Overall, SolSeraph is a huge letdown. It's the lack of variety, the terrible platforming levels, and the forgettable building sections and music that makes the game so frustrating and dull. Given the promise of an ActRaiser successor, I was really excited to see what new stuff ACE Team would bring to the table, but the answer is absolutely nothing. In the process, they've managed to strip away the magic of what made the SNES classic so fun, while doing nothing to evolve or develop the formula. Despite this huge misstep, I really hope we do get a solid ActRaiser-inspired game in the near future.

Shadowbringers is not just the best FFXIV expansion yet, it's also one of the best Final Fantasies, period.

If Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists accomplished one thing, it was getting me into the series at last. I don't know how fast I'm going to move on to the main series, but I've had my first glimpse into the world of Atelier and I'm interested. Town building was fun in this game, and it made me feel like a real manager of an economic enterprise. I enjoyed my time in this world, and if you have been thinking about this one, give it a shot if you can.

Super Neptunia RPG feels like a game that's stuck in limbo, not knowing where it wants to go. There is certainly potential here, but it falls flat of what it wanted to accomplish. I do like the return to a simpler, light-hearted story but I wish the rest of the game didn't have to suffer for it. I always wish the best for Neptunia, but this is one spin-off I'm afraid I must leave in the past.

If this game gets patched up enough to render it seamlessly playable, then I would give it another go. But as it currently stands, the game is a challenge for all the wrong reasons, stemming largely from it's crippling system failures.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 shares all of the same strengths with the first game, but it's the little additions and tweaks that make it an easy recommendation over its predecessor. I think fans are going to have an absolute blast messing around with the new materials and tools, but the game is still rough around the edges and has too much combat. I just want to build, guilt-free and uninterrupted, and you do get that reward when you beat the game, but it takes a long time to get there.

Although the story and characters are nothing new to RPGs, the strategy gameplay systems truly stand out in their seemingly simple execution.

No game, including other horror titles, looks as good as Layers of Fear 2, yet it falls incredibly short in design. Even the story, which I personally enjoyed, is needlessly enigmatic and overly "artsy." Layers of Fear 2 isn't for everyone, but for those who want to dive into a visually stunning, off-putting environment, this will sate.

Bloodstained feels like SotN in combat, visuals, and plot but comes off as a rough impostor that we've gotten used to over the years. Rather than try to achieve its own identity, Bloodstained fails to compare to SotN in just about every aspect, but if you've never played its "predecessor," you'll find it a competent Metroidvania. Akin to the handheld Castlevanias and other independently made Metroidvanias, Bloodstained has failed to oust the king, and that really is okay.

Collection of Mana, heck even just Trials of Mana in the West, is a dream come true for me. If you decide to pick this up, you're getting three wonderful games that you can play anywhere. Some extra features, like a museum with the series' artwork, or a history lesson on the entire franchise, wouldn't have gone amiss, but we got something we never thought we'd get. If $40 for three excellent games isn't too much to ask, then do yourself a favour and pick this up if you're an RPG fan.

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.

For Zelda fans who have been desperate for a fix since they finished their seventh run of Breath of the Wild, Cadence of Hyrule is like having a refreshing drink at the bar after hours of dancing. Its engaging mechanics, beautiful pixel art, and stunning soundtrack make it a joy to play. Cadence of Hyrule is an immensely successful spin on Zelda, and I hope that Nintendo takes more chances like this with other franchises. And as for the future of the Crypt of the NecroDancer games? Hmm... I wonder if Samus has a sense of rhythm?

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a fantastic sequel and a game worthy of the Yakuza title. It improves on almost every aspect of the original, creating a much more immersive version of Kamurocho and deepening the already compelling relationships between the recurring characters. It also has a better villain and more engaging side quests. Yes, there are annoyances, bugs, and some pacing issues with the overall plot, but on the whole, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a wonderful addition to the Yakuza franchise. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Kamurocho!

Lulua is an exceptionally safe Atelier title that feels less like a return to form and more like an achromatic stroll down the rugged cobblestone of memory lane.

While it still maintains some of the annoying quirks of past Compile Heart titles, Dragon Star Varnir is worth playing for its fantastic battle system and likeable characters.

If you like that neo-Gothic, dark Victorian setting, contrasting grays and sepia with rich, saturated color, you will likely adore this "psychedelic" game. But given the choice, I would recommend checking out Ashen Hawk before Black Butterfly, as the other title doesn't rely on amnesia to weave a tale.

Tardy's uncomfortable sci-fi atmosphere and beautiful pixel visuals are the biggest successes for this otherwise by-the-numbers adventure game.

Nightshade is a text-heavy otome visual novel with a whole lot of plot to uncover, and I enjoyed my time with it immensely! Enju's journey to find her true self and love is something both otome and ninja fans might find worthwhile if given a chance. Like Hakuoki, I'd even recommend Nightshade to those who aren't sure if otome is for them, as the plot has a lot more to offer than just the romance angle.

A very rough attempt at a survival stealth game that squanders an exciting setting and intriguing cast of characters.

If you're looking for a clever, short RPG that does something a little different while being firmly entrenched in mechanics and storytelling inspired by 8-bit classics, Brave Hero Yuusha EX is an excellent choice.

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.

A top-notch strategy RPG that should definitely appeal to genre fans who've enjoyed games like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem, or Summon Night.

I went in believing this would just be a very cheesy, cliche romance story about nostalgia, and while I did get a lot of that, it also came with a lot of love and heart. I came away from my various replays with a smile on my face and immediately wanting to jump back in and try the next character. Even though it could do with a bit of polish, this is a visual novel for everyone — one that will accept you regardless of who you are with open arms.

I really like a lot of what VA-11 HALL-A is doing. I think changing up the choice mechanic, taking control away from you, and putting the focus merely on dialogue and not one character's story are all fantastic, but a lot of the ideas sound better on paper to me. Glitch City is a fascinating world, and Sukeban Games have created something truly unique that has inspired many. VA-11 HALL-A deserves its large fan following, but it's not mixed quite right for me to love everything on offer.

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

SteamWorld Quest is a perfectly serviceable RPG, but a disappointment when compared to previous SteamWorld games.

Dragalia Lost makes for a very good first step into original mobile game IPs for Nintendo.

While it is the strongest version of The Caligula Effect, it is hard to recommend Overdose to anyone but the most hardcore of fans given its flaws.

Pathway is fun. It's good. Not great. Pathway's on the cusp of greatness, though. I'm sure ever-looming deadlines rushed this game to its release, and that's the unfortunate reality of the industry, but I still have to write about how the game currently is and not how it could be. Not since Darkest Dungeon have I wanted a game to be so much more as I do Pathway. It's there. I can feel it. Fortunately, we live in the era of patches, free content updates, and purchasable DLC, so here's hoping I get to write a review later about how Pathway is finally the fantastic experience I know it can be.

A fantastic dungeon crawler that provides an interesting story and allows you to focus on the aspects you enjoy the most.

Whether played with DLC or not, The Pit is one of the more solid roguelike titles on Steam, especially in a relatively flooded market. It is challenging but generally fair and allows the player a lot of choices in character development while providing a good atmosphere for dungeon delving. While its graphics and sound may not impress, The Pit's gameplay will keep players unafraid of long streaks of failure and ensure they come back to challenge it "just one more time."

For less than an hour of your time, Florence is one of the most beautiful coming-of-age stories you can experience.

If you've never played NieR: Automata, this package is the perfect way to experience this bizarre and haunting masterpiece.

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

As excellent a conclusion as we could hope for.

The Princess Guide could have been so much more if there had been more effort put into it. Instead, we have a mess of a game that needed more time in the oven. My instincts as an Instructor are telling me to ride off into the sunset, leaving this game to its own problems.

How to Sing to Open Your Heart is another entry in the massive pile of games I've played that don't do anything wrong, but don't really do anything right either. Localized otome games have become surprisingly ubiquitous within the past decade, and with several fantastic titles to choose from, there is no reason to waste your precious time and hard-earned money on uninspired fluff like How to Sing to Open Your Heart.

If you're looking for a fun time, a happy time, or a smooth ride, this isn't your game. If you're looking for something to chew on and to learn about a person or people you might not be able to truly see in our real world, then Stillness is here. I wish more games tried to communicate these kinds of messages.

While the game is available on mobile devices and the Sony family of handhelds, I feel confident that the Switch is the definitive system to play this title on the go, especially since it allows you to seamlessly throw it up on the big screen at will. Whether you are a returning fan or someone new to Final Fantasy IX, this port is the best way to play a classic from a beloved RPG series.

God Eater 3 is an enjoyable action RPG that offers both a solid solo and co-op experience, but it doesn't really stand out from the rest of the pack.

Frankly, with the hundreds of other great JRPGs to play, it's hard for me to recommend spending the money and time to play this one

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is just as good as it was in 2009. It's still side-splittingly funny, clever, and genuinely a joy to play. Bowser Jr.'s Journey is a major slog, but that doesn't diminish my overall enjoyment one bit. If you're looking for a fun, active RPG that will keep a smile on your face throughout hours of playtime, look no further than Bowser's Inside Story (or honestly, any of the games in the Mario & Luigi series)!

Eastshade is an original masterpiece that needs to be experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime.

Death end re;Quest's haunting atmosphere pairs up well with the dread-inducing story, making for a worthy experience.

Anthem is a painfully average RPG from a developer that is capable of so much more.

If you've played the visual novel, this might be worth a pass, but the animation might be enough to make this a new experience for you. If you've never experienced Steins;Gate before, or you're new to visual novels, the vibrant characters, compelling story, and beautiful animation make this a perfect entry point.

Wargroove is one of the most charming, polished, and enjoyable turn-based strategy games ever made.

Sunless Skies' bleak pondering of cosmic horror and colonialism is probably one of the best game narratives of 2019, and one that deserves to be experienced.

The Forgotten Sanctum is a must-play DLC for fans of the series. If you were left disappointed by the second DLC, I understand, but rest assured that lovers of lore and engaging combat will find a home here. Expect to invest about ten hours or so while enjoying most of it. While I can't complain about the healthy support Obsidian has provided the series as we close on the third announced DLC, I also can't help wanting more. Then again, why offer more DLC when we can just get a third Pillars of Eternity?

Just like in 2005, Kingdom Hearts manages to cut through our malaise and deliver a shot of unfiltered joy. It reminds us of the importance of our shared humanity. So while Kingdom Hearts III is a far cry from a perfect experience, it's a wild ride into familiar worlds that is well worth the trip for veterans and newcomers alike.

I was honestly really let down by The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince, but it's not a terrible experience by any means. The artwork is really gorgeous and with a bit more work and in a different medium, I think the story can be enjoyed by many. As it is now, though, Liar Princess is an easily forgettable experience. As an experiment from Nippon Ichi, it's definitely different and more appealing than some of their other properties, but even style can't hide a lacklustre and undemanding bore.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux's challenging gameplay might not be for everyone, but those it does appeal to will find a well-crafted dungeon-crawling experience with a thought-provoking narrative.

West of Loathing is a rare treat of a video game — one that compels you to restart it immediately after you finish. With some of the best comedic writing ever found in an RPG and a truly unique and timeless visual style, you're going to have a hard time forgetting this one, pardner!

A slump in a promising series, Episode 2 still contains emotional highs and thoughtful choices.

Episode 3 has left me wondering what's going to happen, but passively so. I couldn't imagine feeling this way when I began the season, but obvious setbacks for the team have likely hindered inspiration and execution. I want to laud their efforts and sing their praises, especially considering everything that has happened, but the facts are that Episode 3 has only given the series buoyancy, which is hard to accept at this point in the season. While it is a positive experience, I can't help but feel lukewarm about poor Clementine's fate in this harsh world.

The interminable length of the game, the halting progression, and the deluge of in-game items and resources caused me fall to my knees and wail to the heavens, "Is this necessary!?" Ultimately, Langrisser for mobile is utterly and thoroughly unnecessary.

London Detective Mysteria is far from the worst otome out there, but I wouldn't call it one of the best either. Huge otome visual novel fans will likely get some enjoyment out of this title, but other gamers or those new to the genre might just find it tedious.

What Bit Kid does with Chasm is ambitious. I'm impressed that the procedural generation is so well executed. The problem is the procedural generation, on its own, does nothing to distinguish an otherwise relatively bland and by the numbers take on the Metroidvania genre. Add to that a few frustrations with the control and lack of variety in the game, and what we get is a game which might be worth checking out if you're really looking for a new game in the genre, but you'd likely be better off checking out the myriad of superior options which have been released in the last few years.

One of the most engaging and original adventure games released in years. You owe it to yourself to give it a play.

If you've never played a Mario & Luigi game, this is a perfect entry point. If you're coming back to re-experience a game you've played and loved, it still holds up. If the main draw is the Minion Quest side game, this might be worth a pass, but it's amusing enough if you're going to pick up the game anyway. Either way, even after 15 years, I had a blast playing this game. I can't wait to get my hands on more Mario & Luigi titles, and hope they continue the series in the future.

YIIK is an impressive piece of art despite its ludological deficiencies.

Minor blemishes aside, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition lives up to its namesake and is still among the best Tales of games ever.

If you are looking for an entertaining, if somewhat brief, Xenogears and Xenosaga inspired JRPG, then check out Sanctus Mortem. This lovingly crafted and highly polished game made me want to enlist in Thrasik Prime's spacefaring program and join Captain Hector's crew aboard the Rhoube. On the other hand, it sometimes colored a little too neatly inside the lines and ended well before I was ready for it to end. I would love to see Kisareth Studios' future projects strive beyond the RPG Maker pale and incorporate more subversively unique content.

While The Council's meager finale is indicative of its inability to meet the lofty expectations it set for itself early on, there's still a lot to like for fans of the genre. Your acceptance and enjoyment of the story's twists and shoddy lore will determine just how much you like it, though.

An uninspired sequel that feels like it was rushed out the door.

Still a great game, worth playing if you haven't played the series and enjoy the genre.

While it struggles to figure out which audience it actually wants to appeal to, World of Final Fantasy Maxima is an enjoyable spinoff with a wealth of gameplay content.

Jake Hunter Detective Story: Ghost of the Dusk is heading in the right direction in terms of improvement but it still has a ways to go.

Fallout 76 is an underwhelming and disappointing mess, but may have the potential for greatness if Bethesda chooses to support it long-term.

Book of Demons certainly lacks in variability, and it's easy to fall into a habit. For those looking for a greater challenge, the roguelike mode can add spice as players enter a leaderboard on first death and can permanently die if they're short on funds, but this doesn't entirely solve the issue of repetition. The first of seven planned titles, Thing Trunk has a lifetime of work ahead of them, and I'm eager to see what other unique treasures they create.

Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass moved me in a way that a game hasn't in many years. It's as though Ozymy reached into my childhood and created a game that appeals to me on every level. Its beautifully written characters, surprisingly robust combat system, and satisfying exploration make it worth the price of admission. Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is a quirky, hilarious, emotional experience that simply shouldn't be missed.

Although a weak ending and a frustrating lack of tutorials up front limit Pope's latest release, the vast majority of his work more than makes up for these setbacks. Whether you're looking for something truly unique, thick vibes, or an excellent mystery, Obra Dinn is for you.

I certainly had no objections to playing through Spirit of Justice, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of the series. And to those who have never touched an Ace Attorney game before, I suggest that you start way back at the beginning. You won't regret it!

Despite the gameplay not being the best, the game is charming enough with its music and music videos to still be a fun time.

Despite the gameplay not being the best, the game is charming enough with its music and music videos to still be a fun time.

As a long time Pokémon fan, Let's Go has warmed my cockles and brought me the same joy I experienced when I first picked up Yellow all those years ago. With Generation 8 on the horizon, there are many lessons these upcoming entries can take from Let's Go, although the entire format should always remain separate. I'll always want the mainline games, and I don't see myself continually coming back to Let's Go like I have done the standard entries, but as a gateway for newer, younger players, I can't think of anything more perfect that Let's Go.

As a long time Pokémon fan, Let's Go has warmed my cockles and brought me the same joy I experienced when I first picked up Yellow all those years ago. With Generation 8 on the horizon, there are many lessons these upcoming entries can take from Let's Go, although the entire format should always remain separate. I'll always want the mainline games, and I don't see myself continually coming back to Let's Go like I have done the standard entries, but as a gateway for newer, younger players, I can't think of anything more perfect that Let's Go.

Akin to nights in the basement, with a party gathered around a friend brooding behind the DM's screen, Battle Chasers: Nightwar feels like a classic romp in a dungeon with some dragons. Though the adventure is new, it still feels familiar. Airship Syndicate has impressively refreshed some staple conventions with modern concepts, maintaining a comfortable level of nostalgia that exemplifies the best qualities from RPGs of yore. It's just fun to load up and be enchanted by.

Yes, the game was often cheap and unrefined, but it had a certain je ne sais quoi about it that made me want to keep playing in spite of its foibles. Sacred Earth's ending sets everything up for a series, so I hope future installments polish this diamond in the rough to a lovely shine.

Those really jonesing for a game centered around Japanese mythology or those just wanting a solid SRPG experience could very well find something to enjoy here.

The Council continues to be unabashedly unpredictable in its twists and turns, but Episode Four's character developments leave much to be desired. Its Social Influence system remains a fun mechanic, but an overpowered Louis renders the skill tree mostly moot.

Cyanide obviously care very much for the source material, and their earnest desire to do right by the Sisyphean task of a celebratory Lovecraft adaptation is hard to fault. I may have struggled with the poor stealth segments, but I did feel compelled by its campy cast and cosmic intrigue to see the game through to completion — something that can't be said of Infogrames' or Bethesda's attempts. Cyanide's take on Call of Cthulhu is undoubtedly the best yet, for better or worse.

A brilliantly unique experience later soddened with unusual game design decisions.

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.

I'm glad I played Seeker, Slayer, Survivor. This is an adequate DLC for an already phenomenal game. At the current $10 price point, I have a hard time recommending it for anyone but the most devoted Pillars fans, but chances are if you've bought and enjoyed Pillars II, as well as the Beast of Winter DLC, you're probably going to buy and enjoy this one as well. Perhaps waiting for a sale would be most appropriate, as it's certainly not going anywhere.

Although it doesn't quite live up to the original DS version, the Switch port of TWEWY is certainly worth a go for those in search of a fun and unconventional JRPG experience.

Experience Inc. are on to something exciting with Death Mark; it's a quiet, slow-burning horror the likes of which we rarely see in favor of unrelenting, high octane scarefests. Playing it alone in the dark with headphones on is incredibly affecting, and yet its misguided swerves into fetish territory make me hesitant to casually recommend it. A follow-up to Death Mark that focuses on the scares without getting bogged down with tacked-on titillation could be really special. Hopefully spiritual sequel NG, which recently released in Japan, will be just that.

It's plain to see I adored my time with Timespinner. Its little niggles couldn't prevent me from going back to New Game Plus, or even experimenting with the level cap mode or higher difficulties. I stopped everything for Timespinner and in return I was rewarded with tight gameplay, a rich, beautiful world and all the queer representation I've ever wanted.

If Origins left you unsure about the series' new direction as an action RPG, Odyssey will make you a believer.

EnrightBeats certainly has the skill to create a competent game but played it too safe with The Greater Good. Given how supersaturated and cutthroat competitive the field of retro-inspired JRPGs is, EnrightBeats needs to step it up and take some risks for their next effort to even be worth a look. The Greater Good's balanced gameplay was lovely, but that's not enough to cut the mustard. An edgier plot with dynamic storytelling featuring boldly designed and engagingly deep characters would have elevated this merely serviceable game into something worth recommending.

Playing Shenmue I & II is a treat for die-hard fans as well as an accessible way for newcomers to experience these renowned titles, though they won't be for everyone. Even though I enjoyed both games, I really struggled to look past the clunky dialogue or even fully invest in Ryu's story, and the controls sometimes made walking around a nightmare. They're seminal products of their time that deserve to be celebrated, and this port does a great job of delivering that authentic Shenmue experience.

I could praise the team behind Fatal Twelve for passion and effort alone — and I do! — but to see their vision come to fruition with such great results is also a reward unto itself.

While breaking all of the typical conventions of the genre, Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk somehow manages to stay true to the spirit of a JRPG. Although it's held back by repetitive combat and some disturbing cutscenes, the game has a lot to offer for hard-core fans of turn-based, dungeon exploration games, especially those with a darker sense of humor.

Episode 1 is a respectable first step. I'm acquainted with the characters, understand where the story's headed, and want to know if everyone's going to be okay. In short, I care, and that speaks volumes. While I wasn't blown away, I think this is a reliable foundation for some killer storytelling. Given the consistent quality Dontnod presents, I have faith that they will, at very least, meet the expectations of their fans.

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.

Metal Max Xeno lacks just about all of the characteristics that made the series interesting to begin with.

A great Sierra-style mystery game. Very enjoyable despite the lack of some major point-and-click gameplay features.

An enjoyable but extraordinarily safe follow-up that carries the torch for this beloved strategy RPG series into the next generation.