Idol enthusiasts will ascend to J-pop nirvana, while the rest of us will find TMS to be a perfect appetizer to tide us over until Persona 5.

FIGHT KNIGHT is a must-play for anyone seeking a high-quality, unique experience. So much of the game is odd, yet it plants itself in reality with gorgeous aesthetics, competent gameplay, unique mechanics, and level design that makes you feel smart while rarely frustrating. FIGHT KNIGHT is the exact example of why indies are important, because while the next AAA will reiterate the same old gameplay, here we have a title that isn’t afraid to change the way the game is played. And with style.

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.

The Legend of Nayuta is an incredibly polished experience.

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.

The only way you'll be disappointed is if you go into the game expecting a brand new game. For all those looking to play an enhanced version of an old favorite, there's no better way to do it than Persona 3 Portable.

All things considered, I enjoyed my time with Little Hope. While still marred by some unfortunate technical issues, it is a more polished and engaging experience than the first game and the perfect way to spend a dark and spooky night (with friends if you can manage it!). With this game, The Dark Pictures Anthology has hit its stride, and I can’t wait to see what Supermassive Games has in store for us next.

In the end, Legacy of Ys made the transition to DS well, presenting an enjoyable experience even to those who have played the games to death.

Lux-Pain is a decent, and quite lengthy, visual novel for the DS, although it does come with some stipulations. If you prefer your stories completely spoon-fed to you and are averse to digging through database menus to read backstories about everything, then Lux-Pain may not be the right choice for you.

If you've never been impressed with Pokémon games the newest entries will likely not change your mind, but if you enjoy visiting the world time and again and wouldn't mind revisiting the land of Johto, you can't go wrong with Heart Gold and Soul Silver.

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.

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.

At this point, I don't think it's reasonable to recommend playing this particular version of the game, unless you absolutely loathe voice acting (and/or refined graphics, and/or the PSP as a platform).

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!

Prey is satisfying for anyone looking for a deeply immersive gaming experience, and it might just make you think a bit more than the surface-level tension would lead you to believe. Prey is not only smart enough to let you figure out how to get into a locked room, but it also lets you decide what the point of that locked room is. That may frustrate some, but Prey is a very special game with guts to treat you like an intelligent human being.

While it feels like Third Spirit Games may have played it a little safe with their first foray into the industry, Arietta of Spirits has put the developer on solid ground. We can only hope that there are more untold tales to share of the Bound, their Spirit Guides, and of the souls they save along the way.

Whether you prefer your RPGing in single-player, multiplayer, or both, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Grand Kingdom.

Star Ocean: First Departure R is the quintessential version of an enjoyable old-school sci-fi fantasy JRPG.

The 2025 remake of Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is a worthwhile journey whether you’re returning to its familiar rivers and jungles, or if it’s your first time strapping into a Hydrafloat. You will best enjoy it if you take your time and let it sweep you into the well-thought-out pace retained from the original game’s designer, the late Benoît Sokal, who passed away in 2021. From intro to credits, it is an unabashedly classic adventure.

With a lengthy adventure full of memorable story moments, Dragon Quest VII deserves a spot in every 3DS owner's library.

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!

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.

RPG fans who liked the open-ended gameplay and freedom of the first game will want to take a return trip-the two expansions with over 100 hours of new adventures coupled with the $30 price tag make this game one of the steals of the year.

Equal parts guesswork and context-driven logic, piecing together the meanings of these [Ancient] messages creates a rewarding loop.

A fantastic dungeon crawler that provides an interesting story and allows you to focus on the aspects you enjoy the most.

Overall, between the game’s story and gameplay, nothing sticks out as individually exceptional. Still, Final Fantasy comes together as an experience that is better than the sum of its parts. The Pixel Remaster does an excellent job of keeping the surprisingly well-aged gameplay that started the series intact while updating it with more modern pixel art and a beautiful soundtrack. Outside of a few confusing moments and poorly balanced bosses, Final Fantasy is a game I would readily recommend to modern RPG fans, and it’s a great introduction to the genre’s classics.

I’m still crying. I think I needed to play this one. It is telling that I, a therapist by day, still find something healing and therapeutic in the best narrative-based games. Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode, through its title alone, undersells the promise of having one’s heartstrings pulled. This isn’t “Just” anything. Though it is short (approximately 2-3 hours to experience everything the game has to offer), this game is well worth the time.

There's not a part of Fallout: New Vegas that could be called a turd, and if you're a fan at all of western-styled RPGs, there is no doubt that this game is worth picking up.

Thank Goodness You’re Here isn’t for the faint of heart. At this point, you probably know if this game is for you or not; it really comes down to your sense of humor, and if you’re not into this sort of potty humor, then this isn’t for you. If it sounds entertaining, though, then there’s absolutely no doubt the game is worth a purchase. For sheer quality reasons alone, this is an experience worth having, and I enjoyed nearly every second of it.

Experience a nightmare and then have some of your own. "Inspired" by mental illness.

Dusk Diver 2 isn’t a flawless game, nor the most original. However, it wears its heart on its sleeve and provides a lot of enjoyment if you’re willing to give it a chance. It feels like a homecoming in many respects, even if it’s a series you’re only just now experiencing for the first time. That’s rather special in a way. For action RPG fans looking for a colorfully fun time, Dusk Diver 2 might be worth a look.

A solid re-release of a classic plus some nice new frills, but not without its problems.

It takes about two hours to beat Takeshi and Hiroshi, but players will likely think back on its charming story and return to its leisurely levels quite a bit. From its straightforward yet engaging gameplay to its lovable characters and delightful story, Takeshi and Hiroshi proves that a little can go a really long way.

The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road is not a perfect game; however, it takes you on a fun enough journey that you'll most likely overlook any imperfections that you may find.

If you’ve enjoyed the Disgaea series in the past, you’ll like Disgaea 6. If you’ve never played it, you can jump in at any entry, and this is a good one to go with. Either way, you’ll get more enjoyment out of the game if you are judicious in using the new auto-play feature. After all, why let the game alone have all the fun?

Piofiore: Fated Memories deserves to be up there with the other otome greats such as Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom and Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~. I would even dare to say, with the unique storytelling structure, nature of its subject matter, and mechanic-related plot twist near the end, it begins encroaching upon Zero Escape territory. Sadly, the comparative lack of quality control holds it back. The fact that the game is fantastic despite these glaring issues is a testament to how strong it is, but it would be wrong to turn a blind eye to these errors all the same. Just as peace in the city of Burlone is tragically built upon mafia-inflicted violence, Piofiore’s errors are a bloody stain on an otherwise pristine experience.

Nobody Saves the World provides a large toybox and an enjoyable world in which to play with it. The Forms at the center of its gameplay feel significantly different from one another and are all exciting to use once you get a handle on them. Thanks to the shareable abilities, you can also experiment with endless combinations of moves. The main story makes for a satisfying and entertaining 20-ish hours with some challenges still left over to complete. At the end of the day, everybody is somebody, even if you’re Nobody.

I know that while I definitely enjoyed this game, it was difficult to work within the time constraints. There was more I wanted to enjoy, but I wouldn't be able to; not without repeating a lot of the same stuff in a second or third play through the game.

After the credits rolled, I immediately wanted to dive back into the continent of Runersia for another 30-40 hour campaign from a different nation's viewpoint.

If you listen to Cris Tales talk, it sings with love for its influences. But sometimes, maybe we can love too many things. The game is remarkable on a variety of fronts, notably its look, its sound, and its love for Colombia. All of that works. But it feels the weight of its many influences. Eventually, when the developers throw so many things at the wall, it starts to get messy, with a story that tries to do too many things, combat that never fully lives up to its potential, and a bloated run time. Still, I’d rather love too much than not enough. Cris Tales might talk about more than it should, but I kind of love it for that.

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

It's enjoyable through and through, and the introspective nature of the storyline will leave you thinking about what effect a more positive attitude could have on your own life. It's easy for me to recommend this game to any Pokéfan, regardless of whether they've played prior Mystery Dungeon entries.

Better than Episode 1 and definitely worth playing.

Ultimately, The Caligula Effect 2 is not a game for everyone. This is something the developers are keenly aware of. It’s not a flashy, high-budget, big-name, auteur-laden, AAA RPG that’s gone through the gauntlet of playtesters and focus groups. It’s a scrappy, low-budget underdog that’s full of heart and empathy, and it has a message to share. Though the game is a sequel, those interested can certainly start with this version, as its predecessor is vaguely recapped. For the few like myself who enjoyed the original game despite its numerous flaws, this follow-up is a dramatic glow up that deserves to be played. It is easily one of my favorite games this year.

I’ve played just about every Mario RPG, and I’ve reviewed six before this one, but Paper Mario: The Origami King is definitely the one that I’ve had the most difficulty figuring out how to score. The things that frustrated me about it (mainly the combat) frustrated me from start to finish, but I still had a good time with it, and even went back for a set of optional boss battle repeats after I had finished so that I could get an in-game trophy. And perhaps that is the biggest compliment I could pay to this game — I liked it enough that I chose to come back for more of the part I found the most difficult after I had finished.

The mature storyline featuring well-written character arcs, the deep and engaging gameplay, and the overall high quality in every aspect are all reasons that I can easily recommend this game to any gamer interested in turn-based PSP fun.

The huge effort and perceived budget that went into this game shows, and Sakura Wars makes a triumphant return after a 14-year retirement.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a fantastic sequel and a game worthy of the Yakuza title. It improves on almost every aspect of the original, creating a much more immersive version of Kamurocho and deepening the already compelling relationships between the recurring characters. It also has a better villain and more engaging side quests. Yes, there are annoyances, bugs, and some pacing issues with the overall plot, but on the whole, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a wonderful addition to the Yakuza franchise. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Kamurocho!

At times brutally difficult, and others frustratingly random, SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions takes some big risks to ensure it's highly satisfying and incredibly rewarding to play through.

If you’re expecting Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered to stand up to today’s best and brightest RPGs, know that it generally won’t. This is obviously the case for the graphics and the voice acting. When considering the game’s age and retail price point, however, I would argue that Minstrel Song has aged nicely overall. Square Enix have done fans a great favor by making a game this dated play this well and still be so much fun, on nearly every console market available today. Take some time. Play the game. Find out for yourself what makes this deceptively strategic game so much fun to master… er, um, Remaster?

Playing 80 Days is strongly reminiscent of the Choose Your Own Adventure books I read as a kid (albeit without the ability to stick my finger in a page if I made a bad choice).

Steins;Gate 0 is a great game with one glaring flaw: gratuitous filler. It's tough to rate games like these because nuances aren't easily conveyed in a numerical score. The core components are good to great, but the overall package is bogged down by unnecessary content and the game feels longer than it should.

I worry that many RPG fans will pass over this game when, in actuality, they would really enjoy it if they gave it a chance.

Ys: The Oath in Felghana is a fun game, and it's worth the purchase for any Ys fan, if simply for the included soundtrack.

Life is Strange 2 concludes with an emotionally impactful and woeful story. How players have chosen to shape Daniel through Sean's actions comes to a head, and that's where player behavior seems to matter most. Though, based on the end-game statistics, it seems most people grew a similar Daniel. I can't say the sequel to this series blew me away, but I'm grateful for the story it told, as it touches the heart and shines a light on a still somehow overlooked problem in American society. This is the power of games.

A solid porting effort, though one that shows Square Enix still has a little ways to go.

While it isn’t a perfect game, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Heart of the Forest is a rather unique and clever take on the visual novel genre that combines it with some truly engaging RPG elements. I found myself feeling immensely satisfied with my first playthrough, even if not every path I took ended up being ideal in the end. I found myself already pondering just what decisions I might make differently on a second (or even third one) given how much evolution the title does. That in and of itself is a sign of an enjoyable game to me!

With a fairly lengthy main quest and extras galore, at only $40 it's armed thievary.

So, in the end, what we have is an exceptional local-multiplayer action RPG with a good story and great combat and production values, fused with some of the best-loved trappings of the hack-and-slash loot-grab genre.

If you've enjoyed the Mario & Luigi series in the past, buying this entry is a no-brainer, and if you've never played the series, now's a great time to start.

Negatives aside, Devil Survivor is a great success.

So, in the end, what we have is an exceptional local-multiplayer action RPG with a good story and great combat and production values, fused with some of the best-loved trappings of the hack-and-slash loot-grab genre.

SteamWorld Heist II continually impressed me throughout my roughly 30-hour playthrough. Thunderful has done a wonderful job carrying over the immediacy of the engaging sidescrolling combat mechanics while expanding upon the design in meaningful ways. The addition of character classes adds a new dimension to building your crew, and the expanded approach to the world design had me exploring every nook and cranny for more secrets. Captain Leeway’s seafaring adventure is a must-play for any turn-based strategy fan.

Child of Light does exactly what it wants to do: tell a beautiful story in the shell of a JRPG.

As of this writing, the price is the same on PC and Vita, so if you've got a computer that can handle it, that's how I'd recommend playing it. But if you don't, grab this one on Vita and look past its issues to the great game lying underneath.

Regardless of my feelings on the final changes, or at my annoyances at the reptetitions, few games touch my soul as deeply as this series does. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is still an experience that will always stick with me, whether I think my hard work has been rewarded or not. The original 2010 release came with many caveats, and Replicant has softened many while bringing some of its own, but this is a game that makes me think and feel more than most others. It’s tedious, mindless, and even frustrating at times, but this rerelease makes a peculiar, melancholy and beautiful game much easier to recommend.

If you've never played a Mario & Luigi game, this is a perfect entry point. If you're coming back to re-experience a game you've played and loved, it still holds up. If the main draw is the Minion Quest side game, this might be worth a pass, but it's amusing enough if you're going to pick up the game anyway. Either way, even after 15 years, I had a blast playing this game. I can't wait to get my hands on more Mario & Luigi titles, and hope they continue the series in the future.

As a package, this title stands up impressively well, to this day. Every scenario presents a unique and compelling message with relevant lessons, and its short runtime means barely a second is wasted. Numerous cinematic touches throughout make it feel like a collection of experimental short films. And it all comes together beautifully in the end for a truly rewarding experience that any JRPG fan will not want to miss. It was also nice of Nintendo to confirm that both sides of the title are pronounced “live” as in “alive.”

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.

With all of the dated aspects of the game, would it be better left to those harboring nostalgia? That couldn’t be further from the truth. If anything, the residual flaws lend it an air of authenticity. If you’re willing to go in with an understanding that you’re playing a game that was trailblazing for its time, it’s easy to find it a worthwhile adventure. Inexcusable technical issues aside, this is a great way to experience a piece of gaming history, frog warts and all.

Although the story and characters are nothing new to RPGs, the strategy gameplay systems truly stand out in their seemingly simple execution.

Two steps forward and one step back for this incredibly challenging and rewarding experience.

An excellent ending to the series, but best played by those who have played its predecessors.

It was a novel hybrid game that felt very familiar and comfortable.

Scott Pilgrim EX appeals to me in many ways, mostly in how it lets me reflect on my life in and out of gaming. It’s endlessly entertaining on the eyes and ears, and it has the best belt-scrolling combat this side of Streets of Rage 4. The swings it takes in terms of pushing its genre or reaching towards a new audience don’t always connect, but it’s still a quick, joyful experience I’m happy to continue playing both solo and with loved ones (and you random people online, I guess).

Despite some minor quibbles, Emberfate: Tempest of Elements is a creative visual novel with a unique storytelling approach. Being that it’s also free-to-play, it’s worth a look for any VN fans who have a fondness for MMORPGs!

Blood and Wine isn't going to change anyone's mind about Wild Hunt, and that's both a blessing and a curse. The new story content is a bit drab, but it is more adventuring with everyone's favorite monster slayer.

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.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a worthy entry to the series, and it helps bring attention to one of the series’ oft-forgotten games. It might not have the impact of its two 3DS predecessors because its old Famicom roots still show through, but this is still a Fire Emblem game worthy of your time, especially if you want a glimpse into the history of the series. This is an old-school Fire Emblem, for better and worse, but mostly for the better.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition rekindles a game that never quite reached the heights of its legendary bloodline. But now, with a degree of acceptance and patience, it can step onto the stage with all the confidence of an old soldier, sharing stories of how adventures used to be. Are you ready to listen?

Unless you've played a million Dynasty Warriors games or can't stomach Dragon Quest without turn-based gameplay, this is definitely worth playing.

An extremely personal game which confronts cancer head on, it shines brightest when telling its story and examining the effects of grief.

Episode 5 is part conclusion, part setting up for the climax.

Face Noir is a game I can easily recommend. It executes well on every level (save the voice acting), and offers great puzzles, enjoyable characters, fabulous art design, and a fun (if pulpy) noir plotline. If you're interested in the Depression-era setting and enjoy a solid point-and-click adventure, you should absolutely check this one out.

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.

Chaos on Deponia is exactly what Deponia needed: another Deponia. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, because the trilogy is a mere one game shy of wrapping up. And while I honestly can't tell you where we'll go or if we'll get there, you can bet the skies will be paved with smoke.

Amazing old-school mechanics meet modern conventions.

So, yes, Igarashi is a genius, and the brilliance of his Castlevania games still holds up. Is this collection perfect? No. Each game has different flaws, and there are some minor issues with the overall presentation. Nonetheless, the DS trilogy in the Castlevania Dominus Collection are all clean, tight experiences with just enough experimentation to make each of them excellent and unique, even in a market flooded with Metroidvanias. Put simply, even 16 years later, Castlevania is still a genre giant.

Between its excellent dialogue, enchanting visual design and care handling delicate subject matter, Firewatch is one of my favorite narrative experiences of 2016 so far.

Animal Parade is not perfect, but it is by far one of my favorite Harvest Moon titles. This is the most fun I've had with the series in a long time, and it's great to see the story integrated so well with the gameplay.

The game is very well balanced.

If you played the original, this installment will often feel like more of the same, but with the original MUA being so great, even those times are a lot of fun.

Still a great game, worth playing if you haven't played the series and enjoy the genre.

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.

Blood Nova is a quick but ultimately satisfying and entertaining journey of the point-and-click variety. I grew to love this sci-fi tale while playing it, so much so that I’m hoping there might eventually be a return to this story universe and setting. Those new to graphic adventures might want to consider giving Blood Nova a chance due to its shorter length and well-designed gameplay elements. Those already familiar with the genre might find a fascinating story. It’s true what they say: sometimes, all you need is Love!

Cryptmaster does what it sets out to do capably. Monotony never strikes in this nearly fifteen hour jaunt since the gameplay always changes, though always vocabulary-based. If words are your thing, I cannot think of a single game that does what this game does better. This isn’t a type-as-fast-as-you-can first-person-shooter. Thoughtful, patient play drives success, so sate that frenetic itch you have elsewhere.

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.

Muramasa Rebirth is a gorgeous, action-packed, fairly lengthy adventure that looks, sounds, and plays better than ever.