At the Summer Game Fest, I had the opportunity to dive into “Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree,” a new title from Bandai Namco that aims to attract fans of the roguelike hack-and-slash genre, particularly those who enjoyed “Hades.” The game features isometric combat akin to its inspiration, starting from a hub area where players engage in runs through various battlefields filled with enemies. After defeating foes, players receive upgrades to skills, weapons, currency, and more. With its scheduled launch on September 18, “Towa” enables players to quickly adapt to its mechanics if they’ve come from other roguelike titles.
Developed by Brownies, Inc., “Towa” distinguishes itself with its unique anime art style and a diverse cast of characters. The protagonist, Towa, serves as a priestess in the tranquil Shinju village, responsible for uniting eight guardians against the dark forces led by Magatsu. Players can choose one of these warriors and a secondary character for spellcasting—a setup that even facilitates cooperative gameplay. Director Shuhei Yamashita acknowledged that while “Towa” draws gameplay elements from “Hades,” it integrates its unique gameplay systems and maneuverability traits that add depth to the experience.
Visually, “Towa” is vibrant and appealing, featuring an art style that eschews more realistic historical aesthetics in favor of a fantastical, Eastern-inspired ambiance. According to Yamashita, the design choice aims to evoke a unique charm rather than replicate Japanese historical themes, creating a more distinct fantasy world. The game employs dual-sword mechanics, where each weapon has its own durability that diminishes with use. Players must manage the two swords to maintain them, introducing a rhythm to combat that encourages skillful switching between weapons.
Combat in “Towa” showcases a range of unlockable boons and upgrades that enhance gameplay variety. Players can earn different effects after successfully overcoming enemies, some of which offer direct damage boosts while others introduce unique conditions or functions—like generating shockwaves with spells. The diverse combat mechanics create an opportunity for experimentation, although my brief session didn’t allow for an exhaustive exploration of this depth. Each of the eight fighters, including a fish-man named Nishiki and a Shiba Inu, offers unique abilities, enriching the gameplay further.
As I progressed through a series of battles, combat coordination emerged as a central challenge, especially in managing the weapon system and utilizing spells effectively. The game’s visual effects can be overwhelming, making it easy to lose track of the player’s character amidst the chaos. Ultimately, my attempt to defeat a mid-run boss went well, leading to a merchant room where I could spend rewards on upgrades—a substantial nod to familiar roguelike mechanics. I also encountered a serene resting area where characters shared their backstories, adding narrative depth to the gameplay experience.
Confronting the boss at the end resulted in defeat, though it highlighted the learning curve inherent to mastering “Towa’s” mechanics. Despite employing strategic moves including ultimate abilities, I could not emerge victorious, indicating the game’s challenge level. However, players won’t have to wait long to experience this unique blend of roguelike combat when “Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree” launches on multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, priced at $30. With its engaging mechanics and captivating world, it promises an exciting addition to the roguelike genre.
