Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the latest entry in the long-running farming sim meets RPG hybrid series. It feels like one of the most refreshing games in the franchise so far, thanks to its laid-back pacing, solid combat system, and satisfying progression loop. Visually, it stands out with a clean, anime-inspired art style. The game looks great on PC and performs well, even on handheld devices like the Steam Deck, offering a stable and enjoyable experience.
One of the best things about the game is its straightforward story. There is no world-ending threat or over-the-top drama here. You choose between two protagonists — a male or female version of the main character — and the story begins with a dragon-riding battle against the character you did not choose. After the fight, your character crashes into a dragon shrine and wakes up with amnesia. From there, the journey begins in the village of Azuma, the central hub of this new Rune Factory adventure.
The goal is to make the land of Azuma livable again. The area has been cursed by a blight after a past disaster known as the Celestial Collapse. The world is divided into regions based on the seasons, and each is supposed to be protected by a guardian, but those guardians are no longer doing their jobs. Your task is to find them and restore balance to the land. Essentially, you take on the role of a leader trying to rebuild Azuma, fix its problems, and improve its economy.
Gameplay in Guardians of Azuma is simple but satisfying. The action RPG mechanics offer a small selection of weapons, including bows, katanas, and magical artifacts that let you perform special moves. The fun comes from how combat plays out. You cannot just button-mash your way through, especially during boss fights. The game asks you to be strategic, using dodges and parries to avoid enemy attacks, which are clearly marked with area-of-effect indicators during battle, giving you a fair shot to respond and position yourself properly.
The amnesia storyline might feel a bit overused, but the game does try to set itself apart with its focus on regional gods. While the narrative is not the game’s strongest point, it is backed by solid gameplay mechanics. Farming is enjoyable, with a range of tools available to build new structures or grow crops that help boost Azuma’s economy. The farming system has been simplified in this entry, which makes it easier for newcomers to jump in. However, this simplicity might be a downside for players who are used to more complex sim games like Story of Seasons or Stardew Valley.
New recipes are gradually unlocked throughout the game, and there is plenty of side content to explore, even if most of it is not as deep or well-integrated as in other RPGs. As you play, you can upgrade the village by building new houses, facilities, and other structures. Placing buildings on the grid is quick and easy to understand. However, it sometimes feels like these buildings are more decorative than functional, offering arbitrary upgrades rather than meaningful interaction. The villagers rarely respond to these developments, which can make the world feel a bit empty or disconnected.
Since the game divides the seasons into different regions of Azuma, you will have to farm a seasonal crop based on its specific region. This makes the farming aspect of the game rather easier since you no longer have to worry about seasons changing in real time. On top of it, the farming aspects are simplified with villagers helping you manage your farm. Recipes are no longer experimental and can be easily found through exploration.
The game also features a relationship system that stands out, thanks to its smaller, more focused cast. The limited number of characters allows the developers to give each one more attention, resulting in better character development across the board. Relationships are not built solely through gift-giving or casual conversations; instead, you can take characters to different locations or do activities they enjoy. Each bondable character has a distinct personality, which helps bring them to life and makes forming connections feel more meaningful.
The variety of gameplay systems in Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma keeps things engaging. Between the relationship mechanics, farming simulator elements, action RPG combat, and light town management features, the game successfully blends multiple genres. It also features the best combat system in the franchise so far. The main cast is entertaining, with unique personality traits that make them stand out. While the story itself may not be particularly compelling — especially given the reliance on the series’ familiar amnesia-driven plot — that was never likely to be the main draw.
Overall, I was satisfied with what Marvelous achieved with Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma. It tackles several gameplay styles at once and does so effectively. The PC version is technically solid, running close to 60 FPS even on the Steam Deck, and the visuals are a standout. I especially liked the game’s art style, which feels like a step up from previous Rune Factory entries.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: XSEED
- Developer: Marvelous
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
