A fulfilling RPG experience that doesn’t require a 50+ hour time commitment is always welcome for those of us with busy schedules. The 13 or so hours I spent on a single playthrough Arcadian Atlas was time wonderfully spent. With its expressive sprites, fun gameplay, robust writing, and jazzy music, it is clear that Arcadian Atlas was crafted with lots of heart and is definitely worth a look.

even if TEMPEST is an excellent VN for those who don’t mind otome elements and want a darker, more mature plot with a heavy focus on character development. It isn’t a flawless experience, given its plot holes, script errors, and software crashes. But even with those cons, Anastasia’s journey is compelling and one that I found worth diving into quite a few times to see the whole story.

I enjoyed my time with Pyre; I'm glad I played it. The world inspires thought and curiosity, and I'm left with something to mentally chew on for a while. I already miss my new friends. Due to the "check box" nature of getting to know characters and building relationships, I have considered giving it another go with vastly different decisions, but I think I got what I needed out of this. I also wish the history wasn't delivered through chronologically discordant segments of text. Initially, the game feels like a lore dump and there's a lot to know if you want to dive in. I had difficulty wrapping my head around the world's history, and it seemed relevant. The sports matches are fun, but lack the depth or intensity I think the developers were trying to accomplish. I could easily see this being the type of game some people will adore and obsess over, while others will struggle to finish.

A fun, but dated and unoriginal flight through the land of Hyrule. The main quest may be longer than most, and the sidequests may be in abundance, but that doesn't help Twilight Princess from feeling like the same thing we all played nearly ten years ago.

With its compelling storyline, the ensemble cast of memorable characters, and solid worldbuilding, Rise of the Third Power offers longtime JRPG fans a taste of why they fell in love with the genre in the first place. It also allows you to pet a plethora of pooches and pussycats too! Unfortunately, the poorly chosen font, slow-paced battles, lack of fast travel through previously explored areas, and awkward attempts at comic relief bring the game down. However, f you can look past Rise of the Third Power‘s flaws, you will find a robust JRPG experience.

If you're a fan of classic 2D RPGs, then you shouldn't hesitate in picking up Sweet Lily Dreams. It has just the right mix of traditional gameplay and new ideas that make it a joy to play.

As eclectic as its soundtrack, Keylocker has much to love, though with an underlying narrative experience that can be lacking, I can’t recommend the game to everyone. But the superb musical performances and the compelling oddity of it all are good reasons to consider downloading yourself into this flawed but unique adventure.

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.

Genshin Impact might not be the most original game in a lot of respects, but it certainly has a wealth of things to offer players should they still be willing to give it a chance. Overall, I greatly enjoyed my time with it, and I plan to continue playing once future updates are implemented. The fact that it can be played for free is also quite impressive given just how much time you can invest in the game, especially with people perhaps staying at home more and being on a budget. All in all, Genshin Impact is a surprisingly solid action RPG adventure!

While Revenant Wings may be little more than a handheld equivalent to Final Fantasy X-2, it does what it was meant to do quite well.

Young Souls is easy to recommend if you’re hungry for a beat-em-up or dungeon crawler – or better yet, a clever combination of the two! Doubly so if you’re looking for a gorgeous, kid-friendly title to introduce a youngster to the brand of game that captivated you when you were their age. Young Souls’s rewarding gameplay loop, beautiful world, and heartening story make up for its so-so audio and other disappointments, leaving me hoping for a sophomore outing by 1P2P sooner rather than later.

If you enjoy horror and mystery in your visual novel, you are bound to enjoy Sound of Drop, but it is unlikely to become your favorite.

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

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

Although not Game of the Year, Valkyria Chronicles is worth 30 hours of your time.

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

Life is Strange: True Colors opens phenomenally well and then somehow loses its way, never really knowing if it wanted to tell a cheesy conspiracy story or dive completely into slice-of-life territory. I wish it chose an identity. Most of all, I wish it took some chances. I don’t want to say the series is growing stale, but there’s certainly a careful balance needed between giving fans what they expect and reinventing some aspect of itself. This is a cool world to get lost in over a weekend, but it may float on by as a passing phase.

With an awful plot, some shoddy controls and poor dialogue working against it, you might expect that Rogue Galaxy would receive a poor overall score from me... and you'd be right if it weren't for everything else. The gameplay, in particular, was a saving grace but the music and graphics also pulled this game from the depths of despair into something fun.

A little more love could've made Mandatory Happiness an essential visual novel, but as it stands, it's still a pretty good cyberpunk adventure.

Fortunately, the game never overstays its welcome, and that alone makes it worth a recommendation to anyone who enjoyed The Legend of Zelda or other NES classics.

It’s the style and feel of Beyond Galaxyland that kept me interested to the end of Doug’s journey. Though many of the supporting systems are pretty familiar and some are in real need of reconsideration, the thematic narrative has enough mystery to engage. Exploring the intricate graphical detail of the world, and its original worldbuilding, is fun for most of the runtime, and the efficient combat doesn’t bog this down. If a key element of the genre is exploring new worlds, then Beyond Galaxyland puts its best foot forward. It’s just a bit wobbly in how it gets there. Prepare to give it some slack on the journey, and you’ll have a decent time.

Phantom Brigade contains two distinctive halves: the lovingly crafted battle system and the almost-but-not-quite overworld. It’s understandable that a first-time team with an excellent idea would choose to be laser-focused on that one idea, but the game could have been a classic if the rest were fleshed out. In a crowded factory of mech games, Phantom Brigade performs well in combat; it’s just not much to look at.

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.

Open Roads is a brief, affecting tale that isn’t going to change lives or revolutionize gaming, but it is undeniably charming and comfortable despite its difficult themes. By this point, you’ll know if you’re the kind of gamer for this, but if you’re still on the fence about the quality, rest assured that Open Roads feels lovingly crafted and has a distinctly human story to tell. If you were at Tess’ age, like me, in 2003, you may get even more out of it, though your mileage may vary.

It wouldn’t be wrong to label Fairy Tail: Dungeons as Baby’s First Roguelike, though that might be selling the surprisingly crunchy gameplay experience short. Veterans have plenty to dig into, even if they might ultimately breeze through it. It can also be an entertaining entry point into the niche roguelike genre, which can be an acquired taste. I wish there were more of it, so here’s hoping there will be someday.

Ever Oasis is a competent blend of simulation and action RPG that revels in its celebration of nature's bounty.

I finished Another Code: Recollection in about 15 hours, and even though I’m being a bit harsh on the puzzle design, I really enjoyed the time I spent with it. It’s a good remake that makes two interesting stories available to experience again after over a decade. That is my big takeaway; these remakes are about the stories. The excellent graphics overhaul, reimagined locations, and solid performances make it clear that telling interesting stories was the primary goal here. The puzzle design came second, and that might not be what every fan of the original games is hoping for. Another Code: Recollection reimagines two classic point-and-click adventure games as visual novels for beginners, and it does an excellent job meeting that goal. This remake doesn’t make the original games obsolete, but it’s the definitive way to experience the story of Ashley Robins.

While it definitely isn’t flawless, Bakumatsu Renka SHINSENGUMI is an overall solid otome experience. This version of the Shinsengumi’s story has quite a bit to offer should you be willing to put in the time and get past the more dated art and style. Despite the hiccups, I’m ultimately glad I gave this VN a chance.

The worst thing you can say about Sorcery! is that this first book feels short. But when you are enjoying a thing, that often tends to be the case. The best thing is that if it stays true to the books, it is only going to get better.

Tales from the Borderlands still provides worthwhile entertainment, but the comedic edge is losing its grip.

Star Trek: Resurgence is a remarkable narrative adventure game set in a classic space opera universe. I’m incredibly impressed by its scope and the well-written story it conveys. Like an interactive Star Trek show, Resurgence is a game where your decisions have a real impact. I enjoyed playing this title even as I acknowledge the weak points holding it back, mainly its graphical hiccups. Still, Star Trek fans should give Star Trek: Resurgence a try, though, as should any adventure game fans who like sci-fi too. I hope this isn’t the last we see of the U.S.S. Resolute and her crew!

Streets of Kamurocho comes across more like a demo of a new game or proof-of-concept. It’s only one level long, with two mini-bosses and one final boss from the first Yakuza game. Once you finish the level, you start it again, this time at a higher difficulty level. Seeing as this is an entirely free game meant as a one-off, you really can’t complain about the incredibly short length. It’s a perfect little retro dip into a classic arcade beat ’em up with a fresh coat of paint.If you are a fan of Yakuza or Streets of Rage, you’re going to be in for a treat.

A great dungeon crawler whose quote-unquote sexy artwork means you've probably already decided if you're going to play it or not.

Overall, I quite enjoyed my time with Ys IX. It is a generally fun and entertaining game, with action elements that are wonderfully honed. It is a shame that the graphics in the Switch port diminish the experience as much as they do, because otherwise the title fits rather nicely on a handheld system thanks to its polished control scheme and wealth of content. What could have easily been one of the best action RPGs on the Switch is held back by the visuals, though it is a testament to just how strong of a game Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is that I view it so fondly despite this port’s obvious flaws. I certainly hope that Adol the Red’s adventures will continue if they persist with Ys IX’s entertaining gameplay.

You just can't charge this kind of money for an iOS port of a PSOne game, especially one that's not graphically optimized for the iPad. What's worse, if I didn't already own this game on the PSP, I could buy it new right now for $10 at Amazon.com and have a better overall experience.

The fourth entry in the series is enjoyable and worth most people's time. I question how much it has added to the characters and story beyond fixing the issue introduced in Episode 3. Even the newly introduced characters feel anticlimactic. I'd almost call this entry filler. In truth, describing Episode 4 to fence-sitters won't sell the series, and those who've bought in up to this point will have little reason to turn away from the penultimate installment. I just wish it had a bit more of a wolf's bite.

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

As an inexpensive and relatively short title by a one-person team, it is hard for me to lend much weight to the game’s misses. Garden Story’s characters and world have a magnetism; it’s hard to stop spending time with them once you’ve begun, and once you’ve finished the game, it’s effortless to stop back in. If you are happy to delve into an experience where everything but the gameplay shines, then Garden Story is definitely worth checking out.

Episode 1 is a good indication of where the season and series are headed, and while I've thoroughly enjoyed it, when titles like Life is Strange and Before the Storm are released and compete with the franchise, one has to expect Telltale to up their game. What was great back in 2012 is no longer great in 2018, and maybe that's why Telltale is putting the cap on the series with The Final Season.

A quick and beautifully executed point and click (or tap) adventure.

If you're looking for fun, lighthearted RPG-ing with some laughs along the way, DeathSpank won't do you wrong.

Lieve Oma won't be for everyone. Not a lot happens over its short duration, but not a lot needs to. It's a brief, relaxing moment in time for our protagonist, and ostensibly it is meant to be the same to the player. In that sense, Lieve Oma is a successful experience, and one that made me fondly remember the time I spent with my own grandmother.

An odd and unique fusion of Eastern and Western RPG conventions, Sonic Chronicles is a difficult game to qualify. On one hand, it's weak when compared to other Bioware titles, and even some other RPGS, such as the easily comparable Mario RPG. On the other hand, though, it must be evaluated based upon what it really is: a handheld Sonic RPG.

After spending fifty hours with GW2, I have a lot of praise for ArenaNet's work and the way it changes up some of the typical trappings of the MMO. And yet, I find myself thinking less and less about it each day. It's not a declaration against the product, mind you, but simply a fact that this game still is very much an MMO, and your enjoyment will directly relate to how much you enjoy the genre. For many who were hoping for a clean break from MMO design philosophy, Guild Wars 2 will probably come across as a slight disappointment. It pushes the genre slightly forward, however, and could lead to even further development in the future.

Monster Hunter Stories is a Monster Hunter game distilled down to a more simple level, but still retains what makes the games fun.

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

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

Atelier Marie Remake should be approached in the same way one would approach the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series. It’s a look back at where everything began with some modern touches rather than an evolution of the series. The game relies on its charm and simplicity, and given its nature as a simulation game, it leans heavily on the time management aspect. The remake serves as the perfect way to take a look into the past while adding a bevy of quality-of-life updates along with a modern UI. Personally, I hope this is just the first step in bringing the last few un-localized mainline titles to the West, and I eagerly await an announcement of an Atelier Elie remake.

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

Vay‘s 2024 incarnation is far from perfect and still rather old-school in many regards, but has enough modern quality-of-life features to offer a rosy nostalgia trip. I’ve always had a soft spot for this often-overlooked title and am glad to see it nicely updated like this. Vay is not a game for everyone, even those nostalgic for Sega CD RPGs, but seeing a solid version of it readily available and easily accessible is a wonderful thing.

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

Seven combines parkour, stealth, and larceny with an intriguing setting to create an incredibly enjoyable isometric RPG experience that's slightly dampened by perpetual glitches.

If nothing else, Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip has a seemingly endless supply of bizarre, creative scenarios that excite the imagination. With its light-hearted, casual gameplay, I can’t remember the last time I had felt so carefree while playing a game. Monster Roadtrip has no central plot besides driving around and having a good time, no conflict, and remains positive almost throughout. I should emphasize that I like my heavy, tense games, but Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip is too easy to like. This is a cozy, hilarious game that fills a void not many games can.

A walking simulator-esque introspective visit into a young man's life.

Yukar From The Abyss is a short, nicely scripted otome VN experience for either PC or Nintendo Switch. I enjoyed playing the game and especially love the story and character development that occur in pursuit of the “good” endings. Those who don’t mind romance intermixed with godly tales may want to give Yukar From The Abyss more than a glance.

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

If you were late to the Supermassive Games train like I was, climbing aboard sometime after their success because you didn’t have a Playstation 4, then this is the perfect time to catch up on a classic. Some might say this is the progenitor of interactive cinema, at least in terms of commercial success. While not the perfect remaster, Until Dawn has made the leap to the modern era of presentation without falling to its death. Just a few scrapes and bruises.

Overall, it pains me to give KOTOR II the score I have, as the core gameplay mechanics are genuinely enjoyable and well-rounded, not to mention that I found the plot and characters to be quite strong whenever the game hit its strides. However, I still can’t overlook the very noticeable glitches present in the Switch port. It’s a shame that the initial base game is a rushed, poorly edited product as well since it has all the makings of a classic and problems knock it down to just a “good” game. Despite these setbacks, the KOTOR duology is still one of my favorite Star Wars stories. It is a testament to all of The Sith Lords‘ strengths that I’m glad for those patches and am looking forward to seeing how the Restored Content DLC might improve upon the overall game experience. However, as for how the base game now stands on the Switch? I’d be hard-pressed to recommend someone purchase it until that free story DLC is released. This echo seems more akin to a dying whimper than the steady, unyielding presence the game could very well be in the future.

Samurai Warriors 5 is a breath of fresh air that shows the developers have learned a lot from their previous entries. They’ve taken pieces of their spin-off games such as Persona 5 Strikers, Hyrule Warriors, Fire Emblem Warriors, and even their Dragon Quest Heroes entries. Omega Force took a look at what players of the aforementioned games like beyond general fan service involving their favorite games and used it to reinvigorate their long-running Samurai Warriors series. If you’re someone who tried one of the spinoffs and liked it, or if you have even a remote interest in The Warring States period of Japanese history, this title is a perfect place to jump in. While there is room for improvement upon, Samurai Warriors 5 is a strong foundation for future entries. With Omega Force’s track record of releasing expansion packs and side games, I’m eagerly awaiting more.

The Book of Legends is a good RPG Maker game worthy of Aldorlea's pedigree, but it has the potential to be more. I'm left feeling as if the limitations of RPG Maker prevent the game from realizing its full potential.

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.

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

RPG Time respects your time, allowing you to save the world in roughly 7 hours. The tale was expeditiously wrapped up before Kenta or I ran out of steam or energy. It’s a fun re-creation of the boundless zeal and creativity a child would bring to one of his creations, and it’s an adorable love letter to all kinds of games. The game’s invitation to play pushes it beyond simply a game to conquer. That’s a positive because though it can be fun and engaging, it lacks the crunchy investment that RPGs typically require. Still, the overflowing creativity makes your journey in RPG Time worthwhile for letting your inner child run wild.

It's not a game for everyone, but those who are fans of "grindfest" games like Diablo will have a blast with this game, especially considering you can play it while waiting in the line at the DMV.

In Stars and Time might drag on a little longer and get repetitive more often than I would like, but its ambition and adherence to its themes are commendable, and are made even more impressive by the fact that the game was developed in RPG Maker. This game is a must-play for fans of quirky indie games, but even if you are tired of that style, there is loads here to love.

It’s unfortunate that it took over twenty years for the West to experience Rhapsody II properly, as the game is incredibly fun, amusing, and full of both heart and charm. The characters are just as hilarious as they are heartfelt, the musical numbers make the game stand out amongst its peers, and the game is wildly creative in every aspect. Rhapsody II‘s short length ensures it’s a breezy experience and a perfect palette cleanser amidst the sea of RPGs set in miserable worlds. Rhapsody II is a vastly improved sequel on all fronts, and while it has a few minor blemishes, it’s easy to recommend to anyone looking for a unique experience.

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.

It isn't remarkably better than the first game, but it is a slight improvement.

A unique little adventure game with loads of style, fun characters, and plenty of charm.

For those fans of Code: Realize who want more content and to enjoy some good old-fashioned fluff, Wintertide Miracles will not disappoint. Those who like happy endings will certainly appreciate another opportunity to continue Cardia's journey.

Infinite Undiscovery isn't the epic JRPG for the X360 we have been waiting for, but it's a great stop gap for the expected ones (Final Fantasy XIII and Star Ocean: The Last Hope) and certainly the most fun I have had in a JRPG on the X360 yet.

A beautiful, chaotic adventure, Dragon's Crown Pro is worth a go if you've never played the original.

All in all, LEGO Horizon Adventures is a cute and fun experience that I think both LEGO and Horizon fans will enjoy. The story is an amusing adaptation of Zero Dawn’s plot, the characters are often hilarious, the gameplay is entertaining — if a little repetitive — and it definitely nails the feeling of playing in a large Horizon-themed LEGO set. It is fairly short, and there aren’t a ton of things to do once you finish the main content, so your mileage may vary regarding how much you feel it’s worth the $60 price tag. But if you’re really into LEGO or Horizon, you will probably find plenty to like about this unexpected but welcome spin-off.

Etrian Odyssey I and II HD are best enjoyed as a visually and aurally improved recreation of the DS originals, mechanical warts and all. It’s nice to see the originals preserved for a modern audience despite their flaws. However, the decision not to include the additions from the Untold remakes, even as an option, is disappointing and prevents this release from being truly definitive. While I prefer the music and aesthetics of these HD versions, for new players, there is ultimately less on offer here unless you really want to experience the series’ humble beginnings. Otherwise, the rigidity of the systems and the hamstrung cartography mechanics make these remasters hard to recommend over the 3DS remakes.

Etrian Odyssey I and II HD are best enjoyed as a visually and aurally improved recreation of the DS originals, mechanical warts and all. It’s nice to see the originals preserved for a modern audience despite their flaws. However, the decision not to include the additions from the Untold remakes, even as an option, is disappointing and prevents this release from being truly definitive. While I prefer the music and aesthetics of these HD versions, for new players, there is ultimately less on offer here unless you really want to experience the series’ humble beginnings. Otherwise, the rigidity of the systems and the hamstrung cartography mechanics make these remasters hard to recommend over the 3DS remakes.

In the end, Elsweyr is a worthy addition to the legacy of the Elder Scrolls Online world. The new necromancer class, the Sunspire trial, and the dragon hunts all have kept me playing for months after completing the main questline.

It doesn't have an incredibly lengthy quest or a massive skill system for hardcore RPG fans to dig their teeth into, but Gurumin is the type of game that will snag the attention not only of a core gamer, but also of the younger sibling or sometimes-gamer significant other.

With this secondary universe within the universe of The Expanse, it feels as though there’s too much happening to wrap up with two short episodes to go. Though it’s still way too early to predict, it’s possible what’s here and absent currently could be pointing to a second season. If that’s where the series is headed, it should eventually make for a more substantial experience than if Episode 5 is the full-stop end. The show won’t bend around to connect back to the game, as it’s over. Or is it? In any case, hopefully two more episodes will bring clarity to the limbo where The Expanse currently resides. After the cliffhanger ending of Episode 3, I’m excited to see how Camina gets out of this one and how the rest of her story will play out.

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

A quirky and fun adventure that could go far with a few little tweaks.

I spent a lot of time comparing Telltale's interpretation of GotG to its MCU forebears with good reason. The two are inextricably linked for most fans, and Telltale has done a fantastic job of using that to their advantage in the game's design and presentation. It captures all of the charm of the movies while allowing enough wiggle room to chart its own path. There's certainly room for improvement, but Tangled Up in Blue is a promising start for Telltale's latest adventure.

Simple, old school fun. Neither game is horribly complex, nor are they the epitome of handheld roleplaying. What this compilation is, however, is what gamers wanted back in 2003: Final Fantasy Origins to be portable.

I had some skepticism on how this RPG/board game hybrid would work out, but it turned out to be better than the sum of its parts.

Much like Elena in the throes of disfiguration, Pandora's Tower is imperfect, but begging to be loved.

Not the jump forward I was expecting for this series, but a light and entertaining RPG nonetheless.

Torment is a niche title for those who want to left click between pages of a book.

A brief, somber, and quietly beautiful journey that occasionally stumbles to resonate emotionally.

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

Richard & Alice may have a generic name, but it is anything but generic.

A technically inferior version of the original Atelier Shallie, but its narrative additions are worth seeking out for hardcore fans.

Disgaea 5 Complete shines on Nintendo's new console by virtue of its convenient features and sheer volume of content. Its bright and colorful presentation pops on the Switch, opening a window to its nigh-infinite depth. Even in an unusually heavy season of strategy RPG releases, it's still worth picking up, though Disgaea 5 veterans won't find much new in this re-release. As a lapsed fan of the series, I'm glad I had the opportunity to reconnect with its off-the-wall gameplay, but I'm even more glad that there's an option to skip its blithering story segments.

Atelier Resleriana is a solid game through and through and proves itself to be more than one of the cynical cash grabs that we’ve seen time and time again. It has the heart and charm of the series and serves as a love letter to longtime fans. The biggest problem with Atelier Resleriana being a gacha game, however, is that it will ultimately go end of service one day and become permanently inaccessible. Such is the nature of live service games, yet it feels counter to Gust’s recent efforts to remake and localize previous games. However, there is hope that all the effort in creating new 3D models for such a wide array of characters is an indication that fully-fledged remakes may be around the corner. While Atelier Resleriana isn’t exactly what I wanted out of the next mainline Atelier title, it serves as a celebration of all things Atelier and the best crossover game in the series by a country mile.

While players won't be choosing skill points in trees or devoting time to selecting whether +5 intellect or +3 wisdom is better, Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime is simply some good, clean fun for all ages.

I get excited and optimistic every time I experience games like Citizen Sleeper, Disco Elysium, and Pentiment. These RPGs draw as much on the design ideas of tabletop RPGs as they do from their digital counterparts. They focus on imparting their players with a desire to roleplay—to inhabit a particular world and character while feeling your way through interactions and choices—while having the self-confidence to do without combat or other easily gratifying genre conventions. Systems and mechanics are there to support the roleplaying experience rather than simply add to it. These games won’t necessarily be for every RPG fan, but they are helping expand our idea of what a digital RPG can be, and I’m here for it.

If you weren’t a huge fan of Final Fantasy XVI, Echoes of the Fallen isn’t going to change your mind. While it introduces some new things, it doesn’t address most people’s concerns with the base game. Even I was slightly disappointed with the story; I hope the next DLC, The Rising Tide, delivers more on that front. But if you love FFXVI‘s combat and want to fully engage with it while partaking in some of the best boss fights the game has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. I can’t wait to run through it again in Final Fantasy mode. It’s going to be an absolute blast.

Much like its predecessor, Crymachina is extremely interesting in concept yet lacks a bit in execution. A strong aesthetic, incredible soundtrack, lovable characters, and a much-improved combat system make the experience enjoyable overall. Yet, the mission structure and general combat leave something to be desired. Thankfully, the game is short (just under 15 hours) and never overstays its welcome. Though its time is brief, Crymachina leaves a solid impression. Developer Aquaria is on the right track, and as a fan of both Crystar and Crymachina, I eagerly await the next entry in the Cry series.

Describing The House in Fata Morgana as "entertaining" isn't exactly accurate, as it's a much more introspective experience than its contemporaries. In that regard, more visual novels should take a page from Novectacle's book — The House in Fata Morgana eschews genre tropes in favor of a style of experimentation that is deeply literary, and the result is incredibly refreshing.

An excellent battle system and gorgeous soundtrack create an immersive entry that's a whole lot of fun, but Bandai Namco needs to polish their series a little more.