The publisher XSEED Games has announcement that the standard and limited editions (Earthmate) of the next localized version of Rune Factory 5 are now available for pre-order via their official website. Additionally, customers can also choose to add an optional Wooly Head Keychain for $ 5 while supplies last, as it is an XSEED Games Store exclusive.
The Earthmate Edition contains the following:
- Outer box with an illustration of Minako Iwasaki
- The game card in an exclusive SteelBook case
- 5.8 by 8.2 softcover artbook with 70+ pages of character and concept art
- 15 song CD containing tracks from the entire Rune Factory series, titled “Melodies of Norad”
- 13-inch gaming costumes based on the various marriage contestants and Dolce’s mate, Pico
Rune Factory 5 will be released for the west for Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2022.
If you missed it, be sure to check out our review of Rune Factory 4 Special around the time it was localized for Switch.
Rune Factory 5 takes the series to new heights by opening up the world through various means of exploration. Players can roam dungeons, battle monsters, and meet new characters from a new 3D perspective. Typically, these games are played with a great view of the city and the characters, but this latest entry seems to “switch” it to provide a new experience for players.
Relationships are back to play. Players will choose a male or female protagonist for their job as a peacekeeping ranger. In addition to protecting the city, players will have to tend crops and fish for food. Throughout the adventure, they will encounter a handful of NPCs that they can fall in love with and marry in the game. The title also features a new, more action-oriented combat system and a travel system with familiar companions. .