PS5: Towa & The Child of the Sacred Tree (Asia)

Gameplay and story

Protagonist: Players take on the role of Towa, a child of the gods and the priestess of Shinju village, which lies at the base of the sacred tree of the same name.

The threat: An evil entity named Magatsu threatens the peace of Shinju village by spreading a corrupting influence and creating destructive creatures called Magaori.

Allies: To stop Magatsu, Towa gathers eight companions, known as Guardians or Prayer Children, to join her quest. The game features a tag-team combat system where players select a primary fighter (Tsurugi) and a supporter (Kagura) for each dungeon run.

Time loop mechanic: Because they are not always successful in their first attempts, the sacred tree grants Towa the power to turn back time after a defeat, allowing her and her companions to learn and grow from their mistakes in preparation for the next attempt.

Gameplay loop: After a run, players return to the village to build relationships with villagers, upgrade equipment, and prepare for the next procedurally generated dungeon.

Key features

Roguelite adventure: Players explore vibrant, hand-drawn environments that are procedurally generated, meaning each dungeon run offers a new layout and challenge.

Relationship-building: A core feature of the game is building strong bonds with the villagers and companions, which grants new abilities and strengthens the resolve of Towa.

Unique art and music: The game features a distinct, painterly art style and an evocative soundtrack composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto.