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Review of Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin on Nintendo Switch

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Nov 2020
Cover image of Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 10 Nov 2020
Genre: Action role-playing, Simulation
Developer: Edelweiss
Publisher: Marvelous

Introduction

In an age where every title seems to aim for dystopian worlds, realistic combat, and existential crises, 'Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin' elegantly flips the script by incorporating rice farming into an action RPG. Because who doesn't want to grow rice while also bashing monsters with a magical sash? Yes, you heard that right. Prepare yourself for a journey on a demon-infested island where every meal comes with a side of lesson learned.

Gameplay

The gameplay seamlessly blends two distinct elements. First off, you have the action-packed exploration and combat sections where players control Princess Sakuna, a goddess tasked with clearing the Isle of Demons of its monstrosities. Your primary weapon: a magical sash that can extend like your last homework excuse! Who knew farming tools could also double as formidable weapons? You use this trusty sash to swing through ancient ruins and tackle demonic sycophants-all while gathering resources along the way. Then comes the farming aspect, which isn't just a whimsical gimmick but a central pillar. Eager to show off your green thumb? You'll need to till the soil, plant seeds, and set water levels to cultivate high-quality rice. This isn't your average farming simulator; managing your crops means boosting Sakuna's abilities, so yes, farming is pretty much mandatory for monster-slaying success. The higher the quality, the better the buffs-it's like a culinary RPG! And don't forget about mealtime; a well-cooked meal can restore health and grant temporary superpowers. Who knew dinner could be your new power-up? Interacting with the various human characters who assist Sakuna also adds depth to your experience, offering elements of strategy as you decide who to delegate tasks like harvesting the crops or managing the farm while you're out beating the stuffing out of demons. So, prepare for a dichotomy between slapstick monster-slaying and some good old-fashioned farming. It's the kind of wholesome chaos you didn't know you needed!

Graphics

Visually, 'Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin' doesn't disappoint. The art style can only be described as a love letter to anime lovers. The 2.5D environments are beautifully rendered so that you feel like you're playing a watercolor painting. Each frame has a handcrafted feel to it, lending an authentic vibe that gives the player sensory satisfaction as they swing their magic sash through luminous foliage and demonic adversaries. Animation is fluid, with attention drawn to environmental details-whether the way rice ripples in the wind or how magical sparks fly every time Sakuna unleashes her wrath on unsuspecting monsters. The character designs are both charming and quirky, making it hard to forget about them as they join you on your journey. Let's face it: who could forget the grumpy-yet-endearing goddess and her weird cast of human companions? The art and animations complement the tone of the game, blending lighthearted themes while occasionally reminding players that farm work is serious business. Who wants an art style that doesn't reflect the fierce joy of harvesting or the ridiculousness of slaying demons for rice? Not this game, that's for sure!

Conclusion

'Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin' is an engaging fusion of action RPG and farming simulator that captivates with its delicate graphics, rich world-building, and a storyline centered around redemption. It challenges players to balance their divine duties while mastering the art of agriculture-because if there's one thing that this game teaches us, it's that you can't fulfill your goddess-like responsibilities without putting in some good old farm labor. With its clarity of purpose and a delightful mix of genres, 'Sakuna' proves that sometimes, the path to strength comes through crops as much as it does through combat. It's a quirky adventure that's sure to leave players with a smile on their face, unless you lose half your crop to a wayward demon, that is. In between swinging your sash and tending crops, you'll ultimately discover and nurture your connection not just to the land, but to the characters who share this mad yet heartfelt journey with you. So grab your controller, flex those virtual farming skills, and maybe, just maybe, you'll learn to conquer the world-or at least, specialize in producing award-winning rice.

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