Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, a highly anticipated title, has received its first discount since its launch on June 5th. Gamers can now grab the physical editions for Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch at a reduced price.
Current Discounts and Availability
Amazon is currently offering a $10 discount on both physical versions of the game. The Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition, which includes the full game on the cartridge, is now available for $60, down from its initial price of $70. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch version is priced at $50, reduced from $60. For those seeking the Switch 2 version, Best Buy is also matching Amazon`s offer.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: $60 (was $70)
- Nintendo Switch Edition: $50 (was $60)
Earth Dancer Limited Edition Details
The sought-after Earth Dancer Limited Edition for Nintendo Switch, originally priced at $100, is currently in stock at Amazon and GameStop. This special edition was previously difficult to acquire due to production and shipping delays, which led to a two-week postponement by publisher Marvelous to June 20th. While Amazon has restocked multiple times, its future availability is uncertain, as other major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart no longer carry it. It appears this edition may soon be out of print. Note that there is no dedicated Switch 2 version of the Earth Dancer Edition; Switch 2 owners can upgrade via the eShop for an additional $10.
The Earth Dancer Limited Edition includes:
- Physical copy of the game for Nintendo Switch
- Woolby character plush keychain
- 140+ page art book
- Official soundtrack on CD
- Traditional Japanese folding fan
- Seasons of Love DLC bundle with extra downloadable Woolby Costumes
- Custom box with unique cover art
- In-game DLC content: Festive Attire & Dark Woolby Bundle, Seasons of Love Bundle, Rune Factory 4 Outfit Bundle, Useful Item Bundle
Updated on August 5th regarding stock information.
Performance on Switch 2 and Market Impact
The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Guardians of Azuma boasts enhanced visuals with higher resolution and improved frame rates. It also supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, offering a gameplay experience akin to the PC version. This $10 reduction marks the most significant discount seen for a physical Switch 2 game since its launch, as most titles for the new console have maintained their original retail prices.
Critical Acclaim and Gameplay
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has garnered positive feedback from both critics and players. It holds a Metascore of 81 on Metacritic and an average user review score of 8.3/10. The PC version is rated “Very Positive” based on nearly 2,000 customer reviews.
This latest installment elevates the series` signature blend of RPG and farming simulation. Set in Azuma, a fantastical realm inspired by Japanese folklore, players assume the role of an “Earth Dancer,” a magical martial artist. The game`s core loop involves restoring the land by cultivating farms, repairing villages, and undertaking RPG-style quests that culminate in battles against bosses using elementally imbued magical swords.
Other Rune Factory Games on Switch
For those who enjoy Guardians of Azuma and wish to delve deeper into the series, several other excellent Rune Factory titles are available on Nintendo Switch:
- Rune Factory 5: The most recent numbered entry in the franchise.
- Rune Factory 3 Special: A remastered version of the 2010 Nintendo DS game, often found around $28 (originally $30). The Golden Memories Limited Edition is also available for approximately $53 (originally $70).
- Rune Factory 4 Special: A remastered edition of the 2013 3DS title, typically priced around $29. A preowned version can sometimes be found for $15.