During today’s Nintendo Direct, Marvelous USA showed off their first full Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma trailer. It was previously teased that they were working on this Rune Factory game but this is the first official trailer they’ve released for the game, which wasn’t simply a brief teaser with no real info. The press release states that the game will be launching for both Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam sometime in Spring 2025. A more specific release date has not yet been announced at this time. That isn’t the only thing the press release mentions however. First of all, Marvelous USA mentions that they’ll be at PAX West, which happens August 30th to September 2nd. They’ll be at booth #809. They’ll be showing off the Earth Dancer abilities and fans will have a chance to earn exclusive themed merch. Second, Marvelous USA has also announced a special Earth Dancer Edition of the game which will be priced at $99.99. The press release says that this special edition of the game will include a physical copy of the game, a soundtrack CD, an art book, an Azuma-inspired folding fan, a plush Woolby keychain plus some DLC. The DLC included in the Earth Dancer Edition will be the Seasons of Love DLC bundle, plus additional DLC costumes for the protagonists and Woolby. Feel free to check out the brand new trailer down below and read more about Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma from the latest press release.
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 Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talisman. 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 Talisman 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!
