If you’re a fan of SRPGs and Arco flew under your radar, you owe it to yourself to correct that. It’s one of the better games I’ve played in that category in recent years, with a combat system that successfully tries something new, a setting that hasn’t been explored in any RPG I’m aware of, and a journey that leaves an impact in no small part thanks to the developers’ handling of its subject matter. There are some flaws here that the developers could fix to make this game even better, but don’t let those dissuade you from trying out this singular RPG experience.

For those willing to suffer through a couple hours of mediocrity, this ending justifies the investment.

Although I truly believe that Bastion could have doubled its length in terms of gameplay, I'm glad that the story didn't risk imploding on itself. Don't let anyone tell you this is a Diablo clone–that would cheapen Bastion; it needs to be heard to be believed.

A story that will move some and alienate others.

Bustafellows wants to be the complete package: an otome sweet enough to melt your mouth with cavities, as well as a dangerous and dark visual novel. But it leans too far in one direction to allow the other its chance to emerge seamlessly from the depths.

The unique setting and duality of madness that Shivering Isles possesses provides an excellent backdrop for more Elder Scrolls adventuring.

An extensive and well-planned expansion that makes Eorzea an ever-more compelling place to get lost in.

That said, if you like graphic adventures and poor controls are not generally a dealbreaker for you, don't let that one issue stop you from trying Gemini Rue. It's got logical puzzles that require thought but don't have a lot of red herrings to guide you away from the correct path, great voice acting that complements a worthwhile story from start to finish, and just the right atmosphere.

Overboard! is simply an incredible puzzle-box of a game. The ship’s small size and the limited timeframe for events hide tremendous content and depth. Uncovering all the secrets of the passengers for your own ends will require careful observation, repetition, and smart choices. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble upon another possible way to get away with the crime. Your first few runs are likely to be fruitless, but the writing is at such a high level that even failure leaves you entertained. Set sail with Overboard! It’s a murderously good time!

The Witcher is in better shape than ever, and gamers that played the original will be jealous of those who can enjoy the game for the first time in its higher form. Don't worry, though, as the Enhanced Edition gives Witcher veterans a perfect excuse to replay a sure-to-be classic.

Serpentcoil Island, for all its systems and quality-of-life features, can feel stale after a while. At the end of the day, this is a roguelike on the simpler side. If you’re like me and love meaty, dense, and complex systems in your roguelikes, this isn’t it. That said, it’s still fun and engaging when played in spurts. I praise the developers for making an accessible yet strategic roguelike because this subgenre often has a steep learning curve and barrier for entry. While I’ve beaten the game, I can tell that I’m going to do my routine 90% completion on this game, even after investing 20 hours. The post-game is the game.

Valkyria Chronicles shatters all strategy RPG conventions.

I originally intended to wait for the PS5 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon to start my first playthrough. When the PS4 version came out, however, I found I couldn’t wait, and I impulse bought it. I’m glad I did, since it ended up being my favorite game of 2020 and it gave me a story about love, loyalty, and helping those in need during a really trying time. But I’m also glad I played this game again on PS5. Not only is the experience better thanks to the higher resolution, better frame rate, and faster load times, but it’s just a damn good game that I’m happy to play multiple times. There are definitely a few growing pains in the transition from beat-em-up to RPG, but I have no doubt that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will address these issues in the next Yakuza game. And with the way Yakuza: Like a Dragon ends, I hope they are already working on a sequel. Because I want more!

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes comes highly recommended, whether or not you've played any other games in the M&M franchise. This is not a bastardization of the series. If anything, Clash of Heroes may become the catalyst to resurrect a franchise that was once on its last legs.

A hundred hours in, Rise does feel a little rote. The lack of quest variety and endgame options besides grinding for talismans has begun to wear on me somewhat. But the journey of getting to this point has been nothing short of an incredible experience. From zipping through the air to bludgeon monsters in the face to setting out on gathering runs with my trusty palamute, the minute-to-minute gameplay of Rise is impeccable. The only real issue with Rise is that there isn’t more of it, but with plenty of future updates and an entire expansion on the horizon, this is surely just the beginning of what this game has to offer.

Worth the cost of entry for any Final Fantasy fan.

If you are into both RPGs and rhythm games, you'll definitely enjoy Patapon longer than just enough to get your money's worth out of it.

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

Dragon Age: Origins is a rare game, one reminiscent of the PC RPGs of the past, and those who enjoyed those games will undoubtedly enjoy this one.

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.

One of the best video game prequels ever made and one of the best entries in the Yakuza series, along with some of the best gameplay.

OPUS: Prism Peak is an outstanding adventure. Like its spiritual predecessor, OPUS: Echo of Starsong, it pairs a thought-provoking, emotional story with polished gameplay. At times haunting yet hopeful, it reflects life and reminds us how we grow from experience. I teared up often—sometimes from sadness, and sometimes from the bittersweet yearning to reach for something more, no matter the winding paths we take. The open-ended resolution of Eugene’s journey is moving and lingers with me. Developers SIGONO has once again created an artistic video game masterpiece with OPUS: Prism Peak.

Ni no Kuni's whimsical world and aesthetic will pull you in with memories of your childhood anime and cartoons.

Does Mages have me back with Anonymous;Code? I think so. That might be a surprising answer given everything I’ve said above, but I can see the bones of what the developer wanted to pull off here. There are some fun moments, and I enjoyed my time with it, but that outline of something better makes it clear that this game doesn’t live up to what it could have been. So, I once again live in hope, hope that the next time I load into a Science Adventure game, I can see their full ambitions realized.

If your 2025 resolution is to check out any cool 2024 games you missed, 1000xRESIST is worth a shot if you desire a compelling narrative and can endure clumsy gameplay. The game is also not very long (I finished this ten-chapter game in about twelve hours), so you’ll still have plenty of time to play 2025’s offerings. 1000xRESIST is a diamond in the rough that, despite its flaws, I’m glad I experienced.

It’s among the most thought-provoking mystery games I’ve ever played, and my only serious gripe is that Modern Storyteller hasn’t released DLC that would allow me to continue my adventure. The Forgotten City offers an unforgettable journey into an ancient town filled with a charming cast, a rich, sprawling narrative, and a world-class soundtrack. This is one city that I recommend everybody visit.

If you are on the hunt for a traditional adventure game, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you want one of the best live-action performances in video game history, a fabulous presentation, and an intriguing mystery to unravel, Her Story deserves your time!

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.

It’s not quite what you remember, but it’s exceptionally well done and retains the unique soul of the original where it matters most. And it’s sure to make that soul more appealing to a new audience that can fall in love with it for the first time.

It’s been a long time coming, but with the release of Trails to Azure, we’re no longer missing out on a vital part of the Trails universe. I know some fans are frustrated that the localization of the Crossbell games delayed Western releases of Trails into Reverie and Kuro no Kiseki, but to paraphrase Lloyd Bannings, this is a barrier that we simply had to overcome. Not only are these games relevant to what happens in the Trails of Cold Steel arc and beyond, but they’re also just good RPGs. Trails to Azure in particular is one of the best games in the series, and it’s probably my personal favorite. Fans should absolutely consider adding it to their library, particularly if they plan to play Trails into Reverie this summer.

I’ve often marveled at an idea as familiar as “books transport you to other worlds” transforming into narrative game experiences where you rarely encounter another soul, but a rich tapestry of actions, consequences, and interactions unfolds through your exploration. Yet, Riven has always accomplished this. I’ve been fortunate to replay most of the series with a newcomer, and that sense of wonder absolutely survives as the games age; this new version is worthwhile and definitely the most beautiful way to experience it.

Overall, I'd recommend this game for any fan of Mario RPG titles, anyone looking for a nice solid RPG for the DS, and of course, people who enjoy smiling, since this game will brighten your mood.

This is more than just the original with a facelift; this is truly a different experience. Even if you didn't take to the initial release, the inclusion of the job system and overall enhancements warrant you giving this game a second chance. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is more than just a fun game; it's an achievement for the RPG genre as a whole.

CrossCode is one of the most endearing and fun action RPGs I've ever played, though it's not without its frustrations.

Despite my occasional narrative discomforts and technical gripes, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is absolutely essential material. This is a game that will stir the mind with masterful prose in one moment and have you gasping on the edge of your seat from the crucial roll of a cube in the very next. Disco Elysium will split your heart open with tectonic ferocity and leave you demanding more games exhibit the positively shameless amount of grace and humor that peppers every minute of this cerebral adventure.

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.

With each installment of the franchise, I grow to adore Professor Layton and Luke and their delightful world all the more. All while sharpening my intellect. In the (hopefully wound) future, I doubt Level 5 will modify the formula any more heavily than they already have, and for once, that's fine by me.

Quite simply, Bastion is a game with lots of character and precious few flaws. Any fan of old-school action RPGs would be remiss not to play this game. If every title released had Bastion's sense of newness and adventure, the gaming world would be even better than it already is.

With Sea of Stars, Sabotage set out to create a spiritual successor to 16-bit JRPGs of yore, succeeding in some ways but failing in others. With this DLC, you will find the exact same strengths and weaknesses as in the main game. Throes of the Watchmaker is a very good piece of DLC for a very good game! Though the combat system and visual presentation are triumphs, the story and characters might leave you feeling underwhelmed. It would be interesting to see how Sabotage could improve on this solid RPG foundation, but I suspect they plan to move on to other pastures. Much like how they declined to make a sequel to The Messenger, my money says that their third game will also be a completely different genre and likely outside of our coverage. Given the baffling number of Super Punch-Out!! references present (yeah, the game is still meta), maybe they will be diving into a new take on that classic SNES title! But as this studio consistently delivers mechanically engaging, visual treats to the eyes, I am willing to explore whatever direction they take next!

I think Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a great introduction to this spin-off series, especially to those with a fondness for detail and strategy-heavy monster collecting and explorable fantasy adventures. Given how fantastic Monster Hunter Stories 3 is, if the next game in the series can provide an even stronger outing, I’ll be paws-itively impressed.

The console version is the definitive, Director's Cut edition of this game, and if the online requirements or auction houses on the PC version held you back from buying that version or enjoying it, you can rejoice along with me that they are gone this time around.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a game you don’t want to miss if you’re a fan of RPGs. If you don’t have a PlayStation 5, this port is an excellent way to experience the game.

Although it's nothing revolutionary, Monster Train has certainly cemented itself as a champion of the deckbuilding RPG sub-genre. I foresee myself playing this for at least another 100 hours. Finding synergies between decks and cards within each deck is an absolute pleasure, and I predict additions will come at some point in the future. I just wish this style of game could find decent storytelling. If you're itching for a tale, there's no shortage of gripping and emotional yarns out there. If stats and cards woven together through complex decision-making is more your scene, then hop aboard and have your ticket ready.

Despite some minor control issues on consoles, Return of the Obra Dinn remains possibly the most successful detective game ever made.

Despite my grievances, this is a competent, tightly developed game. I would argue it’s played even a little too safe. Although a genuinely enjoyable experience, I am shocked at the lack of surprises or variety in storytelling and gameplay. This is a perfect example of a game that needs more time in the oven. I can’t imagine the developers will leave this project behind anytime soon, but I certainly hope updates are free and don’t come in the form of paid DLC — at least for a little while. Wildermyth feels unfinished, but the core is sound.

A no-brainer upgrade for PS3 players and a great option for those looking to get into the excellent A Realm Reborn experience with no hassle.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 shouldn’t be surprising. It builds on what made the original game a cult classic and doesn’t flinch away from different approaches than the critical darlings. And yet, I find myself constantly delighted and shocked with each play session, feelings that grew more common, not less, further into the game. I suspect despite finishing the main story, I have many more nights uncovering secrets and battling fierce beasts in the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 ahead of me, and I hope the same for you.

AI: The Somnium Files' story is dark, with a lot of horrific and upsetting moments to be found, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of humor and, dare I say it, heart present in the plot too.

Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii deemed DQXI the culmination of the series' thirty years of tradition. I'm more than inclined to agree with him, as it embraces and enhances almost all of the virtues that make DQ such a beloved franchise. It remains unabashedly true to its roots as a JRPG fan's JRPG, and fans of the series are in for a treat at a scale of epic proportions. The best DQ games embody the spirit of grand adventure. In Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, Square Enix has delivered to us the grandest Dragon Quest of them all.

Memory is a funny thing. It can distort our perceptions of our lives, and our experiences aren’t ever really what we remember. Even when the specifics of a memory fade away, though, the feeling of the moment remains. Octopath Traveler II captures the feeling of those memories beautifully, and it’s not a game I’ll soon forget.

All in all, Chaos Rings II is a great RPG for iOS that has restored some of my faith in the platform for carrying more serious games instead of casual diversions.

If you enjoy visual novels, then I can highly recommend Code: Realize. There's a delightful cast of characters to meet, an interesting story to experience and beautiful visuals to take in. The plot rushes over details that could use better explanation, but there are plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. The dialogue is well written and I enjoyed my time with it from beginning to end. Even if you normally shy away from an otome game, do yourself a favour and pick this one up.

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

A worthy contender to Diablo and Torchlight as the premium hack 'n' slash experience.

ENDER LILLIES manages to mitigate my issues with the Metroidvania subgenre while surpassing any expectations I had thanks to its story, art, and gameplay. My time with it was so overwhelmingly positive that I found myself struggling to pinpoint things I didn’t like. To those (like myself) who found themselves enamored with Valkyrie Profile’s theater-of-tragedy style of storytelling, I highly recommend giving Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights a look. To all others, I’d highly recommend it as an incredibly strong action RPG platformer with breathtaking art, engaging gameplay, powerful writing, and an emotive soundtrack that is bound to leave its mark upon you.

There are good design elements all over, from a menu option disabling licensed music for streaming to quests that completely change based on whether you choose to go in guns blazing or stay hidden and make sense both ways. The main and side quests are all packed full of great story, the characters are fun to get to know… and yet despite all of the effort that went into this game, we also see the bad design choices I discussed above and an unplayable console version. If you can take the places where it’s a bad example and remember to do better in your own life, and maybe wait until it’s been patched into working, there’s an amazing game here that you can be glad you experienced.

The most impressive refinement of Fire Emblem to date, this game belongs in everyone's 3DS.

Still a great Zelda game even if aspects of it haven't aged as well as others.

If you like traditional JRPGs but Trails in the Sky was a little too dated for you, Cold Steel is exactly what you've been looking for.

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

And since I've already given this review some special treatment, rather than end with a flowery or poetic conclusion, I'll simply reiterate that Radiant Historia is one of the best Japanese RPGs I've played in years. Atlus has given us a winner.

Overall, this is a Metroidvania game. Get it if you like Metroidvania games. Otherwise, find something else to do with your time. This game does well for what it is, and does not stray even an inch outside.

In the areas where it counts, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope — and Kingdom Battle along with it — represent a bright and colorful departure from everything strategy RPGs tend to be while still offering relentlessly creative challenges in a package that’s straight-up fun. Sparks of Hope builds on everything Kingdom Battle did right and devises new entertaining challenges to shoot your way through. Though it took me about 25 hours to complete the main story with a healthy number of sidequests, the game told me I’d only completed 67% of it. This is easily the greatest Western RPG series that adapts a Japanese property about an Italian plumber. Whether you’re a hardcore strategy RPG fan or a newbie to the genre, Sparks of Hope should make anyone shout “YAHOOOOO!”

Dragon Quest VIII is a JRPG-lover's JRPG that holds up fantastically more than a decade after its original release on the PlayStation 2. It may do nothing to change your mind if you're not a fan of the genre's tried and true formula, but every JRPG fan owes it to themselves to check out this classic.

The entertaining battles and the resolutions of plot threads as the game progressed toward the final credits were worth paying the cost of a slow start to the gameplay. This is a game that we'll be talking about for years to come, and I'm happy to have played it.

Pure RPG magic.

Kamitani and Vanillaware have achieved their ultimate goal with 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. It’s clear that this game is so much more than just “a little RTS, a little action, and a decent story.” It delivers a dense and gripping story full of twists that is grounded in its characters and smaller moments. Empathising with the characters and watching the revelations unfold through all of the different perspectives enamoured me. It’s a bold departure for the studio, one which seems impenetrable at first, but it’s hard not to love a game where you can drink milk coffee from a vending machine one moment, and then pilot a giant mech the next.

In Echoes of Wisdom, we have everything that I hoped for and more. New and old, revolutionary and yet traditional, it pulls you back to a place of long-treasured happiness without solely relying on nostalgia. More than a worthy entry in the series, destined to be held in affection for decades to come, it could introduce a whole new generation of Zelda fans to the magic that the best of this series delivers.

The Outer Worlds is a triumph for Obsidian Entertainment and AA games in general. They set out to create a successor to New Vegas and succeeded on every conceivable level. Every mechanic I loved from that game, including the stunningly robust faction system, has been taken to new heights. Sure, the world isn't quite as big as New Vegas, but with the almost-limitless choices the game offers you, it feels just as massive. The Outer Worlds may not reinvent the genre, but it is an outstanding example of how engaging RPGs can be when created by developers who have a passion for them and video games in general!

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.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut puts a great game on a system that makes it portable, and that alone is laudable. Even if the multiplayer is boring and the new story content is redundant, the dub is strong enough to warrant sitting through every cutscene at least one more time. When a series with such an established structure and formula has a strong enough baseline to seem like it can’t go wrong, it can be difficult to sort out the true gems. Yakuza 0, and its Director’s Cut, are gems, end of story.

Renting won't do justice to the amount of content the games provide and the inclusion of online (though limiting) boosts ups the replay value tremendously. It's simple and engaging for newcomers while catering to long time players. Buy it and go catch 'em all!

Although the porting issues affect the experience enough to bog it down a bit, they're not so extreme as to ruin it. PoE is that rare game where each of its components, from the story and writing to the audiovisual aesthetics, are individually exceptional yet manage to combine into something greater still. It presents a level of immersion that leaves a lasting impression, and you owe it to yourself to experience it firsthand.

This isn't the next big JRPG, but it'll certainly take you a long time to complete.

I have to hand it to Starfield. It delivered on its promises, and maybe a little more. It hosts a remarkably immersive, player-focused game space, and I am captivated by all elements of its design, even its blemishes, of which there are fewer than expected. It is a game whose components are captivating alone but greater than their sum. Somehow, it crafts a near-infinite space for play, but it leaves more still for players to explore. And it does so in interesting and innovative ways, almost reflecting back on itself as if it were Constellation, whose motto is appropriately “infinitum addendum,” or what we are adding to infinity.

I hope this review doesn’t sound overly critical because I am genuinely pleased with most of what Esoteric Ebb achieves. I just think the game could have been significantly improved, had it the confidence to shed its most conspicuous Disco-isms and dance to its own tune. Given everything that happened at ZA/UM and its creative core’s dissolution, we will likely never get a true successor to Disco Elysium. I am at peace with that. But if developers like Bodegård can iterate on its systemic expressiveness with the type of passion and intelligence that Esoteric Ebb manages, its legacy is in good hands.

It's been a while since I've been so pleasantly surprised with a game. Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling takes inspiration from one of Nintendo's most popular RPG series, but it doesn't rely on the tropes and humour that made those games so beloved. All of the meticulous detail and care that's gone into the world, characters, and mechanics is on display here. Instead of being just a cardboard cutout copy of its roots, Bug Fables embellishes that established template with its own style and flair while improving things where need be, and as a result, it's one of the best and most honest tributes I've ever played.

Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo offers some fun in drawing up a horror story from Japanese superstitions. Unfortunately, it leans too heavily on the comedy, even though the jokes are appreciated. When the game dangles the possibility or even the appearance of some agency for the player, it would have been more exciting to make the player feel as though they’re really making choices or feel invested in the horror elements. If there’s anything to take away from this experience, it’s that murder is typically wrong, but a chicken dressed as a greaser is way cool.

Fans of the first will feel right at home on the shores of The Mermaid's Curse as it cements the Paranormasight formula.

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

By far the largest issue Fable has is its length. Completing at least 50% of the sidequests, marrying, slaughtering an entire village, and buying three houses, I still only ended the game at slightly over eight hours.

It's been a long time since I've played an RPG this engrossing in terms of story and yet was still fun to play after 35+ hours. Shadow Hearts: Covenant is one of those rare games that you simply don't want to end.

There's great gameplay, graphics, music, and heart here, and I have no reservations whatsoever in wholeheartedly recommending it to anyone that enjoys these kinds of games.

If you hate South Park, you won't like this. If you're in the middle or love the show, this is the RPG for you.

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

With the new content included and a controller in the USB port, Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is the best version of the game – just not by as much of a margin as some might've hoped for.

A slow-paced but charismatic RPG with an incredibly well-crafted world and characters.

While building is a joy, the hiccups in between make this an adequate experience for fans of the series.

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.

Despite fundamental similarities between the two games, Starward Vector builds on its predecessor in a way that feels perfectly logical: a reframing and culmination of the design philosophy that defines the series thus far. You could easily look at screenshots of either Citizen Sleeper game and think them a niche interest, but I don’t think that’s true. It may resemble a visual novel in some ways, but the overall experience it offers feels like a full-fledged RPG. As long as you aren’t opposed to reading a lot of good writing, Citizen Sleeper 2 is an indie investment worth considering. With an endearing and well-rounded cast, tight and expressive game systems, and a visionary sci-fi world to get lost in, this is an early frontrunner for 2025 RPGs.

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

With most games I have enjoyed, I have had no problem taking breaks and doing other activities, but all I ever wanted to do since picking up Nioh 2 was play Nioh 2. For a game with this much customization and depth to have all of its parts work so seamlessly together is a feat worthy of the highest praise. The only thing holding Nioh 2 back is the mediocre soundtrack and thin veneer of a story. I cannot wait to get lost in the DLC to come. Kudos to you, Team Ninja, for building intelligently on what you created in the first Nioh.

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

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak fixes many of my complaints that popped up after extensive time with Monster Hunter Rise. Monsters have far more tools and can match the hunter in most instances, new armor skills ensure that builds and playstyles are varied and viable, and the maps and monsters themselves are fantastically exciting. For anyone on the fence about Sunbreak due to disappointment with the base game, this expansion is for you. For those who loved the base game, Sunbreak is a no-brainer. It has something for everyone, from longtime fans to newcomers who just started with Rise. As I said in the review for the base game, Monster Hunter Rise is a great way to lose a couple hundred hours of your life. With Sunbreak, you might want to say farewell to a couple hundred more.

With gripping choices and authentic characters, I care about what happens to this dark, tragic world.

From the excellent storyline, to the addicting gameplay, everything in Final Fantasy IV Advance is just as good as it was in the early '90s, despite minor changes and a few lag issues.

The premise may be simple, but the plot is surprisingly good, especially for a Mario game. Part of it is thanks to the excellent localization and likeable characters.

A Space for the Unbound is a pleasant surprise to me in many ways. I started out with a preconceived notion of what it would be about, only to have that turned on its head in a rather alarming way. The tale it tells instead is genuinely haunting and upsetting, but one with a powerful and altogether touching ending. I felt so many things by the time I saw the end credits, and I came out thinking about what an ultimately beautiful and moving adventure this title ends up being. If it strikes a chord with you, it may even help you see things from a different perspective; A Space for the Unbound is a truly memorable gaming experience.