Code Violet is a deeply flawed survival horror title that struggles to justify its existence. While it offers occasional moments of visual density and fan service appeal, its lack of coherent design, constant technical issues, and frustrating gameplay mechanics make it a chore to play. The narrative is confusing, the systems are poorly explained, and the experience feels like a mishmash of abandoned ideas. Despite some visual ambition, Code Violet ultimately fails to respect the player’s time or intelligence.

There is a promising premise presented here, but sadly, Waifu Impact fails to make an impact at all, let alone a splash. Even if the concept isn’t fully realized, there could always be hope for some notable systems. Unfortunately, this couldn’t pull off any of that, leaving me confused. Games can be cheeky but still present some value with how comically bad they are, Waifu Impact doesn’t even come close. With poor gameplay and visuals, this game is dead in the water.

Summer Pockets ended up being the visual novel that I didn’t know I needed right now. The game can take anywhere from 30 – 40 hours to complete, but along the way, you’re in for some excellent moments of narrative storytelling. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy if you’re sappy on love stories. You’ll need them.

This game pretty much does the bare minimum of what a 2D action game should do, and even then, they couldn’t get the text to fit inside the boxes. I adore these characters and their adventure, but there is just too much lacking in this zany adventure for me to recommend it.

There’s a lot to love about Arknights. Within the game’s story, base-building mechanics, and resource collecting side missions, there’s a ton to experience, but I was hoping for a little more. A PvP mode or event story modes would have worked well here as well as have it more in line with other mobile games available.

This is a must-play visual novel for fans of the Chuusotsu! 1st Graduation, as it not only creates a new scenario that builds on the events established but also gives you more time with this charming cast of characters. Sadly, there isn’t too much outside of that, which has me waiting for a proper sequel to take the series to new heights.

Taisho X Alice is a beautiful game, filled with fantastic characters. Each fairy tale is presented in a way that makes them unique, even if you think you’ve had enough of the source material. I’m glad to see the game finally receive a proper localization as well as a focus on character growth. While traversing the game’s routes can get tricky, it doesn’t hold the game back too much from presenting it Otome offerings wonderfully. I’m eager to continue the adventure as new chapters are released.

VenusBlood Frontier International does have some faults when it comes to accessibility and menu organization, but after a few hours, it’s a bit easier to understand. There’s a lot here, and thankfully Loki’s determination and cunning schemes make the story all the more gripping as his army grows, and he is closer to his goal.

Black Desert Mobile operates as a typical MMORPG, which unfortunately isn’t saying much. Yes, the battles are fun, leveling up my character and equipment is mindless entertainment as with many MMORPGs, and the visuals look great when not zoomed out, but I was hoping for a more engaging experience. If anything, I’m now more inclined to get the PS4 version of Black Desert Online to see all this game has to offer.

The theme of debt isn’t powerful enough to make for a deep narrative adventure, but seeing Misty follow her dream is a sufficient reason to see the quest through until the end. The crafting system ends up becoming the most significant appeal of this adventure in the later hours, which worked out fine for me. If you’re a fan of the Atelier series and you’re looking for a unique take on the alchemy genre, then this could very well appeal to you.

There’s a nice balance of gameplay and visual novel storytelling in Baldr Sky and each work hand in hand to the game’s plot. Each character plays a roll in this story and each holds a clue to the truth. Be warned, that after beginning this visual novel, it’s almost impossible to put down. This is a game that could easily take over 100 hours to get through, but trust me when I say that it’s well worth it.

Hero Must Die. Again is a unique non-linear JRPG that takes chances on players being capable of learning and navigating through its systems, without much handholding. Each playthrough enables the player to become more capable of handling whatever the game throws at them, even if that comes at the cost of dying multiple times...The problem is how the game keeps the player organized, which is the hardest thing to do, considering events are somewhat random. Still, this is a game that I’m glad came west as it is pretty much comfort for food for fans of the genre that some huge chances on game design that pay off in the long run.

Senren Banka is an extremely high-quality visual novel that does a great job of getting the most out of its small cast of characters. The game builds up these relationships over time alongside the threat that spirits will soon take over the town. Sadly, the conclusion didn’t really stick the landing, but the journey there was well worth it.

Despite Ciel Fledge’s interesting setting and ideas, the battle system feels too messy for me to stick with it, at least not without some visibility tweaks, or even some accessibility options. With such unique ideas present, I know there’s a very interesting game here, I’m probably just not a very good parent.

All Stars was made for fans of this series specifically, but outside of that, you might be hardpressed to continue your idol adventure. The admittedly complicated team preparation can be quite a turn off for some if you think this is just another rhythm game. However, RPG fans could find something substantial here, assuming you can embrace the idol culture. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll definitely love what All Stars has to offer. The game is regularly being updated with new content, including songs, costumes, and events, so try to hold onto your money while you can.

SeaBed really isn’t much of a game, but as a piece of interactive media, that is quite possibly one of the most enjoyable things I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The story tells an evocative narrative about self-reflection and actualization that seemed to enjoy breaking me down emotionally just as much I took pleasure in breaking down its themes and characters. All I need now is something to help with this overwhelming feeling of emptiness now that it’s over.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is a unique experience in the mobile space. Its presentation and excellent UI give it a console feel, but they’ve also double-downed on a responsive and intuitive card-based battle system. While the PvP mode just didn’t really hold my attention, there’s enough in the story campaign to immerse yourself in the world of The Seven Deadly Sins throughout your daily commute.

OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbandos presents a strange premise that ends up working thanks to the charming cast of characters. The writing for the characters was endearing and romantic as you find yourself immersed in this otaku group of friends. There are a few low points in the story where you feel like the plot takes a couple of steps back, but the conclusion makes it all worth it.

Bleach: Immortal Soul can become a real mess once you really get into the various modes and currency upgrades. The learning curve is steep here, but at the same time, it’s a streamlined affair to those only interested in reliving a classic anime series through the story mode. The main point being, this experience is incredibly average, but fans of the series will most likely find an appreciation fo the narrative, world, and characters. Here’s to the return of Bleach.

Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition isn’t a terrible game; it just feels like one that I’ve played a million times before. The trope-filled story left much to be desired and, even though the combat can be fun, it is still the same turn-based combat gamers have seen time and time before. The game is clearly trying to have the impact of some of the excellent RPG classic of our time, but these clear inspirations are what make the game fall short.

There’s very little that is grand about Grand Guilds, as I think the project was just a bit too ambitious for the developer. There’s too much to not like about the deck-building systems for the combat to be fun, and there’s not enough variety in the combat to make up for the inadequate systems. The game fails to capture what it is to be a tactical RPG, and while it’s always nice to try new things, it’s essential to stay true to the fundamentals of the genre.

War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is an excellent extension of the Final Fantasy Tactics series. The game features a charming cast of characters who embark on a memorable quest that I wasn’t expecting. Still, there are definitely some balancing issues found in the PVP offerings, which make matches much easier for those who pay. As a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, I felt right at home in terms of the battle system and turn-based mechanics found in this adventure, which pave the way for a great mobile RPG experience.

Without A Voice is a well-written story that explores the relationship of two opposite individuals, which sometimes hurt the believability of them spending time together. Still, the themes of ulterior motives and mystery kept me engaged across its multiple endings. I should also mention that the game is free on Steam, so there’s no harm in trying it for yourself.

Everything in Kawaii Deathu Desu is hidden behind a repetitive mechanic that forces you to level up characters to progress. The lack of accessibility options for this console port is a considerable oversite and makes navigate any menu within the game a chore. Sure, the character sprites are cute, but that’s no reason to endure a cramping wrist for hours of clicking. You’ll more than likely break the shoulder buttons of your Joy-Con long before you unlock everything this game has to offer.

Yumeutsutsu Re:After is an exceptional Fandisc as it really improves on the shortcomings of its predecessor. There was a definite amount of attention put into the writing to develop these characters out further and expand on their relationships. Sure, these short yuri stories may only be composed by wholesome shenanigans and adorable illustrations, but Yumeutsutsu Re:After ended up being an enjoyable experience that’ll give you a pleasant 20 hours of reading time to sit back and relax to.

The Fox Awaits Me doesn’t seem like it would be a gripping thriller, and yet, it is. There were moments during the story where I was entirely at the edge of my seat, but then the writers decided to put some perverted joke in that hurt the pacing tremendously. Thankfully, the thrill survives thanks to the desire to figure out the truth. I would really like to see a mystery from this team without so much reliance on jokes and puns. For now, The Fox Awaits Me is an excellent way to spend a weekend.

A Summer’s End: Hong Kong 1986 is a must-read visual novel that connects with readers in several ways. This visual novel is pure art and shows a level of creativity that’s missing in other higher budget games available. There’s a clear focus on the emotions that the writers wanted to convey and they did it beautifully. The character illustrations are brilliant and the pacing is amazing, even though the conclusion does feel a bit rushed. Still, I’d keep an eye on anything coming from this developer in the future.

Little Busters! does right by its adventure and romance themes as it offers a bit of everything in the department. While some routes can lose focus, others are there to get things back on track until a genuinely memorable conclusion. The characters just have a way of growing on you through their charming interactions and desire to spend only a little more time together. In retrospect, there were a couple of bad innings, but that doesn’t take away from the home run of a finale the story offers.