Famitsu Weekly revealed last week that a new iteration of the Rune Factory series is due in Japan later this year. Unlike the previous two entries which were released on the DS, this version is destined for a Wii release.

An offshoot of Natsume's popular Harvest Moon franchise, the Rune Factory series includes the farming and marriage aspects that are hallmarks of the original series. Rune Factory games, however, also add a level of dungeon exploration to the mix. According to Famitsu, Frontier aims to improve upon the elements established in the first two Rune Factory titles and expand the game's focus to include Animal Crossing type elements.

Rune Factory Frontier will focus on returning protagonist Raguna's search for a missing girl and his pioneering and cultivating of the uncharted island Tranrupia. According to Famitsu, Raguna's efforts to build up Tranrupia will attract outsiders who will come and settle on the island, eventually creating a bustling village. As the village grows larger, certain members of the village will even establish shops. Famitsu also revealed that at some point during the game a mysterious floating island in the shape of a whale will appear over Tranrupia.

Rune Factory Frontier will be released at an unspecified date later this year in Japan, but there's no word yet on release in other territories.

Thanks to Bill Aurion in the forums for the tip!