMore and TheSixthAxis noting that it develops slowly and often feels disconnected from the gameplay, leading to a sense of urgency that is not reflected in the player’s actions. Overall, many reviewers agree that while the story serves its purpose, it does not reach the emotional heights or innovative storytelling of its predecessors. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that while Rune Factory 5 offers a charming and engaging world filled with colorful characters, its narrative suffers from predictability and a lack of depth. Critics like Gamer Escape and Nintenderos emphasize that the story feels too familiar and simplistic, which may disappoint series veterans looking for something fresh. Despite these shortcomings, the game’s focus on character interactions and relationship-building provides a comforting familiarity that appeals to many players, as noted by KeenGamer and Cultured Vultures. Ultimately, Rune Factory 5 seems to balance its shortcomings with moments of charm and engagement, making it a mixed bag for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Rune Factory 5 blends farming, crafting, and combat in an engaging way, praised for its freedom and addictive mechanics. However, critics slam its simplistic combat, poor controls, repetitive mechanics, and weak tutorials, leading to a mixed reception. While it offers enjoyable gameplay, it falls short of delivering a fresh, cohesive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Rune Factory 5 has garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics, highlighting its engaging blend of farming, crafting, and combat elements. Critics like Nintendo Life and Gfinity praised the rewarding gameplay loop that allows players to engage in diverse activities at their own pace, emphasizing the depth of the farming mechanics. The game’s open-ended structure allows for significant player agency, which is appreciated by many, including IGN, who noted the addictive nature of the farming and crafting cycle. Additionally, the integration of social elements, such as relationship building and events, has been positively received, with RPGamer and Shindig noting the balance between daily routines and dynamic combat that enhances the overall experience. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks that detract from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. Siliconera and Destructoid highlighted issues with the combat system, describing it as simplistic and frustrating due to poor auto-targeting and floaty controls. Critics like Noisy Pixel and GameGrin echoed these sentiments, mentioning a lack of innovation and the recycling of mechanics from previous entries, which can lead to a sense of repetitiveness. Furthermore, the game has been criticized for its poor tutorial explanations and pacing, making it challenging for newcomers to grasp the basics, as noted by Digital Trends and NME. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Rune Factory 5 offers a rich variety of gameplay elements and a satisfying progression system, it is marred by imprecise controls, simplistic combat, and a lack of innovation compared to its predecessors. Critics like COGconnected and Vandal emphasize that despite the enjoyable aspects of farming and exploration, the game suffers from a lack of cohesion and depth in its systems. The mixed reviews indicate that while the game has the potential to engage fans of the genre, it may not fully meet the expectations of those looking for a fresh and polished experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Rune Factory 5 showcases a vibrant art style and appealing character models, but critics overwhelmingly lament its outdated graphics and technical flaws. While some elements hint at artistic potential, the low-resolution textures, glitchy animations, and performance issues leave much to be desired, making it feel subpar compared to modern gaming standards. Overall, the game's visual execution falls short, overshadowing its creative ambitions and disappointing players seeking quality visuals.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Rune Factory 5 reflect a mix of appreciation for certain artistic elements and a general acknowledgment of its shortcomings. Some critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and CGMagazine, highlight the vibrant color palette and appealing character models, suggesting that the art direction has its merits. IGN Italia notes an evolution in character proportions and hand-drawn animations, indicating a step forward from previous entries. Additionally, RPGamer appreciates the colorful designs that fit the series' aesthetic, while WellPlayed mentions that the character models and environments are visually appealing despite some emptiness in the world. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics leans towards disappointment with the game's visual execution. Many reviewers, including Destructoid, Screen Rant, and NintendoWorldReport, criticize the graphics as outdated, with descriptions of low-resolution textures, blocky models, and glitchy animations. The transition to 3D has been particularly contentious, with several critics, such as IGN and Gamer Escape, arguing that it has led to a loss of charm and detail compared to the series' 2D predecessors. Critics like PC Invasion and Cultured Vultures emphasize the dated and archaic feel of the visuals, pointing out significant performance issues such as texture pop-ins and frame rate drops that further detract from the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Rune Factory 5 suffers from a lack of visual polish and technical execution, overshadowing its artistic potential. While there are moments of vibrancy and charm, as noted by some reviewers, the general impression is that the graphics feel subpar and reminiscent of older gaming standards. The criticisms point towards a disconnect between the game's artistic ambitions and its technical realization, leaving many players feeling that the visual experience does not meet contemporary expectations. As noted by multiple critics, including Nintendo Life and Noisy Pixel, the game's graphics may disappoint those who prioritize visual quality in their gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Rune Factory 5 delivers a mixed bag in sound design and music. Critics praise the effective voice acting and charming soundtrack, enhancing gameplay with catchy tunes, particularly resonating with series veterans due to nostalgic tracks. However, many highlight issues like repetitive music, poor audio mixing, and limited vocal support in key scenes, which detract from the experience. The absence of a Spanish translation further alienates some players. Overall, while the sound elements are competent, they lack the memorability and depth needed to truly elevate the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Rune Factory 5 have garnered a mixed but generally positive reception from critics. Many reviewers appreciate the game's voice acting, highlighting its effectiveness in supporting the narrative. CGMagazine notes the fair amount of voice acting available, and NME praises the clarity and emotional delivery of the English voice actors. Additionally, several critics, including KeenGamer and Movies Games and Tech, commend the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the gameplay experience, with tracks that are described as catchy, charming, and well-suited to various game scenarios, such as farming and combat. The inclusion of music from previous Rune Factory titles, as mentioned by MGG, is also regarded as a positive aspect that appeals to long-time fans of the series. Despite these positives, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Several reviewers, including Gamer Escape and NintendoWorldReport, express disappointment with the music's lack of memorability and variety, describing it as repetitive and unremarkable. Cultured Vultures points out issues with audio mixing, where loud background music detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, some critics like Vandal and RPGamer mention that the voice acting can be limited, with key scenes lacking sufficient vocal support, which can lead to a less engaging experience. The absence of a Spanish translation, as noted by Meristation, may also alienate some players, further highlighting the game's limitations in inclusivity. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Rune Factory 5 features a competent sound design and music that serves its purpose, it falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Many reviewers, including IGN Italia and Worth Playing, describe the sound elements as average or adequate, fulfilling their roles without particularly standing out. The mixed feedback suggests that while the game offers enjoyable moments, particularly with its voice acting and certain soundtrack elements, it ultimately lacks the depth and variety that could elevate the auditory experience. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Hardcore Gamer echo this sentiment, acknowledging the pleasantness of the music but lamenting the absence of standout tracks that could enhance the game's overall charm.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Rune Factory 5's voice acting enhances character depth and charm, receiving praise for its emotional delivery and dual-language options. However, critics highlight issues with repetitiveness, inconsistency, and limited dialogue that diminish the overall experience. While it adds value, significant room for improvement exists.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Rune Factory 5 has received a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its contribution to the overall gaming experience. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and MGG, noted that the voice acting adds depth and charm to the characters, enhancing the narrative. The presence of both English and Japanese voice options, as mentioned by KeenGamer and Nintenduo, caters to a broader audience and allows players to choose their preferred experience. Critics like Cultured Vultures and NME praised the quality of the voice acting, emphasizing how it effectively conveys emotional beats and enhances character interactions, which is crucial for a game that focuses on storytelling and character development. However, several reviewers pointed out notable drawbacks that detract from the overall effectiveness of the voice acting. A common criticism, shared by Checkpoint Gaming and Nintendo Life, is the repetitiveness of the protagonist's lines, which can lead to a tiresome experience for players. Additionally, some critics, such as Gamer Escape and RPGamer, mentioned that while the voice acting is decent, it can become inconsistent, with some lines being voiced while others are not, creating a disjointed experience. The limited lines for protagonists, as noted by GamingTrend, further diminish the emotional impact of key scenes, leaving some players wanting more depth in character dialogue. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Rune Factory 5 is generally well-executed and adds to the game's charm, it suffers from issues related to repetitiveness and inconsistency. Many reviewers appreciate the investment in voice talent and the quality of the English and Japanese scripts, as highlighted by Noisy Pixel and The Mako Reactor. However, the sparse nature of the voice acting, as mentioned by Vandal, and the lack of impactful moments, as noted by NintendoWorldReport, suggest that there is room for improvement. Ultimately, the voice acting contributes positively to the gaming experience, but its limitations prevent it from reaching its full potential.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Rune Factory 5 shines on PC, hailed as "technically perfect" with quick loading and high frame rates. In sharp contrast, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from serious performance issues like stuttering, frame rate drops, and long load times, making it feel unpolished. Critics agree: the PC version offers a much better experience, while the Switch falls drastically short.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

64%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Rune Factory 5 varies significantly between platforms, with the PC version generally receiving more favorable reviews. Critics like GameGrin and Gaming Nexus highlight the PC version as "technically perfect" and report no issues, while Game Revolution notes its quick loading times and high frame rates, marking a significant improvement over the Switch version. The Mako Reactor also praises the Steam Deck's performance, indicating optimized load times and frame rates. Overall, the PC version is seen as a solid experience, with customization options enhancing the gameplay, as noted by Noisy Pixel. In stark contrast, the Nintendo Switch version faces widespread criticism for its technical shortcomings. Critics such as But Why Tho? and CGMagazine emphasize serious performance issues, including inconsistent frame rates, stuttering, and graphical glitches that make the game feel unpolished. Many reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected, report significant frame rate drops and input delays that detract from the overall experience. The issues are compounded by long loading times and control problems, as noted by IGN and Nintenderos, which significantly hinder gameplay fluidity and enjoyment. The overall consensus among critics is that while the PC version of Rune Factory 5 delivers a much better technical performance, the Nintendo Switch version struggles with numerous issues that impact player experience. Critics agree that the Switch version fails to meet expectations, with Gamer Escape and Eurogamer Italy pointing out that the performance problems are distracting and detract from the enjoyment of the game. While some reviewers, like WellPlayed, mention that the game runs smoothly at times, the overwhelming sentiment is that the technical performance on the Switch is a significant drawback, leading to a divided reception between the two platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Rune Factory 5 offers a wealth of content with hundreds of hours of gameplay, rich character interactions, and open-ended exploration—appealing to die-hard fans. However, criticism points to repetitive elements and a lack of innovation that may dampen replay value, especially for series veterans. While it provides an engaging experience, casual players might find it lacking in fresh excitement. Overall, it’s a charming yet mixed bag for replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Rune Factory 5 are notably diverse, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Many reviewers, such as Cubed3 and Digital Trends, emphasize the extensive content available, noting that the game offers hundreds of hours of potential gameplay through various activities, crafting, and character interactions. Critics like But Why Tho? and KeenGamer appreciate the depth of character interactions and romance options, which encourage players to explore different relationships and gameplay styles. Additionally, the open-ended nature of the game, as pointed out by Meristation and RPGamer, allows players to engage with the world at their own pace, enhancing the replay value for dedicated fans of the genre. However, despite these positive aspects, several critics express concerns about the game's replayability. Game Revolution and GamingTrend note that the lack of significant innovation and new features may limit long-term engagement, particularly for veterans of the series. Noisy Pixel and Siliconera point out that some gameplay elements feel repetitive, which could deter players from returning after completing the main story. Furthermore, GameSkinny and Pocket Tactics mention that while the game is comforting and familiar, it may not provide enough new content to entice players to replay it extensively, potentially leading to a sense of stagnation. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Rune Factory 5 offers a mixed bag of replay value. While many reviewers acknowledge the game's potential for extensive playtime and enjoyable mechanics, the repetitive nature of certain elements and a lack of innovation may hinder its appeal for some players. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Gamer Escape highlight that the game can still be engaging, especially for fans of the series, but the sentiment shared by others indicates that casual players might find it less enticing for repeated playthroughs. In summary, Rune Factory 5 presents a charming and content-rich experience, yet it may not fully satisfy those seeking groundbreaking or significantly varied gameplay.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Rune Factory 5 reflects a mixed reception, with many critics acknowledging its charm and engaging gameplay. Several reviewers, such as Cubed3 and Shindig, highlight the game’s successful blend of farming simulation and RPG elements, creating a cozy and enjoyable experience for fans of the genre. Digital Trends and RPG Site also commend the game for its captivating progression loop and character interactions, suggesting that it retains some of the series' beloved qualities. Critics like Hey Poor Player and KeenGamer recognize the game as a fresh entry that appeals to long-time fans, despite some technical shortcomings. This sentiment is echoed by Hardcore Gamer, who appreciates that the game delivers more of what fans love, indicating a solid continuation of the franchise. However, the criticisms surrounding Rune Factory 5 are significant and widespread. Many reviewers, including NintendoWorldReport and Siliconera, point out the game’s poor visuals, repetitive gameplay, and various technical issues that detract from the overall experience. CGMagazine describes it as an "unappealing mess," while GameGrin notes that the game feels unfinished and lacks innovation. Critics like Twinfinite and NME express disappointment, especially for long-time fans who had high expectations after a decade-long wait. The game's performance issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, are frequently mentioned, with GamingTrend and PC Invasion noting that while the PC version offers improvements, the overall execution still leaves much to be desired. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Rune Factory 5 offers a familiar and charming experience for fans of the series, it is marred by technical shortcomings and a lack of innovation. Many reviewers, such as Game Informer and Gfinity, suggest that the game is enjoyable but falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors. The overall impression is that while the game has its merits, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity, leaving both critics and players wanting more in terms of polish and creativity.

TL;DR

Rune Factory 5 charms with its cozy farming and RPG blend, winning over some fans with engaging gameplay and character interactions. However, it suffers from poor visuals, repetitive mechanics, and technical issues, leaving critics disappointed and feeling it lacks innovation. While it satisfies some long-time fans, many agree it's a missed opportunity that doesn't live up to the franchise's potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

100 reviews found

RPG Fan

Nintendo Switch

Mar 22, 2022