Travis Bruno of Capsule Computers writes:
"When it comes to the Rune Factory series, Marvelous has found themselves on something of a tipping point for the franchise. The beloved by many series that saw players managing a farm all while venturing out to slay monsters and dive into dungeons was innovating in the same day all while talking to and romancing villagers has been delving into the past as often as it has created new entries, with their latest release actually being a remastered version of their third game following the earlier and more innovative, if less well-received, Rune Factory 5. Now, carefully presenting itself both as a spin-off and continuation while looking to try and change things up more than ever Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma modifies nearly everything that fans of the franchise might be familiar with in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience, but did they manage to still deliver the core detailed aspects that fans have loved over the years?"
Aaron Wrote: "Guardians of Azuma is a fantastic addition to the Rune Factory series and while it does introduce different and new gameplay elements it has some which you may expect to which just do not exist, if you come into it hoping for more paragon levels of building your character then you may be disappointed."
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma free DLC adds Sakuna from Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin as a villager and party member.
"Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma manages to reinvent itself while still maintaining the bones that make the Rune Factory series feel like itself. It takes bold new strides in unexpected directions that thankfully pay off. Guardians of Azuma is a must-play for Rune Factory fans and would be well-enjoyed by newcomers to the series as well." - Jess Elizabeth Reed | NintendoLife
