If you’re like me and missed the initial release of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma fret not, Marvelous and XSEED Games has you covered. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is an action-rpg and life simulation that takes the elements from previous Rune Factory games and creates a new world inspired by Japanese folklore. This new adventure takes place in the eastern country of Azuma where players assume Earth Dancer powers and fight against the Blight spreading across the land to bring hope to a once-prosperous land. Although I missed the initial PC release of this title, the PS5 installment absorbed me into a deep, vast adventure.
For those new to the series, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the latest installment in the franchise. This installment brings bold and new shifts to the farming and simulation gameplay that fans, like myself, have come to know and enjoy. It builds on the existing Rune Factory formula by introducing four new areas to the mix. Why work on a single plot of land when you can explore 4 different areas with different seasonal themes? These four areas or villages provides a holistic view of the world giving an interconnected feel that marks a new shift for the series.
Azuma is introduced as a region scarred by the Celestial Collapse, a cataclysmic event that devastated the land, disrupted the flow of runes, and caused the disappearance of the gods who once protected them. Now, fifty years later, the corruption spread once again under the influence of the Black Dragon. Players assume the role of the Earth Dancer a figure responsible for restoring villages, reconnecting with the gods, and pushing back against the corruption. Rather than be a story filled with deep twists, it is a story filled with rich Japanese folklore with long-term restoration and communal recovery at its core. I cannot tell you how many abandoned homes I came across in each village, which gave the narrative a sense of purpose.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has a very straightforward gameplay loop. It features a mix of real-time combat and simulation features that keeps players busy. You can explore the wilds to defeat enemies and gather resources for rebuilding the villages. You can also befriend the local townspeople and recruit villagers to assign to various tasks around the village. The combat felt responsive and not sluggish. I noticed a variety of weapons and builds available at my disposal varying between melee and range focused attacks. Even with the straightforward gameplay loop, Guardians of Azuma is engaging enough for players looking for plenty to do.
One of the key features to note is the world design and exploration available throughout the game. Azuma’s regions draw heavily from seasonal themes with each area having its own distinct identity. Exploration throughout the game feels rewarding. Players can experiment and explore as much as they’d like as they navigate through wild areas. The map is helpful for staying on track, but if you are like me and want to explore until you can’t that is an option.
I really enjoyed the unique character designs throughout the game. The overall graphics and aesthetics of the game really sold this for me on PS5. I do have a high end PC, but I also have an internal capture card and monitor meant to bring my gaming experience to new heights. The gameplay felt smooth with a steady frame rate and I had no performance issues. The load times were also quick and smooth making each transition feel like scenes in an animated film. For any players concerned about performance, I can confirm that you will get a high-end PC performance on the PS5’s hardware for this title. DualSense haptics are available, but they did not add much to my overall experience.
The soundtrack is not memorable but it serves its purpose in presenting the game’s folkloric tone through a Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Azuma not only has a distinctive look but a distinctive sound that differentiates it from earlier entries in the series. From the dance mechanic that the protagonist does to the music in the cutscenes, the music sets the tone for both the atmosphere and the narrative.
Guardians of Azuma does not reinvent the wheel but refines the series. With a new setting, system, and village restoration, this installment has a distinct and unique identity while giving long time fans the feeling of home with its familiar gameplay loop. PS5 players will be happy to hear that not only will you be getting the base game but all of the previous updates and all DLC previously released last year! Guardians of Azuma is stacked with content that leaves no room for yearning for more. There is always something you can do from character specific missions, bonds, farming, village restoration, and world exploration. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma offers compelling gameplay that continues to thrive, now on PS5, making another great place for players new and old to jump in if (like me) who may have missed its initial launch.
