Eh, a way to escape the real world ... for now - until something better comes along.
I have never played a farming aspect game, and I find it rather slow. I feel that you can only do so much by planning seeds and watering them… and then harvesting them or just leaving them there so that you can use the rune point for the energy later. Later in the game when you capture monsters, some of them can do the work for you. The farming leads to other skill that you can develop – cooking is an example.
The monster dungeon crawling does add a twist in the game strategy. It forces you to adventure thru them to advance in the story, built into the game. It does come at a cost – rune points – which is viewed as your stamina. Once your stamina is gone, it cuts into your health.
The relationship building game is interesting. By communication to town folk and their daughters will earn you friendships and love. I suppose you could play this game over and over trying to woo each characters love – which all comes down how much time you have for this game.
Another option that I have found interesting is the trade factor in the game. If you get one of your friends to own the game as well, you can trade items with each other; upon doing so, your items level – which in the end, increase in value.
In opinion, it seems that I am constantly micromanaging everything that comes my way. I feel that I am trying to power level my way thru the game and advance myself before I even can get to the spot in the game where it should be done… all just because I view the game timeline slow. Yes, this is a good game, but Rune Factory might not be the game for me. I do think that everyone should give this game a chance. Will I try another Harvest Moon game in the series? I think my answer will depend upon what Rune Factory 2 reviews state.