Customers highly value the engaging gameplay and beautiful graphics of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, praising its smooth performance on the Switch 2, both docked and handheld. The captivating story and charming characters also receive positive feedback. Players consistently report enjoying the game's overall experience and find it easy to play.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 45 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Downright addictive!
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is my first ever Rune Factory game - I've heard amazing things about the series but have never really gotten around to purchasing any of the entries. The Far Eastern aesthetic grabbed my attention quickly for this particular entry, and since starting it I've struggled to put the game down! The balance between the sim aspects and the action rpg elements is spot on, and it's easy to get sucked into both aspects of the game. After such a phenomenal experience, I'm definitely going to have to spring for future entries into the series, and maybe even go back to play previous ones!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Story
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love this ruin factory spin off! The story is interesting and fighting style is so dope.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing game for any Runefactory fan!
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This has been an amazing game in the two or so weeks so far with my Nintendo Switch 2. I am a long time fan of the Runefactory series, having started with Runefactory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon on the DS, and this game may just be the best of them all! New city-building mechanics are super fun and all the characters and voice acting just make the game amazing in my opinion. 5/5!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Story
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic update to the Rune Factory series
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Guardians takes the normal Rune Factory formula and builds on it with a multitude of new subsystems.
Rather than managing a single farm you now manage multiple villages. Farming elements remain but are only one small portion rather than a major timesink from your in game days. Construction being able to be done in an over the shoulder camera or top down feels smooth with the ability to work on d pad style grid navigation or use the new switch 2 mouse controls.
The story and characters are solid with plenty of voice acting. Combat also feels smooth and the skill tree xp system feels like a great natural power progression without the need to grind to use it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Story
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fun game
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Super fun. You can play at your own pace if you want to just farm and make money or if you want to fight monsters and level up. Storyline is also interesting.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Story
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Hidden Gem
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have been blown away by this game. It’s the only game I have been playing. I’m 22 hours in and it’s very fun to play. It has a well written story and characters. It can be really funny. Farming is streamlined so even if you don’t like that it’s easy to do. Exploring is fun with lots of things to see and collect. Combat is fun with lots of options. If you like games like Zelda and Dark Cloud I highly recommend this game. It’s fully voiced too.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
60FPS Fighting and Gardening Goodness!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Easily one of the best launch day games put on the Nintendo Switch 2. It takes everything people loved about the previous Rune Factory games, tossed on some really awesome Japanese lore, and wrapped it up with interesting combat. I've already put about 50 hours in and I'm still not done. It's a great game, and runs like a dream on the Switch 2.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Like a GB-era Zelda x Harvest Moon Mashup
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Do you like GB era Links Awakening with fun items that alter how you navigate and interact with the world? Do you like building a farm and village? Do you wany to marry pretty waifus and handsome husbandos? If you answered yes to even just one of those questions, you will have a great time with this game. It is addicting, and I find myself engaging in every set of game mechanics despite trying to just focus down the main story initially. Not to mention, full game on the cartridge. It doesnt come bundled with the DLC, and we have to buy the accessory kit separately from Marvelous, but I want to give them the benefit of the doubt that they were in a rush to get it out for Switch 2 the best they could. The fact they know they rushed and are offering the box as an option is huge for fans. Oh, and of course you can just buy the Earth Dancer edition for Switch 1 and buy an upgrade pack. With all those options to play the game how you want, game on cartridge when other publishers are doing game key only, making sure people can get those cool collectors items, and it being just a very fun, good game, I implore you to buy this game if you are even remotely interested. We have to support these good publishers that care about their fans.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Beautiful art style
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Art style is beautiful. There is a lot to do in this game. My only issues are the voice overs of some of the characters and that they don't make it clear on where or how to turn in a quest. These are my reasons for it not being a 5 star rating. Other than that, the game is beautiful and so much fun!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Story
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fun game
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
What a great game from start to finish, enjoyed every second of it from the nice little story to the nice little town building and farming crops and getting all that money
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A Stellar Solo Adventure on Switch 2!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve been lost in Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on my Switch 2 for weeks, and it’s easily one of the best solo games I’ve ever played. Waking up as an amnesiac Earth Dancer in the lush, mythical land of Azuma feels magical from the first moment. The story of rebuilding a broken world while uncovering my own past pulled me in and never let go.
I love how every day feels meaningful without being overwhelming. I plant glowing crops at dawn, chat with quirky villagers who quickly become friends, then head out to explore floating islands or battle spirits in fluid, satisfying combat. Best of all, I can hand off routine chores to the community I’ve built, so I’m free to focus on adventure and relationships instead of endless grinding.
The Switch 2 makes it all shine. It runs at a silky 60 frames per second, loads instantly, and looks stunning whether I’m playing on the TV or in bed. The Joy-Con pointer for aiming spells and navigating menus feels intuitive and fun. Animations are smooth, the music is soothing, and the Japanese-inspired world is packed with secrets that reward curiosity.
For a solo player like me, this is pure joy: cozy, deep, and always respecting my time. I can’t recommend it enough.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
love this
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
i love the graphics on the game and switch 2, truly a testament from my childhood playing rune factory frontier on the wii with my aunt, the controls are awesome and ive stayed up late playing this everynight since i got it on release day
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Story
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Loved it, but could be better
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great story and easy to play. Only reason its not 5 stars is because there isnt much of an end game and the marrage/children feel like a last minute addition. Could have been designed better. Still a great game and I recommended it if your on the fence.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Touches the soul
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Mister Piggy is my noble dragon sheep steed thing, my dragon-pig airplane, and together we liberate imprisoned gods who immediately assist me in deforesting the local population for twigs and pocket lint. The highlight isn’t farming or friendships—it’s the sheer joy of clear-cutting entire regions and erasing the wildlife with unbridled precision. Truly inspiring.
10/10 recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic game for Switch 2
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I haven't made it too far into the game yet, but so far it's beautiful and plays really well on Switch 2. Looking forward to spending hours on this one.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Weird pastiche but okay
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It's like if you made an RPG with Genshin Impact's skeleton, Pokemon Legends: Arceus' UI and font (seriously), [insert preferred hack 'n' slash game title here], and a little bit of Rune Factory to round it all off. Pity about the lack of gyro for bow aiming though. Game struggles very slightly at 4K when there's more than half a dozen characters doing stuff on screen. Lower the resolution to 1080p in the Switch 2 settings if that happens.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fun new game
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It runs pretty well. Beautiful graphics and fun Japan esque settings!
Love the gameplay and the story.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay, Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great for new or old fans of the series!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Fun and runs great on the Switch 2. The farming sim mixed with action combat is great!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Gameplay
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A must have for Rune Factory fans new and old!
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is the best Rune Factory ever made.
The fighting, farming and traveling in this game are incredibly well done. It is extremely addicting and I love that the devs made it so that you can buy the switch 2 version and still be able to play it on your regular switch.
This is a must have especially since there aren’t too many Switch 2 exclusives out at the moment.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My new favorite Rune Factory
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This game that I thought would be a fun little spin-off is so much more than that. It's Rune Factory reimagined. While all the core elements are present, they are all made in a new way to provide a long-overdue and fresh take on the series. Not to mention it holds up and runs great on Switch 2 - docked or handheld.