Directive 8020 is that perfect short experience that can break up your gaming rut, with its eight episodes of intense storytelling, each around 1-2 hours in length. You can stop there or go back for more, exploring alternate pathways in a way I’m rarely drawn to, but I immediately felt compelled to do after reaching one of Directive 8020’s conclusions. You can play the game multiplayer if you wish, either in couch co-op or online, although the former is obviously the way to go for the ultimate communal horror experience. However you choose to play, please do, as you don’t want to be the one left behind on this doomed planet once the Cassiopea starts its voyage.

From its engrossing and entertaining plot to the detailed and multifaceted gameplay, I had fun throughout my entire playthrough of the original Ys: Memories of Celceta, and I also had fun picking up this enhanced Switch version years later. Adol’s story has always been about the excitement and sense of adventure one gets when losing themselves in a journey, and Celceta captures that feeling poignantly. Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta might not be the most extensive remaster, but the original was such a solid ARPG experience that it still stands strong, despite its more dated graphics. Returning players may or may not be convinced to replay the game, but Ys Memoire: Revelations of Celceta is certainly worth newcomers trying out if they haven’t yet experienced the Celcetan journey.

Homura: The Crimson Warriors is an otome that Western audiences missed at launch, but it shows how timeless a good VN can be. Even without many extras, the game holds its own among the Switch’s strong otome lineup. If you’re a Hakuoki fan, Homura is worth a look, but it’s also a must-buy on its own merits.

Where To the Moon spoke to me when I struggled with the looming risk of my father’s death, Fishbowl speaks to me as I struggle to come to terms with it. I’m thoroughly impressed that two first-time designers made such a good game, especially during a pandemic, and I hope to see more in the future.

OPUS: Prism Peak is an outstanding adventure. Like its spiritual predecessor, OPUS: Echo of Starsong, it pairs a thought-provoking, emotional story with polished gameplay. At times haunting yet hopeful, it reflects life and reminds us how we grow from experience. I teared up often—sometimes from sadness, and sometimes from the bittersweet yearning to reach for something more, no matter the winding paths we take. The open-ended resolution of Eugene’s journey is moving and lingers with me. Developers SIGONO has once again created an artistic video game masterpiece with OPUS: Prism Peak.

An average playthrough of Arcadia Fallen II takes roughly eleven to twelve hours. I genuinely had a blast with mine. Despite a slow start, I find Arcadia Fallen II to be even stronger than its predecessor. It brings us back into an evolving fantasy world where your choices feel impactful. The ending is satisfyingly conclusive and sets the stage for future adventures in a colorful landscape full of memorable characters and heartfelt bonds. Arcadia Fallen II is sure to delight both visual novel and RPG fans.

Like a great album, People of Note is all killer, no filler. It’s an excellent antidote for RPGFans who may be tired of repetitive, overly long experiences. Don’t be fooled by its puns and Disney-ish charms—People of Note is thoroughly challenging and thought-provoking with its gameplay. I truly hope that when talk comes about for great turn-based combat, this game is in heavy rotation.

For anyone looking to try a visual novel with a unique premise, cast, and gameplay, Gnosia is a great choice. It does require a fair bit of patience to make it to the end, as even if you know how to make progress, actually fulfilling the requirements can be quite difficult. But in my opinion, the highs are much higher than the lows are low.

As much as I admire Felvidek’s consistency across concept and execution, I do wish it took bigger swings in its design. It’s an RPG for players who appreciate the genre as a basis for vibes over mechanical evolution. This makes it an easy recommendation for such players and a tougher sell for anyone seeking a meatier game. As for me, I knocked it back like a bottle of plum wine, savored the distinct taste, and will look back upon its intoxicating experience fondly.

In all honesty, fans were right to be concerned about Deck Nine’s stewardship of Life is Strange after Double Exposure’s disappointing finale and cliffhanger. Thankfully, Deck Nine righted their course and stuck the landing with Life is Strange: Reunion, which takes the best of both, er, dimensions: the beautiful visuals and warm aesthetic of recent games applied to the much-loved dynamic of Max and Chloe. Some may miss the time-bending puzzles, but I preferred the way the narrative threads and character moments pulled me in for an intimate embrace.

Aether & Iron rises above its quirks with sheer creativity and artistic expression. I love the hand-drawn world, the characters I wish I could engage with far beyond the credits, and the struggle Gia and New York City’s citizens engaged in. A story worth telling, it’s a cliche noir tale told from an entirely different angle and elevated by a cast that stands above most others. My hope is that we see more tactical RPGs with imaginative systems like this, with their creative visions better realized.

Otome Daoshi -Fighting for Love- is a visually impressive otome visual novel that, unfortunately, fails to stand out narratively or mechanically in the crowded Switch market. While the artwork is a highlight, and the experience may appeal to those seeking light entertainment, many players may find better value picking the game up on sale versus its standard $49.99 USD price. Given the genre’s high competition, Otome Daoshi is best considered as a secondary choice rather than a must-play title.

I think Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a great introduction to this spin-off series, especially to those with a fondness for detail and strategy-heavy monster collecting and explorable fantasy adventures. Given how fantastic Monster Hunter Stories 3 is, if the next game in the series can provide an even stronger outing, I’ll be paws-itively impressed.

In a way, Etrange Overlord is exactly what many of us hope for from smaller titles. It has flair, it is not some object forced out by cookie-cutter conformism, and most of all, it is experimental, reaching for something larger studios would be afraid to touch. It’s also compact, with play times unlikely to greatly exceed 16 hours, except for the most avid completionists. The end result does not quite achieve celestial perfection, falling some way short of the mark, but as a famous fallen angel once said, “It’s better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.”

Pokopia is a rare example of a game that takes inspiration from as many genre juggernauts as possible, yet ultimately exceeds them all. The building mechanics may not be quite as expansive as Minecraft, and not all of the 1000+ Pokémon creatures feature here (though weekly events are scheduled to add more). Yet, by combining the strongest core elements of city builders, social simulations, and creature-raising RPGs, Pokopia emerges from the rubble as a monumentally addictive achievement in game design that millions of players will enjoy for years to come.

I love the main cast of characters and many of their allies, with every new scene featuring a particular character making me want to know them just a little more. The fact that the routes themselves skew more towards heartwarming, non-problematic stories is also a nice touch. Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights is a sentimental romantasy VN I can easily recommend to fans of the genre!

Scott Pilgrim EX appeals to me in many ways, mostly in how it lets me reflect on my life in and out of gaming. It’s endlessly entertaining on the eyes and ears, and it has the best belt-scrolling combat this side of Streets of Rage 4. The swings it takes in terms of pushing its genre or reaching towards a new audience don’t always connect, but it’s still a quick, joyful experience I’m happy to continue playing both solo and with loved ones (and you random people online, I guess).

Code Vein II is a game that’s in equal parts frustrating and entertaining. I spent hours on several challenging boss fights and sometimes, admittedly, wanted to cry from fruitless efforts to beat them, but the compelling narrative and characters kept me invested all the way to the end and even prompted me to take on optional fights to see things through to the fullest. It’s not perfect by any means, and it certainly isn’t the best Souls-like game out there, but it does show the heart and potential Shift puts into their games and has me hoping once more to hear about their future endeavors. If nothing else, Code Vein II is worth more than a cursory glance if it happens to catch your eye.

Age of Imprisonment’s plethora of options helps elevate it as an enjoyable Warriors experience. On the other hand, it suffers from its notable roster absences, especially for Zelda fans, since it’s common to go to Warriors games not for their canon-compliant stories but for the opportunity to throw fan-favorite characters at floods of enemies. Knowing what to expect helps alleviate the disappointment, and the Warriors format works wonders at conveying Tears of the Kingdom’s Imprisoning War. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment’s seriousness and polish help it overcome its shortcomings, making it an overall good time. And like with most Warriors games, a good time is usually good enough.

I hope this review doesn’t sound overly critical because I am genuinely pleased with most of what Esoteric Ebb achieves. I just think the game could have been significantly improved, had it the confidence to shed its most conspicuous Disco-isms and dance to its own tune. Given everything that happened at ZA/UM and its creative core’s dissolution, we will likely never get a true successor to Disco Elysium. I am at peace with that. But if developers like Bodegård can iterate on its systemic expressiveness with the type of passion and intelligence that Esoteric Ebb manages, its legacy is in good hands.

Did I still enjoy my time with Tales of Berseria Remastered? Oh yes. In spite of all its flaws, I was still moved to tears and goosebumps multiple times. I don’t even mind all the backtracking because I got to spend more time with the amazing cast. Put simply, the narrative and the characters still carry the load.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is an odd duck: though it’s most certainly the definitive edition of the tenth Ys game, it’s a tall order to get someone to pay full price for a game that could’ve easily been a cheaper DLC expansion, especially if they’ve already played Ys X: Nordics. I greatly enjoyed this game myself and was thoroughly entertained by this new installment of Adol the Red’s adventures, but I’m in the position of not having had a chance to try the original beforehand. I think any newcomers to Ys X should certainly add Proud Nordics to their collection, but those who’ve already crossed these waters might want to wait for a price reduction before doing so again.

It helps that Another Crab’s Treasure is also a Souls-like with a soul. The game will stick with me not only because of the finest moments from its levels or boss fights, but in how cleverly and effectively its environmental concerns are baked into the whole of the experience. By the end, I was looking into ways of reducing my waste output and microplastic exposure while reflecting on what individual human “goodness” looks like in a world ravaged by our collective impact. Not bad for a game about a crab.

Calamity Angels is most excited to direct you quickly to its unique combat, which the game supports by investing heavily in your fighters. When I say it’s experimental, I don’t mean it’s half-baked; in fact, it’s refined and confident in itself. There have been other games where your party members don’t do what you want them to, but I can’t recall any other case where that was this fun. Here, it’s so exciting that it feels like opening your eyes to something new and special. It’s frustrating to see how a little more here and there outside of combat could have built Calamity Angels up into a classic. You know the item was sold “as is,” but you get what you paid for. At least it delivers on its main draw.

Fans of the first will feel right at home on the shores of The Mermaid's Curse as it cements the Paranormasight formula.

Under the Island falters in its combat and storytelling, but more than makes up for those shortcomings with engaging world design, clever puzzles, and creative boss encounters. Link’s boots are admittedly difficult to fill, but Under the Island has enough good ideas to set itself apart from its inspiration. The journey is a short one at only eight to ten hours, but I enjoyed my time with the game. It’s no Link’s Awakening, but in its best moments, it gets close enough to scratch the old-school Zelda itch.

It’s difficult to fault Disciples: Domination for what it does well. The game delivers a tight tactical experience, supports a wide range of distinct factions, and offers plenty to explore. Its visuals are detailed, and the UI holds up well across long play sessions. Where the game stumbles, it does so in familiar ways: a disjointed narrative, forgettable voice acting, and the risk of loot overload. The game doesn’t push far beyond its predecessor, nor does it significantly shift expectations within the genre; its systems, story, and presentation all feel largely familiar. Like a friend whose dress sense hasn’t changed in twenty years, Disciples: Domination struggles to be truly relevant or fresh, but if you’re willing to dance to her older tunes, this is a queen who will happily conquer your doubts.

Players will undoubtedly judge REANIMAL for its price versus gameplay hours, but the quality of storytelling, visuals, and sound design cannot be argued. The promise of DLC suggests to me that some degree of story clarity will be offered, which I’m not sure how I feel about, but I’m eager for more. Some will call this arthouse schlock, but I remain firm that there’s something here, and even if your last impressions of REANIMAL are slightly less enigmatic days and weeks later, the journey is worthwhile if you don’t fuss over the almighty Dollar.

Mewgenics is best enjoyed as a marathon, not a sprint. Due to the sheer volume of content—with no clear end in sight aside from “collect all the achievements” and unlock all the stuff—Mewgenics can feel overwhelming right out of the gate. Despite how incredible the game design, balance, and mechanics are, the lack of any real story makes getting attached to a team or battle impossible. This is a “wow, that’s so weird and cool” sort of game that you move on from every once in a while until you want to hop back in so that it all feels fresh and new...Make no mistake: I love this game, and I’m almost definitely going to 100% it, but there’s no telling when that’s going to happen.

Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass‘ release onto consoles allows new players access to Jimmy’s dream, which I would recommend most do, with the caveat that this is not for everyone. Those who like the sub-genre will have a blast, but others may find some aspects of the gameplay offputting, so keep that in mind before getting yourself tucked into this nocturnal novelty. Existing fans are promised the most complete version of the game available to date. Either way, you’re unlikely to find a more distinctive digital journey this year.

Nioh 3 may not be the peak of the series, but it remains a strong title that understands what makes Nioh special. For fans, it’s an experience worth diving into. For newcomers, it’s a deeply rewarding introduction. And for me, it’s another reminder of why this series still stands above most Soulslikes chasing the same crown.

I came to Hermit and Pig expecting a cute, humorous take on timing-based combat, and I got that, but I also got so much more. It’s truly rare for a game to have such thematic cohesion in both storytelling and mechanics, but Hermit and Pig delivers on that promise without coming off as pretentious or preachy. Heavy Lunch has something deeply important to say about our current moment, but they say it with a smile and laugh, enough to make the herbal remedy for humanity’s worst excesses go down easy. It’s clear that the developers understand and love human beings, despite all our flaws, and believe in our potential to create a better world than the one we have now, if only we could focus less on the “I,” and more on the “We.”

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is true to the spirit of the original while sporting the best look and combat in the series.

It demands a specific mood and mindset, but if there’s a match there, it’s like cracking a code and your reward for meeting these demands is thoughtful, flow-like immersion to reveal an engaging story. One that decidedly does not feel fake when you experience it.

The stories of art and media shift over time, but when treated with care their impact remains the same. Final Fantasy VII Remake is a stunning example of this, and this portable, more accessible version reflects that same level of care.

Trails beyond the Horizon is truly a massive game with an impressive amount of content and a thought-provoking storyline replete with memorable characters and powerful moments. It’s a true delight to play so long as you’re not a series newcomer.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom sets a new standard for the open-world Zelda formula. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that manages to encapsulate everything good about its predecessor while setting itself apart from what came before. When combined with the power of the newly released Switch 2, it truly comes into its own and exemplifies exactly why Zelda is so revered within the gaming landscape.

For first-time players, Tales of Xillia Remastered is still a great way to experience this Tales of classic, as there’s currently no other official way to play it on current-generation consoles, and no system is backward-compatible with PS3. While the original may not be the absolute brightest in the series, Tales of Xillia Remastered is a solid way to play a solid Tales of title that hasn’t had a chance to shine in a while.

It’s clear that AdHoc plans to continue telling stories in this universe, and the end of this game sets up a potential future season or two, so despite the occasional questionable narrative choices, when and where it counts, Dispatch does not disappoint, standing proudly amongst Telltale’s titans with good storytelling, an excellent cast of characters (propped up by equally excellent performances from the cast) and a truly fantastic soundtrack, both from the licensed songs in-between each episode, as well as the original score by Andrew Arcadi & Skyler Barto.

Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved is a fantastic indie visual novel-mystery-adventure with a lot of depth and heart. Its polished presentation stands out, and its overall gameplay is solid and engaging. I honestly wished it had been a longer game, not because the title itself was too short or lacking in some way, but because I enjoyed my time with it so much that I would’ve been over the moon to have the opportunity to continue playing in the game’s universe. That’s a strong testament to how enjoyable Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved is. Overall, this is one detective train trip worth taking.

Although there are many great examples of hybrid strategy/turn based tactical games out there, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint sets itself apart by offering both a uniquely dynamic and reactive strategic layer and a turn-based tactics layer with nail-bitingly satisfying stealth and great combat. This is one of the most rewarding games of its kind to come out in this generation. It is perhaps one of the best to come out since XCOM: Enemy Unknown revived the genre.

All in all, The Séance of Blake Manor is a great little detective game that is perfect for players who want to use their deductive skills in a creepy, but not necessarily frightening, environment. Of course, spooky season has passed by this point, but I would argue that it’s never too late for a spooky game, especially one that you can comfortably get through in just a few days. So whether it’s now or next Samhain, fans of horror games and mysteries alike will find something to enjoy at Blake Manor.

Demonschool’s hard to score, because most titles—including the AAA variety—don’t have the bold vision and intense style of Demonschool. We play indies to witness new ideas with a healthy degree of polish, though they also come with their issues. All in all a memorable and pleasurable experience, Demonschool is at times a slog, at others food for the soul. If you have the time to enjoy a novel jaunt through early adulthood, settle in for an otherworldly experience.

Octopath Traveler 0 reminds us that what we chase often changes who we become. The game asks you to consider what it truly means to rebuild: whether it is a town, a life, or even yourself. I very much enjoyed this journey, particularly for its incredible story. However, I recognize it’s not a game for everyone, with its repetitive battles and remnants of its mobile origins. But for those who have the patience, this is an adventure well worth taking; just make sure you bring a comfortable chair and a strong cup of tea.

Kingdom of Night is a dark tale, steeped in nostalgia for its setting and story inspirations, as well as its action-oriented combat. While it won’t earn accolades for originality or deep character stories, the combat remains satisfying, capturing that “git gud” feeling of progress and mastery—especially when you combine abilities or play a class in ways its progression encourages. Kingdom of Night can be frustrating at times, particularly with inventory management and quest tracking, as the UI struggles to keep up with growing loot piles and multiple active quests. If you enjoy wandering through nightmare-infested small-town Americana at night, this is a realm worth visiting. If not, there are certainly stranger things to explore elsewhere.

Sacred Earth – Reverie is a game with surprising depth, held back in particular by a crushing difficulty spike regarding most boss battles. I enjoyed my time within its multilayered story, appreciating the various ways the narrative could evolve, but I also found some aspects of the game offputting. Gamers who can get past those hurdles and overcome the demanding boss fights that await could encounter a potentially engaging experience in Sacred Earth – Reverie.

The Tale of Relm is an enjoyable indie traditional RPG experience, provided you can get past its foibles and are okay with an ending that’s not yet conclusive. Developer EG Games consistently updates and patches the game, ensuring it plays smoothly. By the end of my playtime, I simply wanted to play more of The Tale of Relm, and I think that speaks to the title’s inherent strength of heart more than anything else. It’s a tale I wouldn’t mind diving into again.

While The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is an improvement over its predecessor, it doesn’t match Atelier Yumia’s bold steps forward. A lowered scope and lowered stakes return the franchise to a comfortable position, and that’s not a bad thing per se. It serves as a look back on the franchise. After taking a wild turn on the mobile gacha path, a step back was necessary to recenter the series and continue moving forward with the two Atelier pillars. Ultimately, the game feels like a greatest hits album that is missing a couple of those unique B-sides that stood out and tested the limits of the genre. Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a fantastic course correction and follow-up to the gacha, sure to appease series veterans, and an excellent starting point for new players to find their footing with the series.

Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight- tells the tale of how one woman’s search for vengeance ultimately transforms into something else entirely, and it accomplishes this in a surprisingly thoughtful manner. The game’s strong-willed and complex protagonist, buoyed by a colorful and memorable cast of supporting characters, is a true standout in the otome genre. I enjoyed watching Aprose’s character growth throughout the various narrative routes. Maybe that’s where the once-lost delight found in the title truly comes from!

The way Legends: Z-A pulls from the traditional mainline games and Legends: Arceus but ultimately doesn’t incorporate the best elements of either is similarly unsatisfying. Still, a vacation must be truly catastrophic to be considered “bad,” and Legends: Z-A is plenty fun with its real-time battles and Rogue Mega-Evolved raids. Yet the game’s itinerary feels like it isn’t making the most of what the Legends sub-series has to offer. Instead, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like yet another in a long line of Pokémon game with growing pains. With the commonplace around every corner, you may feel the experience is one big tourist trap, but it’s still a trip worth going on and making the most of while you’re there.

Avernum 4: Greed and Glory is akin to reading a good fantasy novel: it’s deeply engrossing at times, requiring a fair bit of imagination to bring the world to life, and likely not the most modern method of accessing such content. But in saying this, the subterranean stories of Avernum, and its many detailed factions and quests keep you moving forward and invested in what’s coming over the next hill cavern. The commitment to playing an open role and of exploring everything on your own terms and time is an element many modern games still cannot offer in the same way. For those with such a bent, and with a willingness to engage their imagination and forgive some older design elements, Avernum 4: Greed and Glory will suck you deep into its yawning, cavernous depths.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga is a nostalgic fanservice game for Falcom’s PSP era. I happen to love both Ys and The Legend of Heroes: Trails, so indulging in this missing localized title was a true delight. It might only appeal to diehard Falcom fans or those who enjoy earlier Ys and Trails games, but if you fall into those categories, it’s undoubtedly entertaining. When all else fails, I’d bet on the little girl with the orbal cannon any day of the week!

All of those quality-of-life features of Dragon Quest III HD-2D are back, too, including quest markers, difficulty settings, and the ability to speed up battles. They’ve even added a few more that I happily imbibed in, including marking treasure chests and secret spots on the map. As always, you can turn off these features if you want a more pure experience, but especially in the still open-ended Dragon Quest II, I am delighted they are here, no matter what my grandma might have thought of them.

At the end of each character’s storyline is an “Inevitable Dialogue” between the character and someone involved in their traumatic past. As you select the right answers to the questions asked, the characters talk through their experiences and steel their newfound resolve to move forward. The importance placed here on communication only serves to drive the point home: it’s not just what you say but how you say it that determines if the message lands or not. Unfortunately, not all of Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo‘s interesting ideas always land.

Deep Sleep nails its story, setting, and the unusual blend of turn-based combat with item-driven adventuring. But a few frustrations hold the experience back, mostly tied to level progression and controlling Amy’s.

Absolum is what’s on the tin: a beat ‘em up with level progression, equipment, and spells. Runs can get samey, but Dotemu have done a commendable job of not overwhelming players, while adding just enough to runs to keep us from getting bored. Though not revolutionary, Absolum is worth any fan of the genre’s time.

Illusion of Itehari is a narrative-heavy otome VN with beautiful artwork, excellent voice acting, a good English script translation, memorable characters, and some phenomenally written romance. So far, it’s probably my favorite otome of 2025. I enjoyed it so much that I sincerely hope its fan disc might also see an English localization in the future. A perfect utopia floating through the clouds might be just an illusion, but the entertainment gleaned from playing Illusion of Itehari is very much real.

Lucy Dreaming represents an astounding achievement when you consider the size of the development team and the results they achieved. Playing feels like chancing upon long-forgotten memories of better days. Despite this, the game pushes forwards, making these narrative adventures no longer just abandoned nocturnes summoning dreams of the past, but hopes for what we might see again in the future.

Wander Stars proves to be a major delight, especially if you’re a fan of the classics that the developers obviously have a lot of love and respect for. Yet, being a phenomenal RPG with an innovative turn-based combat system and a found family of characters you can’t help but grow to love for their own merits makes it a worthwhile experience on its own. While I find the ending satisfactory, much like many classic anime season closings it honors, I wouldn’t mind seeing further adventures of Ringo and company either. The stars may be far apart, but given constellations and the like, they can always find each other again. The creative Wander Stars is one of the brightest video game stars I’ve played this year so far.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger has a lot to offer as a monster-taming RPG. A heartfelt story lies at its core, despite some dissonance regarding its target audience, and the gameplay mechanics are polished and thoroughly entertaining. You could find yourself spending hours and hours playing the game and experimenting with customization alone! I had a great time playing the primary story campaign in particular, and found myself growing to care about the characters. As far as an interactive Digimon experience goes, I think that sentiment proves just how much Digimon Story: Time Stranger ultimately delivers.

I’m still impressed by how at home Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter feels in its new form two decades down the line. It’s the opening act of an epic, long-running narrative and yet manages to feel down-to-earth and personal. It maintains its tone while updating it to a modern standard of presentation, and despite the stumbles in its dialogue, its characters are relentlessly charming. It’s more than just a great game—it’s a great starting point for a celebrated series, and that’s an utterly invaluable quality for one as daunting as this.

So does Hades II live up to the original? Absolutely. It retains much of what made the first title great while offering a different kind of gameplay. With Hades II, Supergiant Games proves that even Zeus can’t claim a monopoly on lightning striking twice.

I could complain about how The Ivalice Chronicles doesn’t have a revamped soundtrack like we got with the Pixel Remasters, that the PSP content wasn’t included, or that it didn’t have new cinematics, but you know what? This is an outstanding remaster with a subtle touch to rebalancing that fans—and newcomers—will clamor for. Having Final Fantasy Tactics accessible on modern hardware with all the furnishings Square Enix was kind enough to bestow upon us—all I can say is “thank you.” In truth, while an updated soundtrack would have been my biggest ask, I still cannot believe how good this voice acting is. The localization team and actors have absolutely done us a service with this masterpiece, treating this title with the respect it deserves. This epic fantasy that tonally draws from different styles into one coherent, beautiful voice is available to all of us, and if communication from its creators is to be believed, we might see more of this world if we support Ivalice Chronicles. Do yourself a favor and enjoy what is, without question, one of the greatest tales ever told. One of the greatest RPGs ever created.

Strategic yet led by its narrative and decision-making, Sultan’s Game sinks its venomous fangs in, forcing addled players to say: just one more turn. I had several instances in which I wanted to set up my team’s positions so that I didn’t forget what I wanted to do before I quit for the day, but I was so curious about the outcomes that I clicked to end the day and see the events play out, telling myself that I’d save right after the stories finished. Then the next in-game day rolled around and four new events popped up with their dazzling clinging sounds. I hovered my cursor over just to see the titles. That title! I just had to see what that title meant for the event. Before I knew it, I was placing characters into a whole new set of events. That’s the kind of game this is. Of course, like any venom, a little bit over time builds a tolerance, and while the content in Sultan’s Game may feel endless, there is, indeed, an end. Two-hundred, in fact.

I have nothing but praise for Upwards, Rain! The Post Office of Farewells. If I had one critique, it’s that the game does such an excellent job building up its fantasy world setting and the characters who inhabit it that I simply wish there’d been more time with them! But I can’t say that the game doesn’t offer a satisfactory and heartfelt conclusion, despite its shorter length. Upwards, Rain! The Post Office of Farewells‘ underlying message is hopeful and healing, one that I hope many others experience for themselves.

Suffice it to say, this game is a solid otome VN experience if you’re the right audience! Those who couldn’t get enough of the first Bustafellows will surely find something to enjoy here, and those who enjoy mystery crime dramas and romance should take a closer look. I certainly wouldn’t mind a possible third season in the future or even a localization announcement for the Nintendo Switch port of its connected Side Kicks! game. More of this story-verse would undoubtedly be a plus. Like the citizens of New Sieg, we can only stay tuned to find out what could be in the works!

Newbies to soulslikes may want to look elsewhere, as boss fights can feel extremely punishing, and even with all of the experience I have with these games, I found a few bosses absolutely brutal and ridiculous in their attack patterns. Another way of looking at Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is this: if a Souls game never existed and this hit store shelves, we’d all be clamoring about what a marvel and game-changer this is. Although extremely paint-by-numbers, fun is fun.

Quartet not only excels with its fantastic ensemble cast, eclectic music, colorful visuals, engaging gameplay, and engrossing story, but its intangible “x factor” made my twenty-eight-hour or so jaunt a special experience. I would love to see character-centric post-ending DLC in the future, because Quartet’s cast is too cool not to revisit. I have nothing negative to say about Quartet beyond its lack of an auto-save. If this review does not put Quartet on RPG fans’ radars, then perhaps the notion of adventuring with Juna—a sage, sassy, and supportive talking hippo—will.

There are some minor elements of Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar that feel like remnants from its outdated DS counterpart. But there’s so much more that is lovingly updated, elevating the experience to one that stands out among its predecessors. Grand Bazaar is a grand remake that’s easy to recommend to fans of the series and fans of farming sims in general. Just like the winds of change brought it richer character stories, an emphasized overarching narrative, and voice acting, hopefully Grand Bazaar’s eastward winds carry these new features and concepts into future Story of Seasons games.

The feeling of happening upon a village in your travels and discovering a whole questline that takes up hours of your time alongside a compelling story fraught with dicey moral dilemmas is truly unmatched, even now.

Cheers to you, System Shock 2, for living up to your own hype. And cheers to you especially, Nightdive Studios, for bringing it back in such a loving, passionate way so that others may experience such a titan of gaming once again, or for the first time.

As someone generally more motivated to complete a playthrough than get caught up in a cycle of experimenting and restarting, I’m not sure I’m the main audience for Caves of Qud. This makes me even more impressed by what a good time I had with it. Whether you’re signing up for one playthrough or one hundred, it’s hard not to be captivated by its depth and imagination once you get a sense of how the world works. And if I were the type of player who liked to invest the bulk of my gaming time in one single-player experience, this would be a rabbit hole worth falling into.

With its combination of rich character and ability design and the smooth way it integrates rolling and manipulating dice, it’s proven an addictive presence. The original Italian Renaissance art style is the finishing touch that drives home Dice Gambit’s unique style and approach, even if it does outstay its welcome. Excited as I am to see where the developers and the game go next, I’m off to try a new run where, whenever dice are spent, all remaining dice are rerolled. Crazy! But hey, this is the way Lady Luck dances; let’s roll the bones.

OFF deserves a lot of credit for its creative accomplishments. I’m pleased that this remaster gives us the opportunity to pay it its dues while acknowledging the ways it has been artistically surpassed. It’s the type of creative project that lights a torch for others to carry into even more daring places. Still, with its arthouse stylings that resist easy interpretation, OFF retains its own identity enough to make it well worth recommending to this day. Whether you’re more interested in the game out of historical curiosity or to bask in the dread oozing from its presentation, OFF still has a lot to (don’t do it man, don’t do it)… offer.

Persona 5: The Phantom X is a free-to-play traditional RPG Persona 5 spin-off boasting a surprising amount of depth in terms of gameplay, storyline, and characters. Besides some wonky PC controls, the “gacha wall” you inevitably run up against if you’re trying to play it for completely free is the only thing truly holding the game back. Nonetheless, in a lot of respects, it’s a strong Persona title and one of the better free-to-play RPGs I’ve tried out. I enjoyed my time with the game, and can see myself playing it for a while into the future too. For me, that speaks volumes as to how decent a game Persona 5: The Phantom X can be.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster provides a definitive way to experience an excellent JRPG from yesteryear. Flawed though it is, I would still recommend it as a truly unique experiment, blending classic vibes with an innovative spirit that earns it the right to be revisited in this more polished form over a decade after its original release.

Chained Echoes felt like an obsession, a product of many, many years of careful labor and planning. Ashes of Elrant feels like a set of solutions to problems. It comes across as something Linda wanted to make, but didn’t have to make. After spending 18 hours uncovering every little secret and poking around in every corner, some of the sloppiness wore on me. Don’t get me wrong: there’s still more than enough of the base game’s DNA here to have a great time. Exploration is still a blast, it still looks good, and it sounds incredible, accompanied by some beautiful new tracks from composer Eddie Marianukroh that fit right into the already stellar OST. But, like the new Reward Board, Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant looks the same and often feels the same, but the payoff just isn’t as strong.

The Red Bell’s Lament is an odd otome in that the romance isn’t the main focal point of the game and arguably feels like an afterthought in some respects. However, the little romance there is works effectively. The main plot is compelling and thoughtful, but reaching the point where it comes together takes quite a bit of perseverance. Add in a wholly unnecessary gameplay gimmick in the form of “gameboard” missions, and it’ll take an exceedingly patient otome VN fan to appreciate the title’s apparent strengths. I enjoyed The Red Bell’s Lament when I reached its conclusion, but I also found it a struggle to continue playing after that initial bite.

Neon Hearts City is a tightly-designed adventure noir, with well-written dialogue and surprisingly heartfelt voice-overs. However, it struggles to make its voice heard in the vast continuum of cyberpunk futurism, and its systems are too familiar and simple to add any unique complexity to offset this. For those with a love of the subgenre, the honest graphics, thoughtful soundtrack, and nostalgic plot will grant a few sweet hours in a different reality. In the end, although all these moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain, it might be worth a visit to the City. Just remember to bring your raincoat, ramen noodles, and a healthy dash of cynicism.

Despera Drops isn’t the best otome VN out there by any stretch of the imagination. Still, it has some memorable moments and excellent gameplay gimmicks to help separate it from the crowd. If you pick up the game with expectations tempered, you’ll find some enjoyment along the way. Despera Drops is a heist with mixed results, but even if just barely, there are overall more positives in its favor.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is the best iteration of Monolith Soft’s impressive open-world masterpiece. I’m so happy that the game is on a platform many people own, so they can finally experience the wondrous world of Mira for the first time, just as I did in 2015. Xenoblade Chronicles X is the most impressive execution of the open-world concept I’ve ever experienced, and the fact that it retains that lofty designation for me even after ten years and countless open-world RPGs is a testament to Monolith Soft’s monumental achievement in RPG game design.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut puts a great game on a system that makes it portable, and that alone is laudable. Even if the multiplayer is boring and the new story content is redundant, the dub is strong enough to warrant sitting through every cutscene at least one more time. When a series with such an established structure and formula has a strong enough baseline to seem like it can’t go wrong, it can be difficult to sort out the true gems. Yakuza 0, and its Director’s Cut, are gems, end of story.

Wuthering Waves is a fantastic game and one of the best current gachas from a gameplay standpoint. While the shift to a more HoYoVerse-style gacha system is disappointing (pity of 80 pulls versus PGR’s pity of 60, 50/50 coin flips on banner characters with a 100% guarantee after failure versus PGR’s 100% guarantee with no coin flips), Kuro Games remains relatively generous with free currencies (often as an apology for some kind of screw up), log-in campaigns, and events. Overall, the game is gorgeous, a treat to listen to, and a blast to play. Lovable and endearing characters and an intricately detailed world make Wuthering Waves one of the most high-quality games in its specific market.

Tunguska: The Vistation leaves a strong impression, though it’s not always the right one. It gets the more esoteric game-feel aspects, like combat feedback and satisfying exploration rewards, down pat, but struggles with fundamental design elements like control schemes and narrative. There is an undeniably large amount of jank in the game, which will either endear you to the experience or turn you off it entirely. Still, Tunguska is an enjoyable enough experience on its own that it’s worth giving a try to find out for yourself.

If it sounds like I didn’t find any fault with Chicory, it’s because I didn’t. If I had to nitpick something, it would be that the gamepad controls might feel too loose for players with more artistic ambition than me. Aside from that, everything about it coalesces into a seamlessly cohesive, authentic, and truly fresh experience. It’s one of my favorite games of the decade so far and one of my favorite indie games from any decade. I can’t guarantee it will have the same impact on you that it did on me, but as a product of inspired design and storytelling it is an indisputable artistic triumph.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition rekindles a game that never quite reached the heights of its legendary bloodline. But now, with a degree of acceptance and patience, it can step onto the stage with all the confidence of an old soldier, sharing stories of how adventures used to be. Are you ready to listen?

Hanako’s Flower Shop is a VN that leans more into the simple side with its gameplay mechanics and overall presentation, but it has a lot of heart and a surprising amount of depth beneath the surface. Those looking for a more casual gaming experience that manages to bring a lot to the table in terms of thoughtful and universal narrative themes should give the title a chance. It communicates so much through what it says directly and what it has you inwardly think about, all in a language very much its own.

I genuinely liked Covenant of Solitude, but have a hard time recommending it when other (arguably better) games like it exist that offer a better value for the money. That this 2025 re-release of Covenant of Solitude remains relatively unchanged from its 2013 iteration is disappointing. The potential for a good game is there, but it needs a remodel to compete in a supersaturated and highly competitive market. Regardless, Covenant of Solitude always has the wonderful Wicca; she absolutely makes the game.

Despite its flaws, Kathy Rain 2 is another spectacular adventure from Clifftop Games that builds on the established characters wonderfully and, for the most part, pays off many of the original game’s lingering plot threads in satisfying ways. There are still some cliched, corny lines here and there, with some characters that feel very archetypal and stereotypical. It also feels like Clifftop Games wants to have their cake and eat it too with the supernatural stuff, considering it doesn’t always mesh with the otherwise grounded and gritty detective story, but it’s at least delivered better here than it was before. Regardless, it’s a sound, engaging mystery that’s easy to get invested in. If you’re a fan of the original game, this character, or adventure games in general, Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer will not steer you wrong, and proves that despite innovation across the industry, good old-fashioned, LucasArts-inspired adventure games still have staying power.

As if there was any doubt, Deltarune’s two new chapters build on the foundation of its predecessors in ways both expected and unexpected. There is a level of care here extending through design, aesthetics, and storytelling that is impossible not to marvel at. From the kitschy experimentation of Chapter 3 to the grandiose presentation of Chapter 4, Deltarune is becoming harder not to pay attention to and tip one’s hat at. My recommendation? Play it now. And play it again later. There’s literally nothing else like it. Purchasing the game will get you all the remaining chapters released as expansions. Enjoy the ride so far—and the suspense before the next drop.

As if there was any doubt, Deltarune’s two new chapters build on the foundation of its predecessors in ways both expected and unexpected. There is a level of care here extending through design, aesthetics, and storytelling that is impossible not to marvel at. From the kitschy experimentation of Chapter 3 to the grandiose presentation of Chapter 4, Deltarune is becoming harder not to pay attention to and tip one’s hat at. My recommendation? Play it now. And play it again later. There’s literally nothing else like it. Purchasing the game will get you all the remaining chapters released as expansions. Enjoy the ride so far—and the suspense before the next drop.

What Fantasy Life i does best is bringing together different game styles and having them work together in such a way that it becomes very easy to get caught in its cycle. Although some minor hiccups are afoot, the game is ultimately greater than the sum of its parts, just like what happens when you bring together all sorts of experiences to contribute to a rich, intricate life tapestry. The implementation of gameplay from some of the Switch’s “greatest hits” also makes Fantasy Life i feel like a spiritual send-off, synthesizing blasts from the system’s past in a way that keeps them fresh for the game’s future. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a time-stealer, ensuring its most important features are fun and relevant to the rest of its offerings.

Date Everything! is more than the sum of its individual components. It may not have the best graphics, gameplay, control, or story, but the heart, soul, and addictiveness of Date Everything! cannot be codified into numerical scores and categories. Simply put, Date Everything! rocked my world more than I expected it to; I spent more time playing it than I care to admit. It’s not a game for everyone, but if it’s your cup of tea, you will drink it with gusto.

RAIDOU Remastered somehow manages to thread the needle of creating a more polished version of a cult classic without compromising the mysterious, singular identity that made it memorable in the first place. It succeeds in offering new content that enhances the overall experience, all while honoring the original’s legacy. I can only hope Atlus will continue this effort.

There’s not much I can critique about FFVII Rebirth. It reminded me of everything I love and appreciate about the original game while granting a new perspective. It’s a wonderful action RPG with some addicting minigames to boot. I like the slight element of choice interspersed throughout the narrative as well. I can see where some of the more original aspects of FFVII Rebirth’s story could be divisive to fans of the original, but for my part, I felt they helped set the stage for what could be a wholly new experience (a rebirth, if you will). Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a game I’m glad I played as a fan of the original and a newcomer to this remake trilogy, as it’s an excellent Final Fantasy title with its own merit. I’m now curious and eager to see how this game’s ending might change what’s coming next.

For better or worse, Deltarune is deliberately being developed in Undertale‘s shadow. So far, it’s doing an admirable job following up. I’m not sure if it’ll achieve the iconic highs, cultural impact, or effortless thematic unity, but it’s already got a lot to offer. Chapter 2 is more consistently engaging mechanically than Undertale, and there’s much more of this game on the way. If Undertale achieves the immaculate confidence and unity of Dragon Quest games, then Deltarune swings for the spectacle and multifaceted characterization of Final Fantasy. Perhaps it’s no coincidence how both games’ battle screens reflect those respective series. With that said, Deltarune’s first two chapters feel like a satisfying experience in their own right. Their combined length already exceeds an Undertale run, and with Chapters 3+4 on the horizon, we’ll have access to allegedly more than half of its overall content. That’s a lot of a great game! Unless you’re opposed to playing through a game begging for repeated visits more than once, or cliffhangers negatively affect your well-being, I don’t think there’s a reason to wait to acquaint yourself with this world. Chapter 1 and especially Chapter 2 have set the grounds for what I have no doubt will surpass Undertale mechanically. What remains to be seen is where this story goes.

FIGHT KNIGHT is a must-play for anyone seeking a high-quality, unique experience. So much of the game is odd, yet it plants itself in reality with gorgeous aesthetics, competent gameplay, unique mechanics, and level design that makes you feel smart while rarely frustrating. FIGHT KNIGHT is the exact example of why indies are important, because while the next AAA will reiterate the same old gameplay, here we have a title that isn’t afraid to change the way the game is played. And with style.

There is so much to love about Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, from its improvements to farming to its lovable cast and how its story calls back to previous Rune Factory plot elements. The game clearly loves its heritage just as much as it loves Japan, so it’s easy to love it back. Guardians of Azuma is by far the greatest Rune Factory game yet, thanks to its forward strides in farming and player expression. And while there are still some minor limitations to overcome, Rune Factory 6 has some massive shoes to fill. The best simulation games keep you coming back to maintain your personalized worlds, and Guardians of Azuma does just that, with flying colors of all the seasons.