Date Set for Rune Factory 3

Quickly following up on its unveiling a couple of weeks back, Rune Factory 3 was given a final release date today. Harvest Moon fanatics can look forward to the DS sequel on October 22. Marvelous Entertainment is asking ¥5,229 for the game.

Those who pre-order will get a drama CD and book. The CD promises a "doki doki" love comedy featuring the game's heroines, with the book offering art and illustrations and a comic telling an original story in the Rune Factory 3 world.

The big bonus items.

This latest entry in the Harvest Moon spinoff RPG series drew attention at its announcement with the revelation that main character Maisu can transform into a monster, thus experiencing two different sides of farming life.

The print version of Famitsu offered an update on the game this week. Here's what's new.

The main character may be able to transform into a monster, but that doesn't mean Rune Factory 3 skips out on the series' familiar monster-raising component. As with past titles, you can feed monsters in order to earn their favor, eventually making them into friends. A friend monster can be taken back to your farm, where, upon further care, will serve as a source for eggs and fur.

New to part 3 is the Active Seed system. Active Seeds grow immediately into full form once planted. Unlike normal plants, they can help you in a variety of ways.

Famitsu shared details on three Active Seeds. The pumpkin-like Jack can be used to suck up monsters, dealing them damage. The leaf-like Haslider can be used as a floatation device for crossing bodies of water. The flower-like Mizubasou can be used to generate water. This is useful when farming in dungeons away from water sources .

Also introduced in the magazine are two additional heroines. Here's the full cast that's been revealed so far, including the two that were introduced at the game's announcement:

Shia

A kind girl who took care of you when you were unconscious at the beginning of the game. It's because of her recommendation that you started farming.

Touna

A silent girl who works at the city's weapons shop. Why she avoids relating with people is apparently a secret.

Chocola

A girl who dreams of being a chef like her father and now works at a restaurant in town. Despite her tiny size, she has a huge appetite.

Marion

An apprentice witch who also serves as a nurse in town. She dreams of being either a fine doctor or a sorceress like her grandmother. She's childhood friends with Chocola, whom she used as a guinea pig for conducting tests for her magic cures