Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny

Game review by Mark Raby, Common Sense Media
Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Solid role-playing game is creative and fun.

Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 2011
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Parents say

age 4+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny is a role-playing game in which players explore all sorts of new and interesting islands while battling enemy creatures and ultimately figuring out how to cure a mysterious curse. The battles depict characters and creatures attacking one another in close combat, but there is no blood and creatures simply disappear when defeated. It is possible for players to purchase and consume alcohol, but it is treated as a basic healing item and acts exactly the same as other non-alcoholic healing items.

Community Reviews

Freyashawk
Freyashawk Adult
October 26, 2011
age 4+

Freyashawk's View of Rune Factory

Tides of Destiny is the latest in the Rune Factory series of games, produced both for DS handheld systems as well as the Wii and now PS3. Rune Factory is a spin-off of the popular and highly educational Harvest Moon series. In all of these games, friendship and honour are worth more than money or financial success. As these games are based on an agrarian model, players are encouraged to do the maths to decide which items are most cost-effective while making certain to grow those that appeal most to other Characters.as Gifts. You can find guides for all these games on my Harvest Moon Forever site as well as IGN.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

In RUNE FACTORY: TIDES OF DESTINY, players must figure out the mystery behind a curse that has plagued two villagers. Along the way, they travel to all sorts of unique and interesting islands while battling enemy creatures that block the path. In addition to battling, players can explore the various lands and villages to discover secret treasures and gifts. The straightforward story leads players to a final boss creature that must be defeated to solve the mystery.

Is It Any Good?

Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny is a standard, cookie cutter role-playing game. With a cute, cartoony aesthetic, a story about solving a fantastical mystery, and a battle system that involves customizing weapons and strategy, this is a competent RPG that fans of the Rune Factory series will have no trouble enjoying. It does little to stand out and differentiate itself from other titles, but anyone who wants a solid RPG should be able to appreciate this game.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the combat in this game. How does this violence differ from other games?

  • When have you been faced with tough situations?

  • How easy is it to make new friends in this game and does it mirror your experience in real life?

Game Details

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