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.

If you want boobs even more giant, and if you have a vendetta against your square button and your free time, then I’d heartily recommend Edens Zero. If you’ve played any anime action game since the PS2, then you should know there are many better options out there.

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.

Death end re;Quest Code Z is a game that had me constantly questioning who it was for. As a fan of the series, I wasn’t particularly interested in a mystery dungeon roguelike and found myself barely engaging with the combat. I also don’t see mystery dungeon fans being starved enough to pick up Code Z. If they were to stumble across the game, I can’t imagine they’d stick with it due to impenetrable story that is little more than a “What If?” scenario laden with references, hints, and nods galore. As a Death end re;Quest game, Code Z offers the bare minimum of what I expect from the series. While it may not have the lows of its predecessors, it also lacks the emotional highs and rewarding gameplay elements. As Death end re;Quest 3 has been in development for a while now, Code Z serves as little more than a detour. While not particularly bad by any means, Code Z is simply the least interesting entry.

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.

This review may come across as more negative than intended, simply because there’s such a strong baseline to compare it to. No Sleep For Kaname Date has pros than cons for me because I have a preexisting investment in the aspects it carries over the most elegantly from the rest of the series. The cast, puzzles, and humor are undoubtedly its best parts, and the story’s issues are thankfully not so severe as to drag those parts down. I at least recommend it to fans of the series, just with a few asterisks.

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.

I wouldn’t say Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny is a terrible game by any stretch of the imagination, but it could’ve been so much better. It successfully recreates the hectic mecha battles that the Gundam franchise is known for in an interactive format. I had fun playing it, even if I had to step away after every hour or two of play. I can only hope a future Gundam game can capture the true scope of the franchise in its entirety, but as it stands? Now that I’ve played this game, I have a nostalgic urge to rewatch Mobile Suit Gundam SEED again, so I think Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny Remastered made an impression, at the very least.

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.

I’m glad I finally played I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream. Its concept very easily draws players in, and to an extent, I even enjoyed banging my head against its opaque puzzles, knowing that each subsequent episodic level would bring a refreshing protagonist and style. Besides an underwhelming finale and some questionable puzzle design, the game is not as misanthropic or depressing as it would seem. Instead, it will always be narratively remarkable as the sole video game in Harlan Ellison’s expansive body of stories, scripts, comics, and teleplays. Ellison passed away in 2018 at the age of 84 but may his morbid and gleeful performance as AM live on for at least another hundred and nine years.

All told, to a T maintains the illustrious creative bounty of its director Keita Takahashi and his team at uvula, crafting a lovingly told, fun, wacky, and relentlessly cheeky ode to disabled kids who are in search of their place in the world. It’s clear that it’s a subject that means a lot to the developers, and it’s handled with genuine care, affection, and a wry sense of humour, never punching down or sugarcoating anything to betray its central message: There’s no such thing as “perfect,” and that’s okay. Our imperfections make us who we are.

Maybe more than any previous Soulsborne title, Elden Ring Nightreign is a game of learning, of trial and error. You run through Limveld again and again, and you figure out which methods work best for you, which places are worth going, and which approach is going to help you be most powerful for the final test. Long before you roll credits, though, you are almost certain to learn these lessons, go through the same tired routines over the same tired plains and landscapes while fighting the same tired enemies just to get wrecked by the final test if the RNG gods don’t favor you. It feels like you’re being forced to learn on someone else’s schedule, and while that works for a little while, eventually you want them to get on with the lesson and deliver some excellent boss fights without the long, repetitive road beforehand.

With Sea of Stars, Sabotage set out to create a spiritual successor to 16-bit JRPGs of yore, succeeding in some ways but failing in others. With this DLC, you will find the exact same strengths and weaknesses as in the main game. Throes of the Watchmaker is a very good piece of DLC for a very good game! Though the combat system and visual presentation are triumphs, the story and characters might leave you feeling underwhelmed. It would be interesting to see how Sabotage could improve on this solid RPG foundation, but I suspect they plan to move on to other pastures. Much like how they declined to make a sequel to The Messenger, my money says that their third game will also be a completely different genre and likely outside of our coverage. Given the baffling number of Super Punch-Out!! references present (yeah, the game is still meta), maybe they will be diving into a new take on that classic SNES title! But as this studio consistently delivers mechanically engaging, visual treats to the eyes, I am willing to explore whatever direction they take next!

Maliki: Poison of the Past feels to me like a bouquet of flowers, with the occasional thorn hidden within its attractive exterior. With the air full of the enticing aroma of blooming petals, you easily forget the one or two moments of discomfort you suffer to appreciate its best qualities. Load it up, take a deep breath, and enjoy.

There’s nothing wrong with developing the game you want and knowing what you have while hiding the limitations. Empyreal is all about the combat and loot, and it shows in the solid combat and in tinkering with your loadout. That’s clearly where the effort went. If this game is trying to be part Destiny and part Souls-like with a nod to old-school games, then it doesn’t fail, but it doesn’t succeed either. The only problem with eschewing story and other elements is that it comes off as cold and bland. I think those who dig the combat will love Empyreal, but others who want more out of their experience may find it less than sublime.

Phoenix Springs is not for everyone, and I’d venture to say most people won’t care for it; that’s also the benefit of strong visuals, though. No one’s going to look at screenshots or videos of this game and complain that they got ripped off thinking this was Gears of War. If my rambling and the feeling you get looking at Phoenix Springs doesn’t get you licking your lips, then this might be a pass for you. Others: enjoy food for your artsy fartsy soul.

When all is said and done, I can’t help but feel disappointed with The Chapter of Markus since it is what closes out the three DLC story expansions for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. I wouldn’t say it’s exceedingly terrible, as at the end of the day, it’s more Eiyuden Chronicle, but it doesn’t live up to its inherent potential either. If you’re already getting the DLC by backing the title, I’d say it’s worth playing. But if you’re debating purchasing the DLC separately, I’d recommend waiting for a hefty discount. As it stands, I just can’t recommend paying the steep full price of around $9 USD for what you get here.

Despelote‘s short length will put some people off and the finicky controls could use some fine-tuning and extra settings to adjust. But if you’re even a little intrigued by trailers, the demo, or indeed this review, you’ll find a truly charming and sincere little odyssey with a sweet story to tell and a unique, engaging way of telling it.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered does what every great remaster ought to: it recaptures the fun and silliness of the original, quietly removes some underlying flaws, and makes the whole experience look as beautiful as memories seen through rose-tinted glasses.

With its long journey, wonderful characters, and a plethora of choices, Rosewater is truly an impressive achievement among point-and-click games. If you have the slightest interest in graphic adventures or the Western genre, this is an experience not to be missed!

Overall, Penny Blood: Hellbound presents a world I’m eager to make my home address in (at least in a video game sense), with neighbors I’d like to get to know better while remaining utterly terrified the entire time. The roguelike gameplay can be fun, but its best features are yet mired in balancing issues. Though its personality is magnetic, as a roguelike, it doesn’t stack up well against others like it. If the point of releasing Penny Blood: Hellbound was to whet the appetite for Penny Blood, then it’s served its purpose. That’s good for now, but once Penny Blood proper is released, I suspect Penny Blood: Hellbound will ultimately be for completionists.

The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is a VN with great potential. It has all the foundations of an engaging story about the darker side of the human condition during times of pure and utter desperation. But it struggles to deliver on the promise of its characters, leading to a relatively flat reading experience overall. For its price point, I think it’s worth a shot if the aesthetic or setting piques your interest, but those seeking a deeper, more fleshed-out roster of characters might find themselves disappointed.

In lieu of a traditional conclusion, I’ll just say this: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the single most impressive debut RPG I’ve ever played. If this were a Final Fantasy title, it would easily rank among my all-time favorites. I can’t recommend it enough.

I certainly didn’t dislike my time with Old Skies, but I didn’t love it, either. What a wonderful ending that almost made me forget and forgive the longest fifteen hours I’ve experienced in a game recently. The last chapter is absolute chef’s kiss stuff. Somehow, though, a story with a mysterious organization with limitless resources, a thoughtful ruleset, and time manipulation didn’t excite.

The 2025 remake of Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is a worthwhile journey whether you’re returning to its familiar rivers and jungles, or if it’s your first time strapping into a Hydrafloat. You will best enjoy it if you take your time and let it sweep you into the well-thought-out pace retained from the original game’s designer, the late Benoît Sokal, who passed away in 2021. From intro to credits, it is an unabashedly classic adventure.

From the beginning of the game, I wanted to complete Those Who Rule to learn the fate of the Rangers and engage with more of the tough battles and varied objectives. There was enough to keep me going in discovering new characters, unlocking new classes, and contemplating new map effects or strategies. The interplay of the combat design and the importance of positioning and managing aggro is deeply satisfying. That said, the fiddly UI and rather limited management options do take away from the experience. Some may also be turned off by the relatively basic enemy variety: there are no lions and tigers and bears here. But I can’t deny the game has a lot of heart and soul. For those who have a soft spot for political drama between warring nations nestled around a challenging turn-based combat system, it might pay to be king for a day.

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy might take a bit to grow on you. It doesn’t have the most elegant start, and there are many rough edges even after it gets going. And yet, with all that in mind, the sheer variety and ambition still make it something special for fans of both its directors and those looking for a decidedly unconventional experience. For what it’s worth, I’m both, and I can recommend it easily. There’s definitely a lot to unpack with this game, and I know it will have a hold on me for a while.

Overall, Battlefield Waltz is a delightful visual novel to immerse yourself in, especially if you’re looking for character-driven romantic fantasies. It doesn’t do anything inherently wrong, save for having a far too-lengthy common route. The robust story map makes for easier replayability, which is fantastic since one route’s progression might make you want to see how another route will affect characters differently. Battlefield Waltz is an otome that fans of the genre should appreciate we finally have localized.

If the game mechanics of Anniversary Edition don’t click with you right away, 2G is different enough and beginner-friendly enough to satisfy, and the reverse is true if you find the beginning hours of 2G lacking in tension or difficulty. Neither game is a masterpiece, but combining both games into one affordable package was a great idea and makes this collection a worthwhile purchase, especially since 2G had such a limited Western release. I appreciate PQube giving this oft-forgotten series a new lease on life and look forward to where they take the series next.

Overall, there are not many negatives regarding The Chapter of Seign. As far as the current two Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes DLC expansions are concerned, it’s the stronger one if only by a slim margin. I enjoyed it more than I initially thought, enough to lament it being far too short. Grace, in particular, is an excellent addition to the cast, even though it’s disappointing that she joins the main game so late. While I’m still unsure if it is worth the current price, The Chapter of Seign is one DLC I could see picking up at a discount. It’s certainly a step in the right direction for Eiyuden Chronicle‘s story expansions. I can only hope that the third and final one will be even more of an improvement.

Maybe the most important thing a developer can do when remastering a game is choosing not to fix what isn’t broken. For the most part, that’s exactly what GungHo did here; they kept the remaster simple, but not because this is a cheap port. Adding a bunch of fancy bells and whistles would diminish the purity of these games. Simple is the point. And if simple is what you need right now, then spin up the Lunar Remastered Collection. You’ll be in for a good time.

Remember that weird Japanese PS2 game you picked up on a whim in 2004 because it had an interesting cover and the description on the back caught your eye and it turned out to be one of your favorite games of all time? Yeah, that’s Promise Mascot Agency.

While SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is a massive improvement over the original, and well worth playing, I remain cognizant of its flaws. The story is highly interesting and definitely fun to dive into, pondering to oneself, “What isn’t being told? What other dynamics are at play?” And yes, the new localization makes the plot far easier to comprehend. But there is a sparseness to the story’s presentation. Nearly 100 years pass and we’re just getting snapshots, vignettes for a handful of characters. That might be a little thin for players who prefer dialogue-heavy RPGs. This ain’t that.

When games remind me of familiar places and experiences, it changes my outlook. Instead of marveling wide-eyed at a brave new world’s wonders, I marvel at how these outlandish places surprisingly feel like “home.” I really got into All in Abyss: Judge the Fake because it reminded me of places I’ve been to and experiences I’ve had. That being said, All in Abyss: Judge the Fake is not everyone’s cup of tea. I highly recommend playing the entirety of All in Abyss: Judge the Fake’s Steam demo to determine whether this cool hybrid game is right for you.

Overall, I came away from Dark Deity 2 impressed. As far as it is a sequel, it’s an improvement from the original Dark Deity in many ways, which is saying something since I enjoyed that title, too! It’s a solid indie SRPG offering much replayability and player experimentation. I wouldn’t oppose a third game in this series, especially if it keeps this positive momentum. Instead of being viewed as just a Fire Emblem homage, Dark Deity 2 proves that it’s a labor of love with its own merit.

All told, for a game that wasn’t even on my radar until recently, Blue Prince is a truly wonderful surprise, serving as a new benchmark for both adventure games and roguelikes moving forward. It can be equal parts rewarding as it can be frustrating, depending on how you approach it and how the dice may roll. Yet, despite those frustrations, there’s still just so much to love about Blue Prince that I can’t ever stay mad at it.

This genre and approach are my catnip, and I could happily play Legion IX again just to explore different character builds and attain the full demonic morality bonuses, but I suspect many gamers will bounce straight off it even if they liked the original. If you really enjoyed the original, and want more of the same, you’re in the right place. If you enjoyed the original but wished it addressed some of its issues or innovated on its designs, this trip to Nova Roma won’t provide solutions. You can decide whether you’ll come, what you think you’ll see, and if you think you’ll conquer. Veni, Vidi, Vici, indeed.

It may sound as if I had more gripes than praise with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but I truly enjoyed my time with it. It’s just that, with a series such as this from a historically controversial developer such as Ubisoft, it’s important to view Shadows with realistic expectations so you don’t get burned by what isn’t there and can instead appreciate where it excels.

While a sorrowful game like What Remains of Edith Finch chooses to end on more of a “life is short, but beautiful” angle, the opposite can be said here: Mouthwashing waits until the last minute to deliver its final, devastating punchline. Even if the gameplay here isn’t revolutionary, it’s hard not to be drawn by the gravity of games that “go big on story” (like how Yoko Taro games tend to revel in delightfully twisted storytelling). After a certain point, you simply can’t look back and need to see how this ends, even if it’s all in tears. But the best parts of Mouthwashing have sat in my mind for a while now, and Wrong Organ has quickly established itself as a developer worth keeping a creepy, unblinking eye on.

Obsidian’s medieval murder mystery Pentiment is a small but incredibly dense narrative with little gameplay but heaps of some of the most exquisitely crafted dialogue in all of gaming. It’s more captivating than it is exciting, and it may appeal more to readers rather than gamers. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it and already know its writing will stick with me far longer than most bigger, more technically impressive games.

Voice Love on Air is an enjoyable game if you like VN and management sim mashups, even if the sometimes random component of recording sessions and having to be exact when pursuing specific routes gets frustrating. The enjoyment factor is especially true for those who love a good romance story with a heartfelt message of self-love and healing. After all, voices can carry hidden meanings and emotions. Hence, listening to others and our hearts is vitally important: a sentiment that surprisingly comes alive when playing Voice Love on Air!

If your 2025 resolution is to check out any cool 2024 games you missed, 1000xRESIST is worth a shot if you desire a compelling narrative and can endure clumsy gameplay. The game is also not very long (I finished this ten-chapter game in about twelve hours), so you’ll still have plenty of time to play 2025’s offerings. 1000xRESIST is a diamond in the rough that, despite its flaws, I’m glad I experienced.

Even putting the awful rhetoric aside, Shattered Space is a tone-deaf, regressive, poorly blueprinted, and poorly executed sorry excuse for a story expansion, favoring looks over substance and regression over progression.

Despite my gripes with the game, AI LIMIT ultimately was an enjoyable experience. Its faults only peeved me as much as they did because I was having a genuinely good time for most of my 20-hour playthrough. However, the cracks in its gameplay run deep, with aspects like encounter design being persistent issues to the very end. If these aren’t dealbreakers for you, AI LIMIT is a worthwhile time sink; otherwise, it remains a cautious recommendation for anyone else.

Essentially, The Chapter of Marisa is more Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. That’s probably in its favor if you enjoyed the base game, but if you were expecting drastic change or development, this DLC will disappoint. Given its length, I’m reluctant to recommend purchasing this DLC for its full asking price, as it seems more than a tad steep for its short playtime. Should The Chapter of Marisa ever get a significant sale, that might be a different story if you enjoyed Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. Just be warned to temper your expectations accordingly.

With a successful transition to a fully realized open world, Atelier Yumia is a strong start to a new series while serving as a fantastic follow-up to the Atelier Ryza games. The world is large and rewarding with something around every corner, and the cast is unique and lovable while having a whole lot of heart. Battles are active and intense, ensuring the player is always engaged. While the synthesis system may initially seem unintuitive, the payoff for learning the system’s intricacies far outweighs the few hours of confusion. A stellar soundtrack and gorgeous visuals complete the package, ensuring Atelier Yumia punches far above its weight while competing with contemporaries whose budgets are multiple times its size.

Urban Myth Dissolution Center resolves these cases well, with unexpected yet logical turns of events that never fail to surprise and delight me.

Starlight Legacy is a game I needed to spend time with before its unique subtleties grew on me. Overall, I enjoyed the experience but was left wanting more. I wanted more world-building, lore, and character development. In addition, several gameplay flaws are difficult, if not impossible, to overlook. Starlight Legacy is not for everyone, but the robust Steam demo provides a good metric to determine whether Starlight Legacy is your kind of game.

I truly wish Freedom Wars could live up to my expectations. Stories about authoritarian forces with absurd standards of criminality are more necessary than ever. I think we could also use more action games emphasizing vertical environments and mobility. But as it stands, I don’t think I’ll be returning to the Panopticon or working off my sentence any time soon. The prospect sounds more like a prison sentence than a fun time.

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter took me by surprise, successfully combining blatant inspirations from the big cheeses of action RPGs and reinterpreting them in a fine, nibble-sized package. It looks simultaneously beautiful and intentionally rough, and its combat is challenging but (mostly) fair. I’m not sure it needs to continue doubling in size with its potential third entry—it’s a little fighter, and rat’s good enough.

With exceptional writing, beautiful art, a compelling environment, and a captivating central gameplay mechanic, Expelled! is a video game work of art. If you have any interest in visual novels, adventure games, whodunits, or time loops, I can’t recommend it enough. Believe me, you will want to play this one again and again!

In terms of living up to lofty promises based on Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios absolutely nailed it for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. The bonkers story, fantastic characters, and the right improvements to combat carry the day, but the more mundane tasks like smithing and alchemy make for an impressive and fascinating representation of what daily life may have been like during a specific point in history. There are endless adventures here to dig into, and even though it requires a significant investment of time, for those bold enough to brave it, it’s time well spent. Long live Warhorse Studios!

ENDER MAGNOLIA is one of the best Metroidvanias I’ve played in many years—rivaled only by its predecessor—and it’ll easily land itself upon my 2025 game of the year list.

I loved Wanderstop in a way that I honestly wasn’t anticipating. I mean, I was sure I’d enjoy the story, music, and writing given the pedigree of Ivy Road’s founders. Yet, I was taken aback by how much I, a management sim skeptic, enjoyed the gardening and tea-brewing gameplay loop. Good thing too, since it’s most of what Wanderstop offers. Well, that and the aforementioned fantastic story, characters, and mature writing that is at times as genuinely laugh-out-loud funny as it is emotionally rich. Let’s also not fail to mention yet another wonderful, moving soundtrack by master composer C418.

To be clear, Suikoden I & II shine even more brightly here than they have for over 25 years. Plus, building up your base is still a blast, and I got the same dopamine hit every time I added someone to my army. The characters and story are still working on a singular, elevated level. I love the look and the sound. But, even this superfan purist wanted a little more care and attention in addressing the legitimate complaints people have about these games.

Ever 17 is weird. It’s a conventional survival story told in a very unconventional way. Its tone can turn from laid-back to dire on a dime and its traditional gal game structure gives way to some of the most shocking rug pulls you’re likely to find in any piece of fiction. If you can sit through some repetitive text and a lot of typos, you’ll find a truly special experience from one of gaming’s most under-appreciated talents.

The Crimson Diamond is a remarkable game, not just in terms of the experience it offers, but in the fact that it exists at all. The game not only successfully evokes text parser adventure games of decades past but improves on them in dozens of little ways. Julia Minamata deserves a massive amount of credit for evoking the feel, look, and style of the era in a way that doesn’t feel dated or like a relic of a forgotten past. Whether her next project is a text parser game, a verb-wheel-based point-and-click, or a completely different genre, I expect she will make it with the same level of care and imagination that she shows here. The Crimson Diamond is clearly a labor of love, and I loved it just as much in return!

Never 7, in spite of its many differences from his later titles, is still distinctly a Kotaro Uchikoshi title. Rest assured, there is a scene where someone rambles about Schrodinger’s Cat. The game’s heavier focus on romance is not an indication that it isn’t worth your time, whether you’re a fan of his or not. While I may have preferred more variety in route structure and a cleaner script, Never 7 is still a worthwhile, albeit slow, read.

Him, the Smile & bloom is a slice-of-life otome visual novel that focuses on the smaller scale. It doesn’t do anything inherently wrong and is downright enjoyable if you’re the intended audience looking for a softer and more relaxed VN. Still, others might find the lower stakes challenging to invest in. I enjoyed my time with the title, and I hope that PQube’s upcoming localization allows more otome fans to try the game for themselves. Him, the Smile & bloom might just cultivate an entertaining experience for them!

Ultimately, I can only review what’s in front of me, and as it stands, this game shows promise that isn’t fully realized yet. Given the strength of its foundation, I’m excited to see where it’s headed in two years. If Capcom delivers, the expansion could very well be the best Monster Hunter yet.

Richly detailed and only occasionally derivative, Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog is well worth the few hours of your time it will take for a playthrough and a half. Fans of classic sci-fi anime will get a kick out of its presentation, but more than that, this game will appeal to anyone who enjoys a tense ‘bottle episode’ mystery. The Gun-Dog succeeds less as a branching-narrative adventure game and more as a small-scale proof of concept for the greater Stories from Sol narrative series that I truly hope comes to fruition.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage has a lot going for it—a compelling mystery, a strong cast of characters, and a nostalgic atmosphere that captures the era perfectly. But the technical issues are hard to ignore. From audio glitches to animation bugs, it feels like the game needed more time in the oven. I’m hopeful that Part 2 will smooth out these rough edges, because there is certainly some potential here. It’s just not quite there yet.

By no means a perfect game, Avowed is an easy recommendation for any RPG lover, especially those invested in Eora. Simplicity is the soup served by Obsidian, and, in doing so, Avowed shines pristinely and with outstanding design. A bit more spice wouldn’t hurt, but over-seasoning risks ruining any stew. That said, the plot and physical world are anything but simple, and that’s where Obsidian has invested its talent. After all, why else are you playing an Obsidian title?

So, does Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii deliver the madcap pirate-y quest starring Majima we were promised? Almost! It certainly isn’t the gold standard of Like a Dragon, or pirate games in general for that matter, but it delivers a solid representation of both. It features one of the series’ best protagonists, tells a pretty compelling story, and fills in many of the blanks left over from Infinite Wealth. I certainly enjoyed it more than The Man Who Erased His Name. Pirate Yakuza might not be the treasure we were hunting, but with its solid plot and a delightful cast of characters, maybe the real treasure was the friends (and enemies) we made along the way.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is an enjoyable RPG experience, especially from a character stance. It isn’t the most substantial sequel within The Legend of Heroes: Trails series’ lineup, but it’s far from a terrible game. I enjoyed playing it and eagerly await the next adventure to hit the Zemurian continent. We should heed the lessons of the past, if only so that brand-new possibilities might emerge, and I feel The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II encapsulates that message well.

By Afterlove EP’s closing moments, I was happy to take the needle from the vinyl and put the record back in its sleeve. I will file it away in the collection, an imperfect album, with some standout tracks that make the filler worthwhile.

Final Fantasy XVI is phenomenal if you enjoy action RPGs, especially if you appreciate well-written stories that build upon themselves, teeming with memorable characters and poignantly emotional moments. I’m glad I finally got to play it in its entirety, even if it wasn’t remotely close to its recommended specs. The final boss fight and ending scenes left me with so many feelings, and those on the fence about Final Fantasy XVI for any reason should at least give the game a chance. Like me, they might find a hidden gem underneath.

Suffice it to say, Shujinkou is one of the most ambitious indie games I’ve ever played. It not only satisfies the DRPG craving, but also rivals the industry and genre giants in delivering a complete experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just curious to try something new, this is the one.

If you’ve previously played Tokyo Xanadu eX+, there probably isn’t enough new here to warrant a revisit. If you are a new player or have only experienced the original Vita release back in 2017, then give this Switch version a second look. It’s rare for a Switch port to have few significant compromises, and even rarer still for that port to be the best version of the game, but Aksys and Falcom did a great job with this release.

While later games in the series may better realize the cowboy flavors of the setting in terms of visuals — trading 2D sprites and 3D chibi renderings of our heroes for new casts and new Filgaias unique in all but name — Wild ARMs stands as a unique gem nestled in the shadow of PlayStation JRPG giants, waiting to be explored by the more patient of players. For all its constant availability across five generations of PlayStations, Wild ARMs deserves the quality-of-life enhancements of its peers to make it feel like less of a chore.

Genso Manège is an otome that I, admittedly, had a preconceived notion of what it would be like given its “soft and sweet” appearance. Underneath its pastel visuals, I was pleasantly surprised to find a gripping and emotional story about overcoming hardships and loss populated by a memorable cast. Genso Manège certainly adheres to “don’t judge a book by its cover” due to its hidden narrative depth alongside finely-tuned traditional visual novel elements and a fun optional puzzle mechanic, providing fellow romantasy junkies a new game to adore.

Despite fundamental similarities between the two games, Starward Vector builds on its predecessor in a way that feels perfectly logical: a reframing and culmination of the design philosophy that defines the series thus far. You could easily look at screenshots of either Citizen Sleeper game and think them a niche interest, but I don’t think that’s true. It may resemble a visual novel in some ways, but the overall experience it offers feels like a full-fledged RPG. As long as you aren’t opposed to reading a lot of good writing, Citizen Sleeper 2 is an indie investment worth considering. With an endearing and well-rounded cast, tight and expressive game systems, and a visionary sci-fi world to get lost in, this is an early frontrunner for 2025 RPGs.

Coridden, while lacking polish, also shines like a diamond with its wealth of ideas, theming, and creative setting. Almost better as a proof-of-concept, my intention isn’t to steer the developers away from success, but to highlight that the hard part’s been done: good game design. All that’s needed is some QA. For you, reader, you may enjoy seeing what’s being chewed on here, but don’t go in expecting a crisp experience.

While it’s still a promising effort by a clearly talented studio, that promise seemingly could take several post-launch patches to show through fully. If you’re at all interested in Eternal Strands, I would personally recommend waiting several months to a year before picking it up.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero may not be the most unique JRPG in recent memory, but there’s still not much out there that can capture the specific charm of its gameplay. It’s a delight if you’ve never played a Nippon Ichi RPG or if you’re a veteran, and as one of those veterans, I’m so glad that this series has returned from the dead. Seems to be a theme.

Tales of Graces f Remastered presents the ideal way to experience this enjoyable entry in the Tales series. While I can’t promise Graces will revolutionise your view of the genre, I can assure you of an enjoyable time in the company of an entertaining group of characters, coupled to a battle system that gets your adrenaline flowing. Just like Sophie, the memories you create in your time here will be worth the journey.

Overall, Rise of the Ronin is assuredly a case of the pros outweighing the cons, but the cons can be tough to brush aside when they arise. For its first major open-world action game, Team Ninja has done a fantastic job here, and the amount of quality-of-life additions present that many similar games add after launch with patches is truly commendable. Having an abundance of fast-travel points and the ability to sprint in and out of combat without draining your stamina, for instance, may seem trivial but they make all the difference.

So long as those flaws don’t seem like deal breakers, Dynasty Warriors Origin is the easiest recommendation I’ve had in the mainline series. It’s got a more substantial format, more potent storytelling, and more engaging combat than the series has seen before. While individual elements of other games may stand out, Origins is the most complete package currently, even though it’s not the full Romance of the Three Kingdoms story. It’s the starting point for a direction we’ll almost certainly be seeing more of, and it’s a direction we’re lucky to have sitting ahead of us. As it stands, Dynasty Warriors Origins is the top of the mountain. It’s not to be missed.

The sad thing is, there are glimmers of something better. The four main characters have the potential to be appealing, with interesting backstories and some good interaction between them. This is aided by some competent performances by their respective voice actors, although undercut by the messy translation. There is a grandeur hiding behind the failure, like finding the gilt edges on some faded theatrical scenery. For all my displeasure, I would like to see this studio approach similar subject matter again, but this time with more respect for the audience. It would take some serious persuasion to bring me back into the fold. I cannot see that happening for a very, very long time.

While the additions to Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana are slight, they make this already excellent action RPG marginally more enticing. For those who have played previous versions, I wouldn’t say the changes make this edition essential beyond the convenience of being available on modern platforms. But for everyone else, Oath in Felghana is a classic that deserves to be played, and it’s now more accessible than ever. So, take a pointer from Adol and go have yourself an adventure!

Mario & Luigi: Brothership has you covered if—and only if—Mario RPG mechanics are your favorite thing and you want the largest mass of them yet. If they aren’t, you’re probably going to struggle to get over the initial five-hour hump before the game truly begins. While I didn’t outright hate most of my time with the game, would I have even seen it through to its conclusion if I weren’t reviewing it, even as a fan of Mario RPGs who wants to see Nintendo make more? Possibly not. Perhaps the best thing to do about Mario & Luigi: Brothership is to hope Nintendo realizes the missteps here and has the resolve to try their hand at the franchise once more instead of abandoning it again.