Bandai Namco has announced TOWA and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, a beautifully illustrated 2D isometric action-adventure with roguelite mechanics, deep progression, and a heartfelt story of courage and community. Developed by Brownies Inc.—best known for Fantasy Life—the game will launch on September 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025, TOWA blends fast-paced combat with a vibrant Eastern-inspired world and the visual charm of hand-drawn animation. Players will control Towa, a young priestess tasked with saving her village from a creeping evil, alongside a cast of eight Guardians—each with their own personality, fighting style, and story.
Fight to Save a World on the Brink
The peaceful Shinju Village is under threat from Magatsu, a dark force spreading across the land. As Towa, players team up with two Guardians on each run—one wielding the sacred sword Kagura. Together, they venture into enemy-infested dungeons to stop Magatsu and uncover the world’s secrets.
TOWA and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree features:
- Strategic dual-Guardian combat: Choose two characters per run, balancing melee and magic to overcome distinct dungeon challenges. Each Guardian has a unique skill tree and role in battle.
- Village meta-progression: Between runs, players return to Shinju Village, where they upgrade equipment, form bonds with villagers, and see the community evolve over time and across timelines.
- Gorgeous hand-drawn visuals: Every environment and character is brought to life with painterly 2D art, blending joyful aesthetics with a story rooted in duty and sacrifice.
- Crafting & growth: Collect materials during expeditions to forge new weapons and refine your build, making each Guardian pairing feel distinct.
- Original score by Hitoshi Sakimoto: The legendary composer (Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story) returns with an emotional and energetic soundtrack that elevates the adventure.
Bonds That Last Beyond Time
Beyond combat, the game leans heavily into storytelling and worldbuilding. Each Guardian has their own history with Shinju Village, and players will unlock new stories, traditions, and relationships as they progress. The village acts as both a central hub and a symbol of growth—the more players fight, the more the community around them thrives, evolves, and remembers.
Bandai Namco calls TOWA a “hard-hitting tale of duty and honor” wrapped in roguelite mechanics, and it looks to deliver both satisfying action and emotional weight when it launches this fall.
Pre-Order Now
TOWA and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree launches on September 19, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC. The game is available to pre-order now, with more details available at the official website.
