The newest entry in the Rune Factory series, Rune Factory: Guardians, is heading to the Nintendo Switch with an interesting new look and new gameplay.
Announced during the Aug 27th, 2024 Nintendo Indie Direct/Partner Showcase, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma kicked off with a bang as a boy and girl are seen riding white and black dragons respectively locked in an unknown conflict.
Set in a more Japan-inspired setting, players will take on the role of an Earth Dancer players will channel the powers of nature to restore life, and perhaps the energy sources known as Runes to the land. Players will choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, and experience reimagined and expanded gameplay.
Not only will players be able to use magic to assist them in their daily farming, but they’ll also be able to construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute to restoring the land. On top of that, Guardians of Azuma will feature expanded combat—a staple to the Rune Factory franchise—and new weapons such as the Bow and Talisman.
Alongside the standard edition, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will feature the “Earth Dancer Edition,” which will include a custom outer box featuring awe-inspiring art of a battle high above Azuma, and includes a physical copy of the game, an original soundtrack CD, an art book, an Azuma-inspired folding fan, the “Seasons of Love” DLC bundle, additional DLC costumes for your protagonists and their divine sidekick Woolby, and a plush Woolby keychain. The Earth Dancer edition will retail for $99.99 CAD.
While no official release date has been set for Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, the game is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch and Windows PC via Steam in Spring 2025.
