Topic: Atelier or Rune Factory?

Hi guys! I'm off to town tomorrow and apparently the cex store has Rune Factory 5 and Atelier Sophie 2 in stock. I've been looking for something relaxing to play, though with the option for bashing monsters if I want (I loved Harvestella). I'm sort of torn; I've been watching videos for both and aren't entirely sure if I'll like alchemy or not. But Atelier certainly looks nicer. Anyhow, what do you guys think? Thanks!

@Kirbysonic

I've played both series but not those games. The series have some similarities but aren't quite the same genre. Rune factory is basically what you think of when you think of a farming rpg. Atelier feels a bit more like a traditional jrpg but with a very laid back almost visual novel feel. And of course alchemy. The alchemy part isn't my favorite to be honest, but I still quite like the series.

I've liked the Rune Factory games I've played as well, but I skipped over (well, it's still on my wishlist) Rune Factory 5 so far since it didn't review nearly as well as some of the games in the series.

People hate on RF5 but I would easily place it in my top 3 all time favorite Rune Factory games, of which there are 7. RF5 isn't the most graphically polished entry, but it's super enjoyable and addictive. I also tend to prefer the more 3D titles over the top down handheld entries, although I love those, too. RF5 has a ton of gameplay content and replay value, so - if you can get over some of the graphical stutters in a couple areas - it's a fantastic game that I would easily recommend to anyone who enjoys farm sims and RPGs.

The characters in Rune Factory are also very memorable and well written, especially in comparison to most similar games in the genre. I haven't played Atelier Sophie 2, though, so I don't have a strong opinion on it one way or the other, however I did own an Atelier game on DS and wasn't keen on it...though that's hardly a strong sample size. Both series are well loved by their fan bases, so you probably wouldn't go wrong with either... depending on who you would ask, of course.

@FishyS thanks for replying! To still like the series while being a little iffy on the alchemy side of things is a good sign, as I am unsure. But Rune Factory 5 sounds more like what I have experienced already with Harvestella, which isn't a bad thing. Yes, it's the reviews of it that are making me hesitate. However, many YouTubers insist it's an enjoyable experience once you get into it. Thanks for giving me input to think over!

@Andy_Witmyer Yes, that's the thing; so many people seem to love it despite its flaws. Like yourself, I would also much rather play a 3D entry than a top-down one, which makes 5 very tempting. You're right; there's definitely passionate fans for both series. Ircha Gaming on YouTube comes to mind! Thank you for your insight 😊

@Kirbysonic Rune Factory games tend to be more relaxed and with simpler combat than Harvestella, but they are definitely the same general genre. tbh, I'll probably grab 5 if I ever see a good sale, despite the reviews.

@FishyS I think I will grab 5; it's not too bad a price at the store and is a bit cheaper than Atelier. Perhaps I'll try the series later down the line. Even more relaxed might just be a good thing for me; a nice change of pace 😊 I finished Harvestella some months ago so it'll be nice to get back into that hybrid genre again.

Personally, I'd go with the Atelier series, but that's mainly because I don't really have the time for farming sims these days. Both are good and have a similar atmosphere, it's just that Rune Factory involves farming and Atelier games are more about foraging and fusing.

I'd still check out the Atelier series later on. They're on sale every now and then, so give it a try around that time. I think that good starting points are Atelier Sophie and Atelier Ryza.

@Servbot_EJ Thanks for the advice! If not for Rune Factory 5, I'd have gotten Atelier Sophie 2. It was certainly tempting, seeing it in the store today. Next time maybe, or as you say, there's sales to keep an eye out for 🙂

Tough call, I enjoy them equally. Rune Factory, action/rpg with sim-lite aspects. Atelier, turn-based rpg with a major emphasis on crafting. Their art styles and themes are similar, but I would otherwise consider them wildly different experiences.

@Magician That's fair! Both certainly have appealing qualities. I'll definitely consider Atelier down the line- perhaps it would be nice to play a relaxing game that isn't focused on farming. But in the meantime, I've started Rune Factory 5 and am enjoying it so that isn't the case yet 🙂

Atelier Sophie 2. I heard Rune Factory 5 wasn’t that good. But, if you want to get Rune Factory 5 to review it. That’s up to you.

@LinkxPeach Hi, thanks for the advice! Since I made the thread, I ended up getting both 🙂 I enjoyed Rune Factory 5 for awhile, though in the end the abysmal frame rate issues made the latter half of the game a pain, combat-wise, so it's been relegated to the back-burner for now. I've played a little of Sophie 2, and it's definitely a better looking and performing game, that's for sure! I'll probably dive into it more once I'm done with the older Atelier games, but I've enjoyed what I've played so far 😊

That’s good. What Atylier games like? I haven’t played them before.

@LinkxPeach Unlike most jrpgs where you might shop in a town for gear upgrades, or have them drop as rewards from enemies, you make your gear in Atelier games. Higher level enemies and zones = higher level materials for higher level gear.

@LinkxPeach Yep, what @Magician said. Generally the Atelier games are more relaxed in tone than other RPGs as well. Light-hearted, with a good dash of humour. But it's great fun making your equipment and different items for quests. You gather the materials out on the field to do it, and the crafting system is deep. Slightly older Atelier games also have an in-game time limit- some people like it (I do), others hate it. Up to preference I suppose 🙂

Cool. I gonna have to check it out.

Ty. I gonna have to check this game out.

@LinkxPeach no worries! Enjoy 😊

Thanks. 😀