Requests, Romance and Deceit

I think I mentioned before that I find Max oddly compelling as a character in Rune Factory 2. In fact, were my 1st Generation character a girl, I would court him instantly. His personality is so ingenuous. His arrogance, rather than being infuriating, is rather charming for some reason. Perhaps I cannot justify or explain it fully, but I like Max immensely. (Could it be nothing more profound than an attraction to guys with long blonde hair? Could be, I suppose.)

The only time Max slightly disturbed me was when he offered my 2nd Generation character a kiss on the cheek as a reward. I am quite certain he was offering in a purely avuncular manner, but it smacked a little of inappropriate behaviour by an adult towards a child. At the age of 9, a kiss on the cheek by an uncle is natural... I suppose it disturbed me mainly because I didn't feel like a 9 year old child and actually would have liked that kiss. (Meanwhile, to my fury, my character automatically rejected it with utter disdain and repugnance.)

In any event, there are a number of Request Events in Rune Factory 2 that involve deceit of one kind or another and one of them involves Max. Here are three of them. The first features Max, and his desire to 'prove' himself an action hero. The second and third are 'Heart Events', although Alicia's Request typically requires that you romance ANOTHER woman in order to prove her fortunetelling abilities.

Requests for Gold Cabbage in Rune Factory 2

I am afraid that there has been a misunderstanding about a 'Gold Cabbage' Request Event in Rune Factory 2. In the 1st Generation, a 'Gold Cabbage' is one of the unique items requested by Rosalind in her Request at 7 Hearts. I'm afraid I am not good at multi-tasking. I have all these Requests in my game journals but neglected to incorporate them into the Courtship and Marriage Guide! I have rectified that now, but here is the information for players:

Remember always that there are two types of 'Request Items'. There are generic requests for an item that can be found in the ordinary course of your activities. In other words, a gem that can be found by smashing a rock or an item found in the Wilds...

Then there are Unique Request Items. These are specific items that are found only in a single location or through performing a specific task.

The 'Gold Cabbage' requested by Rosalind in the 1st Generation at 7 Hearts is one of the Unique Request ITems. In the 2nd Generation, you will be able to find this item in the Palermo Shrine by using the Inquisitive Waltz but in the 1st Generation, when Rosalind requests it, you must obtain it from Max.

Here is the text of all the Events that deal with the unique 'Gold Cabbage':

Rosalind: You’re looking cheery today. You saw my message, right? Do you know anything about the GOLD CABBAGE? It’s very rare. If you have one, might you please consider giving it to me? Even if you don’t have one right now, perhaps you might be able to get one somewhere? I’ve prepared 20000G for you as a token of my appreciation…
Me: Got it. If it’ll help you out, I’ll see if I can find some way to get one for you.
After:
Rosalind: Getting your hands on a GOLD CABBAGE will probably be really difficult, but you’ll be doing me a huge favour. But still, you could call this a nearly impossible task.
Maybe, just maybe, my brother might have some information on the GOLD CABBAGE. It might be a good idea for you to try talking to him when he’s in his room…

In my game journal, I wrote (to myself): You probably won’t find Max in his room now until 9.00 p.m. so no point searching there any earlier. When night truly falls and the owls begin to hoot, Max will be in his bedroom.

As Melvil pointed out, however, his schedule (as with schedules of most characters) does vary according to the day of the week and the weather. In bad weather, he often can be found in his bedroom earlier. If you have not bothered to befriend the de Sainte Coquille family in general, you may find the doors locked after 6.00 p.m. in any case. What is true is that you ALWAYS should be able to find him in his bedroom after 9.00 p.m.

Max: Freyr, are you searching for a GOLD CABBAGE for my sister?
Me: Yes, I am! But…
Max, you wouldn’t know where I could find a GOLD CABBAGE, would you?
Max: Indeed I do. I have a GOLD CABBAGE right h ere with me.
Me: You do?! What do you want for it?
Noble Max says: don’t worry about it. I’ll give it to you. For free.
Me (with music): Wow! Thank you very much.
Me (with many tears): Oh, but, I’m sorry! I forgot that my backpack is all full. I’ll go clean it out and come back.
I got: GOLD CABBAGE!
Me: You’re a great help, Max. But I don’t know. I feel bad getting this rare ingredient from you for nothing.
Max: Ha ha ha. It’s nothing. It’s a msall investment compared to the returns I’m expecting in the future.
Me: Oh?
Max: Ha ha ha! Never mind. I’m just talking to myself. Don’t mind me.
After:
Max: Alright! Now you got it.
Gold Cabbage: 1580G
A rare golden vegetable. With its new colour, its taste is improved a hundred fold.
Go next door to Rosalind’s bedchamber to give it to her.
Rosalind (with music): That’s incredible, Freyr! I can’t believe you found one! And so quickly, too! You’re really amazing!
Me: Ha ha ha! You’re embarrassing me!
Rosalidn: You’re cute when you’re embarrassed…
Rosalind: …
…
…
Rosalind (sweating profusely now): Ha ha! I’ve left both of us speechless.
Rosalind: Ahem. Well then, back to ther matter at hand. Good job, Freyr. Please take your reward. 20000G.
You got: 20000G!
Me: Thanks. I’d better get going…
Rosalind: Oh, Freyr! Don’t leave yet. Wait just a second.
Me: What? Alright. (I wonder what she wants…)
Me: (…) Rosalind, that’s…
Rosalind: All done!
Me: W-What is…
Rosalind: This is my new recipe.
It’s the impossible-to-resist ‘Golden Cabbage Salad!’ I made it with the GOLDEN CABBAGE that you brought me. It’s my crowning achievement! Truly the product of our teamwork! Go ahead, try it!
Me: It looks delicious! I can’t wait to taste it.
*munch munch*
*munch munch*
*gulp*
Mmm… It’s absolutely delicious. It’s… It’s… It’s the best salad ever! I don’t’ think anyone has ever tasted a better salad! I could eat it every day and not grow tired of it. In fact, I really do wish I could eat it every day!
Rosalind: ha ha! You really like it that much? Oh, Freyr! That gives me an idea! I can use the leftover cabbaghe to make cole slaw.
This is the ‘De Sainte-Coquille Cole Slaw’.
After:
Rosalind: You really liked my Golden Cabbage Salad that much? I’m so glad!

Met Rosalind out in the street: Can I tell you something? I kind of did something really silly…
Me: Hmm? What happened? I’ll listen if you want.
Rosalind: Thank you. So I have this habit of counting sheep in my head when I’m having trouble falling asleep.
Me: Mmmhmm.
Rosalind: But! The truth is, I noticed that up until now, I’ve been counting the sheep out loud. And I thnk my brother must have seen or at least heard me doing it at some point… Ahhhh… I just want to crawl in to a hole somewhere.
Me: Ahaha, you’ve been letting yourself get upset about something as silly as that? Counting sheep because you can’t fall asleep… that sounds more cute than anything. I love that silly side of you, Rosalind.
Rosalind: Heh… you love it?! Stop, you’re making me blush!

9 Tomatoes for 100 Rare Roses: Special Proposal Item for Rosalind

Rosalind's Requests tend to be more complicated than those issued by the other Eligible Girls in Rune Factory 2. An early Request to catch a cold for her requires that you go without sleep for 2 nights effectively, causing your character to lose farming hours as each sleepless night results in a loss of 4 hours in the morning. (Your character will not begin the day until 10.00 a.m.)

When you experience her Request at 9 Hearts, she will suggest that you speak to Max when he is in his room. Max always will be found in his bedroom after 9.00 p.m. if not earlier but speaking to him before Rosalind attains 10 hearts will not lead to any progress in your Courtship of her.

It is when Rosalind reaches 10 Hearts that a new dialogue will occur in Max's bedchamber that will bring you closer to obtaining the special Proposal Item needed if you wish to marry Rosalind.

Max will tell you that Rosalind always dreamed of a fairytale courtship similar to one in her favourite childhood tale. You will need 100 rare roses if you wish to propose to her.

As always, Max, as the enterprising young scion of the influential De Sainte-Coquille family, would be able to supply these roses to you without any trouble, but he wisely asks that you 'pay' a price in return in order to give them greater value in the currency of romance.

Max longs for 9 ripe Tomatoes. That is his price... If like me, you are a packrat who stores all possible items for a 'rainy day' or a possible future Request, you may HAVE 9 Tomatoes stored in your Fridge. If not, you can grow them in your own field in the Summer season or grow them on Blessia Island at any point in time.

Give Max 9 Tomatoes and he will give you the bouquet of 100 fabled rare Geschule Roses. Each Geschule Rose may have a market value of 68,000G according to Max, but all he wants is 9 ordinary Tomatoes...

(If only my character were a girl and could court Max!!!)

Here are the Events that lead from Max' initial request to the Wedding to Rosalind:



If you cheat by taking 9 Tomatoes in your Rucksack when you first visit Max, you can experience all three Events in immediate succession, finding yourself married to Rosalind without any delay. As I do not intend to marry Rosalind in this game, I did not save the results, but I have to confess that the proposal is one of the most romantic so far! I was sorely tempted on the basis of the proposal alone, and the idea of being able to consider Max as family.

I have all the Proposal Events and Weddings for all the Eligible Girls in the 1st Generation now. It's simply a matter of finding the time to organise them for viewing. The full text of each should be included in the Courtship and Marriage Guide on Monday when the next version is uploaded.

Fishing Contest in Rune Factory 2

This post is devoted to the Fishing Contest in Rune Factory 2 in the first year of the 1st Generation of the game. I'd like to make a point here as well, based on a comment by a reader. The reader wondered if any detailed exploration of characters in the 1st Generation game would be a waste of time and energy, based on the fact that most of the real plot of the game occurs in the 2nd Generation.

Even I, who revel in exploriation of characters in any Harvest Moon game, had decided to move more quickly than usual through the 1st Generation only because Rune Factory 2 is scheduled for release in about a week and I wanted to have some preliminary facts about the 2nd Generation game in my Guides by then.

Well, I cannot do it. The dialogues are too good to pass by. As I have declared on many occasions, the genius of Harvest Moon is found in the details. 20 hours is far too little time to spend on the 1st Generation of Rune Factory 2.

I believe that every sort of player should be fulfilled by the upcoming Rune Factory 2, Fantasy Harvest Moon game. Those who enjoy a classical RPG may be more excited by the 2nd Generation 2 game than by the 1st, but there is action in the 1st Generation. Information gained in the first half of the game, moreover, will be useful later.

On never should be too impatient in Harvest Moon. So much can be missed or lost through impatience. In any Harvest Moonb game, marrying too quickly will preclude you from experiencing events with other eligible partners. It is best to enjoy each day and to be satisfied with life, even if the future promises more excitement.

It was in order to demonstrate the rich variety of the 1st Generation game that I made the following video of the Fishing Contest. You will find romance and humour in the interactions of the characters. Often, you need to speak to an individual twice in order to trigger all possible responses. In Rune Factory 2, dialogues that include more than two characters often occur when you prompt the second interaction.
There are many of these 'mini-events' at every point in the 1st Generation game.

Those who love Dorothy and Barrett will find that they are major participants in the Fishing Contest. Those who share my own fondness for Max will be delighted by his dialogues on the day of the Festival.



I have to admit that, not knowing what to expect at the Festival, I had saved the rarest, largest and highest level fish in anticipation of the event. It was a wasted effort: the 1st Year Contest featured the Sardine, a variety of fish I had shipped always as one that was fairly common and easy to catch.

When I entered a Sardine of 14 cm., I expected to lose and did. When I entered a 16 cm. Sardine, I was a bit surprised to achieve only the same 'honourable mention' as I would have had for the smallest fish. At 18cm., however, the Sardine I entered actually WON 1st Place! Given my previous test entries, I had expected only 2nd place at best.

My strategy of saving my best fish in advance of the Festival day would have been sound if only I had saved a Sardine. I now will replay the day one more time to see if I win again with an 18cm. Sardine (provided I catch another) or if the result can change randomly.

In the Eating Contest, for example, I had the same stats twice but obtained different results each time from that.

In fact, as is the case with most Festivals in Rune Factory 2, residents will talk about the Event when you speak to them on the previous day. It is on the day before the Festival that Yue will tell you that winning the Contest 'probably comes mostly down to luck, anyway. You should give it a try.'

That leads me to suspect that the results are partially random, although I'd be very much surprised if a small fish would beat Dorothy or Barrett's entires in any situation.

I had gone through the Fishing Festival a couple of times to test different results and to make the little video about it. It was only when I played through the game properly though that I obtained a choice bit of dialogue from Natalie.

On the day before the Festival, she told me: 'Tomorrow is the Fishing Contest. I still remember the year when Douglas got a hook in his backside. Gordon swore it was an accident…'

Is it vital? No. Will it change anything in the game? No. Despite all that, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It is this sort of detail that keeps me enchanted with Harvest Moon.

Delightful Max in Rune Factory 2

*******************************************************************
Although I still am playing the 1st Generation game and therefore have no business fancying a guy, I quickly have fallen under the spell of Max, heir apparent to the Sainte-Coquille fortune. Barrett may be attractive as the rather dark, unapproachable hero whose heart girls will desire to gladden, but Max has that open charm and devil-may-care attitude displayed in earlier Harvest Moon games by characters like Rock. He is amusing and winsome and extremely handsome. Of course, as I always tend to fancy boys with long hair, Max is a natural choice. I find my own male character in Rune Factory 2 very appealing, but falling in love with oneself really would be too bizarre.

In your first meeting with Max:
Max: Hey, I’m Max.
Me: Nice to meet you. My name’s Freyr.
Max: My name’s Max. I’m second in charge of the de Sainte-Coquille family.
Me: Uh, Okay.
Max: By the way, what’s your name?
Me: (Uh, I just told you, but…) My name is Freyr.
Max; Freyr, huh? Now that’s a name I can remember! My name’s Max. Don’t forget it, now!
Me: Okay.
Max: Here, I’ll tell you again, so you don’t foregt. I’m Max. Max de Sainte-Coquille, okay? One more time, so you don’t forget! MAX! SAINTE-COQUILLE!
Me: Yes, yes! I got it! Max!
Max: What are you so mad about?
Me: I’m not mad at all.. Sorry, but I’ve got to go…

For days afterwards, whenever I spoke to him, he continued to introduce himself again and again.

With each increase in his heart level, he has his own signature method of revealing details about himself.

Max: For some reason, I’ve been strangely captivated by PROOF OF WARRIOR since I was young. Well, just a little background knowledge you should remember.

Each time he tells you about an item he likes, he will tell you that it is 'just a little background knowledge you should remember.'

Max: FLUFFY SCARF is so enchanting the way it’s so fluffy. I just love this. Well, just a little background knowledge you should remember.

One of his requests is very amusing as well. He will ask you to bring him an Arrowhead so he can prove to his friends that he is a man of action, silencing the gossip describing him as a 'braggart who does nothing.'

At a higher heart level, he once again will tell you about items he likes, but this time, he employs a different method.

Max: I really like PROOF OF WARRIOR. I can’t really say why aloud. If you want to know, lend me your ear.
Me: Okay, go ahead. (I can’t wait to hear.)
Max: *whisper* The reason I like it is…
*whisper* a secret.

He will repeat this performance for awhile, each time he tells you about another item that appeals to him.

As you become a closer friend of his, he will begin to give you advice in different aspects of romance and life.

Max: If there’s a girl in this village that you like, you should actively make use of the bulletin board. There should be some concern or request from that girl among the postings there. Check the postings frequently and find a solution for them on your own. If you do, before you know it, you’ll have a romantic relationship started with the girl that you’re interested in.
Alright, you’ve got some choice information. I’ll let you borrow that advice, but you have to pay me back 1 million times!

Each tidbit of advice is followed by his declaration that you can 'borrow that advice, but you have to pay me back 1 million times!'

More recently, he confessed his dislike for Weeds in the following terms:

Max: I really hate WEEDS. They’re so persistent! And they get everywhere! And they’re so… so… ugly! Ugh, I find them deeply disturbing.

Am I the only one or will other girls find him as appealing as I do? Although some one rather contemptuously assumes that the only reason a girl would be interested in him would be for his money, I would find him equally attractive were he penniless. Perhaps, though, his light-hearted and sunny embrace of life is partly the result of never having to worry about the necessities of existence...

Later: Having virtually no experience in creating videos on my laptop, this is my first real effort. It is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Max and the legacy of the De Sainte-Coquille family, including screenshots of the bequests they have made to the village of Alvarna as well as personal information about Max given BY Max. The music was chosen almost randomly but it is an old French pop song that I have a feeling would be the sort of music that Max himself might like. I think he would listen to a lot of classical music as well, especially very old operas by Handel and Henry Purcell. Please don't be too critical. If I become better at this, I'll try to create more useful videos about Harvest Moon...

Paths of Romance in Rune Factory 2

When I first began to play Rune Factory 2, a player asked whom I intended to marry. I had not made a choice at the time. I wished to become better acquainted with the characters first... As my character is a male, I need to choose a wife from the eligible girls in the game.

A strange thing happened, however, as I continued to play. I find my own character incredibly attractive! He is the ideal male in many ways. He is the epitome of a caring, easy-going guy with good manners who is brave and hard-working, impervious to despair and who always tries to encourage others. He meets insults with good humour and tries to understand why other characters behave badly rather than responding in the same fashion. He is very sweet. As I experience the romantic events with each of the eligible girls, I become more and more impressed with my own character! It makes me feel a little schizophrenic. As I am a woman in reality, it kind of makes sense I suppose, although I usually get into character when I play a male role in a game.

In Island of Happiness, one could play a male and marry the female counterpart or play a female and marry the male counterpart. Both characters in IoH are attractive, but there is something exceptional about the male character in Rune Factory 2, whose default name is Kyle. I'd like to be able to court and marry HIM.

In the events with Dorothy, a pathologically shy girl who never is seen without her hood, he demonstrates a lot of sensitivity and good humour. I am including the event that occurs at 5 hearts below... It is in the form of a pretend interview and your character must choose between two questions each time. I am including the 'correct' choices here.
Dorothy: You see… I … want to become a nurse.
Me; I know that. I think wanting to become a nurse is a wonderful goal.
Dorothy: (…)
Me; There’s no need to be so embarrassed! (She’s turned bright red!)
(Oh no! I need to make her more comfortable.)
Me: So working as a nurse is actually pretty tough, I guess, isn’t it?
Dorothy: Yeah… that’s right… And so… So… there’s something I’d like to ask you, Freyr… Just hold on a minute… okay…?
Me: Dorothy, stop! Let’s talk without Fern, okay?
Dorothy: Huh…? Um, well… I’m not sure…
Me: You want to take the nursing exam, don’t you, Dorothy?
Dorothy: Th-That’s right… and the written part is no problem, but…
Me: But?
Dorothy: The interview…
Me: Ah, the interview. I can see how that might be a problem.
Dorothy: That’s right… So, I was hoping you might help me practice a little… You know… to get me ready…?
Me: Yeah. No problem, Dorothy.
Dorothy: Th-Thanks…
Me: Okay! I’ll be the interviewer. Let’s practice. Hello, Dorothy. First…

My choices now:
Let’s start with an introduction.
Let’s start with self-analysis.

Choose the introduction, of course.
Dorothy: Okay… my name is Dorothy…
Me: That was easy. Let’s keep going!
Dorothy: Okay…
Me: Next…

My choices:
What do you like?
What don’t you like?

Me: What do you like?
Dorothy: I like Cymbidium orchids. They are also called boat orchids, and their name comes from kumbos, meaning hole or cavity.
Me: Wow. You know a lot about flowers.
Dorothy: Ah… well… I do like flowers…
Me; That was good. Well done. Well then…

My choices now:
Will you lend me that doll for a moment?

What’s the name of your doll?
Me: What’s the name of your doll?
Dorothy: Fern… that’s her name.
Me: did you choose her name, Dorothy?
Dorothy: Ah… yes, I did…
Me: That’s quite a rare name. And a good one, I think.
Dorothy: Oh… thank you…
Me: so…

My choices now:

What’s the best way to maintain beauty?
What’s the best way to maintain health?

I chose health.
Dorothy: Wake up early… and go to bed early…
Me: Ah, so that’s the secret to good health?
Dorothy: That’s right… Don’t work too late yourself, Freyr…
Me: I’ll be careful not to. Finally…

My choices:

Do you have lots of friends?
Do you have a very close friend?

Me: Do you have a very close friend?
Dorothy: Yes… Some one called Freyr…
Me: Hah hah hah. Thank you. I’m very happy to hear that.
Dorothy: (…)
Me: (She’s clammed up again. Well, she did pretty well without Fern.)
That’s all for the interview. Well done!
Dorothy: Thank you. I think… I’ve found some confidence.
Me: Great! Now you’ll be able to ace the interview too.
Dorothy: Well… I hope so.
Me: If you keep on talking to people, you’ll keep getting more and more confident, too!
Dorothy: O-Okay… Well… I know I could count on you, Freyr. Thank you …very much…

Very amusing if less poignant is one of Julia's requests, that you find her something healthy to eat at the Market:

Douglas is behind the counter when I follow Julia’s request to bring her hearlthy food.
Douglas: Well, I have some CABBAGE CAKES and SALAD.
Me: Oh, well, maybe I’ll take the SALAD.
Douglas: What?! You’re a man, boy! Whaddaya want a SALAD for?
A man should go with CABBAGE CAKES! They’re deep-fried and delicious! SALAD’ll never make ya big ‘n strong! Ga ha ha!
Me: Oh no, it isn’t for me.
Douglas: I’m tellin’ you, you want the CABBAGE CAKES!

Your choice now:
I’ll take the CABBAGE CAKES
I’ll take the SALAD.

Me: I want the SALAD!
Douglas: Ga ha ha ha! That stuff’s for sissies! You’ll never grow up to be big ‘n strong like that! Be a man, boy!
Me: (It’s not for me, for goodness’ sake…)
Douglas: Here, here’s your little SALAD, Miss Freyr.
You received a SALAD.
Me: Thank you.

Salad: 2560G
A combination of raw vegetables. Very, very nutritious.
Give it to Julia:
Julia: wow! You got me a salad?! (with music) Great! This is just what I wanted! Perfect! Just what I wanted! You’ve got great intuition, Freyr.
Me: I’m glad you’re happy. But Douglas thinkis I’m the one who’s going to eat it. He kept telling me that salads are for sissies.
Julia: Oh dear! How terrible for you! You went through all of that for me? You have my gratitude. Thank you, Freyr. Here’s something for you! (musical note)
You got FORMULA A!
Why not try using that on your crops? It should do them some good!
Me: Thank you.

If I had taken the Cabbage Cakes:
Douglas: Atta’ boy! Eat these dvery day, and you’ll be bigh ‘n strong in no time! Ga ha ha!
You received a Cabbage Cakes.
Me: (Boy, Douglas really knows how to push a sale.)
Give it to Julia and she’ll say;
Julia: Just … what were you thinking…?
Me: Ah… I’m sorry. Douglas really insisted that I take this.
Julia: Hold it! You seriously think I’m going to eat that?! Do you want me to put on weight?! Freyr, you moron! I can’t bear to look at you right now, Freyr! Just get out of here!
Me: Sorry!

These requests occur at different heart levels and you then will find them posted on the Bulletin Board in the Town Square. They are the equivalent of 'heart events'.
In fact, when Max warms a little to you, he will begin to give you all sorts of romantic advice and will tell you:

Max: If there’s a girl in this village that you like, you should actively make use of the bulletin board. There should be some concern or request from that girl among the postings there. Check the postings frequently and find a solution for them on your own. If you do, before you know it, you’ll have a romantic relationship started with the girl that you’re interested in.
Alright, you’ve got some choice information. I’ll let you borrow that advice, but you have to pay me back 1 million times!

Possibly the Request that required the greatest sacrifice on my part so far was Rosalind's Request to catch a cold so that she could try her new medication on me. For two consecutive days, I had to stay up all night in order to catch a cold. Whenever you stay up all night, you lose 4 hours in the morning, only recovering control at 10.00 a.m. rather than 6.00 a.m. It was one of the most rewarding, however, in financial terms as she paid me 8000G. when I drank the medicine. Incidentally, the medication does WORK. You recover instantly from the cold.

The events need not be romantic in nature in order to raise Love Points as well as Friendship Points. Rosalind's Request wasn't particularly romantic, after all. In some cases, though, the girl actually asks you to meet her for a romantic tryst. When that occurs, there usually is no material reward. The increase in affection is deemed sufficient...

One of the oddest Requests was Alicia's Request to meet Mana (a rival) for a date in order to prove her prediction correct. My character was too honest and scrupulous to allow Mana to meet me under false pretences. He had to confess it was Alicia's idea, although he admitted that he wanted to meet Mana nonetheless.

'Most Favs' for Characters in Rune Factory 2

As with the original Rune Factory, you do not have to raise heart levels much in order to be told what a character likes to receive as a gift. Even in the first week of Spring, characters were confiding their likes and even their dislikes:

Yue will give you a bag of Daikon Seeds when you complete her quest for Honey. In case you do not get the point, she will continue to tell you afterwards:

Yue: I couldn’t ever turn down a good DAIKON RADISH. I don’t care how many I’ve eaten.

With the sly humour I am beginning to expect from RF2, Tanya will refer to her love of edged blades obliquely when she confesses one of her favourite foods:

Tanya: I like any fruit, but my favourite is APPLE. I like both eating APPLE and peeling it.

Barrett: I like fish… SALMON, for example. That’s all you need to know.

Herman: (with music) I can never have enough TOMATO JUICE after breakfast. Whenver I get my hands on some TOMATO JUICE, I can’t hold back.

Gordon: I really like a good PUMPKIN. But I always eat too much of it! Ba ha hah ha!

Ceci: Do you know what my favourite thing in the world is? It's DIAMONDS. And RUBIES. Oh yeah, and EMERALDS. Oh yeah, I can’t forget SAPPHIRES. Plus AMETHYST. I like that, too.

Alicia shares Ceci's love of diamonds.

Alicia: I really like a nice DIAMOND. What do you like, Frey?

Max appears to focus on war trophies. He has given me 'tips' on three different war trophies that he likes, calling it 'background knowledge' each time.

Max: For some reason, I’ve beens strangely captivated by PROOF OF WARRIOR since I was young. Well, just a little background knowledge you should remember.

Max: FLUFFY SCARF is so enchanting the way it’s so fluffy. I just love this. Well, just a little background knowledge you should remember.

As a total non sequitor, he made a comment one day to the effect that:

Max: I don’t like PLATINUM at all.

Byron: I must admit, I do love a good EGGPLANT. I just can’t stop eating them.

Egan: I really like WHITE CABBAGES. They’re very healthy.

Ray: I like PINK MELON.

Douglas: I like SKIPJACK, kid. Don’t forget that, now.

Natalie: My favourite things are PUMPKIN PUDDING and TOMATO. Do you like them, Frey?


True to form, you have to pry information loose from Dorothy, who is almost pathologically shy. (One is reminded a little of Candace in ToT.)

Dorothy: Is something wrong?
Me: Oh, no, but… What’s your favourite thing to eat, Dorothy?
Dorothy: Oh, um… I like… I like fish… and, um… I really like… CHAR.

Incidentally, for the record, I absolutely LOVE this game. I have to stress, however, that I was not tired of playing Island of Happiness and fully intend to return to it when time permits. Everything about Rune Factory 2 embodies my own fantasies in terms of the landscapes, the graphics, the beauty in the depiction of the characters... and as some one who loves fencing in real life, how could I not respond to a game that allows me to farm AND wield a blade in combat?

The spiritual premise both of Rune Factory and Rune Factory 2 that allows you to use a weapon to TAME a creature rather than killing it makes it superior to other 'combat' games. It is true to the essential philosophy of Harvest Moon which insists that one must live in harmony with the land and all living creatures if possible.


Note: With respect to the text in screenshots, I'm afraid I can't do much better. It does not translate well in this build, as it is not a 'bold' font. It is perfectly legible on the DS but not as easy to read here. As I have added the actual text to my post in every case, it shouldn't matter.