XSEED Games, the independent-minded console publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today announced that its farming-flavored turn-based RPG, Return to PopoloCrois: A STORY OF SEASONS Fairytale, is now available in North America exclusively for the Nintendo 3DSTM family of systems. Produced by creative masterminds Yohsuke Tamori (creator of PopoloCrois Story) and Yoshifumi Hashimoto (longtime producer of the Bokujo Monogatari/STORY OF SEASONS and Rune Factory franchises), this comprehensive crossover features classically-styled RPG gameplay and game-spanning life simulation elements that both veterans and newcomers to either series will equally enjoy. Return to PopoloCrois: A STORY OF SEASONS Fairytale also marks the return of the PopoloCrois series to the West after a 10 year hiatus.
“In teaming up with Hashimoto-san and STORY OF SEASONS we’ve created a world teeming with life, and I feel that the world of PopoloCrois is now even more captivating as a result,” said Yohsuke Tamori, creator of the PopoloCrois franchise. “I want people to know that heartwarming traditional RPGs are still being created, and I hope that Return to PopoloCrois finds its way into the hearts of overseas audiences who will pass down the PopoloCrois series to a new generation.”
“Tamori-san’s charming world of PopoloCrois couldn’t have been a more natural fit for STORY OF SEASONS,” said Yoshifumi Hashimoto, longtime producer of the Bokujo Monogatari (now known as STORY OF SEASONS in the West) and Rune Factory series of games. “Both franchises aim to produce colorful, heartfelt experiences about life and the power of friendship, and with Return to PopoloCrois: A STORY OF SEASONS Fairytale I believe we’ve cultivated a delightful balance that adds to each’s legacy.”
Based on the Japanese PopoloCrois Story comic book series, and featuring elements from the wildly successful Bokujo Monogatari farming and life simulation series now known as STORY OF SEASONS in the West, Return to PopoloCrois: A STORY OF SEASONS Fairytale hearkens back to the golden age of RPGs with its tactical, turn-based combat and towns full of interesting NPCs who contribute to a heartwarming narrative about friendship, forgiveness, and the bounty of the earth.
Ample farming and life simulation elements are also on offer à la STORY OF SEASONS, including real-time crop-raising, bug-catching, rock-quarrying, item synthesis, and relationship forging. Players can collect over 600 items and undertake nearly 100 quests throughout the game, supplementing its 25+ hour main story with nearly unlimited potential for replayability. StreetPassTM features are also present, allowing players to connect with one another and earn bonus items through treasure-hunting.
Published by XSEED Games in North America, Return to PopoloCrois: A STORY OF SEASONS Fairytale is now available exclusively for the Nintendo 3DSTM family of systems, both physically at retailers and digitally via the Nintendo eShop, at a suggested retail price of $39.99. The game has been rated “E10+ for Everyone 10 and up” by the ESRB.