Sakuna: Of Rice And Ruin – Pre-Orders double the PS4

Sakuna: Of Rice And Ruin – Pre-Orders double the PS4

XSEED Games Executive Vice President Kenji Hosoi shared some interesting information about the pre-orders for Sakuna: of Rice and Ruin.

According to Hosoi, the addition of a Nintendo Switch release alongside the original PC and PS4 versions was due to Nintendo expressing interest.

And so Sakuna: Of Rice And Ruin was promoted across various Nintendo presentations, which bolstered pre-orders so much that it ended up doubling the the PS4 sales amount!

Double the Rice and Ruin

Hosoi: Initially our plan was to release on PC and PS4 only, but after Sakuna was announced as being in the works, our Nintendo contact at the time reached out to us on more than one occasion to consider releasing the game on the Nintendo Switch as well.

We were initially hesitant on the first few reach-outs, as it just was not part of the original plan and we would have had to reschedule everything, but after multiple talks with Nintendo and hearing how passionate they were about the game, we ultimately decided to release the game on the Switch as well.

That wasn’t an easy ask for Edelweiss, but we all agreed that Switch would be a great platform for the game. In hindsight, we’re glad we took their request seriously as we have nothing but appreciation towards Nintendo for actively showcasing the game, and in terms of sales impact, we’re seeing great launch orders on the Switch—about a 2-to-1 over PS4.

And in short, I personally I got the Divine Edition as a pre-order.

About Sakuna: Of Rice And Ruin

Spoiled harvest goddess Sakuna finds herself banished from her opulent celestial home to an island overrun with demons. In the untamed wilderness, she must rediscover her birthright as the daughter of a warrior god and harvest goddess by weathering the elements, fighting monsters, and cultivating rice, the source of her power.

By her side in this forbidding place is her guardian Tama and a group of outcast humans. Together, these unlikely companions must join hands to tame both the soil and the demons of Hinoe Island.

Developed by Edelweiss, the indie team behind the acclaimed Astebreed, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin combines side-scrolling action with deep crafting and farming simulation in a powerful tale about finding one’s place in the world.

KEY FEATURES

Refined Side-scrolling Platforming Action

Using farm tools as weapons, chain together quick, heavy, and special attacks to take down demonic beasts, while mastering the magical “divine raiment” will be essential to grapple distant platforms, evade danger, and overcome powerful enemies.

Detailed 3D Simulation-style Gameplay

Learn the ancient art of agriculture by following detailed steps from planting to harvesting to cultivate the perfect crop. As a harvest goddess, Sakuna’s strength grows with each rice crop, with attributes such as aesthetic and flavor directly correlating to her combat abilities.

Creating a Home in the Wilderness

Sakuna’s mortal companions make weapons, armor, and meals for her using the materials and ingredients she gathers on her adventures, and completing quests for them will unlock even more options.

A Fresh Take on Japanese Mythology

The heroine is part of a pantheon of gods and demons inspired by traditional Japanese mythology but featuring many unique twists. The story and world are filled with lovingly rendered details, some familiar and some completely original.