Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Blossoms on May 30th [UPDATED]
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The Rune Factory series has always served as an action-y alternative to the Story of Seasons farming series. This latest game, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, takes the spin-off in a whole new direction with stunning new graphics, gameplay, and a beautiful Japanese aesthetic.
Expect to farm, rebuild a village, and woo 16 love interests when Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma launches worldwide on May 30th, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Check out the new features trailer below.
Courtesy of Gematsu, we know a recent article in Weekly Famitsu provided new details about the game across 16 pages. The new information included Japanese voice actors for characters, as well as details about the romanceable characters.
- Subaru (voiced by Junya Enoki) – one of the protagonists
- Kaguya (voiced by Yuishikawa) – the other protagonist
- Mocoron (voiced by Ai Kakuma) – the game’s adorable mascot
- Hino (voiced by Shiina Natsukawa) – an enigmatic archaeologist and romance option
- Mauro – another romance option who also happens to be an adventurer who travels through the skies
Along with romancing the characters, developing relationships allows you to bring your pals into battle. As an Earth Dancer, your abilities will help in combat and rebuilding villages from the ground up.
UPDATE: Marvelous USA shared details on an upcoming livestream that will showcase further looks at the game and new reveals. The livestream will premiere on the Marvelous YouTube channel on Wednesday, January 22nd at 8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET, and will be hosted by Ovilee May alongside English voice actors Brandon McInnis (Subaru) and Suzie Yeung (Kaguya).
Limited Edition Details
Collectors should be pleased that a special edition, the “Earth Dancer” Limited Edition, is available for pre-order. Priced at $99.99 USD (and €99.99 EUR in Europe).
This stunning collection comes in a custom outer box 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.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Overview
The latest entry in the popular action-RPG and life-simulation series introduces players to the Eastern territory of Azuma, a land of Japanese-inspired visuals and unique twists on familiar gameplay elements from the Rune Factory franchise.
Ravaged by the effects of the Celestial Collapse and the cessation of power provided by the runes, the eastern lands of Azuma are a shadow of their prosperous past. Weakened by corruptive forces, the gods of nature retreated from the world, leaving mountains to crumble and fields to wither. The people of Azuma seek aid against a blight that has swept these once-bountiful lands. One young hero enters into a contract with a dragon and sets out on a journey. “Accept the might of the Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.”
Guardians of Azuma takes players on an all-new adventure in the never-before-seen country of Azuma. Here, players will assume the role of an Earth Dancer destined to return hope—and life—to the once-thriving land. Choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, and experience reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay; as an Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talismans. Azuma is a vast world to explore with majestic villages to uncover, each taking inspiration from Japanese culture and each with a seasonal theme. In addition to exploration, combat, and village-building, players will also cultivate relationships with the locals, recruiting them to your side in battle or to help manage the villages. Wield sacred treasures of the gods and the Earth Dancer’s power of dance to purify the land and return Azuma to its former glory. The adventure of a new world awaits.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Key Features
Bold New Abilities and Weapons: As an Earth Dancer, use the power of dance, sacred treasures, and fresh weapons like the Bow and Talismans to purify the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.
It Takes a Village: Don’t just mind the farm—rebuild entire villages! Construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute. Revive the gods to bring vitality and valuable resources back to the plagued lands.
Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Experience beautiful Japanese-inspired character designs and aesthetics—from festivals to events to monsters. Explore Azuma’s natural landscapes and its seasonal-themed locales steeped in tradition.
Classic Romance and Relationships: Choose between male and female protagonists, then befriend or romance any of the eligible candidates—god and mortal alike—in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit these new friends to aid in dynamic battles, too!
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Screenshots
UPDATED: See some brand-new Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma screenshots below!
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will launch on May 30th for Switch and PC via Steam. Stay tuned to RPGFan for more farming RPGs!
Source: Gematsu