At Summer Game Fest 2025, Bandai Namco unveiled Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, a new roguelike title from Brownies Inc. Compared to Hades but infused with the charm of Eastern mysticism, this game promises a unique blend of fast-paced action, striking visuals, and an unusual cast of characters. It is set to launch on September 19, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
The reveal trailer, showcased during Summer Game Fest, offered a glimpse into the game’s world, though much of the story remains a mystery. You play as Towa, a young priestess leading a group of eight unique guardians in a battle against Magatsu, an evil force threatening the peaceful village of Shinju. The game features a top-down perspective with dynamic action combat, and what sets Towa apart is its cooperative twist: you can control two guardians simultaneously, each with distinct abilities and weapons.
The game’s aesthetic is stunning, rooted in classical Japanese art with hand-drawn characters and beautiful backgrounds reminiscent of traditional ink paintings. The world combines serene beauty with lurking danger, complemented by a soundtrack from composer Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy Tactics).
Among the colorful cast of guardians are a giant Shiba Inu and a talking koi fish. As you explore dangerous lands and dungeons, you’ll build connections with the village inhabitants, uncovering their stories and customs across different timelines, which further develops the village and deepens the narrative.