Towa and the Protectors of the Holy Tree is strongly reminiscent of Bandai Namco's Hades, depicting a similar mythological adventure.
Get Ready for a Vibrant T continuum Battle in Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree 💰💰
Buoyed by the gaming world's recent roguelike-fever, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is about to steal the spotlight! Set to drop on September 19, the game, from the creative minds at Brownies, Inc., and with Bandai Namco as its publisher, is geared up to bring a fresh take to a popular formula with its exquisite ink painting-inspired art, bursting with color and charm.
Wondering if it can hold its own amidst the rapidly growing competition in the genre? I immersed myself in a hands-on session at Summer Game Fest to find out, taking an initial 15-minute spin (followed by a reboot post a brief defeat). While it won't break free from the inevitable Hades comparisons, Towa does boast some out-of-the-box ideas in its two-character combat system, setting the stage for exhilarating battles at an unprecedented pace. 💥💥
Towa follows our young, divine protagonist of the same name, on a quest to protect a threatened village from a miasma plague. Joined by an eclectic group of eight heroes, from a small child to a towering fish man (yep, the fish man is the star of the show!), our hero's unique twist in the gaming world is abundantly clear. When embarking on a roguelike adventure, players don't just choose a single character - they choose two! One personifies the primary battle-axe-wielding warrior, or the Tsurugi, while the other plays the role of a support hero, boasting a hefty arsenal of powerful skills such as the Kagura.
This daring little shakeup spearheads Towa's claim on the genre, as the action would be somewhat mundane without it. The flow of the game leans heavily on the Hades mold, even compared to the latest game in the genre, Warriors: Abyss. You dash from arena to arena, swiftly clearing waves of enemies before selecting a reward that aids in shaping your build. Then, you're faced with a series of doors, each offering a different upgrade. The arenas themselves are punctuated by sub-bosses, rest areas, and boss battles that mark the end of a biome. Though it's not as imaginative as its visually stunning art style, the underlying formula is one that's been borrowed with good reason.
The dual character system adds another dimension to the game, making it more compelling. While the combat is straightforward, the ability to pair and mix characters gives players the chance to find synergies that fit their playstyle. In my brief exploration, I found success by coupling a close-range Tsurugi with a Kagura who was able to wield massive area-of-effect attacks. It appears that other characters can be used primarily for support rather than as an offensive force, which opens up a world of opportunities for players.
There's a smart layer of gear management, as well, requiring players to keep their energy levels up by cycling through every weapon at their disposal. Rooms can be cleared at an impressive speed, making the game feel anything but tedious.
With just a quick taste, I've only touched the surface of this depth, but there's more to discover. I'm especially curious about the game's system for meta-progression, as it seems that there will be a means of amplifying each hero's power in some capacity. Considering the vast array of characters on offer, Towa holds the potential to keep completionists on their toes for quite a while. For now, though, my focus is locked firmly on triumphing in that first biome, as the boss proved too formidable for my ragtag group.
Trust the journey, one battle at a time!
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree drops on September 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. 🎉🎉
The upcoming game, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, promises to captivate players with its fresh take on the roguelike formula, delivering a thrilling entertainment experience. With the dual character combat system and exquisite art style, Towa is bound to provide a unique gaming entertainment that sets it apart from its competitors.
