Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree Review – A Heartfelt JRPG That Falls Short of Greatness

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, released on September 18, 2025, for PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, is a new JRPG from indie developer SakuraSoft. Centered on Towa, a young shrine maiden tasked with protecting a mystical tree, this title blends turn-based combat, exploration, and a heartfelt story inspired by Japanese folklore. Earning a 74/100 (Mixed or Average), Towa delivers a charming, nostalgic experience with likable characters and a vibrant world, but repetitive combat and technical hiccups prevent it from rivaling 2025’s JRPG heavyweights like Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. For fans of classic RPGs, it’s a cozy adventure, but its lack of polish holds it back.

A Folktale with Heart but Little Depth Set in the mythical land of Yamatai, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree follows Towa, a shrine maiden chosen to protect the Sacred Tree from a corrupting blight. Joined by elemental guardians—spirits of wind, fire, and water—she embarks on a 20–25-hour quest across enchanted forests and ancient temples. The narrative shines with its folklore-inspired tone, weaving themes of duty and friendship through Towa’s earnest perspective. Voice acting, available in English and Japanese, adds warmth, though secondary characters lack depth compared to the richly developed cast of 2025’s Atelier Resleriana. The story’s linear structure and predictable twists feel dated, and while multiple endings add some replayability, the pacing drags with filler quests. X posts reflect the sentiment: “Towa’s story is sweet, but it feels like a PS2 RPG in a bad way.” Compared to Trails in the Sky’s epic scope, Towa’s tale is more intimate but less gripping.

Combat and Exploration with Familiar Roots Gameplay centers on turn-based combat and open-world exploration. Towa and her guardians fight using elemental abilities, with a “Harmony Gauge” that powers combo attacks when synced correctly. The system is accessible but grows repetitive, as enemy variety is limited and battles rely heavily on spamming strong moves. Exploration fares better, with Yamatai’s interconnected regions offering secrets like hidden shrines and crafting materials. Platforming sections, using Towa’s wind-based dash, add variety but suffer from clunky controls. Side quests, while numerous, often boil down to fetch tasks, padding the runtime. Accessibility features, like auto-battle and adjustable difficulty, cater to newcomers, but the lack of online multiplayer limits social play. A local co-op mode, where a second player controls a guardian, is a fun but undercooked addition. X users noted, “The world is gorgeous, but combat gets boring fast.” Compared to 2025’s Marisa of Liartop Mountain, Towa’s exploration is more robust, but its combat lacks the same spark.

A Vibrant World with Technical Flaws Visually, Towa shines with a cel-shaded, anime-inspired style, running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Switch version, at 1080p/30 FPS, holds up but suffers from occasional texture pop-in. Yamatai’s landscapes—cherry blossom groves, misty mountains—are breathtaking, with dynamic lighting enhancing the mood. Character designs are charming, though animations feel stiff in combat. The soundtrack, blending traditional Japanese instruments with orchestral tracks, is a highlight, though it loops repetitively. PS5’s DualSense haptics add immersion, with vibrations for spell casts and environmental effects. Performance is inconsistent, with Switch frame drops in crowded areas and PC crashes during transitions, only partially fixed by patches. Compared to 2025’s Slime Rancher 2, Towa’s visuals are more detailed but less polished technically.

A Charming but Unpolished Journey Priced at $40, Towa offers decent value with unlockable costumes and a “Folktale Archive” of lore, but its repetitive gameplay and technical issues disappoint. X feedback praises the aesthetic—“Yamatai feels alive!”—but critiques the execution: “Too many bugs for a $40 game.” Compared to Persona 5’s polish, Towa feels like a budget effort with big ambitions. Its heart shines through, but it needed more refinement.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree earns its 74/100 for its charming world, heartfelt story, and cozy vibe, making it a solid pick for JRPG fans. Repetitive combat and technical flaws hold it back, but its sincerity keeps it engaging. SakuraSoft shows promise—here’s hoping their next tale blooms brighter.