Rune Factory Sails the Tides of Destiny Later This Year

As we rumoured last week, North American publisher Natsume has just confirmed the latest RPG off-shoot from the Harvest Moon franchise will be coming to the region later this year.

The newly named Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny (formerly Rune Factory: Oceans) was announced over at Siliconera, with a full showing expected at E3 in June.

Natsume CEO Hiro Maekawa is happy to share the good news:

We know our loyal fans have been patiently awaiting news of a North American release for Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny, so we are thrilled to announce that the latest entry in the fan-favorite series is on its way. Featuring a vast region to explore, a wonderful cast of characters, and a huge variety of activities to enjoy, Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny is sure to make waves!

Let's hope the translated script is as puntastic.

NATSUME SETS SAIL WITH THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE POPULAR RUNE FACTORY SERIES LATER THIS YEAR

Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny To Launch on Nintendo WiiT and PlayStation®3

Burlingame, CA.-, May 17, 2011 - Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny sets sail later this year on both the PlayStation®3 and Nintendo WiiT. Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny is the first game in the Rune Factory series to come to the PlayStation®3. Rune Factory combines the addictive and rewarding gameplay of Harvest Moon with the thrill and pacing of an action-RPG, providing RPG lovers and Harvest Moon fans with an exciting combination of both worlds.

"We know our loyal fans have been patiently awaiting news of a North American release for Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny, so we are thrilled to announce that the latest entry in the fan-favorite series is on its way. Better still, this entry is coming to both the WiiT and PlayStation®3," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. "Featuring a vast region to explore, a wonderful cast of characters, and a huge variety of activities to enjoy, Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny is sure to make waves!"

Aden and Sonja, two lifelong friends, live a tranquil life on Fenith Island until they're struck by a mysterious curse: they awaken to find both of their souls are now trapped in the same body! On top of this unusual calamity, the Fenith they knew is gone, replaced by a strange island populated with unfamiliar faces. Only by exploring this new world will they be able to solve the mystery of this curse and save their beloved Island.

During the course of their journey, Aden and Sonja will be aided by a colorful cast of characters, as well as take command of the towering golem Ymir. Using their newfound giant friend, they'll cross vast seas, discover hidden islands and dungeons packed with riches, and battle fearsome monsters of the deep!

Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny will make its first public appearance at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles and will ship to retailers later this year. For more information on Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny for PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, please visit www.natsume.com. You can also follow all of the latest Natsume news at www.natsume.com/facebook, www.twitter.com/natsume_inc., and see the latest game footage at https://www.youtube.com/user/NatsumeUSA.