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75

MONSTER

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Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree

2025
GenresAdventure, Action, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableSep 19, 2025
PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
DeveloperBrownies
Overview

In this Roguelite set in a far-off mystic realm, ancient forces stir, and untold dangers await. As Towa, lead the guardians of the sacred tree in forging strong relationships and powerful swords to fight Magatsu’s forces and determine the future of Shinju Village.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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73

TL;DR

"Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree" features a captivating narrative steeped in Shinto mythology, with well-defined characters and immersive storytelling, praised by critics. However, excessive dialogue and pacing issues detract from the experience, leaving a mixed impression. The game shows promise but needs refinement in execution to fully shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

73

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews for "Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree" reveal a generally positive sentiment regarding the game's narrative. Critics like Digital Chumps and Final Weapon praise the engaging story that revolves around Towa, a warrior and priestess, who is tasked with defending her village from an evil god. The incorporation of Shinto mythology, as noted by Final Weapon, adds a rich cultural backdrop that enhances the story's depth. GamersRD also highlights the well-defined characters that players can connect with, suggesting that the emotional stakes are effectively conveyed throughout the narrative. IGN France appreciates the gradual unfolding of the story through gameplay, which allows for a more immersive experience, while Gamesurf points out the promise of character development as the missions progress. However, several critics express concerns regarding the narrative's execution. GAMES.CH notes that while the story has emotional moments and themes of separation, it suffers from excessive dialogue and explanations that detract from the overall experience. Worth Playing echoes this sentiment, describing the plot as overly wordy and suggesting that it lacks fulfillment despite its cute elements and dark moments. This critique indicates that while the story has potential, its delivery may hinder players' engagement and enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree" offers a compelling narrative with a strong cultural influence and well-developed characters. However, the execution of the story is marred by excessive dialogue and pacing issues, which may detract from the overall experience. Critics like GAMES.CH and Worth Playing highlight these shortcomings, suggesting that while the narrative foundation is solid, the execution could benefit from refinement. This duality of praise and criticism indicates that the game has significant strengths, but also areas that need improvement to fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

story and narrative

"Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree" features a captivating narrative steeped in Shinto mythology, with well-defined characters and immersive storytelling, praised by critics. However, excessive dialogue and pacing issues detract from the experience, leaving a mixed impression. The game shows promise but needs refinement in execution to fully shine.

76

TL;DR

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree impresses with its engaging roguelike mechanics and unique dual-character system, praised for strategic gameplay and character synergy. However, critics point to issues like enemy repetition and character balance—particularly with the Kagura character—as drawbacks. The game's slower pacing compared to Hades may also disappoint action-RPG fans seeking intensity. Overall, it offers a solid experience but leaves room for improvement, especially for those wanting a more polished action thrill.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

76

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, particularly for its engaging roguelike mechanics and dual-character system. Reviewers such as Digital Chumps and IGN France highlight the fast-paced action and strategic elements that allow players to choose paths and upgrade characters. The unique twist of controlling two characters simultaneously, as noted by Gamesurf and IGN France, adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to utilize distinct abilities for strategic advantage. Critics also appreciate the character synergy and the emphasis on cooperative gameplay, with Final Weapon mentioning the mix of offensive and magical abilities available to players, which enhances the overall combat experience. However, the game is not without its drawbacks. Several critics point out issues such as enemy repetition, as noted by Digital Chumps, which can detract from the overall excitement of the gameplay loop. Final Weapon mentions that while the Tsurugi character offers engaging mechanics, the Kagura feels underwhelming, particularly in co-op mode, which could lead to an unbalanced experience for players. Worth Playing also points out that the pacing of the game is slower compared to its inspiration, Hades, potentially diminishing the thrill for those seeking a more intense action-RPG experience. This slower pacing may not resonate with all players, leading to mixed feelings about the game's overall flow. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree successfully incorporates traditional roguelike elements with innovative gameplay mechanics, particularly the dual-character system. While there are notable strengths in character selection and strategic combat, concerns about enemy repetition and character balance, as highlighted by critics like Digital Chumps and Final Weapon, suggest that there are areas for improvement. Ultimately, while the game offers a solid experience for fans of the genre, it may not fully satisfy those looking for a more polished or fast-paced action experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree impresses with its engaging roguelike mechanics and unique dual-character system, praised for strategic gameplay and character synergy. However, critics point to issues like enemy repetition and character balance—particularly with the Kagura character—as drawbacks. The game's slower pacing compared to Hades may also disappoint action-RPG fans seeking intensity. Overall, it offers a solid experience but leaves room for improvement, especially for those wanting a more polished action thrill.

81

TL;DR

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree impresses with its stunning graphics and vibrant manga-inspired art, earning praise for its detailed environments and character designs. Critics celebrate the hand-drawn visuals and watercolor backgrounds, enhancing player immersion. However, some note issues with repetitive environments, oversaturation affecting visibility, and overly simplistic character models. Despite these drawbacks, the overall reception remains positive, highlighting the game's strong visual appeal and artistic charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

81

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising the game's artistic choices and aesthetic appeal. Digital Chumps highlights the "beautifully detailed and creatively executed visuals," emphasizing the lush environments that enhance player immersion. Similarly, IGN France commends the vibrant manga-inspired art style, noting that the colorful environments and appealing character designs contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic experience. Critics like GamersRD and Gamesurf further reinforce this sentiment by appreciating the cel-shaded characters and watercolor backgrounds, which create a visually stunning experience that showcases the game's artistic style. The hand-drawn visuals and traditional Japanese ink painting inspirations noted by Gamesurf also resonate with many reviewers, establishing a strong foundation for the game's visual appeal. However, not all feedback is entirely positive, as some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design. Final Weapon mentions that while the game features a beautiful anime aesthetic, some environments may become repetitive over time, which could detract from the overall experience. GamersRD also raises a concern about certain areas being oversaturated, affecting visibility, which might hinder players' enjoyment. Additionally, Worth Playing notes that while the environments are lush and colorful, some character models are considered too simple, which could diminish the visual impact in certain contexts. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in many areas, there are aspects that could benefit from refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree delivers a visually compelling experience that resonates with its intended aesthetic. The majority of reviewers, including Digital Chumps and GAMES.CH, celebrate the game's beautiful hand-drawn visuals and vibrant color palette, reinforcing the notion that the graphics are a strong point of the game. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitiveness and oversaturation, the overall impression remains overwhelmingly positive, with critics agreeing that the visual design significantly enhances the player's experience in the game world. This collective enthusiasm for the graphics suggests that Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree successfully captures the charm and vibrancy of its artistic inspirations, making it a noteworthy title in its genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree impresses with its stunning graphics and vibrant manga-inspired art, earning praise for its detailed environments and character designs. Critics celebrate the hand-drawn visuals and watercolor backgrounds, enhancing player immersion. However, some note issues with repetitive environments, oversaturation affecting visibility, and overly simplistic character models. Despite these drawbacks, the overall reception remains positive, highlighting the game's strong visual appeal and artistic charm.

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

music and sound design

Description unavailable

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

70

TL;DR

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree garners positive reviews for its diverse mechanics and multiple playthrough options, enhancing replay value. Critics praise its character dynamics and Roguelite elements but caution about potential repetition and complexity that may deter new players. Overall, while some issues exist, the game's design offers plenty of engaging replay opportunities.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

70

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is predominantly positive, with several critics highlighting the game's diverse mechanics that encourage multiple playthroughs. Digital Chumps notes the variety offered through multiple paths and character combinations, which adds layers of replayability. Similarly, Final Weapon emphasizes the game's encouragement of multiple playthroughs through character sacrifices and differing perspectives, enhancing the experience. Critics like GAMES.CH and IGN France also point out the game's Roguelite mechanics and variable difficulty modes, respectively, which allow players to engage with the game in various ways, further enriching the replay value. However, there are some concerns raised by critics that could impact the overall replayability of the game. Digital Chumps mentions that while there is variety, some repetition may detract from the replay value. GamersRD warns that the complexity of certain mechanics may pose a barrier for new players, potentially discouraging them from exploring the game's full replay potential. Worth Playing also highlights a potential drawback in the crafting system, which may hinder frequent character changes and limit the exploration of different builds. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree possesses a solid foundation for replay value through its diverse gameplay mechanics, character interactions, and strategic elements. While there are concerns regarding repetition and complexity, the overall impression is that the game offers ample opportunities for players to engage with it in multiple ways. Critics like GAMES.CH and IGN France underline the game's capacity for varied experiences, suggesting that, despite some drawbacks, players can find significant enjoyment in replaying the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree garners positive reviews for its diverse mechanics and multiple playthrough options, enhancing replay value. Critics praise its character dynamics and Roguelite elements but caution about potential repetition and complexity that may deter new players. Overall, while some issues exist, the game's design offers plenty of engaging replay opportunities.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

75

MONSTER

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

75

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding "Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree" is largely positive, with many critics praising its strong narrative, engaging gameplay, and impressive visuals. Digital Chumps highlights the game as a "well-crafted roguelike" that excels in these areas, while GamersRD emphasizes the unique experience and strategic gameplay it offers. IGN France also adds to this sentiment by noting the game's cooperative gameplay and unique mechanics, positioning it as a refreshing addition to the roguelite genre. The combination of narrative depth and refined aesthetics is frequently mentioned, with Gamesurf calling it an "excellent roguelite" that appeals to fans of the genre. However, several critics have pointed out notable drawbacks that may affect the overall experience. GAMES.CH mentions issues with excessive dialogue and pacing, which could detract from enjoyment, while Worth Playing refers to some awkward mechanics and a less engaging narrative, suggesting that the game may not fully resonate with all players. Additionally, Digital Chumps points out enemy repetition as a concern, indicating that while the gameplay is enjoyable, it may lack variety over time. These criticisms suggest that while the game has strong elements, it is not without its flaws. Despite the identified weaknesses, the overall consensus among critics is that "Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree" is a worthwhile title, particularly for fans of narrative-driven games and the roguelite genre. The positive feedback regarding its story and gameplay mechanics, as highlighted by Final Weapon and Gamesurf, indicates that the game successfully carves out its own identity, even if it draws inspiration from titles like Hades. Critics generally recommend the game, acknowledging its merits while also suggesting that potential players should be aware of its pacing and mechanical issues. Overall, it appears that the game has struck a chord with many, making it a notable entry in its genre.

TL;DR

"Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree" earns praise for its strong narrative, engaging gameplay, and impressive visuals, marking it as a standout in the roguelite genre. Critics highlight its cooperative mechanics and strategic depth, but raise concerns about excessive dialogue, pacing issues, and enemy repetition. Despite these flaws, the game is recommended for fans of narrative-driven experiences, successfully establishing its own identity while drawing inspiration from titles like Hades. Overall, it’s a solid choice, though players should be mindful of its shortcomings.

75

MONSTER

Star Icon

Reviews

66 reviews found

80

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Sep 22, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a well-crafted roguelike that excels in story, visuals, and gameplay, despite some issues with enemy repetition.


80

Worth Playing

PlayStation 5

Sep 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a fun action-RPG that, while inspired by Hades, stands on its own merits despite some awkward mechanics and a less engaging narrative.


80

IGN France

PlayStation 5

Sep 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a pleasant surprise in the roguelite genre, distinguished by its cooperative gameplay and unique mechanics, making it worth trying for fans of original roguelites.


80

Final Weapon

PlayStation 5

Sep 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree impresses with its story and combat system, though it may not be ideal for couch-co-op. Recommended for fans of plot-driven games.


80

Gamesurf

PlayStation 5

Sep 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Towa & The Guardians Of The Sacred Tree is praised as an excellent roguelite that combines narrative, refined aesthetics, and tactical challenge, making it a recommended title for fans of the genre.


77

GAMES.CH

PlayStation 5

Sep 25, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

While 'Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree' offers a visually appealing experience and engaging Roguelite gameplay, it suffers from excessive dialogue and pacing issues that may detract from the overall enjoyment.


75

GamersRD

PlayStation 5

Sep 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree presents a unique Roguelike experience with a strong narrative focus and strategic gameplay, despite some areas needing improvement.


95

NintendoBoy

Sep 18, 2025

Summary and quote unavailable.


90

TechRaptor

Sep 18, 2025

Summary and quote unavailable.


85

The Nerd Stash

Sep 18, 2025

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a top-notch roguelite with a memorable storyline that may feel bloated at times, but it is, undoubtedly, one of the most unique games in the genre due to how packed it is with things to do.

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