Videoverse has to be one of the most authentic time travel pieces of media I’ve ever experienced. I’ve played countless games that lean heavily on nostalgia—oftentimes cheaply—to try to make me feel like a kid again or at least like I was immersed in something similar to those RPGs of yore. Videoverse might be the only title to truly accomplish that.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is undeniably engrossing, with a strong cast of characters and a story that twists and turns. Armchair tacticians, get your leaning ready, because there’s booty afoot, and the only ones who can claim it are a bunch of dead bodies. You got this!

As far as faults, there were occasionally times when a song might halt before looping again at specific points during a scene, and if you use the auto-skip feature, you might find it hard to figure out the exact text before a decision point pops up. But, honestly? There isn’t much to critique when it comes to Trouble Comes Twice. It does what it sets out to do admirably! At its core, this is a successful, feel-good VN with a romantic edge. VN fans who don’t mind the slice-of-life genre would do well to give the game a chance, as Trouble Comes Twice is soothingly comforting and the game equivalent of a warm hug.

The core of Roll Player is beautiful in its accessibility, but like any well-designed game, the nuance and player interaction make it a cozy experience to chew on. Rest assured, this is not a complex or deep game by any stretch of the imagination, but if you have twenty or so minutes to burn while socializing with friends, this fits the mold exceptionally well. Unfortunately, this being an online game of little repute, finding a game can be a bit of a challenge, but that’s where apps like Discord come in handy (there’s even an official Roll Player Discord server). The game’s online features allow for active games and play-by-mail sorts of ventures, though I wish there was a notification system baked in so that I know when someone has taken their turn; otherwise, I’m just opening the app to guess when it’s my turn. If you have a friend to play with, local multiplayer is always an option. I can see myself returning to Roll Player for years to come when the urge to roll some dice strikes.

Are Omori’s RPG systems all that nuanced or thrilling to engage with? Not really. Yet, it works well enough and some of its battles will stick with me far longer than many finely tuned fights I’ve experienced in turn-based RPGs due to their thoughtful incorporation into specific parts of the story. Ultimately, the reason to play this game is for the dark and twisting narrative and how it permeates into multiple aspects of the experience. The art, OST, and battle system add essential flavoring to the gameplay. Some pacing, balance, and tonal issues that can’t be denied—but those aren’t at all what I’m coming away from this game thinking about. Omori pulled my heart in directions that few videogames ever have. It brims with a disturbing yet genuine intimacy that, like the rest of the best RPG Maker games, proves how much can still be done with the traditional JRPG format.

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Game is a phenomenal visual novel and interactive musical. I do feel prior knowledge of Greek mythology might prove beneficial to someone’s overall enjoyment, and those who aren’t VN or musical fans won’t alter their taste with what is here, but those who love well-crafted VNs with choice-heavy narratives and who also love musicals? Those gamers will find plenty to appreciate! Grace’s journey of self-discovery is just as heroically compelling and epically grandiose as the myths she’s now interacting with, and it’s a song worth belting out.

Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains is a rather interesting game to review. On the one hand, I am perhaps too lenient towards the English translation by rating it as I have, but there’s still a solid RPG experience at the game’s core. I admit to being entertained by the English script for all the wrong reasons, but I became engrossed by it. The clues of “something better” within the plot proved both frustrating and enough to keep me speculating. It’s a shame the game couldn’t have been translated more adequately because I can see where the title could have appealed to those wanting a thoughtful, solidly set-up traditional RPG. Despite this game’s flaws, I still want to see more Xuan-Yuan Sword titles released in the West. But, of the ones that have gotten localized thus far, Xuan Yuan Sword 7 is the more substantial title despite its action RPG leanings. Unfortunately, some things are lost in translation in this remaster, making the journey to the East a conflict at best.

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.

Overall, Jagged Alliance 3 is an impressive and endlessly entertaining production that not only revives an old series but does it justice in a more modern style. The story and characters make for another compelling entry in the series. Grand Chien is wholly believable as a vibrant nation, even though it’s non-existent. Combat is expertly converted to a 3-D environment, and there are so many strategic layers that it’s good to the last drop for the 50-ish hours it should take to complete. It’s easy to see how players could return time and again to check out all of the mercs and challenge themselves to level up the weaker ones. Haemimont Games wrung all the fun they could out of this system and served it up on a diamond-crusted platter. Jagged Alliance 3 gets the job done and even throws in a little extra. I love it when a plan comes together.

Radiant Tale presents an admirable and enjoyable fantasy romance narrative. It might not be original, but the game does what it sets out to do, both successfully and entertainingly. Radiant Tale is another top-quality otome title on the Nintendo Switch, sure to put a smile on the faces of genre enthusiasts. Without further ado, let’s get on with the show!

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.

If you are a fan of any of the weird and wacky titles that came out of developer Love-de-Lic, you owe it to yourself to play 24 Killers. If you’re unfamiliar with games like moon or Chulip but enjoy adventure games or experimental RPGs, I can’t recommend 24 Killers enough. Happy Shabby Games managed to avoid most of the pitfalls of adventure game design (obtuse puzzles, unintuitive progression requirements) while preserving what makes the genre so special.

Cross Tails may not be one of the best tactical RPGs I’ve ever played, but it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for a developer and publisher who are often accused of churning out generic, by-the-numbers games lacking in creativity. A dime-a-dozen plot and poor translation let the story down, but Cross Tails makes up for it with unique mechanics and a solid battle system that provides a moderate challenge.

While I’m ultimately disappointed by a few of the newer features LISA: Definitive Edition boasts, I’m overall pleased with the finished product. The border art, new songs, Painless mode, text scaling, and more are all incredible quality-of-life improvements to an already great game. Adding extra dialogue, endings, and enemies is just RPG gravy. LISA: Definitive Edition takes a game I’d already recommend playing and makes it that much more accessible.

Darkest Dungeon 2 isn’t a perfect game by any means, and as someone who isn’t a fan of difficult games or games that I feel intentionally aim to cause me grief, I cannot say I wasn’t annoyed or even lashed out at the game. But the design behind Darkest Dungeon II, the care put into exploring this world, telling this tale, and making a game that you’d want to play repeatedly is absolutely brilliant. As it was the first time around. Iteratively, Darkest Dungeon II is a must-play for anyone who found anything enjoyable about the first game. Newcomers be warned: Darkest Dungeon II is an incredible experience.

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.

The issues the characters face outside the supernatural horrors bearing down upon them are the most relatable we’ve seen in the series yet. Teens struggle against their own troublesome pasts, adults are desperate not to repeat their worst mistakes, and authority figures with their authority breaking down as they’re drawn into intense, personal problems. Those are the moments that stand out long after playing, far more so than any crazy time portal or ghostly possession. OXENFREE II tells an extremely human story, and it tells it very well. If you have any interest in games as a vehicle for storytelling, OXENFREE II offers something you shouldn’t miss.

Digimon Survive should have a lot of depth, with partner Digimon evolving and devolving, free-roaming Digimon to recruit, and a vibrant cast of characters who, on the surface, are generally enjoyable. Looking at the game from afar, it truly captures a feeling of desolation and nostalgia. But it comes up just short when it comes to gameplay and story—the two most important things for an SRPG and visual novel hybrid. A “Truthful” path awaits as a New Game+ option, but the gameplay shortcomings, unfortunately, aren’t alleviated with repeat playthroughs. Digimon Survive‘s charms aren’t fleeting by any means, but neither are its disappointments.

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

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 2 is overall the weaker half of the series, with Mega Man Battle Network 5 being the gem of the bunch. This collection is fine, offering more of the same excellent core gameplay from the first three games for those who can’t get enough. But none of the new additions are strong enough to make these games stand out individually. I’d still love to see Mega Man Battle Network: The Liberation Missions someday. But for now, it’s time to jack out.

SOULVARS is best described as a “tsundere” game. Its mechanics are tough and intimidating at first, but investing a little time and effort getting to know it opens its heart. You get out of it what you put into it. Beyond its 10–15 hour main campaign (depending on the difficulty level), there is post-game content. Sadly, the disappointing story and characters are a mountain of unrealized potential that could have been so much better. If you are the kind of RPG fan who favors gameplay over story and characters, then SOULVARS may be worth a look.

While I encountered few serious technical problems during my playthrough, I did have one instance where I loaded into a cutscene before I was supposed to with Yuma sitting suspended in a void until the game caught up to me. This didn’t impact my experience but seems worth mentioning. After a pre-launch update, I also noticed a few lines of dialogue seemed to be missing audio, although it was a sporadic occurrence. All in all, I greatly enjoyed my time with Master Detective Archives: Rain Code. As mentioned earlier, it feels like a lost relic of the PlayStation Vita in the best possible way. While the egregious fanservice may be a turn-off to some, for Danganronpa veterans and fans of other narrative adventure titles like the Zero Escape series, I highly recommend taking a trip to Kanai Ward. Just be sure to pack a raincoat.

Despite its pacing flaws and character bloat, The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is an excellent addition to the Trails series lineup. After nearly burning myself out on Trails of Cold Steel IV, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Trails into Reverie sparked my fondness for the series all over again. Fans of the previous two story arcs will want to see the resolutions at play here, left feeling hopeful about the future of the series.

If Breath of the Wild is one of the greatest games of all time, and Tears of the Kingdom improves on it in every way, does that also make TotK one of the greatest games of all time? That’s a question to ask in a few years when we have more perspective. But right now, I can confidently say The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be one of the best games released in 2023, and will stay with me as one of my favorite video game experiences ever.

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

For many, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a chance to experience a game (and franchise) that was tragically shortlived. The DS original has made an effortless transition to modern consoles, and the core experience is every bit as good as it was 12 years ago. Not all puzzles carry their weight, and the game doesn’t exactly stick the landing, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a mystery with the wry wit and subtle charms of Ghost Trick. If you’re a mystery buff, don’t miss this caper.

I’ve played Final Fantasy VI more than almost any other RPG. With its comfy story and lovable characters, a soundtrack that speaks to my soul, and an intimidating amount of secrets to uncover, it’s an experience time won’t soon forget. I still get a little wet in the eyes during the ending. Its quality is indisputable. The Pixel Remaster doesn’t meaningfully detract from the original’s inherent prowess, and its arranged soundtrack and added features are welcomed niceties. Whether you’re a young’un or a curmudgeon like me, this is one of the best ways to experience a classic. Now, if only they included the post-game dungeon…

Charade Maniacs isn’t a perfect game, yet I wouldn’t call it terrible. Even though I’m lukewarm about some of the character routes, I genuinely enjoyed others. Plus, the overall mystery is compelling enough that I wanted to solve all the mysteries presented to me. Charade Maniacs might be worth a few playthroughs if you’re a fan of suspenseful mystery otome titles, so long as you don’t go into it expecting greatness.

So, yes, Final Fantasy XVI may not be entirely “new,” but it’s bold in a way Final Fantasy has never been. It’s meticulous, it wants to thrill, and it wants you to feel. All of this combined makes Final Fantasy XVI a new high-water mark for the series, and I don’t expect it will be matched for many entries to come.

Harmony is a thought-provoking, emotional VN. The amount of artistic polish alone is impressive, and using the Augural to plot your branching decisions is intriguing, even if it isn’t without some flaws. Fans of the genre should give this one a chance, as I think DON’T NOD more or less reached their storytelling aspirations with Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. I’m already thinking of my next playthrough, which says a lot about how much I enjoyed my experience with Harmony!

Pretty much everything in Loop8 boils down to building up your stats past an arbitrary barrier by looping and repeating the same dull, boring conversations and tasks ad nauseum. The characters are tropey and uninteresting, the unique premise is squandered by disjointed storytelling, and the combat is devoid of strategy or depth. The only positive thing I can commend the game for is the visuals, which feature a nice mix of detailed 3D models and lovingly crafted 2D background elements. They really nailed the look of an 80’s Japanese island town, but the actual game is such a chore to play that I can’t recommend it to anyone. Spend your summer somewhere other than Ashihara.

Jack Jeanne is an interesting otome title focusing more on its plot and emotional buildup than on direct romance. However, it still manages to spin a compelling and thought-provoking narrative with a whole lot of heart. Jack Jeanne celebrates creativity with characters you can truly appreciate when the final curtain falls. It’s a prime example of a game taking an innovative risk by leaping into the unknown and becoming a much stronger gaming experience.

Alas, Final Fantasy III will likely never be anyone’s favorite Final Fantasy. While it is a significant entry in the series, other games do what it does better. Final Fantasy V has a better job system, Final Fantasy I better captures the sense of four randos going on an adventure, Final Fantasy XIV takes the Crystal Tower and absolutely runs with it… I could go on. I can’t say that I had a bad experience playing the Pixel Remaster, but unless you’re a completionist who simply must play every Final Fantasy, I can’t in good conscience recommend it, either. Still, there’s value in learning about your roots, if only for the lessons to be gleaned from them.

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

Hush Hush – Only Your Love Can Save Them reminds me of the song “Coconuts” by Kim Petras. At first blush, both entities appear to be vapid, cringeworthy fanservice. But further glances reveal smart, self-aware subversion that’s more than meets the eye. Much like jamming the funky groove of “Coconuts” on my bass guitar, Hush Hush is fun to play yet surprisingly challenging to get just right. This game delivers everything I want in a “summer fling” with a little something extra that stayed with me. Hush Hush – Only Your Love Can Save Them won’t appeal to everyone’s tastes, but those to whom it does appeal will absolutely devour it as I did.

I have mixed feelings about System Shock. The historical significance alone made this worth my time, and the remaster is stunning in several ways. Keeping to most of the original’s design was probably the right move, as it allows today’s audience to achieve an authentic experience. Would I have complained if the gunplay was improved upon and the puzzling streamlined a bit? No, but I can’t blame Nightdive Studios for making the call. While not the best gaming experience I ever had, I have a greater appreciation for games made today by virtue of knowing firsthand what System Shock did for us. Regardless, I enjoyed myself, and I hope we see System Shock 2 remastered by the same team.

If there’s entertainment to be found in the schadenfreude of watching your characters retch as they eat the disgusting food you serve them, it wears off quickly, leaving a solid — if frustrating — roguelike as the bulk of Monster Menu. While there are some great ideas at play, those ideas don’t automatically coalesce into a fun or enjoyable experience. Some may appreciate the challenge, but that’s the only hook beyond the thin main gimmick. Like a plate of grubs, Monster Menu may fill you up, but there’s no guarantee it will make you happy.

If you are a dungeon-crawling fan or an EO series veteran and you haven’t played Etrian Odyssey III before, you owe it to yourself to play this game. If you are new to the series or dungeon crawlers in general, then pick up the entire Origins Collection. The new lower-difficulty modes can ease you in, and the mapping gameplay can be de-emphasized through the use of auto-mapping if the cartography put you off in the past. If you’ve played EO III before, the sheer quality of the visual and audio improvements are enough to make this version worth a purchase, even with the lackluster map-making. Etrian Odyssey III HD is a beautiful version of an excellent dungeon-crawling adventure.

Lamplight City is an intriguing mystery and an enjoyable graphic adventure experience. I appreciate how choice-heavy the narrative is, and I also really like how the game adapts to your actions throughout. The alternate history steampunk setting is intriguing, and I appreciate the game’s commentary on complex subjects like poverty and prejudice. Fans of mystery and graphics adventures who haven’t yet played Lamplight City might want to check out the game’s Nintendo Switch port.

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!

Historians (my, aren’t we getting lofty) will sing praises for what Final Fantasy II did for RPGs of the era and today; without a doubt, the developers pushed boundaries and tested new ideas. My take is this: respect the game and its developers for the time they were working and the chances they took to innovate on design. However, acknowledge that this isn’t something most people will want to enjoy in today’s gaming landscape for purely narrative or gameplay reasons. Final Fantasy II may be an important game, but not necessarily fun.

Live A Live is a wonderful little gem from almost three decades ago. The remake accurately captures what a classic SNES RPG should look and feel like, and the modern additions make the game far easier to digest for newcomers. It’s highly experimental and oftentimes weird, yet it keeps that wondrous charm found in games like Terranigma, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy V. It’s whimsical when it wants to be and serious when it needs to be. While the pacing is a little off at times, and combat does grow a bit stale by the 15-hour mark, there is a lot to love about Live A Live, and any fan of SNES RPGs—or RPGs in general—should give the game a look. It’s a glimpse into the past with a modern touch, which is fitting for a game about living lives throughout time.

Ib is a special little game that horror fans should definitely look into. Fans of adventure games might not find it as complex or amusing as the Monkey Island games, but it certainly has its charms. For anyone who has an image that pops up in their head whenever RPG Maker is mentioned, I’d urge them to take a look at Ib and see what’s possible when an independent developer decides to bend their tools to their whims like a mad artist expressing their delusions. Ib is a short and sweet experience that is well worth the time and money.

What a heart-wrenching disappointment. Dungeon Drafters opens strong, but fails to use what makes it great to create a fun experience for the player. This goes far beyond “git gud.” Dungeon Drafters provides an illusion of choice, and with this many options, that’s borderline cruel. Allowing this amount of customization but requiring players to play a certain way is like hanging a steak out in front of a dog and never letting them eat it.

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.

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!

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.

Bottom line: if you want to play Final Fantasy, this is the way to do it. The quality of life changes are invaluable, the visuals are eye-catching, and the game plays as great as ever. Even a few hiccups can’t hold back a wonderful all-time classic.

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

On its own, it is a nice little adventure in a new area that begs to be explored. It improves Forbidden West’s already outstanding visuals and introduces a great new character who is more than a match for Aloy, something the series has arguably been missing. However, the overall plot and primary antagonist feel like a retread of the main game, there are only a few noteworthy gameplay additions, and there’s less to do than you might expect. Despite these issues, I still had a good time exploring the ruins of Los Angeles, and the hints dropped at the end of the DLC definitely lead to some interesting speculation about the direction of the next game. So ultimately, I would say the pros outweigh the cons. Burning Shores might not tide over everyone, but I think most fans will enjoy it.

Overall, in Vol. 1, you’re getting three games that each would be worth playing on their own, despite showing their age. This collection comes as a hit of nostalgia for handheld games in an odd time where, aside from smartphones, handheld video-game platforms are a thing of the past, with a quasi-exception for the Switch, which allows both home and handheld gaming. With such a deviation from Mega Man, devoted fans of that series won’t necessarily find Mega Man Battle Network to be essential playing. However, for those who wished Mega Man were more RPG-like, those who enjoy collecting a la Pokémon or those who enjoy an awesome, unique battle system, there’s never been a better time to jack in to Mega Man Battle Network.

Ultimately Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a fairly successful remake of the first two Advance Wars games. While appreciation of the new aesthetic may vary, the game retains the tightly designed strategic combat of the original duology while adding a few welcome tweaks. It’s a shame this remake doesn’t have a robust online experience to offer returning players. If you’ve never tried the series out and enjoy strategy games, this is the best way to experience the games for the first time. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough additions to make the remake a must-have if you’ve already poured hundreds of hours into the GBA games.

If you came here looking for anything but glowing praise, you came to the wrong place. All the work that Takahashi has put into building his world pays off beautifully here with a fun, rewarding nostalgia trip, the most refined gameplay in the series, and the same beautiful look and sound we’re accustomed to. Frankly, my biggest criticism is that I wanted more. Future Redeemed may close the door on one chapter of the Xenoblade Chronicles saga, but hopefully it won’t be too long before Monolith Soft opens another and I get just that—more Xenoblade.

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.

Hunt the Night is a beautiful game that crafts a haunting atmosphere and an engrossing world. Despite some uneven design, the desire to unravel Medhram’s mysteries and see the next inventive boss fight kept me engaged until the end of the 15-hour adventure. If you can stomach the frustrating combat elements, there is a lot to enjoy in Vesper’s quest.

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a harrowing combination of unimaginative, tired game design and stale writing. I hate tearing the game down because I believe the developers worked hard on it, but this is a League of Legends game that is going to attract fans of the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA). While this $30, 15-hour game feels like 45 hours to complete, that’s $2 per hour of pain. I couldn’t wait for the game to be over, and if I weren’t reviewing it, I would have quit by the fifth hour. I don’t care how much of a League of Legends fan you are, attractive pixel art and decent boss battles aren’t enough to justify this investment.

Overall, Cassette Beasts is charming, fun, and creative. Despite being a monster-collecting RPG inspired by Pokémon, it feels unique thanks to its aesthetic, design, and, most importantly, its heart. The development team has a clear passion, and the game drips with personality on every front. Cassette Beasts is a game I’d recommend to any Pokémon fan looking for a new take on monster-collecting games, as well as a game I’d suggest for anyone in the mood for a fun and breezy little RPG. It’s short, it’s sweet, and most importantly: it’s fun.

I appreciate Infinite Guitars ambitiously shooting for the moon, even though it missed by a mile. The game’s aesthetics are spectacular, and I loved the dynamically adjustable difficulty levels, but the iffy controls and poorly put-together plot crippled my overall enjoyment. Another round of copy editing to peruse the script and tighten up the writing would have elevated the game into “you gotta check this out!” territory. Infinite Guitars has also been extremely buggy and glitchy since its release. Though multiple patches have been released and continue to come through (Nikko Nikko has been exceptionally responsive to player feedback regarding bugs), Infinite Guitars could have used more development and QC time before its stage debut. Should Nikko Nikko expand the Infinite Guitars concept into future games, I expect more polish, improved storytelling, and would like to see the evolution of Infinite Guitars into “Infinite Rock Band” featuring additional characters who play instruments other than guitar.

Street Fighter: Duel isn’t a terrible game by mobile gacha RPG standards, though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish it just had been that much more as a diehard fan of Street Fighter and RPGs in general. On the plus side, playing the game for free is plausible if you choose to go that route, but it’s definitely a trial in patience. Still, I have fun playing Street Fighter: Duel in little bursts at a time, and it’s certainly keeping my attention on the series as we enthusiastically await the next main fighting game installment from it. Unfortunately, that’s all we can ask of Street Fighter: Duel because it is undoubtedly not Street Fighter 6.

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.

Overall, Redemption Reapers has a sound combat system that isn’t strategically interesting in the early game and a story that never grabbed me. Things start to pick up by the mid-game, but many players won’t be willing to give the game time to redeem itself.

There isn’t anything negative about Coffee Talk Episode 2, as it builds beautifully upon the first game. Familiarity with the first Coffee Talk is a boon for players, given the continuing storylines. However, that makes Episode 2’s release a valid argument for going ahead and playing both games! After all, they’re excellent slice-of-life narratives with fun interactive moments and a surprising amount of replayability. I love that the sequel is more of the same in all the ways that truly matter. There’s much heart on this relaxing journey for the weary soul, proving that Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a refill worth savoring.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a very entertaining, casual-paced visual novel based on a beloved video game franchise. I enjoyed my time playing it, and I’m impressed by the level of detail and care put into a free title. The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is one April Fools’ Day joke that’s so much better than one initially expects it to be, and a part of me hopes there might be more games of this ilk in Sonic the Hedgehog’s future.

While not a hardcore gaming experience, Dredge certainly sates the thirst for Lovecraftian vibes. Though the game can get a bit repetitive by the end, the majority of Dredge is enjoyable enough to warrant a purchase. I left a few mysteries unsolved in my playthrough, and I may jump back in to check those off in hopes that I can hit “snooze” on the elder gods’ alarm clock.

Mato Anamolies is an appropriate name, as the game is something of an anomaly itself. I want to rate it higher than I have here regarding its overall presentation and solid first and middle narrative portions. Yet the final segments and how they contrast everything that happened beforehand hold me back. It’s frustrating, as I genuinely enjoyed my time with the game in its first two-thirds and could easily see it being a good fit for those looking for a compelling cyberpunk plot or an RPG with a similar tone to Persona. I wouldn’t mind revisiting Mato one day. I hope the next visit’s outcome isn’t so bizarre an unraveled experience.

As fun and impressive as The Last Spell is, I almost feel like it’s aged me. I am the type of person who goes in for long, heavy board games, loves to lose so that I can go again bolder and wiser, and relishes gnawing on two or more game-changing possibilities. Yet, I turned away from The Last Spell more than once because I couldn’t bear the idea of going through the stress again. In the right mood, The Last Spell is a gift and treasure. Still, you must not only be the kind of person who wants the densest strategy RPG experience ever created, but you also need to be in the mood to weigh twenty or so variables with each action, lest the house of cards you’ve constructed topple down.

A lot of work and heart is in Chronicle I, and it shows in every moment. Despite having only two routes, both are extensive, meaty affairs that go in different yet still fitting directions. Belle Automata is the type of otome VN one can lose oneself in, and I mean that in the best possible way. I’m already looking forward to the future release of the next Chronicles. All iterations of Aureve’s journey will be worth playing if this first foray is any indication!

Ultimately, I found myself immensely enjoying the time I spent playing Esperia. However, I also wished the game development process had more time to iron out the visual glitches and polish the game’s script. Unfortunately, those two noticeable flaws mar an otherwise fun tactical experience. Still, SRPG fans who can see past those blemishes should consider pulling Esperia ~Uprising of the Scarlet Witch~ out of the stone.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is a fantastic game that finally manages to show off the development team’s capabilities when they’re given extra time, a bigger budget, and a little bit of breathing room. Every aspect of the project benefits from polish, and as the final game in the Secret series, Atelier Ryza 3 is the perfect send-off. The callbacks and relationships from the previous games grow and evolve, and it’s exciting to see these beloved characters find their place in the ever-expanding world. While I often say the latest Atelier game is the best Atelier game, it’s always true. This time, Gust have outdone themselves, and I simply cannot wait to see how they top this highly polished gem of a game.

Storyteller isn’t a game that’s going to capture your imagination for long, but its atmosphere and unique game design make each bite-sized adventure the kind of short-term joy you might be looking for. Not every game needs to be a steak dinner; sometimes a cookie is the fix we need. Just hope an angry lover hasn’t poisoned that cookie.

I don’t doubt that some folks are going to fall in love with the breezy vibes Mr. Saitou delivers; not every game needs a gigantic demon boss or world-ending evil. For what Mr. Saitou appears to be trying to do, though, I can’t say the satisfying ending justifies the journey. If more of the conversations or relationships I had with the characters had more texture, I would say otherwise, but I spent too much time having directionless interactions. If nothing else, Mr. Saitou has heart and something to say, and if that’s worth two hours of your time, you may be the audience.

Despite some aggravation with the game’s setup, I enjoyed playing Tyrant’s Blessing. The strategic gameplay does make you think carefully about the steps you take in combat. I played the game on my Nintendo Switch Lite and found it excellently designed for those wanting a short-yet-solid handheld experience. Tyrant’s Blessing is a different sort of SRPG than one might expect, but it’s precisely that uniqueness that helps it stand out despite its paper-thin plot. Those interested in turn-based SRPGs with roguelike elements may find the trip to the bleak landscape of Tyberia worth it.

Though the beautiful anime-style art may entice fans of traditional JRPGs, the game has more in common with management sims. The meat of the game is in managing resources and building up your fleet, while the story and characters leave much to be desired. If intricate systems and pouring over market predictions are your cup of tea, then climb up on deck. Otherwise, I recommend keeping your feet planted on solid ground.

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.

Undeniably enjoyable, Wo Long skates the line between tired, repetitive design and immersive action. Anyone with an itch to get away from the Dynasty Warriors series is going to fall in love with what Team Ninja has put together, but not without wondering if more could have been done. With three DLC planned this year, I cannot wait to get back into the saddle and hopefully get out of my comfort zone.

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.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is an easy grab if you’re a Final Fantasy music fan. There are more songs than ever before, and the features are cleaned up. Less is more, I think. While I enjoyed Curtain Call’s overworld map, all of the items and fussing with routes distracted from the core of what Theatrhythm should be about: the music. Having this arguably simple-looking game on a home console brings the atmosphere to life with its charming, cute art, though some may not enjoy the look and feel of the characters. Pricing might irritate some, especially those who already went all-in on previous titles, but the amount of replayability warrants the price of admission. Still, $100 for everything now and in the future can feel like a hard sell, especially if not all of the announced releases whet the palate. I have no doubt that the streamlined online experience, pair mode, and sheer quantity of music will keep me entertained for years. Also, the name suggests that this may be the last Theatrhythm, but…you know.

At times, Walk with the Living II does have a few hiccups, but it is an overall solid SRPG title with a lot of replayability and a powerful storyline that makes you think about what it means to be living. I enjoyed my time with the game, so I replayed it multiple times to see how things would play out if I chose one choice over another. It is heartfelt in the best of ways while also providing an entertaining tactical challenge. SRPG fans looking for more quality titles to peruse in the subgenre could quickly lose themselves for a little while here.

The Crimson Flower that Divides: Lunar Coupling isn’t a perfect otome. It certainly shows its age with some of its more problematic story tropes, the lack of an actual story map is annoying, and the fact that you unlock a lot of routes through what amounts to trial and error can be pretty frustrating. Throw in a less-than-stellar English translation, and the game can sometimes get downright awkward. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the title, as several character routes are compelling once they move past their initial narrative discomfort. I don’t recommend this VN to newcomers to the otome subgenre, but those willing to look past some clumsy awkwardness could still find investing considerable playtime in The Crimson Flower that Divides: Lunar Coupling worthwhile.

I think those looking for a great RPG will find one in Tales of Symphonia. However, for those looking to play it via Tales of Symphonia Remastered, I just cannot recommend it in its current state on Nintendo Switch. For fans of the original, or Tales fans in general, this “remaster” will likely be a stack of disappointment, from framerate inadequacies to performance issues to audiovisual hiccups. Newcomers may find value in this “remaster” on PS4 or Xbox because the original Tales of Symphonia has heart, and Tales of Symphonia Remastered is its most readily available version. However, it is the unfortunate truth that they will still be playing a compromised version. This “remaster” does not cut it by modern standards, especially when it looks worse, sounds worse, and plays worse than a game 20 years its senior.

8-Bit Adventures 2 is the first game I played for 2023, and what a way to start the year of the rabbit! If you enjoy rollicking JRPG adventures, 8-Bit Adventures 2 is worth a look. The game has its flaws, but it gave me a positively enjoyable experience that reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place. A lot of love went into crafting 8-Bit Adventures 2, and I recommend showing some love back and checking out the game for yourself.

Wild Hearts is another great monster-hunting title that suffers the most from comparisons to the well-established Monster Hunter series. The developers have promised that DLC is on the way in the coming months with more kemono and karakuri, and it’s all going to be free with no paid updates in the plans (not yet, at least), so there’ll be more to bring you back to Azuma. Even after finishing the main game, there’s plenty left over in the endgame to challenge hunters hungry for more. It’s an impressive effort, with a world that continually beckons hunters to return. Gear up, for the hunt is on.

Playing Like a Dragon: Ishin! took me back to the feeling I had when I first played Yakuza 0, which is not a bad thing! Though it isn’t the pinnacle of the series, Ishin delivers a pure Yakuza experience that will delight both long-time and new fans. It’s an expertly told melodrama punctuated with moments of genuinely breathtaking absurdity. In other words, it’s a Yakuza game. And frankly, if this actually were a historical drama in the running for Best Picture at the Oscars, it would absolutely get my vote.

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, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth holds up remarkably well in 2023. The game’s mix of 2D platforming and RPG mechanics wouldn’t be out of place in today’s indie scene, and ditto for its slightly opaque nature. Valkyrie Profile hails from a time when games weren’t afraid to have mysteries, and while you’ll have to do a little digging to see everything this title has to offer, the experience is well worth it. So if you’re looking to experience a classic RPG from the days of yore, look no further.

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.

Despite weaker writing than I’ve come to expect from the series, Fire Emblem Engage’s gameplay is so good that the game is a blast from start to finish, and I’m already thinking of ideas for my third playthrough. If you like Fire Emblem’s gameplay at all, Fire Emblem Engage is a can’t-miss game.

Still, minor quibbles aside, SEASON: A letter to the future is a beautiful and ethereal gaming experience about what is both permanent and impermanent in our lives. I was satisfied with the conclusion my particular journey took, finding the game to be genuinely moving and inspiring in unexpected ways. SEASON: A letter to the future is one journey adventure game fans will want to experience.

Lover Pretend is a fun, enjoyable slice-of-life narrative for romance fans with some pleasant character-driven story moments throughout its run. It’s an overall solid visual novel if that’s the kind you’re in the mood for, and it put a smile on my face more often than not when I was playing it. I’d recommend it to otome fans for that reason alone, as it adds another great VN in the sub-genre to the Switch’s already extensive lineup.

We Are The Caretakers is a reminder of just how much work it takes to properly bring something from a cool concept to an actual functioning game. I have no doubt that Heart Shaped Game’s intentions were noble, and their courage to venture into relatively unexplored territory in gaming deserves its due credit. But when looking at the bigger picture and judging the game for what it is, not what it is supposed to be, We Are The Caretakers is simply beyond the pale.

I appreciate how the story so succinctly ties up its loose ends, and the epilogue makes the journey worth it. However, I did feel that the game’s pacing could drag on at specific points with several “fake out” endings, which are a storytelling mechanic I dislike. Honestly though? I forgot all about that minor frustration when I finally reached the proper conclusion because it was such an entertaining journey overall. Much heart and soul went into creating Path of the Midnight Sun, and that effort shows time and time again throughout the game. It’s worth tracking down and one I’ll fondly remember playing for a while yet.

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.

Forspoken is a far better and more compelling game than I had feared, but it also doesn’t reach the heights I dreamt of. There is a lot of fun to be had exploring Athia and the main quest keeps things interesting even when you get bored with the open-world checklist. But at the same time I can’t help but be disappointed with how safe Forspoken plays the open world, and I am unlikely to go back to clear out all of those rote points of interest. And I also can’t deny there are some eyebrow-raising moments as to how the writers chose to portray a black woman like Frey, despite personally liking her quite a bit when viewed through the lens of having finished the game. There is a lot of diversity in the cast too, in a way we don’t usually get from big-budget RPGs. I am not sure how many steps forward versus how many steps back Forspoken takes, but there are steps taken forward. In the end, I recommend Forspoken to anyone who loves Final Fantasy XV or Ubisoft-style open worlds and especially anyone who has a thing for character mobility. Yet, the game has a certain charm that I believe makes it worth giving a try to anyone.

Persona 4 Golden is a fantastic game, and this release is the best way to play it. The characters are loveable, the story is driving, and the entire game is hard to put down until you’ve absorbed it all. Persona 4 Golden might just be the apex of the series so far, and really, don’t you deserve something nice for yourself?

Between the fun gameplay, charming writing, retro presentation, and banging soundtrack, River City Girls 2 feels like it takes everything from the first game and does a little bit more and a little bit better. More moves, more characters, online co-op, and better gameplay variety are just a few of the major improvements in this sequel. If you liked the first River City Girls, you’ll love the sequel, and if you didn’t, I would recommend River City Girls 2 to anyone who enjoys beat ‘em ups or just wants a delightfully charming game with lots of laughs.

Amnesia: Memories achieved so well. But Amnesia: Crowd picks up the slack with ease, making the combination Later x Crowd a worthy follow-up for any fan of the original.

Coffee Talk is a pleasingly creative game with a lot of heart and hidden depth. During my playthrough, I felt like I was curling up with a good book under a blanket, sipping a warm beverage. Every once in a while, we could all do with that relaxing way to pass the time. While I was regrettably late in playing this delightful title, I’m eager to give Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly an earlier try! After all, if it is anything like its predecessor, it’ll be a title to talk about with a warm cup of coffee close at hand.

Aka isn’t particularly expensive, but I still find myself unable to recommend it due to its many issues. In the end, I ask myself whether I would be satisfied if I had bought the game for myself instead of receiving a review code. Unfortunately, the answer is no.