Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma NS2 Review
Summary: Definitely one for fans of JRPG, particularly if you're seeking to maximise your new gaming console.
4
Strong
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is one of the launch titles for the all-new Nintendo Switch console and the latest instalment of the Rune Factory saga. At its core, Guardians of Azuma is a JRPG with exploration, combat and “farming” that is also driven by a gorgeous anime narrative surrounding Shintoism that, together with the gameplay, characters and world, comes together rather well.
Best of all, you don’t need to have any previous knowledge of the franchise and Guardians of Azuma does a good job at introducing you to this world through stylish cutscenes and well-written NPCs. The early hours essentially serve as a tutorial, easing you into the updated gameplay systems and controls on the Nintendo Switch 2. Before you begin, you choose between two protagonists—Kaguya or Subura—alongside your preferred difficulty (Story, Balanced, or Hard). A sweeping cinematic introduces you to the world, with both characters riding dragons through the skies in an eye-catching opener.
As you can tell, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is not like your clichéd JRPG. Apart from protecting and nurturing the land, you’re also responsible for the village itself… though fortunately, the locals pitch in with its upkeep. What really makes this entry feel fresh is the expanded village management system. Players can assign villagers to specific roles, invest in construction projects and gradually restore Azuma to its former spiritual balance. The loop feels rewarding and strategic without becoming overwhelming.
Combat is sturdy and satisfying, benefiting from the Nintendo Switch 2’s improved performance. While swordplay forms the backbone, a wide range of tools like talismans, bows and elemental relics add tactical flexibility. Some bosses require you to adapt to these tools mid-fight and every foe has a distinct weakness to exploit. Load times are snappy and battles feel more fluid thanks to enhanced frame rates… though the lack of enemy scaling can make late-game encounters feel a touch too easy if you’re over-prepared.
Complementing the sharp anime-style visuals is a stirring soundtrack that fuses traditional Japanese instrumentation with upbeat RPG rhythms. Each region has its own sonic identity, from serene string melodies echoing through cherry blossom groves to adrenaline-pumping tracks that underscore tense encounters. Voice acting is another highlight, layering emotion into even brief interactions with villagers, while never overpowering the game’s gentle, contemplative rhythm.
Thematically, the game explores the world’s mythology through the lens of a decaying Shinto-inspired realm. You’ll encounter seasonal gods, haunted shrines and creatures corrupted by the Blight… an affliction tied to a cataclysm known as the Celestial Collapse. These elements weave into both story quests and environmental puzzles, lending real purpose to exploration.
Progression is equally thoughtful that doesn’t feel like a grind. Farming and crafting remain core to the experience and seasonal changes affect not just crops but also character schedules and unlockables like limited-time quests or harvest festivals. Relationship-building returns too, with 15 romanceable characters and this time around, courtship feels more personal, with tailored quests and the ability to unlock festival scenes, marriage and even shared responsibilities in village life. A few options are locked behind post-launch DLC, which may frustrate some players but the base game still offers meaningful connections.
Final Thoughts?
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a heartfelt evolution of the franchise that doesn’t just ride the coattails of the Switch 2’s hardware, but rather embraces it. With accessible-yet-deep gameplay, richly drawn characters and a world that feels both mythic and lived-in, it offers a standout launch experience for newcomers and veterans alike. Whether you’re here to swing a blade, rebuild a village, or fall in love beneath the sakura trees, Azuma is well worth the journey.
Recommended!
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