It's a fun game with a cute story and a difficulty level that will welcome casual players. It also offers enough variability and special features to make JRPG fiends rejoice.

Eselmir and the Five Magical Gifts is a good start for graphic adventures in 2018. Perhaps if enough people check this game out, it may open the gates for the Pirin trilogy of novels to be localized. Familiarity with the books would have more viscerally connected me to the game's world, characters, and lore. Regardless, it is clear that much love was put into this project, and I'm sure players will pick up on that when they play Eselmir and the Five Magical Gifts.

For players who have been on hiatus from the game for the last few years (like me), Seekers of Adoulin is a fantastic re-entry point to Final Fantasy XI. It marries convenient travel to fun new gameplay systems that provide equipment varying in potency from good to outrageous. I was intimidated when I started playing again, but before long, I settled into a groove and have come to enjoy the pioneer's life. You don't need a shovel or a machete to brave these wilds.

Overall, Demonheart: The Ice Demon is a more mature otome VN full of flawed-yet-realistic characters in a compelling fantasy storyline. I enjoyed the time I spent playing the game and found it to be both a surprisingly solid standalone title and one that has piqued my curiosity about the more extensive Demonheart series and its mythos. Fans of romantic VNs, in particular, should check this one out.

Remake or not, this is the first time we've seen the original game in the series here in the US, and almost 20 years later it's still worth playing.

Ghost Trick is worth a playthrough, if only to experience something completely unique in the graphic adventure genre.

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.

A weak story and semi-clunky controls prevented the game from being a lot more enjoyable. Regardless, it's a good game that has some great style and music with very interesting concepts.

If Kokurase were a person, I would heartily say that senpai has noticed you. I had a great time with the first episode and want to experience more of the misadventures of Kokurase/Cupid's Helpers. If you enjoy wacky anime hijinks with a quirky cast of characters and lovely music, give this game a shot, especially since the first episode is free.

Although Avalon Code would be without a niche had it not included the Book of Prophecy, the package as a whole is one full of variety and enjoyment.

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated is a delightful remake of a good game. The original Breath of Death VII is a favorite among indie game fans for a reason, and this version is even better. With lovely graphics, solid gameplay, fantastic music, amusing writing, a manageable length to fit into any busy schedule, and a satisfying RPG experience for half the price of a movie ticket, Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated is worth your time.

CotP is the worst game in the Valkyrie Profile series, but it is definitely my favorite SRPG on the DS.

Awakening might feel rushed at times, but it tells an important story and allows the Commander of the Grey to kick tremendous ass, and there's little more satisfying than that.

Overall, I spent well over one hundred twenty hours playing the Switch port of Trails of Cold Steel IV. While I certainly felt that the game dragged at times, it was ultimately still a solid JRPG experience. At times, “the end of saga” might have felt like it was going out with more of a whimper than a roar, but the conclusion of the True Ending more than makes up for the game’s pacing struggles. I’m glad I got the opportunity to experience the ending of the Erebonian story arc, and even with some Switch-specific flaws, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV is yet another truly solid addition to the console’s JRPG lineup. If you picked up the Switch’s port of Trails of Cold Steel III, then the fourth game is certainly worth playing on that system as well.

At times, Walk with the Living II does have a few hiccups, but it is an overall solid SRPG title with a lot of replayability and a powerful storyline that makes you think about what it means to be living. I enjoyed my time with the game, so I replayed it multiple times to see how things would play out if I chose one choice over another. It is heartfelt in the best of ways while also providing an entertaining tactical challenge. SRPG fans looking for more quality titles to peruse in the subgenre could quickly lose themselves for a little while here.

What we have here is a good tale. Maybe it's not great or to the standard that people expect, but it's well worth the time of anyone who enjoys a good story, despite its slower pace.

New unique minigames and a gigantic island to explore makes Lost in Blue 2 an engaging purchase for anyone who can get past the daunting first few hours of extreme survival. However, the one-two combo of a companion who lacks any sort of survival competency and the required precise micromanagement of each character's vital stats can tempt even the most hardened survival buffs to snap their DS clean in half.

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.

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.

The graphics are stylish, the sound is gorgeous, the gameplay is fun, and the story is cinematic. Some players may find the game too short or skewed easy, but those are not problems to me.

With its cyberpunk setting, emotionally charged storylines, and a relaxed pace that is far from comforting, Solace State: Emotional Cyberpunk Stories really lives up to its name. It also has a compelling soundtrack and a cinematic visual presentation I want to see more often in visual novels. I know 2023 has been a stacked year for video games, but Solace State is something that visual novel fans should check out.

With more than forty hours of gameplay, a "versus" mode for you to battle friends, and a difficulty that is stout, Valhalla Knights 2 is one of the best buys you're likely to find on the PSP for quite some time.

By the time I finished Gnosia and reached the true ending, I had played 210 Loops, and I almost felt as though the game was dragging on. Still, I had fun with the numerous escapades I got into when I could play at a more leisurely pace, and the ending sequences made me feel as if the overall experience was worth it. It has been a while since I’ve played such a creative single-player visual novel, and I enjoyed my time experimenting with the various loops and getting to know an endearing cast of characters. This is a title I can easily recommend to gamers who are patient and looking for a solid, unique visual novel experience. Just be sure to start up an entirely new game save once you see the ending credits for the first time and then see what happens. …Trust me, okay? It is worth it!

Maybe I’m just a sucker for games in which time passes, giving a sense that this is a real place with people we grow with. Rather than concluding a game and finding out the fate of everyone through expository text, we get to see it and be a part of it. Our decisions shape their lives, and this is why games are such a fantastic storytelling medium. I, too, have to live with the consequences, not just Andreas. Pentiment achieves this experience with an expertise we’ve come to expect from Obsidian, even if the game is bogged down with some fixable game design decisions.

Ultimately though, Gladius is an ambitious game that attempts to breathe new life into the genre. It's not entirely successful, but it is the best gladiator game I've played.

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a celebration of recreation and an assertion that video games can be not only a fun escape but a chance to dream of something outside of our routine spheres of life. It’s wonderfully imaginative, beautiful, and sometimes trippy to look at, and it is thoughtful about its subject matter. If you need a break from life, Dungeons of Hinterberg is here for your slaying needs.

Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space can be quite playtime intensive given that there are so many chapters to complete and the game isn’t even finished yet, not to mention its numerous optional quests, episodes, and side content. Still, at least it is entertaining! I can’t say I’ll ever be someone who invests a lot of time and money into Another Eden, but I’d like to stick around with it for a little while longer to see where Aldo’s journey takes him next. That’s more than I can say about similar gacha games I’ve tried in the past. Plus, the obvious cat bias the game has doesn’t hurt either!

Wizardry: PGotMO is one of those games where every step could be your last, but you’ll be entertained making those steps. Despite being a foundation of the genre, it does not provide an easy entry point for new players. It requires a high degree of patience, and this slow approach won’t be to everyone’s tastes. The graphics, sounds, and overall user experience are detailed and well thought out, with some lovely homages to the original in both setting and the number of OG player options. For a game that laid the blueprint for so much videogame history that followed it, taking a step back into the Proving Grounds felt like entering hallowed ground, like remembering a dream in vivid, modern detail. Just know that such a dream can become a quivering nightmare without warning. Be prepared to possibly lose everything in a single run, or a single combat, or even a single fudged combat round, and it’s a grand old time.

Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk DX is a great update to a great game, and it’s surprising just how nicely it cleans up. It is by far the definitive version and the absolute best way to play the game thanks to all the quality-of-life changes and its availability on modern systems. For people looking to get into the series, the Dusk trilogy is a great place to start. For long-time fans, I’d easily recommend a replay if only to see just how well the game has aged.

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.

My personal opinion is that this expansion was a much-needed breath of fresh air for the MMORPG. However, for Square Enix to continue to keep the game interesting, they will need to pull out a trump card, or else gamers could move on to bigger or better things.

If I were to offer a film critic style soundbite, I would say that Collar X Malice is a slick, stylish, and sexy thriller. The story and characters held my interest and the sense of danger kept me on the edge of my seat. It had its tropey "because anime" moments, but no more so than your garden variety summer blockbuster. If you enjoy visual novels, definitely check out Collar X Malice.

My personal opinion is that this expansion was a much-needed breath of fresh air for the MMORPG. However, for Square Enix to continue to keep the game interesting, they will need to pull out a trump card, or else gamers could move on to bigger or better things.

Magical Starsign does an excellent job at taking the classic Turn-Based RPG formula and turning it into something fun for Nintendo's new handheld device.

It's not a must-have for those who already own the PC version, but it's absolutely worth a purchase for anyone who missed out the first time around.

When all is said and done, I thoroughly enjoyed Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus. Hearing my colleague Peter talk about Rain Code last year as he worked on his review made me want to play it, and I’m glad I was finally able to. Except for the mediocre music and some gimmicky gameplay elements, Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus lived up to my internal hype and is worth playing. I hope to see more Master Detective Archives games in the future.

My time with Star Ocean: The Divine Force was thoroughly enjoyable, though it started to lose a bit of steam near the end of my 42 hours. The final dungeon(s) do fall into the sadistic teleport dungeon trap that many JRPG areas do, and the primary villain spends far too much time arguing their point with the party, far too many times. By the final battle, I just wanted to see credits, which unfortunately puts me off a replay for quite some time. That said, I’m excited to see Raymond’s side of things, and I can’t wait to swing a sword, rock a mullet, and listen to some trashy synth-heavy prog rock while tackling the extensive post-game. As I’ve said Star Ocean so many times that the words are almost losing all meaning, I’ll simply state this: Star Ocean: The Divine Force is the most Star Ocean that a Star Ocean game can be, and that makes it the best Star Ocean in nearly twenty years.

The Last Sacrament builds upon the prior material in the right ways by fleshing out the already intriguing worldbuilding, lore, and characters presented in the Echoes of the Fey mythos. With engaging characters, gripping storylines that contain hefty choices, evocative music, and challenging gameplay that goes above and beyond the visual novel norm, Echoes of the Fey is a visual novel series that genre fans should definitely check out.

The developers clearly put a lot of love into this game, and in my opinion, it paid off. I spent 40 to 50 very enjoyable hours with Alien Syndrome, and am several hours in with a second character.

For my part, Steins;Gate 0 probably will not be joining that list of all-time greats. But I am glad to have played it. I’ll speak fondly about many parts in the years to come, even if the completed puzzle isn’t the picture I was hoping it would be. Maybe check it out sometime.

Beloved Rapture is a memorable indie gaming experience that admirably captures the feel of classic traditional RPGs throughout its twenty-plus hour playtime. I especially enjoy the story’s focus on Aiden and Johan’s evolving bond and appreciate the underlying message of love and perseverance. The rushed components near the end lessen the impact the narrative might’ve otherwise had, but I still enjoyed playing Beloved Rapture by the time the credits rolled. Those desiring a traditional RPG homage should consider giving Beloved Rapture a try for themselves.

Despite some repetitive gameplay and a story that sputters out, Judgment is a worthy successor to the Yakuza series, with engaging side content and a world that feels truly alive.

There’s a lot in Gamedec that’s praiseworthy. I love how the game constantly evolves based on decisions made throughout it, and the story itself developed into something truly memorable as it progressed. Those who want to play an engaging cyberpunk sci-fi RPG with an emphasis on decision-making may very well want to try Gamedec out, especially now that it is updated and more polished.

As fun and impressive as The Last Spell is, I almost feel like it’s aged me. I am the type of person who goes in for long, heavy board games, loves to lose so that I can go again bolder and wiser, and relishes gnawing on two or more game-changing possibilities. Yet, I turned away from The Last Spell more than once because I couldn’t bear the idea of going through the stress again. In the right mood, The Last Spell is a gift and treasure. Still, you must not only be the kind of person who wants the densest strategy RPG experience ever created, but you also need to be in the mood to weigh twenty or so variables with each action, lest the house of cards you’ve constructed topple down.

For the most part, this is the same game released fifteen years ago, but with HD graphics. While this game feels and plays like a true classic, players will likely wish the remake went a bit further with its changes, especially when it comes to the controls and sound quality.

Overall, I find The Centennial Case a compelling mystery and game. It is a well-done interactive drama. The multi-generational story isn’t just a gimmick, but an inspired choice, and everything comes together in a perfectly satisfying and thoughtful way in the finale. It constantly surprised me with its production values across all fronts (except the disappointing translation) and kept me entertained and asking questions the entire time. I am particularly pleased with the reasoning system as a vessel for solving mysteries in an interactive environment. I will be there on day one for any follow-up games and recommend any mystery fans check out The Centennial Case.

While the 16-bit-RPG-throwback genre is certainly not lacking for participants, Cosmic Star Heroine stands near the head of the class in terms of accurately capturing the audiovisual essence of the era. It falls short on invoking the character and captivating allure of the worlds imagined by the forebearers it aims to honor, however. It's a solid game in its own right, but going in understanding it's more homage than classic will temper expectations and enable you to appreciate it for what it is rather than what it is not. After all, even the best cover bands aren't able to completely emulate the enduring magic of their source material.

DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate is an entertainingly thought-provoking sci-fi mystery graphic adventure. I enjoyed playing it despite some of its weaknesses, specifically its transition to non-VR mechanics. I’m curious about when its two predecessors make their way onto the Switch. I hope there are more games of its ilk in development for the future. If you haven’t yet played any version of the game, Nintendo Switch’s Definitive Edition of DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate is well worth the non-VR dive.

Perfect for anyone who prefers narrative over puzzles.

Knights in the Nightmare is a hit or miss game, plain and simple.

Celestia: Chain of Fate is a surprisingly detailed visual novel with more depth in its light fantasy tale than one might initially give it credit for. Plus, it provides a nice dose of romance on the side. Visual novel and otome fans willing to give the game a chance will find an enjoyable time if they stick with it, despite any initial hesitations with the game’s earlier chapters. I hope that “Book 2” releases sooner rather than later, and that’s a telling sign to me as to how much I ultimately enjoyed Celestia: Chain of Fate!

There is primarily great content in Eastward for its low price, and it serves to scratch a lot of itches with its varied inspirations. It’s not without stumbles, but it is an easy recommendation for fans of not just Earthbound, Zelda, or Mario & Luigi, but RPGs in general. Pick it up, have a blast, maybe shed some tears, and spread the word: Eastward is something special.

A casual speedrun to just get to the end will run about two hours, but if TOEM is played how it’s “intended,” then expect to get a few hours out of it, while completionists might hit five or more. If content’s your concern, there it is, but if a high-quality, easygoing experience to escape the anxiety of these pandemic times—or whatever ails you—then TOEM works wonders. The world needs more TOEM, and it’s been a pleasure to get to live in this meditative place, even if only for a short while.

The PC version of Ys: Memories of Celceta polishes the blazing fast combat, rocking music, and fun-to-explore environments of the original to a shine and is a must play for fans of the series.

The story intelligently explores themes of grief and maturity while offering some valuable insights into its characters but is told too piecemeal to justify a playthrough alone. With that said, if you’re simply itching for more of Persona 3 Reload’s dungeon crawling or closure for its cast, there is a compelling 30 hours to enjoy behind this expansion’s flawed construction. For anyone curious enough, The Answer awaits.

So while episode 2 is certainly an improvement, the series still has a little ways to go before I say, "Wow." Right now, I'm saying "not bad."

My review of Episode One wasn't as complimentary as I'm used to writing for The Walking Dead, but Episode Two certainly makes up for it with character growth, branching paths, and believable consequences.

Regardless of how essential Forever Entertainment’s updated Front Mission 1st Remake update is, the game itself is a classic. It’s wonderful that it’s now available on a modern platform and that the developers have sparked their own revival for a series that has been mostly dormant for over a decade (Left Alive? Never heard of it). With one game down, it’s easy to look forward to the eventual remakes of Front Mission 2 and 3 and, hopefully, even more to come after those with Forever Entertainment in the cockpit.

It was fun to play, had some great production values, and sported a contemporary anime vibe.

The subtle, though tangible tweaks to Legend of Mana’s presentation, coupled with maintaining its core gameplay elements, flaws and all, has achieved something quite brilliant. Playing this game feels exactly as I remember it. It looks the same, plays the same, and reads the same, even though I am acutely aware that it isn’t. There is no question that players would welcome a gameplay experience more refined by better system upgrades to explore this wondrous world, but Legend of Mana remains enjoyable despite this. If you’re patient with the murky controls, can get lost in the mystifying crafting and pet-rearing systems, and embrace the enchanting world and cast, Legend of Mana will leave a lasting impression from a game that plays like little else.

Despite a slow start, a rough final dungeon, weak side content, and an ambition that surpasses its grasp, Scarlet Nexus manages to excel in the most important area for any game: being fun. Combat never gets old as you tear apart your enemies in glorious style, and the large cast of characters really grows on you. I hope we see more of this gameplay and setting. If you can forgive a few flaws, Scarlet Nexus is a joy to play and has the potential to become a beloved franchise.

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.

Retro games have been a popular niche market for a while now, and they exist in a whole spectrum from goofy parody to heart-attack serious. And yet Knights of Pen & Paper somehow manages to find a slot in that spectrum that hasn't been filled yet: the fairly humorous take on tabletop gaming.

The changes has its ups and downs, but NIS has produced another fine game. The game has a sluggish start, but it picked up the pace by the end.

With the additional features, and the ability to take it on the go, this is the best way to experience Final Fantasy VII.

It feels antiquated, but give it a chance, and you're likely to enjoy it. Plus, more support for the series means more likelihood that the rest will somehow, someday reach our Falcom-starved fingers.

Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands is a good game whose small development team has big talent. The music alone is worth the price of admission. Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands is an enjoyable, if challenging, 12-15 hour (closer to 20 if you do all the sidequests) romp for those willing to invest in thoroughly learning and experimenting with the play mechanics. Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands is not for everyone, but if it sounds like your jam, you will love it.

Much like the rest of tri-Ace's games, Radiata will certainly form a hardcore cult following, but it might not catch on in the mainstream. There are many unique touches to Radiata that the rest of the role playing genre, or even all games, could learn from, but not everything is executed perfectly.

Yakuza 5 was considered a high-water mark for the series, and it's easy to see why. I've rarely seen a game that packs in so much content, even compared to the other installments of the series which are bursting with side quests and mini games. Though the story loses some of its focus in the final part (a recurring issue with most Yakuza games), it still keeps you engaged from beginning to end. There are laughs, tears, broken faces, and a hell of a lot of dancing. In other words, it's a quintessential Yakuza game that makes for a super-satisfying conclusion to the Yakuza Remastered Collection!

A fantastic game bite-sized roguelike for those who can exercise a little bit of patience.

Though its aesthetic qualities are somewhere between poor and average, the game has excellent gameplay and control, and the game's plot and characters are decent enough to get excited about.

Yakuza Kiwami is a fantastic remake that effortlessly immerses you in the world of Kamurocho, Tokyo.

While FFXV is at times engrossing and beautiful, it can also feel like a pretty, hollow shell. The last quarter of the game feels rushed, as if the developers had to wrap things up under pressure, and that's after waiting over a decade for this to come out. While it is not the stellar titan we hoped for, it's certainly Final Fantasy, and we can all be thankful for that.

Although Episode 2 struggles in terms of pacing, a strong Act 2 to this brief entry makes for a worthwhile venture.

For fans of the genre, VV is a must-play, as it has refreshing ideas that are implemented well. If not for what feels like padding, this game would appropriately find itself shoulder-to-shoulder with the titans of the genre.

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.

If you're a rabid Fire Emblem fan, you'll love this game. It's more of the same style with a new plot with new characters for you to match up, and the added bonus of extra dungeons to try to complete as fast as possible.

Regardless of how the series pans out, as a stand-alone title .hack//G.U. Vol.1//Rebirth is a fun title to play, especially if you're stuck with a PS2 while everyone else spends big money on the next-gen consoles.

Grim Grimoire is not a deep RTS, but it is a fun one.

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.

Don't let first impressions deter you away from Cross Rays, as you will be delightfully surprised at the amount of content and eye-candy it possesses.

Overall, Atelier Sophie is a pleasant and comforting experience that Atelier fans will know well. Newcomers to the series will find a cozy and welcoming endeavor that highlights the hidden wonders of the mundane. The story, light yet still having purpose, is strengthened by the DX version’s additional scenes surrounding Sophie’s grandmother and her importance to the community. There is a theme of growth and self-improvement while emerging from the shadows cast by those before. Sophie is an upbeat, positive, and wholesome protagonist surrounded by a grand cast of colorful characters, each with their own ambitions. By the time the game is over, Kirchen Bell will feel like a home away from home. It’s small, but it has a lot of heart, much like the game itself.

Great short point-and-click with a thoughtful plot.

The story is charming, fun, and full of hidden depth at times with characters who can’t help but grow on you and an enjoyable relationship building system. It’s a shame that the action RPG elements are so simple and threadbare comparatively, but I’d still recommend the title to both Summon Night 5 fans and visual novel lovers in particular given how easy even the action RPG parts are to pick up. Unfortunately, fans of challenging action RPGs might have to look elsewhere. It is obvious that Felistella clearly knows how to spin a good tale if nothing else, and I’ll continue to look back on Maglam Lord fondly as I prepare for an eventual second playthrough!

I admit my expectations were perhaps a little high for Ys VIII, particularly because I'm such a fan of this series and this developer. Its weak writing is a grievous misstep, one that stunts the emotional impact of its narrative and characterization by imparting a generic, been-there-done-that tone that is uncharacteristically underwhelming for this series. Those frustrations are mitigated by the joy of discovery, in combing Seiren Isle's nooks and crannies for gorgeous vistas and missing castaways; it's when the action grinds to a halt in service of tedious dialogue that I feel my most keen frustration with Ys VIII.

Truthfully, there isn’t anything Paper Perjury does that’s inherently negative. It’s a solid VN experience, albeit with a more straightforward and relaxed gameplay loop than the Ace Attorney games. The script is error-free, and I like how the plot is mainly self-contained but still manages to hint at further stories to tell in Azure City. For those craving another Ace Attorney-like experience, Paper Perjury delivers. Justina’s sleuthing makes for an entertaining adventure in its own right.

Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden is a creatively unique gaming experience from both a storytelling and presentation viewpoint. I don’t think the presentation is necessarily for everyone, but those who it does appeal to will most certainly find something enjoyably insightful about the overall experience. This is a game that is both realistic and hopeful in equal measure, tragic and tender all at once. I cared about the four main characters as they continued their quest, and I enjoyed diving into the story with a fantastic narrator to guide me. Based on the reviews of the first two games in the series — The Isle Dragon Roars and The Forsaken Maiden, respectively — by my fellow RPGFan reviewers, it seems as if each Voice of Cards title gets slightly stronger than the one that precedes it. Given how much I came to appreciate The Beasts of Burden, I’m curious to see what the future holds for this clever series.

I adore so much about Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers. I love how choice-heavy it is, and the replayability it provides is phenomenal. It is an entertaining experience for fans of the visual novel genre, with a colorful cast you can’t help but root for and fall in love with. Playing it was a pleasure despite some occasional hiccups, and I’m going to be diving into my copy of the original game soon just to experience more of this zany and heartwarming series. That, to me, is the sign of a true winner!

If you're looking to dive into a world and have the time to spare, Iceborne expands on an already massively satisfying experience.

A decent entry in the venerable Atelier series.

A great first expansion for an already robust and fun MMO.

Overall, the main draw of Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher for me was the refinement of Monster Rancher 2’s systems. It’s great to see the series return and build off the foundation set by Monster Rancher 2 for a modern audience. While I miss the classic monsters, the Ultraman crossover is successful and gives Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher a unique identity compared to the rest of the series. Most of the kinks of the classic games have been ironed out, distilling the core gameplay into a smooth and welcoming experience for newcomers and experienced ranchers alike.

Invincible Presents: Atom Eve is a successful licensed game for a broad audience. It doesn’t do anything wrong regarding its gameplay or presentation, and it’s welcoming enough to Invincible newcomers while still providing returning fans with a new perspective. Invincible Presents: Atom Eve is bare-bones in terms of extras and is on the short side, but those looking for a solid superhero journey of self-discovery could do much worse. It’s made me eager to explore more of the Invincible universe!

When it all works, it sings. It IS Star Wars and you are living in it. But when it doesn't, it frustrates, perhaps because the best moments are so good that you wonder why it all can't be that good.

Disgaea Infinite is one of those rare games. It plays like a visual novel, but it will also appeal to fans of the Disgaea RPG series.

Ib is a special little game that horror fans should definitely look into. Fans of adventure games might not find it as complex or amusing as the Monkey Island games, but it certainly has its charms. For anyone who has an image that pops up in their head whenever RPG Maker is mentioned, I’d urge them to take a look at Ib and see what’s possible when an independent developer decides to bend their tools to their whims like a mad artist expressing their delusions. Ib is a short and sweet experience that is well worth the time and money.

The Thaumaturge is an unsettling RPG, offering a branching story set in a late 19th-century Warsaw from the perspective of a flawed, supernatural warrior. It is a dark and harrowing journey, fully committed to exploring the conflicting desires of the people in the city of Warsaw; there is little whimsy, less humor, and no distraction from this goal. This requires an equal commitment from the gamer to this flavour of the genre — there is no grinding, karaoke mini-games or creature-collecting distractions here: your prince is in another castle. The game narrative and combat systems build on these dark themes, cleverly framing them in how Wiktor uses his abilities as a thaumaturge. Even if the multiple story paths sometimes buckle under their ambitious weight, and combat can become a little too lacking in variety, this is a person, a city and a time worth visiting and learning from for those it ensnares. Just remember to bring pizza, a drink (or two), and turn the lights down low. Very low.

Star Ocean: First Departure is not for everyone. Newcomers to the RPG genre should find their fix elsewhere first, though veterans will find themselves right at home with this tri-Ace title.