Marvelous has revealed a brand-new spin-off game in the long-running Rune Factory series that looks like it took some inspiration from Genshin Impact. The series has seen a bit of a resurgence in recent years, thanks to re-releases of games like Rune Factory 4 Special, along with Rune Factory 5's launch last year as well. The third numbered Rune Factory game is also set to be released in September on both Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Marvelous recently gave fans an idea of what is next for the franchise.
Marvelous recently held a game showcase, which included a number of upcoming titles. This includes an urban fantasy RPG known as Loop 8: Summer of Gods, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, and the aforementioned Rune Factory 3 Special. The presentation also gave fans the first look at a new game in the Rune Factory series.
The presentation was hosted by Suminobu Sato, Marvelous' CEO and President, along with Rune Factory series director Shiro Maekawa. Maekawa then revealed the new game's trailer, which featured two eastern-style dragons flying through a storm. It also featured an open world along with hack-and-slash gameplay. Some might find it quite similar to Genshin Impact, with the character designs feeling like they'd be right at home in that game instead of Rune Factory.
After this reveal, Maekawa announced that this game is tentatively known as Rune Factory: Project Dragon, named after the two dragons that are prominently shown in the trailer. Maekawa also clarified that this spin-off is set in the eastern lands, with this Japanese-aesthetic being completely new to the series as well. He also states that past Rune Factory entries had characters that hailed from this part of its universe, and that this game will be the first one that explores these lands, as previous games have only vaguely referred to it. Maekawa states that this game is looking to provide a unique experience from the numbered mainline entries, while evolving the familiar elements such as daily living, adventuring, and romancing NPCs.
After the game was revealed, the Rune Factory director also introduced Rune Factory 6, showing the first look at the game's logo. Unlike Project Dragon, it will be taking place on a Western continent known as Adonea. Maekawa ends the presentation by stating that the team is hard at work, and asks fans to tune in about more information about these titles.
Rune Factory: Project Dragon is currently in development.