Sakuna: of Rice and Ruin places players in the role of Sakuna, a spoiled harvest goddess exiled from her celestial home to an island overrun with demons. Confronting unfamiliar dangers, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Upon launching Sakuna: of Rice and Ruin, the game’s visual style immediately impresses. The aesthetic is distinctly anime-inspired, with vibrant colors, detailed backgrounds, and character designs reminiscent of works like Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle.
Players are quickly introduced to the protagonist, an initially unlikeable and entitled goddess who evolves throughout the narrative. The game chronicles her transformation from a flawed character into a capable heroine.
The core gameplay revolves around classic side-scrolling action-adventure mechanics. Players navigate platforms, combat enemies, and occasionally face powerful bosses that require specific strategies to defeat. While the control scheme may initially seem complex, mastering the use of Sakuna’s scarf for grappling and traversal adds a layer of engaging challenge.
Sakuna: of Rice and Ruin performs well both docked and in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch. While loading times are present, they are generally acceptable, given the game’s detailed and visually appealing graphics.
One potential drawback is that certain sections of Sakuna can present a difficulty spike, potentially leading to frustration. Additionally, the exaggerated Japanese voice acting style, previously encountered in titles such as the Yakuza games, may become grating for some players at times.
In conclusion, Sakuna: of Rice and Ruin offers a stylish platforming experience with a compelling narrative. Despite minor shortcomings, it remains a worthwhile title and is recommended for fans of the genre.
