RPG Fan's Scores

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For 2,282 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 70% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 22% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 5.2 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 80
Highest review score: 100 Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Lowest review score: 25 Arcania: The Complete Tale
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,745 out of 2282
  2. Mixed: 509 out of 2282
  3. Negative: 28 out of 2282
2296 game reviews
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    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The Thaumaturge
    The Thaumaturge is an unsettling RPG, offering a branching story set in a late 19th-century Warsaw from the perspective of a flawed, supernatural warrior. It is a dark and harrowing journey, fully committed to exploring the conflicting desires of the people in the city of Warsaw; there is little whimsy, less humor, and no distraction from this goal. This requires an equal commitment from the gamer to this flavour of the genre — there is no grinding, karaoke mini-games or creature-collecting distractions here: your prince is in another castle. The game narrative and combat systems build on these dark themes, cleverly framing them in how Wiktor uses his abilities as a thaumaturge. Even if the multiple story paths sometimes buckle under their ambitious weight, and combat can become a little too lacking in variety, this is a person, a city and a time worth visiting and learning from for those it ensnares. Just remember to bring pizza, a drink (or two), and turn the lights down low. Very low.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Alliance Alive
    Despite its terrific combat, The Alliance Alive is far from a spectacular experience. With the 3DS having such a vast catalogue of RPGs to choose from, it's not enough for Alliance to simply be passable. It's hard to truly recommend the game to anyone except those who have already exhausted their options on the system.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns
    It has all but perfected the farming mechanics, and its cast is colorful and cheerful; but ultimately, there's not enough innovation to make it stand out against recent entries in the series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neverwinter
    On its own, Neverwinter is a very solid and very enjoyable MMO — with its free price point, there's no reason that you shouldn't be giving it a chance.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Alone With You (2017)
    What the developer was trying to do here feels on the cusp of something grand. If different design decisions were made or the dialogue was fleshed out more – if the presentation was more powerful and aligned with the setting – then this could have easily been a positive commentary. Unfortunately, that's not what we got. The tragedy of the colony and its talented inhabitants could have been a story worth telling, but like the colonists that remain on the desolate planet, it's better left undiscovered.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Death end re;Quest 2
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Star Ocean: The Last Hope International
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Neversong
    At the end of the day, Neversong is a game that lacks in creativity as much as it does in execution. Its incredibly short runtime clashes with the themes and emotions it tries to convey in its story, while the minimal gameplay and easy puzzles make for a decidedly unsatisfying gaming experience. With neither gameplay nor story fully covered, the end result is a game that can’t quite decide if it wants to be a point-and-click adventure or a puzzle-platformer, and quite frankly, it doesn’t try very hard to make you want to find out.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Neon Hearts City
    Neon Hearts City is a tightly-designed adventure noir, with well-written dialogue and surprisingly heartfelt voice-overs. However, it struggles to make its voice heard in the vast continuum of cyberpunk futurism, and its systems are too familiar and simple to add any unique complexity to offset this. For those with a love of the subgenre, the honest graphics, thoughtful soundtrack, and nostalgic plot will grant a few sweet hours in a different reality. In the end, although all these moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain, it might be worth a visit to the City. Just remember to bring your raincoat, ramen noodles, and a healthy dash of cynicism.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
    I can’t help but wonder how much better Gestalt would have turned out with a couple more months in the oven. From the story to the combat to player progression, every aspect of actually playing the game feels more than a couple of iterations short of reaching the magnificent polish of the visuals. That being said, for scratching the occasional Metroidvania itch, Gestalt: Steam and Cinder is a worthwhile eight-hour investment.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Blackguards 2
    An intriguing protagonist and art style can't save you from long battles and artificial content.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
    Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is by no means a bad game; it just happens to be an uninteresting one. Five games into the series, it's become far too predictable.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Resonance of Fate
    Overall, Resonance of Fate is a good game that took many risks in order to bring some new ideas to the JRPG market, while maintaining some traditional gameplay mechanics.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I Am Setsuna
    A brief, somber, and quietly beautiful journey that occasionally stumbles to resonate emotionally.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind
    It feels like a bit of a shame that this is the case, because The Girl Who Stands Behind‘s visuals and full voice acting act as firm yet soft cushioning that can very well welcome onlookers and entice them to take those first steps into the genre. Nevertheless, It’s a solid enough game that makes it worth a try for those interested in the subject matter—remember to check out The Missing Heir first—but be prepared for a few rocky patches on the way up.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Deponia
    Despite some unfortunate pacing hiccups and esoteric puzzling, what we're left with is a joyous little journey for the dumpster-diving faithful. Back-of-the-box quote right here: It's solid.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    The Raven: Legacy of a Master Thief
    Given all of that, if you enjoy point & click adventures, it's easy for me to suggest that you'd like this game. If you are also the type of person who watches shows like Castle or Rosemary & Thyme, "easy" changes to "no-brainer." The only thing about it that I don't like is that the other two chapters haven't already been released.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
    Dim Bulb Games' debut is so close to being a truly great game. Where the Water Tastes Like Wine stands tall as a paragon of world-building and writing, and its unique approach to storytelling is something many developers should take note of. What's holding it back is its obsession with being a game as well as an interactive book, and it struggles to balance the two mechanics perfectly, so much so that many of the journeys, despite the rich writing, don't always feel worth it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian
    While The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is an improvement over its predecessor, it doesn’t match Atelier Yumia’s bold steps forward. A lowered scope and lowered stakes return the franchise to a comfortable position, and that’s not a bad thing per se. It serves as a look back on the franchise. After taking a wild turn on the mobile gacha path, a step back was necessary to recenter the series and continue moving forward with the two Atelier pillars. Ultimately, the game feels like a greatest hits album that is missing a couple of those unique B-sides that stood out and tested the limits of the genre. Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a fantastic course correction and follow-up to the gacha, sure to appease series veterans, and an excellent starting point for new players to find their footing with the series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland
    Players looking for a colorful world, a lighthearted story, and deep gameplay need look no further than Atelier Totori.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Disney TRON: Identity
    Overall, Tron: Identity is a solid visual novel that fans of Tron are sure to enjoy. While the weak puzzle elements hold the title back from true greatness, the game provides a fascinating glimpse into one of science fiction’s most beloved settings. I greatly enjoyed my return trip to The Grid, and hope that the existence of Tron: Identity is a sign of more to come.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
    Repetition and game-breaking bugs cannot be excused. While I understand that some bugs just slip by and patches will likely rectify issues like the one I experienced, this is what separates top-notch games from the rest.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The Guided Fate Paradox
    An atypical roguelike that subverts expectations but still falls flat in some areas.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Collar x Malice
    If I were to offer a film critic style soundbite, I would say that Collar X Malice is a slick, stylish, and sexy thriller. The story and characters held my interest and the sense of danger kept me on the edge of my seat. It had its tropey "because anime" moments, but no more so than your garden variety summer blockbuster. If you enjoy visual novels, definitely check out Collar X Malice.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings
    A novel, thematic conceit is the most interesting element of this repetitive experience; the rest is weighed down by crybaby characters and vague, unsatisfying gameplay objectives. Atelier is overdue for a revamp.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Ys: Memories of Celceta
    The PC version of Ys: Memories of Celceta polishes the blazing fast combat, rocking music, and fun-to-explore environments of the original to a shine and is a must play for fans of the series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Rune Factory 4 Special
    Rune Factory 4 Special is a game that throws the kitchen sink of RPG mechanics at the player. Almost every RPG player will find elements they like and elements they don’t like or find tedious. Fortunately, Rune Factory 4 Special lets you play the way you want and makes sure you never spend long doing something you don’t like. Despite being a game where I didn’t love any particular element, by the time I was finished I had loved almost every minute of my time with Rune Factory 4 Special.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Eastward: Octopia
    Eastward: Octopia wasn’t something I was looking forward to playing because I didn’t even know it was coming! And even though I wasn’t aware of its existence until a week ago, I couldn’t put the game down. While there is a narrative to Eastward: Octopia, it takes a backseat to the excellent farming sim gameplay that captivated me for many hours. Pixpil does an incredible job with gameplay and feel. While farming sim might seem like a far cry from action-adventure gameplay, they intersect really well. If I was disappointed by anything, it’s that there wasn’t any combat in Octopia, as it was quite fun in Eastward. Still, the finished package was better than I thought possible. The Octopia DLC is a must if you enjoyed Eastward or have any connection to the characters.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Drone Tactics
    Don't hesitate to try this one!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Saturday Morning RPG
    It wouldn't be much of a review, but I could describe Saturday Morning RPG to you in just six words: "a love letter to the '80s." If you watched cartoons and movies back then, this game is aimed squarely at you.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Soul Hackers 2
    My opinion of Soul Hackers 2 was in constant flux during my playthrough. I never especially disliked the game, but I often flipped between enjoyment and disappointment within mere minutes. That feeling of disappointment is what remains in the end. I am not sure if Soul Hackers 2 is exciting enough to hold new fans through to the end, and it isn’t mechanically competent enough to fully grab the attention of a series veteran like myself. But there is still the visual flair, musical swagger, plethora of rad demons, and bonds of friendship you forge along the way to make it an enticing package.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers
    Newbies to soulslikes may want to look elsewhere, as boss fights can feel extremely punishing, and even with all of the experience I have with these games, I found a few bosses absolutely brutal and ridiculous in their attack patterns. Another way of looking at Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is this: if a Souls game never existed and this hit store shelves, we’d all be clamoring about what a marvel and game-changer this is. Although extremely paint-by-numbers, fun is fun.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Winter's Wish: Spirits of Edo
    Winter’s Wish: Spirits of Edo is another enjoyable alternate Japanese history otome VN. Those still yearning for that particular subgenre will undoubtedly appreciate the plot and characters! I enjoyed my time with the game and was surprised to find something to like about every character route I saw since that isn’t usually the case when I play otome titles. Suzuno’s entertaining tale of romance and finding herself is rather satisfying. A winter trip to Edo might do the heart wonders!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Dosa Divas
    Ultimately, Dosa Divas is aiming to be a snack-sized delight, but like an amuse-bouche, it still needs to offer enough flavour and texture for you to come back for more. You may find yourself leaving this one on the plate.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ooblets
    It’s clear there’s a devoted team that set out knowing the cozy little game it wanted to make, and what they’ve created is a pleasure to play. So get out there and become a farming mogul or a titan of commerce or revel in the strategy of dancing — if you like nice things, then you’re sure to enjoy Ooblets.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers
    Overall, Devil Summoner Soul Hackers is a solid entry in the SMT franchise.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army
    If you're a SMT fan, are jonesing for a game that combines Pokémon with an action-RPG, or just are looking for some great characters and setting, then by all means, pick this game up ASAP. Otherwise, wait for it to come down in price or rent it, as it is relatively short.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    God Wars: Future Past
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher
    Overall, the main draw of Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher for me was the refinement of Monster Rancher 2’s systems. It’s great to see the series return and build off the foundation set by Monster Rancher 2 for a modern audience. While I miss the classic monsters, the Ultraman crossover is successful and gives Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher a unique identity compared to the rest of the series. Most of the kinks of the classic games have been ironed out, distilling the core gameplay into a smooth and welcoming experience for newcomers and experienced ranchers alike.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey
    The clumsiest Atelier title since Rorona, Atelier Firis lacks the heart, soul, and polish of its predecessors.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Star Ocean: First Departure
    Star Ocean: First Departure is not for everyone. Newcomers to the RPG genre should find their fix elsewhere first, though veterans will find themselves right at home with this tri-Ace title.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Harvestella
    Harvestella is ambitious as hell and punches way above what I suspect was a limited budget. Yes, I wish Quietus would feel like more of a threat during the game or that time management offered more of a sense of urgency than it does, but this game is going to linger in my mind. It is undoubtedly one of my favourite games of the year and gets bonus points for running perfectly on Steam Deck!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Warriors
    The marriage between the Warriors and Fire Emblem franchises has yielded one of the deepest and most engaging games the Warriors series has done to date.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Potion Permit
    In the end, I am happy with much of my time spent on Potion Permit, but I’m equally pleased to be done with it. Though there was no obvious ending, I can set it aside for now, feeling satisfaction at the good I did in Moonbury. Despite a pretty graphical veneer, a brief and lovely soundtrack, and solid sound design, it can’t compensate for the buggy, cumbersome gameplay and an average collection of stories. Still, if you’re patient and enough patches come, there’s a ton of charm and some unique ideas in Potion Permit to enjoy, and I hope MassHive refines their approach for future entries in this world.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Alliance Alive HD Remastered
    With stellar combat, a nuanced story that keeps things interesting, stunning art design, and a killer soundtrack, The Alliance Alive HD Remastered is a worthy addition to the incredible line-up of Switch RPGs.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
    You may not like it as much as I did, but in the end, you will have enjoyed this game more than a lot of other PS2 games out there.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    The Ascent
    This 10-15 hour journey at $30 on release is riddled with bugs and housed in boring game design and even worse execution. Nothing excites me about playing The Ascent. If only this were an adventure game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers
    I adore so much about Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers. I love how choice-heavy it is, and the replayability it provides is phenomenal. It is an entertaining experience for fans of the visual novel genre, with a colorful cast you can’t help but root for and fall in love with. Playing it was a pleasure despite some occasional hiccups, and I’m going to be diving into my copy of the original game soon just to experience more of this zany and heartwarming series. That, to me, is the sign of a true winner!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - A New Frontier Episode 5: From The Gallows
    The close left me wondering just how differently all of my actions could have guided the direction of the episode and finale.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Castlevania: Curse of Darkness
    The satisfying combat will appeal to the casual gamer while the Devil raising and rare drops will keep perfectionists entertained.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Game of Thrones: Episode Five - A Nest of Vipers
    Episode 5 is part conclusion, part setting up for the climax.
    • 74 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon
    As a big fan of The Outer Worlds, I found Peril on Gorgon to be another fulfilling dive into this fascinating universe, giving me more of what I loved about the original game. It doesn’t break any new ground, aside from the addition of some audio logs and some new weapons. But that’s okay. Great DLC isn’t a sequel, it’s a 10-hour expansion on what made the original game so good. In other words, if you loved The Outer Worlds and want to encounter more tough moral choices, crazy science weapons, and engaging characters, you should check out Peril on Gorgon. I certainly had a blast roleplaying a hard-boiled interstellar detective/starship captain, and it only made me excited for more DLC in the future!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Puzzle Quest 2
    D3 struck gold once, which is fantastic. Aside from the titans of the gaming industry, many developers have trouble creating a truly innovative title that's also good, old-fashioned fun. That was Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. However, after two major mistakes with what's essentially the same design, one has to wonder if they should throw in the towel on this franchise.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The Swords of Ditto
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows
    A slow start to what will hopefully be a memorable series. Casual fans of Batman and/or the genre should be pleased.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Summon Night 5
    A good clean fun, no nonsense, SRPG.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Drox Operative
    Drox Operative is something entirely different from its peers among whom I'd count Diablo, Torchlight, Path of Exile, and Titan Quest. It's something familiar and it's something bewilderingly new.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
    Overall, I have to give Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth a strong recommendation. It’s on Steam in Early Access and well worth the price of admission. With content updates coming on the regular, expect that we’ll be revisiting this game again soon. For now, I recommend you enjoy the incredible visuals and addictive gameplay. It’s one of the best Metroidvanias I’ve played, and I hope it lands for you as well.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir
    Mystery fans and visual novel fans alike would be remiss not to check out this brilliant revival of a classic title, but they must be prepared with an extra set of thinking caps that otherwise shouldn’t be necessary.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley
    Hero of Leaf Valley is by far the best offering on the PSP to date. It's too bad it is marred by some awful load times and another cookie cutter story without any novel ideas to keep even that afloat. Interestingly enough, the gameplay is tweaked in just enough ways to warrant this game an overall winner.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Winds of Change
    When all is said and done, I enjoyed my time with Winds of Change. I liked its blend of visual novel and point-and-click elements, making it a sort of East-meets-West game. I also found the story and characters engaging and spent several playthroughs exploring new character subplots and decision branches. On the other hand, some of the voice actors were not that great. Winds of Change is a niche game that won't appeal to everyone, but whether you try it or not, I still encourage folks to step out of their gaming comfort zones and try something a little different or unconventional.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Silent Hope
    Silent Hope is a charming, adorable game with pitch-perfect sound design, from its limited voice work (the Princess and the King), suitably adventurous and mysterious music, and dopamine-inducing sound effects. It gets repetitive but has a well-oiled gameplay loop that keeps you on the rails. The limited character builds result in a lack of depth, but the fun of combining the right weapons, runestones, and skills to make huge numbers appear and enemies disappear is always present. Silent Hope is simple in almost all respects, and yet it brings me joy to play it and likely would do even more so for the children in your life.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Game of Thrones: Episode Two - The Lost Lords
    Episode 2 affirms my confidence in Telltale's ability to respect the source material.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Trinity Trigger
    I recommend Trinity Trigger to fans of old-school action RPGs; the combat is fun, the visuals are a delight, and its ambiance is unique. Unfortunately, other areas were either lacking or led to frustration, and I’m not sure if all the design decisions complement each other. My biggest ire is the pacing and delivery of the story; what’s there is fine, but it felt mediocre because I’d lost engagement. However, combat and exploration are the main selling points of this game, so many of you will be able to look past its flaws to enjoy what’s on offer. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a diamond in the rough, but I’ve had less fun with more polished games. It’s a short game, roughly 20 hours, and with more and more people looking for something that isn’t an 80-hour investment, Trinity Trigger is a quick play. I’ll praise it for crafting its own identity and not relying too much on the tropes and gameplay elements from its source inspiration, but don’t expect a modern classic.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone
    With simple, yet strategic gameplay, excellent voice acting, cute graphics, and decent dialogue, all improved from its GBA counterpart, it's definitely worth the pickup.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    One Piece Odyssey
    There is an audience for One Piece Odyssey. Sometimes, in the middle of an exciting battle or while revisiting some of my favorite locations from the original series, I think I could be part of that audience. I’ve been a fan of the property for over 20 years and still read the manga every week. I’m not the world’s biggest One Piece fan, but I’m certainly an enduring one. But the repetition made the game a struggle to complete. As amazing as the game feels to start, it trudges across the finish line. A more patient player, or one whose love for One Piece is far more enthusiastic than mine, might be able to see past the repetition for the loving nostalgia underneath. For non-fans, or those of us looking for something meatier, One Piece Odyssey is more filler than killer.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Luminous Arc 2
    Even though Luminous Arc 2 is a pretty extensive handheld title (40 hours, multiple endings) with a bonus OST, I cannot recommend it to you. If it was March or April and you were dying for a new game, I would say to buy it cautiously. But we're in the middle of the Christmas season and there are so many games out there.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Revolution 60
    A most triumphant and excellent adventure.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Outriders
    Despite my complaints, Outriders makes for a solid, if slightly underwhelming, experience. Several elements left me scratching my head, and there are some bizarre glitches. But going god-mode with your abilities is good fun, even if battles can feel repetitive. Your enjoyment of the game will stretch further if you have a buddy or two to bring along with you for the (out)ride. People Can Fly threw a lot at the wall, and some of it definitely stuck. With DLC and updates surely to come, the Outriders crew will hopefully hone its focus on the parts that work. There is a solid core already, but I hope Square Enix and People Can Fly will take steps to freshen up the gameplay and story so the momentum doesn’t die out the way humans did back on Earth so long ago.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 4: Guardian of Gotham
    An enjoyable experience with a disappointing final act. There's still plenty of potential left, if Season 2 ever comes along.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pandora's Tower
    Much like Elena in the throes of disfiguration, Pandora's Tower is imperfect, but begging to be loved.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Death end re;Quest
    Though Death end’s engaging narrative pushes me to reconsider my skepticism of games whose titles include semicolons, this Switch port’s monotonous combat system, cookie-cutter progression mechanics, and serious technical failings keep me from dumping this aversion altogether. For fans of top-notch visual novels willing to tuck in for the hours of tedium much the rest of the game amounts to, I can wholeheartedly recommend Death end re;Quest — just not on Switch. To all others: steer clear of this one or, if you can’t resist experiencing this odd series for yourself, nab this on PS4 or PC and dodge this technical travesty.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord
    Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord, despite being a different animal than Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force, is not the standalone game it wants to be. Refrain Chord is for existing Fairy Fencer F fans only, because it does nothing to ease newcomers into the Fairy Fencer F universe. My overall feelings about Refrain Chord echo my thoughts about Advent Dark Force. The visual-novel-style cutscenes were great, but the game’s progression often dragged. Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord is worth a look, but only if you’re patient and already invested in the Fairy Fencer F mythos.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
    I’m glad I finally played I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream. Its concept very easily draws players in, and to an extent, I even enjoyed banging my head against its opaque puzzles, knowing that each subsequent episodic level would bring a refreshing protagonist and style. Besides an underwhelming finale and some questionable puzzle design, the game is not as misanthropic or depressing as it would seem. Instead, it will always be narratively remarkable as the sole video game in Harlan Ellison’s expansive body of stories, scripts, comics, and teleplays. Ellison passed away in 2018 at the age of 84 but may his morbid and gleeful performance as AM live on for at least another hundred and nine years.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Double Exposure
    Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a game that fails to capitalize on its premise. Although the soundtrack and occasional moments of intrigue are commendable, they are overshadowed by poor character development, confusing plot choices, and a lack of polish. The technical issues, combined with the short length and unresolved storylines, make this entry feel rushed and incomplete. Longtime fans of the series might find themselves disheartened, as they may genuinely dislike the narrative choices that diverge from what they loved about the original. While some may find enjoyment in revisiting the world of Life is Strange, for many, this game could feel like a disappointing misstep.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs
    I had a blast playing Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs despite some of its shortcomings. With amusing characters, a relatable story, solid combat, fantastic music and voice acting, and meaningful choices, it's definitely worth checking out. I look forward to seeing Pixelated Milk's next project!
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight
    Despite the gameplay not being the best, the game is charming enough with its music and music videos to still be a fun time.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Driftmoon
    Fans of comic fantasy and action RPGs will be comforted by Driftmoon's cheerful atmosphere and delightful exploration.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate
    It’s a little bit tough to discern where Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate lands. It delivers on replicating much of the Hades experience game in the TMNT universe, to the point where it’d be surprising if Marvel? Disney? Star Wars? other huge IPs aren’t looking into producing their own. But it also feels like Splintered Fate falls short, teasing so much that it doesn’t follow through on.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    WILL: A Wonderful World
    I picked up WILL: A Wonderful World at the recommendation of a friend, and I don’t regret doing so. It’s an incredible title in many respects, with characters and storylines that stay with you and a surprisingly heartfelt twist in the overall plot late in the game. I wouldn’t say it is for everyone, given the topics it covers, but those willing to move past that will discover a VN that makes them pause, feel things, and honestly think about the state of the world around them. Seeing how all the characters’ stories connect in such big and small ways to one another, and just how it all comes together in the end, is a truly memorable gaming experience. At its core, WILL: A Wonderful World is a story about potential and continuing hope, even in the face of horrible and traumatic adversity. That is a message we could all use.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    to a T
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    The Council - Episode 1: The Mad Ones
    A very promising start to a series with an intriguing story, interesting setting, and a unique spin on choice-based narratives.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    SD Gundam Battle Alliance
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Wild Arms Alter Code: F
    Players new to the series, or looking for a more cerebral RPG, should stay away from WA:ACF. The battle system is rather simplistic and the plot rather too cliché to derive much fun from if you're not looking for something quite that barebones.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Paradigm Paradox
    Yes, the cast is so charming and the worldbuilding so intriguing that it’s hard not to wish each route had a few extra full chapters and not just bite-sized unlockable post-game skits. But Paradigm Paradox is very much a complete package—one that knows when to be serious yet is still adorable enough that you may need to call up a dentist once you’re done. As flawed as its world’s systems may be, it’s one location that is definitely worth a visit.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 59 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties left me deeply concerned about the future direction of the Like a Dragon franchise. Since the very first time I played Yakuza Kiwami, this series held a special place in my heart. But if there is one thing that Kiwami 3 lacks, it’s heart. If you’re craving some modern Yakuza action, play any of the recent Dragon Engine brawlers. But if you really want to play Yakuza 3, my suggestion is to go play Yakuza 3 and leave Yakuza Kiwami 3 alone.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Stories: The Path of Destinies
    If you enjoy action RPGs and seeing the different ways a story can play out based on your experience, Stories: The Path of Destinies is an easy choice.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose
    Like its prequel, the game does not even try to convince the player it would be anything else but a classic, heavily story-driven RPG with a traditional turn-based battle engine. The visuals are currently among the best in the genre and at least the songs composed by Yuki Kajiura are solid.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pokemon Brilliant Diamond
    All in all, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl provide a great way to experience the Sinnoh region for first-timers, complete with quality of life features that keep the game from feeling dated. For long-time fans, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl provide an accessible, no-frills version of the original Diamond & Pearl with a few minor feature updates and a lovely fresh coat of paint. For me, the improved presentation was enough to make for an enjoyable playthrough, but players looking for the definitive version of fourth generation Pokémon, a content-rich postgame, or a well-balanced experience, may just want to dust off their old copy of Platinum.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
    Dreamfall is relatively short, about ten hours, but chances are you'll play through it a second time to get some of the references you missed. Quite simply, if you like an excellent story in your games, go out and pick up a copy of Dreamfall for the PC or Xbox.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 3: The Last Place You Look
    While Episode 3 improves on Episode 2 in terms of plausibility and points of interest, this is likely due to the structure of the script, and less about any conscious improvements Telltale has made, especially with regard to how quickly they put out Episode 3.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & the Monster Seal
    A great dungeon crawler whose quote-unquote sexy artwork means you've probably already decided if you're going to play it or not.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    EGGLIA: Legend of The Redcap
    That pervasive feeling of emptiness more or less encapsulates Egglia in a nutshell — er, eggshell. Lovely art and localization aside, it just feels like there isn't much game here. I have an aversion to mobile games precisely because so many are built around waiting for things to happen (or worse, paying money to make them happen faster). I hoped Egglia, backed by an experienced team of talented creators, might buck that trend. It doesn't. I was right to be wary.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Dark Deity
    Dark Deity is a title that doesn’t take many chances, but its few gambles pay off. Its handful of innovations to the Fire Emblem formula produce a challenging, character-driven adventure that may yet develop a following of its own. While a lack of polish, forgettable story, and limited gameplay loop hold Dark Deity back from acclaim, an endearing cast and deep combat and customization systems render it a force to be reckoned with among the Switch’s crowded market of SRPGs.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Expanse: A Telltale Series - Episode 1
    While I enjoyed my time in space in Episode 1 of The Expanse, a part of me still wanted more. Unfortunately, that’s not only because it was so enthralling that I couldn’t wait to see the other side of the cliffhanger ending, but because it’s so short. On a second playthrough, I picked all the opposite choices of my first run, but the consequences are too far-reaching to feel any difference. Episode 1 mainly serves as a mere reintroduction to Camina and her surroundings, which are new to fans of the show and newbs alike. It’s The Expanse, not The Compact, and I get the feeling I’ll need to see the rest of the series to have a firm position on where it lands.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord Remaster
    Wizardry: PGotMO is one of those games where every step could be your last, but you’ll be entertained making those steps. Despite being a foundation of the genre, it does not provide an easy entry point for new players. It requires a high degree of patience, and this slow approach won’t be to everyone’s tastes. The graphics, sounds, and overall user experience are detailed and well thought out, with some lovely homages to the original in both setting and the number of OG player options. For a game that laid the blueprint for so much videogame history that followed it, taking a step back into the Proving Grounds felt like entering hallowed ground, like remembering a dream in vivid, modern detail. Just know that such a dream can become a quivering nightmare without warning. Be prepared to possibly lose everything in a single run, or a single combat, or even a single fudged combat round, and it’s a grand old time.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Lords of the Fallen (2014)
    A slightly below average game tarnished by bugs and glitches to the point where it simply can't be recommended.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Summon Night: Twin Age
    While Summon Night: Twin Age does not push the envelopes in any area, it has a certain charm to it that can't be denied.
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