Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a New Roguelike Inspired by Eastern Mysticism

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At Summer Game Fest 2025, Bandai Namco introduced Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, a new roguelike title from the studio Brownies Inc. This game, which is being compared to Hades but imbued with the charm of Eastern mysticism, promises a unique blend of fast-paced action, unique visuals, and a quirky cast of characters. The launch is announced for September 19, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

The announcement trailer, shown during Summer Game Fest, offered a glimpse into the game’s world, although much of the story remains a mystery. You play as Towa, a young shrine maiden who leads a group of eight unique Guardians in a fight against Magatsu, an evil force threatening the peaceful village of Shinju. The game uses 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 special abilities and weapons.

The game’s aesthetic is outstanding, rooted in classic Japanese art with hand-drawn characters and beautiful backgrounds reminiscent of traditional ink paintings. The world combines serene beauty with lurking danger, featuring a soundtrack by composer Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy Tactics).

Additionally, the colorful cast of Guardians includes a giant Shiba Inu and a talking koi fish. As you explore dangerous lands and dungeons, you will forge bonds with the villagers, uncovering their stories and customs across different timelines, which further develops the village and deepens the narrative.