If you’re looking for a new game to play on your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, one of the best console exclusives of the year is on sale for its best price yet. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma[1], the latest entry in Marvelous’ popular action-RPG-meets-farming-sim series, is up for grabs for $39.88 on Switch[2] and $49.94 on Switch 2[3]. Guardians of Azuma was a Switch 2 launch title, and it’s one of the rare third-party titles with a true physical edition; the full 18GB file is on the Switch 2 game card. Guardians of Azuma’s Earth Dancer Limited Edition[4] for Switch is also on sale at Amazon for $80 (was $100).
The digital edition of Guardians of Azuma goes for $60 on Switch and $70 on Switch 2, so you’re saving $20 by opting for the physical edition. If you pick up the Switch version and want the Switch 2 enhancements down the road, you can buy a $10 upgrade pack from the eShop. The Earth Dancer Limited Edition is only available on Switch, so Switch 2 owners will want to snag the upgrade if they take advantage of Amazon’s deal.
Marvelous’ newest Story of Seasons farming sim is also on sale at Amazon. Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Premium Edition[5] for Switch 2 is discounted to $69 (was $80). This is the first on Grand Bazaar since its August launch. Like Guardians of Azuma and all Marvelous titles on Switch 2 (so far), the full game is on the card.
$50 (was $70) | Full game on card[6]
The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Guardians of Azuma has higher resolution and frame rates. It’s also one of the games that supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, allowing you to play the game similarly to how you would if you bought the PC version.
$80 (was $100)[7]
The Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Earth Dancer Limited Edition includes the physical edition for Nintendo Switch and the following extras:
- Woolby character plush keychain
- 140-plus 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 content as DLC:
- Festive Attire & Dark Woolby Bundle
- Seasons of Love Bundle
- Rune Factory 4 Outfit Bundle
- Useful Item Bundle
The Earth Dancer Limited Edition sold out at most retailers prior to launch. It’s currently only in stock at Amazon and GameStop, and the latter is charging full price.
It’s worth noting that Amazon discounted this edition to $68 during Big Deal Days, so unlike the standard edition offers, the current discount isn’t an all-time low.
Earth Dancer Edition Stock Update:
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has been a hit with both critics and fans. It currently holds a Metascore of 81[8] on review aggregator Metacritic (a GameSpot sister site). Guardians of Azuma has a user review average of 8.2/10, and the Steam version currently sits at “Very Positive” based on over 1,000 customer reviews.
The new entry takes the RPG-meets-farming-sim formula to new heights. Set in Azuma–a fantasy world inspired by Japanese folklore–the game places players in the role of a magical martial artist known as an Earth Dancer. You embark on a journey to restore the land by building farms, repairing villages, and completing RPG-style quests where you’ll square off against bosses with magical swords imbued with elements.
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References
- ^ Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (www.amazon.com)
- ^ $39.88 on Switch (www.amazon.com)
- ^ $49.94 on Switch 2 (www.amazon.com)
- ^ Earth Dancer Limited Edition (www.amazon.com)
- ^ Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Premium Edition (www.amazon.com)
- ^ $50 (was $70) | Full game on card (www.amazon.com)
- ^ $80 (was $100) (www.amazon.com)
- ^ Metascore of 81 (www.metacritic.com)