Come of December of '10 I found out that there would be a new Rune Factory game for the Wii.  Like the Rune Factory fan I am I began to follow any source of information (Mostly from Ushi no Tane). I stalked the Japanese site grabbing the Character art, listening to the Actors and actresses talk about their character, watched previews and demos, etc.  I spread word across image sites, made art, and all that jazz.  Even back then I could not wait for it.  However, as the deadline came closer for Oceans to come out in Japan on February 24th I knew I did want to spoil myself for this game.  So once it came out I stopped reading about it.

Unfortunately in my not reading about it I was unaware that it was in the process of being localized.  Granted I knew it would come some day, but I did not realize how soon and what they have changed.  Today as I went over Rune Factory games I noticed a new title: Tides of Destiny.  Excited I believed that they were already making another RF game.  However, when I looked up images it was then I realized that it only had a name change for localization.  Personally I like Oceans better (much simpler).  I also discovered that the American release date is for September 27th!  I did not expect this so soon.  Going for more information it came to my attention that Natsume will be localizing it.

While it is not uncommon for Natsume to localize something in the Harvest moon Branch it was a worry that was addressed before Oceans was even released.  There were debates on who people though localized it better.  Natsume or XSeed.  Many people were against Natsume, but someone with a good knowledge of of the company informed us that XSeed had said that they would not localize another Rune Factory game due to the manager of the Rune Factory division.  However, there were ones, like me, who still hoped for XSeed to localize it.  Natsume is known for not translating to well in some of the newer games like HM: IoH and HM: ToT for example. (This was other people's experiences not mine for I have not played either game). So I expect weird translation.

I an unhappy that Azel and Sonia got their names changed in the localization.  They are called Aden and Sonja, respectively now.  I don't mind Azel becoming Aden as much Sonia to Sonja.  Son-ia sounds much softer than a harsher Son-ja.  This makes me worry how much they have changed the other character's names.  I rather like the sisters' names as Lily(Lili), Odette, and Airisu(Iris).  Now… I wouldn't really mind them changing Sera's name… as long as it was boyish and not some  girly name.  I forget the other characters' names…. Except Ymir, but they did even change his (everyone assumes it's a boy)!  *wants a Ymir plushie*

Despite the localization, I am very happy about the graphics.  The 3d models are great and I can't wait to see all the characters in their bathing suits! ;D  The water and other scenery are a huge step up from RF: Frontier.  The monsters look great too.  The Monster generators gt a new look too, don't mistake them for something Important! (Video games rules state that if it is shiny it much be important)  Movement both in town and fighting appears to be much smoother than Frontier as well.  Also The models show a lot more expression and it actually shows the accessories you put on or give to someone.

I love how there is more voice acting in it that the other RF games…. except when Sonia keeps telling Azel to 'hit it' -referring to a monster.  I think I'll be able to drown her(and eventually Azel) out soon enough though.  On the subject of monsters and fighting, I love the more free range Azel/Sonia has.  Granted Frontier had free range, but you had limited places to go anyhow.  I love the ability of (I believe) choosing how you fight.  Wither Axe, hammer, sword and shield, or duel swords.  I also can't wait to really see and feel the fights on Ymir.  Though I'm going to hate Ymir's mana limitation.

I also can't wait to play out the story.  I already know that Azel and Sonia are stuck in one body and eventually  get unstuck, but I want to know how.  Of course I also want to know if the other goes away forever when you choose the gender you wish to stay as, because that would be heart breaking.  I'd probably cry if Sonia never got to see Azel again.  I've heard though that they can marry each other so I don't think they disappear.

I know that Odette, the priestess, is most likely tied into the story since she's one of the main heroines.  You know what though, in all the RF games…. currently she's the only heroine I like.  She's good a cooking, and doesn't seem to be as ditzy as Mist.  But I'll reserve total liking until I see how she acts.  Speaking of heroines there are more for Azel than Sonia.  From the Bachelors I've seen for Sonia… I'm not happy with them… unless they added more than the six when I stopped keeping track.  If I don't like any of them Sonia is gonna end up with Azel since I can't have the priest(I do pray they keep his pervertedness  I'm tired of all the goody priests in the HM/RF games).  For Azel… I dunno just yet.. I dunno if I'll even try for Elena… she looks too much like Rin Kagamine (something that was thrashed about before the release as well).

Oh yeah… now apparently there is a RF4 for 3DS, now I'm gonna have to buy the system!

So far it seems pretty good.  Graphics are bumped up a tiny bit from the DS graphics.  You can choose gender, but there better be more than four or five bachelors this time.  Farming seems to have a different rule and apparently you can construct buildings.  I like how you fall off of a plane and get amnesia.  You also have the ability to talk to dragons… I wonder if this will some how finish off the series since there is only four dragons. Frontier didn't have one to my knowledge. *really need to beat the game*  I know the first one had Terrable who helped you.  The second one you had to reseal Fiersome. The third one, Aquatiqus was just a prejudiced testy dragon you had to beat him to prove to him you were good or something.  Ventuswill may be in RF4 or Oceans since there is mention of dragons in Oceans.

Anyhow, pre-review over?