Story of Seasons, formerly known as Harvest Moon in the west, has been around since the Super Nintendo Entertainment System days. Rune Factory is a game from the same creators that set out to have a completely different feel.

Both games have some RPG mechanics and have farming, but other than that, they are completely different games. Even the friendship systems in each game work a bit differently. In fact, players who don’t know they are from the same company just assume the two games are unrelated. If you’re debating over which game is right for you, then check out the list below for what each one does best.

10 Rune Factory: The Story

Rune Factory easily wins in the story department. Most Story of Seasons games all have the same plot, you inherit a farm and move there to start a new life. Sometimes you gather stones or note to save the Harvest Goddess, but other than that, there is no narrative.

Rune Factory, on the other hand, is narrative-heavy, and each of its games has several chapters you need to complete.

9 Story of Seasons: The Farming

The Farming aspects of most Story of Seasons games are going to be a lot more in-depth than Rune Factory. Story of Seasons heavily relies on growing vegetables as a way to make money, especially in the begging segments of the game; some of the games even have complex hybrid plants.

Rune Factory does have basic farming, but no intricate systems to figure out.

8 Rune Factory: The Monsters

If you are looking for unique animal designs, then Rune Factory is the way to go. In order to have wool or milk, you will need to capture monsters in the dungeons. These monsters can then be taken back to your farm and help you out by giving you the needed resources to further yourself in the game.

On the flip side, though, this is much more complicated than Story of Seasons.

7 Story of Seasons: The Animals

If you don’t want to jump through hoops and love animals just as they are, then Story of Seasons is where you want to be. These games give you a wide variety of animals to choose from, including pets like dogs and cats that can live with you in your home.

You will also be given a barn where you can keep various types of animals like cows and alpacas, depending on the game.

6 Rune Factory: The Excitement

If you’re looking for more excitement, then go with Rune Factory. The game will have you crawling through dungeons and planning out attacks to progressive. Several features like marriage are connected to you beating the main story, and some characters won’t appear to later chapters.

This game has tons of action that RPG fans will love.

5 Story of Seasons: It’s Relaxing

If you like to take things slow and go at your own pace, then Story of Seasons is your game. In Story of Seasons, you can choose what you want to do for the game, and other than upgrading your house, there shouldn’t be too many things keeping you from getting married.

There is also no fighting in the games, just gathering, and farming.

4 Rune Factory: The Cut Scenes

The cut scenes in Story of Seasons, while cute, usually aren’t that great or well animated. Rune Factory, on the other hand, has anime-styled cut scenes and works hard to pull you into the world. If you love watching a story unfold, then you will be disappointed by Story of Seasons.

Rune Factory even features an opening video to introduce you to all the characters.

3 Story of Seasons: The Mines

Fans of Story of Seasons tend to love the mining aspects of the game. Sadly, there is no mining in Rune Factory, and you usually end up getting gems in other ways. If you love traveling down into the depths of a mine to find treasure, then skip Rune Factory.

Mining can be a tricky aspect of the game and is incredibly rewarding.

2 Rune Factory: RPG Gameplay

Rune Factory is more of an RPG and will sit well with those who aren’t huge fans of simulation games. If you love battles and action but want a bit of a dating sim in your next purchase, then this game offers an excellent mix of those elements for you to indulge in.

The battle system is fluid, the dungeons are fun, and the stable NPCs all have wonderful narratives.

1 Story of Seasons: Simulation Gameplay

If you love simulation type games, then you want Story of Seasons. You won’t have to worry about leveling up or fighting your way through your mine. You can go fishing, raise animals, or even forage for money. Instead of setting traps, you can spend your days giving gifts to the town.

These games often feature more customization options as well.

NEXT: Ranked: 10 Best Harvest Moon Games Ever Made