Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 71 | 79 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 65% | 63 | 120 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 75% | 71 | 38 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Dec 3, 2025) · 38 reviews sampled · 38 total reviews in window · weighted 22.4 up / 7.4 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (86)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Despite the abundance of Roguelite games at the current time, it offers one of the most distinctive experiences this year. The narrative aspect and the characters that are easy to get attached to, the dual combat between the two characters adds a distinctive tactical depth and creates moments charged with tension and excitement. The carefully built gameplay loop makes every attempt a new opportunity to formulate a different style, with a noticeable variety in abilities and options. The hand-drawn artistic direction adds a special identity, while the soundtrack enhances the atmosphere. It is true that some aspects need improvement, such as the balance in difficulty, repetition in some dialogues, and the cheapness of the 3D models and textures, but the core remains enjoyable and innovative. In the end, the game proves itself as a strong title in the 2025 library, and is worth the recommendation for everyone looking for an artistic and strategic adventure at the same time.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“All in all, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree appears to be an engaging adventure that offers not only a challenge but also the reward of a rich world and deep relationships. It’s a game that isn’t afraid to experiment and brings a breath of fresh air to established genres. If you’re looking for a unique experience that combines action, strategy, story, and stunning visuals and sound, then you definitely shouldn’t miss this title. Raise your Tsurugi, prepare Kagura, and set out to save Shinju. The future of the village is in your hands.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree isn't perfect, but it is one of the closest representations of what the action roguelike genre can achieve that I've seen since the likes of Hades. A few pain points aside, what Brownies accomplished here is impressive, dense, and above all, fun. If you like deep character bonds, snappy action gameplay, and chasing that "one more run" mentality, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree just might be for you.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If “Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree” gets one thing right, it is easily it’s great cast, good combat and visuals. Sadly, metaprogression blockers diminish what could’ve been a wonderful roguelike. It is still worth it for the story alone.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree's slow-burn loop of sacrifice, synergy, and strategy builds into something that feels earned, even if the first few hours feel flat.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is an ambitious entry into the roguelite space. It blends mythological storytelling with sharp, dual-character combat and wraps it in a gorgeous, folklore-inspired art style. Its world feels alive, its characters are endearing, and its hub village offers satisfying progression that makes each run meaningful.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a top-notch roguelite with a memorable storyline that may feel bloated at times, but it is, undoubtedly, one of the most unique games in the genre due to how packed it is with things to do.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“While not a grandstand-level roguelite experience, there's a lot of charm and decent action, alongside an amazing Hitoshi Sakimoto score, that elevates Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree apart from the dozens of roguelite isometric clones out there. It tries hard with its minigames and multitude of power-up and permanent buff mechanics, but it's earnestly done and helps more than bloats and hinders the overall 8-hour-or-so-long fantasy package.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree leans on its emotional story about the passage of time to stand out from the crowd, but its gameplay rarely matches that level of quality. Instead of the indie gem many hoped for, we got a solid experience that falls short of the greatness it might have otherwise achieved.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“While it has an artistic look, and works to deliver decent storytelling the game’s combat and roguelike elements come up short against the competition”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Action roguelikes are a tough genre to screw up, yet Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree manages to do that. From lacklustre in-run upgrades, to permanent progression that is boring, to perhaps the biggest problem of how utterly dry combat is, it drops the ball in many locations. The better parts, such as the banter and voice acting, are not enough to carry the woefully lacking core gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“An excellent roguelite in most aspects, with only a few minor drawbacks. It features a charming art direction and addictive gameplay. Despite some issues and the lack of NS2 support, it may not be perfect for everyone, but it’s well worth trying for its diverse characters and stages, distinctive gameplay, and enjoyable atmosphere, especially for fans of the genre.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Notice Regarding Release of Product Version Update DataDec 3, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Future Patch UpdateNov 14, 2025
- Release Note for 2025/10/28Oct 30, 2025