Rune Factory combines elements of several genres to create what is both a mechanically and aesthetically pleasing game.
Edit: I will leave up my original review so that any readers can distinguish between my initial opinion and how I regard the game after having beaten it. First of all, I have changed my rating of the game from a 10.0 down to an 8.0. The concept of "monster taming" in Rune Factory is not what I had first thought. Aside from derailing your high profit margins, managing your "pets" isn't all that amusing. Somewhat of a perfectionist at times, I restarted the game more than once. My last attempt is what brought me through to the end. It was a "time trial" of sorts. I managed to get through the first four caves and build my extended house within the first season. That meant waiting through two more seasons just to get into the fifth cave. If not for the amenities offered after building the large house, I would have returned this game at that point. The crafting ability is not just useful, it's required. I enjoyed upgrading my items, and finding some of the items that were required to do so was quite a challenge at points. I am not a fan of the "recipe list" function over a filter option. I managed to beat the other four caves within the space of the first Winter season, confronting the Sech's (Sex?) Army on New Year's Day. I've been amused by this game, and will certainly continue to recommend it, though I can not claim with any certainty that this game has reached perfection. For those with the concern: You are allowed to save and continue playing after the end credits. Game on!