It’s surprising how something so basic makes leveling-up feel rewarding, and how it’s been removed from many other RPGs.

I enjoyed my time with Black the Fall because I am a fan of these kinds of atmospheric 2D puzzle platformers that tackle heavy themes.

Final Fantasy XII is an epic, sprawling tale that many gamers — myself included — missed the first time around because of when it was released. Don’t make that mistake again. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is one of the best, if not the best, remaster of a Final Fantasy game in recently memory, and is objectively better now than it was a decade ago.

There is enough variety with each character in their attack motions to make the gameplay interesting enough.

The Switch version may very well be the best way to enjoy the game, especially when on the go the game can feel somewhat like a handheld Legend of Zelda, but don’t set your hopes too high.

This harmony of conflicting tones is actually one of the only aspects of The Secret Mine that is remotely original and well-executed.

Ultimately, Tokyo Xanadu is one of the best games I’ve ever played on the Vita.

The attempt to make everyone happy resulted in a a battle system hindered by its duality.

Ultimately, Stormblood is without a doubt the best content that Square Enix created for Final Fantasy XIV since the game’s inception.

Ever Oasis proves that the six year old handheld still has the potential to pump out some great content, while also being one of Koishi Ishii’s best works.

God Wars: Future Past is a game that should be played by anyone who craves a great SRPG that tests your skills and knowledge of the genre.

Mighty Gunvolt Burst is something that you’ll want to show your friends who quit playing games in the 90’s.

Episode 2 manages to deliver far more impactful sense of decision-making (and consequences) than what we saw in the first episode.

Even though Bloody Days tries to walk the walk and talk the talk, ultimately it feels less like a creative homage to a cult film classic and more like a shallow imitation with a hint of Tarantino flair.

Aside from the introduction, the only story found in the game is one told through a couple of cutscenes interspersed between some races.

Nex Machina is quick, challenging, and exactly what the arcade shooter genre needed. The team at Housemarque has clearly taken a lot of influence from shooters of the past while still knowing how to add their own special spice to the mix.

My favorite mode in Mirage: Arcane Warfare is the 3v3 Arena. In this mode, players are pitted against each other on a small map, keeping the action fast-paced and entertaining.

ARMS pulls no punches in being one of the standout titles in the Switch’s early lineup.

The gameplay is still smooth and quick, the music will make you want to dance, and the racetracks look better than ever.

Like its predecessor, I’m unlikely ever to forget Emily is Away Too. What developer Kyle Seeley has created is a great reminder that excellent immersive storytelling is reliant on only two things: an unique idea, and the vision and passion to see that idea materialize.

Chroma Squad is a nostalgic step in the right direction but it might take some time before we take bigger strides in giant mech feet.

A great addition to the Switch’s library. But at $40 it won’t be for everybody on day one. I think hardcore Street Fighter fans will find the content included pretty enjoyable, and young kids who may not have had the opportunity to experience those games will find it a lot of fun too.

Tekken 7 may not be the perfect entry point for newcomers into the long and twisted narrative that follows the Mishima Zaibatsu, but they will unmistakably have fun with the rock solid gameplay and mechanics. With the addictive Treasure Battle mode, deep character customization, and strong character options, Tekken 7 is one of the best titles in the 23 year-old series.

Cladun Returns: This is Sengoku! is for gamers who want a quick and satisfying dungeon-crawling experience. The game is fast enough to pick up for ten minutes and complete a few missions, but also has some deep systems that can take hours of your time and push the game to its highest potential. While the repetitive dungeons might be a problem for some, I felt that the range of different activities that the game offers completely makes up for the redundant trips to the story dungeons. In addition, fans returning to the series will find enough updates and new systems here to warrant jumping back into the game and rediscover what they enjoyed most about the previous entries.

The art and character design is some of the best I’ve seen from a lighthearted visual novel.

The game handles the large cast of characters wonderfully and allows the story of the Shinsengumi to shine through. For new visual novel fans this is the definitive way to start the Hakuoki series and date the guys that older fans had to wait years for.

In a year that has been filled with some of best games this generation, RiME finds a way to stand out thanks to its unique world and impactful story. While it might not contain the most original gameplay of all time, its beautiful vistas and fantastic soundtrack will keep you coming back for more just to see if there’s a corner of the island that you haven’t discovered yet.

Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception is definitely a game that’ll appeal more to fans of visual novels as opposed to SRPGs. The strategy sections are a nice break from the game’s mountains of dialog but they’re not too memorable outside of being a short break from the bulk of what you’ll be doing early on. The game is pretty long and does drag at the beginning, but fans of the visual novel genre should find a lot of what they’re looking for.