Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is that kind of magical realism that makes me feel like something like this could actually happen and maybe ghosts, sorcery, and mediums exist. At its core, it’s a story about urban legends that are not only true, but begin to have a material impact on real people’s lives. While not the most sterling example of a visual novel murder mystery, Paranormasight is well worth anyone’s time, especially those with a fascination for the occult.

Episode 2 improves on its predecessor in terms of plot and pacing as well as offering a potentially MAJOR fork in it's story, though how true this statement is remains to be determined by future installments.

Regardless, Episode 4 reassured me with a powerful episode that tugged at my heart. Max and Chloe truly feel like lifelong friends, and I want them to have happy closure.

Since the RPG library on the PlayStation 3 is currently lacking, RPG fans would do well to at least try this game out. The game isn't epic, given its relatively short length, but it is everything RPG fans would want from a short title: fun, challenge, mystery, and an incredible story.

If you've got a PSP, this is a quality game, something the system hasn't seen much of lately.

If you know what you're getting into, Unchained Blades is an enjoyable game that doles out pain and pleasure in equal capacity.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a fun sci-fi jaunt that both fans and non-fans of the TV series can enjoy. It could expand the horizons for some people who came into the IP fresh, or be one last excursion for those who already love it. Prequels often feel unnecessary it takes something special to come up with a good one, and that’s something Telltale has succeeded at. Exhuming a series that’s already finished isn’t always a good idea, but when you have the capable hands of the Telltale crew, you’re in for an enjoyable ride. So, strap in because you might not survive the Gs if you don’t. Fingers crossed that this won’t be the last we hear of The Expanse: A Telltale Series.

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.

At $5.00, Serious Sam: The Random Encounter is a steal.

In the final analysis, Sticker Star is no Thousand Year Door, but don't let that turn you off – it's still a really good game, even if its RPG elements have been toned down.

A solid point-and-click which is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the genre.

Even though it resembles other WRPGs that came before it, GreedFall is a solid gaming experience for those wanting a choice-heavy narrative.

Episode 4 leaves behind intense mixed feelings. It’s the second episode in a row where the series brings everything that belongs in a classic Telltale game. This installment explores Camina’s past in a much cooler way than a standard flashback. And The Expanse now adds new dimensions to the TV series, especially Camina’s character. Yet, it also feels like the developers had been holding out, not bringing out the most compelling elements of the series until it’s almost over. It gives them momentum for the ending, but why did they wait so long, knowing there’s limited space for this story? I’m still interested to see how it ends and whether there will be some sort teaser for another season. I sure hope so, because I need more of Toussaint in my life, oh captain, my captain!

Despite a few faults here and there, its numerous strengths make the game worth a look. Stellar writing, endearing characters, phenomenal voicework, eye-catching artwork, a catchy yet haunting soundtrack, and a delightfully dark atmosphere all stand as Death end re;Quest 2‘s strongest points.

TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is a game created from pure heart and passion, and if its reach exceeds its grasp at points, then this is far more desirable than the opposite. Though details of Dandylion’s next game are scarce, I would find it compelling to explore the world of Valhalla and its characters further. With a tightening up of the UI, and an increase to the narrative and translation budget, it would be an exciting prospect that would build on this game’s strengths and values.

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

Admittedly, Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light is not the same as the classics from two decades ago, but nothing ever will be. This is as close as we're getting for now, so take advantage of this opportunity.

From story to scale, The Elder Scrolls Online does its single player predecessors justice while at some parts struggling to find its own identity.

As stated earlier, Episode 3 keeps pace with the other two installments, which speaks highly of its developers – the episodes truly feel like chapters of one long story, and not parts that jaggedly fit together. Unfortunately, the gameplay staggers wantonly while simultaneously stagnating in long adventure-style fetch quests.

If players invest the time in exploring the island thoroughly and figure out how to adequately manipulate the many gameplay systems, they will have a really fun and rewarding time.

Clearly, I enjoyed The Silent Age: Episode One, and I think there's a lot to admire here. It's free, and there are no in-app purchases, although you can donate to the developers' efforts to fund and finish Episode Two (of two, if I understand their blog correctly). I'd love to see Joe deliver that message and learn the answers to the mysteries raised in this episode, and I think that if you play it, you'll feel the same way.

Overall, despite knowing next to nothing about the Langrisser series before diving into these remakes, I enjoyed my time with them. Fans of old-school SRPGs will find two excellent games here for the price of one, with quite a lot of replay value as well. I'm certainly hopeful that other games in the series receive the same remake treatment after having played this collection, as Langrisser I & II are solid games if you can get past their hiccups.

Still, Part 3 contains all the elements that not only make Part 1 & 2 great, but also the essence of choose your own adventures, albeit twisted in further permutations. Fans of the genre should definitely proceed down this path.

Ten minutes of novelty can turn into ten hours of monotony, and, while An Elysian Tail has many merits, repetition and simplicity prevent it from ranking among the best.

Simply, if you enjoyed the first game and haven't pre-ordered the rest of the episodes, then this is a must-buy. The game has only gotten better, though the true lack of choice is a little more evident.

Ys Origin is a great place to start if you're new to the series like I am. It offers some replayability and the chance to explore the world of Ys, tempting you to delve into the rest of the series. If you already own the PC version, there's not really any reason to pick up this port, as there are hardly any changes. However, I can safely say this is the perfect time to get into Ys; with Ys VIII releasing sometime this year, and the easy accessibility of the rest of the series both on Steam and PSN, you'd be doing yourself a disservice passing up this solid series.

Road 96 offers a unique style and storytelling that the gaming industry desperately needs right now. I worry that this one will float under many people’s radar as it’s by no means an edge-of-your-seat story with larger-than-life actors. This is a chill game with cozy vibes mixed with a little bit of social unrest to shake things up a bit. Conflict! At any rate, if you have the need for this sort of title in your life, Road 96 scratches the itch well.

Mugen Souls Z represents a valiant effort and shows bounding improvements over its predecessor.

Worth checking out if you're a fan of darkly twisted JRPGs like Shadow Hearts.

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

If you’re tired of murder mysteries that take place on boring old planet Earth and want something different, Paradise Killer might be the game for you. If you’ve ever wondered whether death god-worshipping cults have to solve murders too and why they would even bother, Paradise Killer might be the game for you. If you just want to run amok around an island created in a pocket reality while talking to some evasive and immoral immortals, Paradise Killer might be the game for you. Which is to say that Paradise Killer might not be for everybody, but it’s certainly an interesting trip.

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

Battle Brothers knows what it is and doesn't try to be more than it should be, and that makes it so much better than other titles that strive for an epic or storied feel. What's accomplished here is a solid, honest package of thrills and strategic depth, though not oppressively so. In truth, the world can get monotonous and drags at times, but I also found myself losing track of time on several occasions as I told myself, "Just one more job." I dabbled in Veteran a bit before writing this review and couldn't get back into it — I just couldn't find the heart to jump right back in after I had developed such an incredible group of fighters who I got to know by name. One day I will likely pick the banner back up and I may just fall on the battlefield twenty hours in. And that's okay.

Vengeful Heart is an all-around solid VN with a powerful story. It was developed using Ren’Py by only a handful of people, and the quality of their work is absolutely incredible to behold! Vengeful Heart made me think and feel so many things as I progressed through it, something I wish more narratives in general could do. If you enjoy well-crafted cyberpunk tales with memorable characters and abundant social commentary, then you’ll definitely want to give this colorful kinetic visual novel a try.

Persona 4 Golden has been a bucket list game for me for several years now. I put the Devil Survivor series on my "best of all time" RPG list, and wanted to find out how this sister series played. At 90 hours, it better have been worth it! Occasionally misty-eyed, infrequently laughing out loud, and other times pensive as I sit idly, controller in hand, I can honestly say it was time well spent. With this successful port, I hope that Atlus finds the drive to put Persona 5 on PC as well, because I'll definitely bite.

If you like comic books and action RPGs, I can easily recommend that you purchase this game.

Flawed? Sure. Is Arc Rise Fantasia the best RPG I've played? Far from it. However, Arc Rise Fantasia captures the heart and soul of the JRPG so wonderfully that it will be easy enough to overlook the flaws.

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.

The satisfying combat will appeal to the casual gamer while the Devil raising and rare drops will keep perfectionists entertained.

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

Legend of Dungeon is fun to play, but it's a game that you're unlikely to actually finish without trying a great number of times. And since you can't save your game, each attempt is a fresh start. The question is whether you'll continue to enjoy the game's randomness long enough to attempt it that many times.

My 14 hours purging Ilden of evil was an enjoyable experience, even with all of the gimmicks presented throughout the journey. Replayability is encouraged with various difficulty options, though I’m unlikely to play through it again. I would, however, love to experience the rest of the Holy Kingdom of Keidas in a sequel to Soulstice! This game is a good first step, but it will be up to future entries to refine the experience into the series it could become.

If you're a series fan, there's no question that you need to play this game. For newcomers, I only offer this one warning: be ready for a challenge.

Dustborn is a game with a lot going for it, especially if you’re a fan of choice-heavy narrative adventures with a core cast of likable characters who develop a genuine and touching found family dynamic as they travel. It isn’t a perfect game, especially with its limiting combat component, but its strengths make it compelling. I came to care about Pax and her merry band the more I played, and that’s reason enough for me to recommend the game to those interested in it. The power of language and words can be frightening, but the tales they sometimes tell can also be wondrous and moving. Admittedly, Dustborn might not be for everyone, but it provides an enjoyable ride for those it does resonate with.

Blade & Soul's combat system is a huge breath of fresh air in the MMO market.

Best for those who love a challenging, traditional turn-based RPG.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition offers wonderful escapism and plenty of bang for your buck—provided you’ve never played it before.

It's one of the more groundbreaking games to come out this year, especially considering many of the uninspired titles making their way to the Wii.

As a long-time fan of the Story of Seasons games, I love what Marvelous have done with Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life. It’s the same game I enjoyed playing all those years ago but with a fresh coat of paint and meaningful quality-of-life updates. The controls and UI are swift and easy to navigate — the amount of time I’ve saved with the new inventory navigation and livestock bells is impressive — and the game feels right at home in the current market. You can tell the development team wanted to preserve what was already an extremely memorable and worthwhile experience, yet understood that gamers’ expectations for accessibility and efficiency are different than they were 20 years ago.

I would’ve deemed Epic Seven nothing short of a perfect mobile game if it had come out a couple of years earlier while I was grinding legendary drops in Borderlands 2. In many respects, it’s the cream of the crop in the mobile market — especially when it comes to its aesthetics, combat, and fair monetization. But its design choices, such as the excessive grinding it puts you through late game, take away from the shine. Super Creative doesn’t alleviate this particular shortcoming by dancing around it with nearly every update. Though Epic Seven is worth a download, you’re going to have to try it for yourself to see if it’s worth the space on your phone.

Although not a negative experience, the drop in quality from Episode 1 can't be ignored.

In a word, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is stunning. If you missed this title because you didn’t have a PlayStation 4, then this is a worthwhile purchase. Don’t expect this to be Forbidden West-caliber, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve already played Zero Dawn, this is much harder to recommend unless you’re a super fan. The remaster undoubtedly looks better, but I’m not sure this warrants shelling out the cash or investing precious time, unless you’ve been meaning to give this game another go.

Time is such a fascinating concept. Ever since its conception, it has been a fundamental aspect of our lives. But because of this, we also experience its crippling effects. How often are we shackled by the past? How often do we fear the uncertainty of the future? Maybe that's even why Atlus opted for a more definite ending. Despite my seemingly endless list of complaints, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a better manifestation than the original of humanity's ultimate wish — a wish for more time.

Chronotopia: Second Skin is an amazingly lengthy, choice-heavy VN experience shedding light on the darker aspects of fairy tales. It’s not for everyone, given the grim nature of some of its endings and its more mature themes. Still, those interested in lesser-known variations of fairy tales, as well as VN fans who appreciate darker stories and fantastic character development, should try it. Variations of Kionna’s story deserve telling, even if it takes a while to reach a happy ending.

George Stobbart and Nico Collard are sleuthing again, and it feels pretty good.

Despite a few fumbles, The Walking Dead: Episode 1 is a resounding success. I can't wait for the next installment, and I have found myself reflecting on my choices, pondering at how events could have unfolded differently. This two-and-a-half hour game is most certainly a love letter to fans of TWD and zombies in general, but those who've yet to be bitten by the zombie bug may enjoy the experience as well.

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.

Mythic Ocean is a very cool game. I enjoyed my time with it, and people looking for an engaging visual novel with an open-world feel and relaxed pace will like this one. I wish I had more to say about Mythic Ocean, but I really don't, because it's a solid game that doesn't really do anything wrong.

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

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.

Ambition: A Minuet in Power is a highly interactive visual novel that details love and intrigue during a turbulent historical time not often covered in video games. It was a trip through time to an earlier Paris that proved memorable and engaging, even if the journey wasn’t without flaws. Visual novel fans looking for more romance with political machinations to maneuver through and a bit more interactivity than one usually expects from the genre should give this one a closer look.

If you've never liked Kingdom Hearts before, 358/2 Days will not sway your opinion, as it's basically the same action RPG seen on the Playstation 2 with a different (and one may argue, more interesting) customization system. However, if you like Kingdom Hearts or even action RPGs in general, 358/2 Days is a worthy game for you to spend time on.

As an RPG, it is an excellent experience that provides a beautifully crafted world and engaging battle system. However, as a Final Fantasy game, it falls short of expectations somewhat.

Steelrising will catch grief from people who want it to be Dark Souls. And it’s not Dark Souls. Nor should it be. This is a competent, well-designed game that seems to focus on accessibility and reimagining history using a quasi-steampunk aesthetic. Does it have problems? Certainly! The enemies are samey, the platforming is tiresome, the sidequests focus on retracing steps far too often, and the graphics issues will irritate many. That said, I love it. This is a fun game. Soulslike purists will lambaste Steelrising for being too easy and short (about 15 hours), but I’d argue that the genre needs this game. The barrier for entry is far too high for many people who just want to have fun, and Steelrising gives those folks the ability to enjoy this genre. I’m not about gatekeeping. I, for one, applaud Spiders (the developer) for this bold work and hope we see more titles like it.

We should be enjoying multiple hour episodes capable of sustaining our attention, marrying a few possible paths. After earning our trust and business, I was hopeful Telltale would move on to legendary kinds of storytelling catered to player choices and capable of handling several outcomes. Unfortunately, Episode 4 feels like we're being coasted along.

Luckily, for every moment you dread another repetitive mission, you find three where you discover a new series, find a cool new mobile suit, or find a hidden conversation to delight longtime fans. There is a competent core game and an amazing celebration of the entire Gundam series here. You just have to survive a lot of grinding, frustrating bosses, and poor AI to find it. Take our advice: this is a ride you want to take with a friend.

Love and Deepspace is a surprisingly solid and enjoyable mobile game if you like action RPGs and have a soft spot for sci-fi and otome titles. I wish there were a way to have a full-length single-player experience without the interrupting gacha elements, but that’s the unfortunate nature of free-to-play titles. Despite that, I feel Love and Deepspace is an experience well worth trying if it seems intriguing to you regardless of those weak points. This is not something I can say for similar games I’ve played of this ilk before, save perhaps Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space and Genshin Impact. That’s a testament that what works well in Love and Deepspace ultimately surpasses what doesn’t.

As long as players are willing to find that mute button on their remote - or can palate the Japanese dub - and can stand up to an overly-sappy story, there's no reason not to pick up Star Ocean: The Last Hope.

It's a game that most RPG fans will find to be a worthy purchase, but don't expect a world-class game out of it.

Capes offers a fresh theme in the TRPG market, with a story of flawed superheroes fighting for justice in an oppressed city. The turn-based combat is sleek and well-balanced and the unique Team-Ups offer a bevy of approaches to address mission challenges. The UI is clear and concise, and the game does a great job of presenting key information to make effective tactical choices. It’s a pity that a few hindrances, both graphically and in the repetitive combat, hold the game back from being truly epic, but if you want a little bish, bash, and boff with your tactical, turn-based RPG, you could do a lot worse than playing superhero with Capes.

It is a nostalgia trip, a salute to the Silver and Golden ages, and a wonderful piece of whimsy. It is at the same time humorous and heart-warming to see all these familiar and old concepts.

I think In Tanta We Trust’s biggest weakness is how short it is. Still, despite being only three hours or so in length, the DLC is a solid standalone adventure. It also ends by hinting at a future adventure for Frey and Cuff, which may or may not happen now due to Forspoken’s lackluster sales. It’s a shame, given how this DLC, in particular, highlights Forspoken’s inherent potential. While the DLC’s price isn’t high for its length, you still need to purchase Forspoken to play it. So, whether or not you want to double-dip into Forspoken with this add-on depends entirely on your enjoyment of the base game. Fans of Frey’s first adventure may find an excellent reason to return to Athia here, as In Tanta We Trust is a compelling prequel side-story to Forspoken.

If you’re looking for something to scratch that Ace Attorney itch, Murder by Numbers will do the job nicely! The music and effects will sound instantly familiar, and the basic mechanics are great as well. The game brings a lot of its own style to the table, with more mature themes and a ridiculously catchy animated theme song. If you’ve ever found yourself passing away the hours playing Picross or Ace Attorney on your Nintendo DS, there is a lot here for you to enjoy. If not, I might try out a few sample Picross puzzles before purchasing.

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.

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."

I ultimately found Ys IX: Monstrum Nox a satisfying Japanese RPG, but I wish the journey getting there was a little less conversation, a little more action, please.

Mage Gauntlet takes everything that was pure fun about the best 16 bit action RPGs of old and tosses it into a light hearted, easy to play, and most importantly, FUN package.

Overall, Infinite Space is a tough game to pin a clear-cut review on. Some of its elements like its story and modification system are expansive and enjoyable, whereas the lack of a tutorial is troublesome.

As a conclusion to Kiryu’s story, The Song of Life hit a few sour notes for me. However, as an installment of the Yakuza series, Yakuza 6 reaches new heights. The upgrade to the Dragon Engine set the stage for triumphs yet to come (including Yakuza Kiwami 2, Judgment, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon), and the game is an overall joy to play. It may be bittersweet to be leaving the Dragon of Dojima’s shoes, but I have no doubts that there will be several return journeys to the streets of Kamurocho in the future!

Overall, Zoria: Age of Shattering is an engaging tactical RPG with a few drawbacks involving its presentation and graphics. It offers a wide range of player choice and class synergies, and the survival mechanics add to this. I had to genuinely think hard about prioritizing party survival, creating new weapons/armor, or upgrading my fort. Tiny Trinket Games is a small indie team working in a complex genre, and I hope to see them accomplish more in the same vein; their passion is palpable. Zoria won’t shatter your expectations, but it will meet them if you relish the clever interplay of turn-based combat, survival, and crafting systems.

Despite its flaws, Synergia is a good visual novel for those looking for a short diversion. I would especially recommend it to those who enjoy cyberpunk and romance stories. I ultimately enjoyed my time with the title, and that’s all you can really ask from a game.

Pirated Code: Admin Edition is yet another solid title in both the Switch’s and Steam’s impressive visual novel lineups, and I’m glad that it’ll be coming to Xbox and PlayStation platforms, too, so that more people hopefully get the chance to try it out. It is a charming, touching sci-fi story with surprising depth and unlockable content, even with its shorter length. You might end up playing it in its entirety in a single day, but it will be an enjoyable day if the story resonates with you!

If you like Jane Austen, purchase this immediately.

Although it's certainly not genre busting in any way, it provides Action-RPG fans something better to play than the subpar "Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel." Anyone who is a fan of either the X-Men or Action-RPGs will find a fun, 15-hour game with X-Men Legends.

Bland ancillary elements can't derail Grand Kingdom's razor-sharp focus on inventive tactics gameplay.

Overall, Atelier Lydie & Suelle is a great entry in the Atelier series, and it’s easily one of the stronger Mysterious entries. It competes with Atelier Sophie for my favorite in the trilogy, though the general bloat of Atelier Lydie & Suelle gives Atelier Sophie the slight edge. That said, it’s a great follow-up. Though it may take a while to reach its conclusion, it serves as a nice way to tie up as much of the Mysterious storyline as possible while also offering new worlds to explore, exciting new battle mechanics, and a refinement of an already excellent synthesis system. Of course, with the recent announcement of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream, I’m eagerly looking forward to more Atelier.

Despite some minor flaws, I rather enjoyed Boyfriend Dungeon. At around five to eight hours long, it might be a bit on the short side for those expecting the lengthier content of most dungeon crawlers, but I felt the length was perfect for conveying the story Kitfox Games wanted to tell. Fans of outright challenging games might want to look elsewhere, but those more interested in story and narrative choice with enjoyable-albeit-simple gameplay might want to give this game a look. Getting attached to your weapons takes on a whole new and surprisingly welcome meaning here!

Don't hesitate to try this one!

Good game, great music, bad localization.

SaGa Emerald Beyond isn’t what I expected. The initial trailers made me think it would be SaGa Scarlet Grace with more of a budget and the return of many beloved series elements. I thought it might even end up being the most SaGa game to ever SaGa. Instead, it feels more like SaGa Scarlet Grace done differently. I am happy to see many of the wackier elements of SaGa make a return, but I still very much miss being able to traverse dungeons, go to shops, and talk to the townsfolk. Despite the ways SaGa Emerald Beyond doesn’t click for me, it is impossible to deny the sheer genius of its addicting combat system or the creativity of its developers. I don’t think SaGa Emerald Beyond will convince anyone who didn’t like the series to give it another go, but it is worth playing for fans and potential fans alike.

For the amount of fun, hilarity, and challenge it provides, I would say it's well worth it. But don't get this game if you're unwilling to do plenty of reading. To play this game, you need a computer with a mouse, and a fairly ranged knowledge of English vocabulary.

If you're looking for a short, fun, single-player romp through magical realms on your PC, this game is a great choice to satisfy that urge.

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

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

Playing Love Shore is like a trip to a big city. The litter and grime may be off-putting, but if you look past that and feel the city’s energy, it will grow on you. In much the same way, Love Shore has its messy parts, but its vibe grew on me and I wonder what Perfect Garbage Studios will do next. If you fancy a suspenseful, cyberpunk visual novel with a variety of companionship options, Love Shore is worth a visit.

Gust fans should definitely check it out, and I also recommend it to players looking for something a little different than your average boilerplate JRPG.

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.

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