As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but notice how quickly the gaming world is becoming saturated with roguelites. It feels like every other game I come across belongs to this genre. However, one major player in the industry, Bandai Namco, has held off on jumping onto this bandwagon until now. But that’s all about to change! After a compelling presentation from Brownies Inc., Bandai Namco is gearing up to release its first Hades-inspired roguelite titled Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree. So, what makes this one stand out among the sea of Hades imitators? To uncover that secret, Shacknews took a first look at this year’s Summer Game Fest.
In the mystical world under siege, players find themselves in the company of Towa and her eight Guardians as they band together to protect the Sacred Tree from the looming darkness brought by the evil god Magatsu. Since saving everyone is a task too great for one person, it’s crucial that each character lend their skills to this epic journey.
At the start of the game, players will be asked to choose between Towa or one of the eight Guardians. This chosen character becomes their Tsurugi and carries the divine swords bestowed by the gods. Players will also pick a secondary character who functions as a Kagura, assisting with the power of their mystical staff. Each Guardian has unique skills and gameplay style, making them an interesting choice for either the main or supporting role in battle, potentially leading to exciting tactical combinations on the field.
Stepping into the field with Towa and the Guardians offers a familiar vibe to roguelite games enthusiasts. Players will engage in hack-and-slash battles against creatures summoned by Magatsu, gradually clearing each region before deciding on the next destination. Symbols are used to signal what’s ahead – hot spring areas for rest or resource zones guarded by monsters. After every combat round, characters receive a lasting buff that remains active throughout the playthrough. Initially, this setup mirrors common roguelite mechanics, but the game sets itself apart with its unique combat system.
In Towa and the Guardians, the main character will skillfully wield two unique weapons, each with its own set of basic abilities, combat styles, and exclusive upgrades. These weapons will lose their edge after extended use and necessitate recharging. To excel in this game, it’s essential to frequently swap weapons on-the-go, enabling the creation of innovative combos and attack sequences. Your chosen Kagura will also contribute to the battlefield, allowing for a variety of attacks and intriguing synergies. While there wasn’t much opportunity to explore these possibilities, they certainly seem promising. The gameplay moves at a rapid pace, making it challenging to adopt a defensive strategy, but keeping an eye on the shared health bar, particularly for both characters, is crucial.
At its core, Towa and the Guardians appeals not only through its unique fight mechanic, but also due to its stunning hand-drawn environment, Eastern spiritual narrative, and charming characters. The game subtly conveys that Towa resides among the villagers, choosing to live alongside them instead of ruling as a deity. The Guardians are young and novice, but their background stories make them intriguing enough for players to delve deeper. Among the characters, Nishiki stands out as a colossal fish man with a compassionate heart. What sets this game apart is that time seems to advance throughout the story, allowing players to witness changes in the village as each character completes various missions across multiple timelines.
Towa and the Protectors of the Sacred Tree aren’t exactly pushing boundaries in the roguelite genre, but they offer a decent amount of intrigue that makes it an engaging addition. The Guardians will be starting their adventure soon. The game is scheduled to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch (excluding the Switch 2) on Friday, September 19.
The sneak peek you see here comes from a preliminary demonstration we witnessed at Summer Game Fest: Play Days. Keep in mind that the finished product may still undergo changes.
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2025-06-12 17:27