RPG Fan's Scores

  • Games
For 2,282 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 70% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 22% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 5.2 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 80
Highest review score: 100 Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Lowest review score: 25 Arcania: The Complete Tale
Score distribution:
2296 game reviews
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen isn't a flawless VN/SRPG hybrid, but it is an enjoyable one that starts off a grandiose tale I'm all the more ready to dive further into.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I really like what Hero Must Die. Again is trying to do. The idea of playing as a character with endgame stats who gradually weakens over time is really interesting, and I think the game as a whole works, but my issue is that it really doesn't do much with that concept. There's no emotional weight to the story, and by the third or fourth playthrough, everything gets very repetitive. I think with a bit more polish, the ideas behind Hero Must Die. Again will make for a great video game, but this initial step just doesn't do enough to excite or interest me.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Celestian Tales: Realms Beyond probably isn't a game for everyone. However, for those who enjoy shorter RPGs with more mature, personal, and slower-moving narratives that focus on world-building and politics, they might do well to give the title a look. Celestian Tales: Realms Beyond is a game with not only a gorgeous cover, but surprising depth within its plot as well.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 34 Critic Score
    Hate is a strong word and not one I use lightly at all, but I hated The Pale City with every fiber of my being. The ten hours I spent with this game were some of the most deplorable hours of my gaming career and finally deleting it from my computer was incredibly satisfying. Considering my morbid fascination with bad gaming and the sheer magnitude of things I've endured for the site, my expression of hatred is not hyperbole. I've played throwaway games like InuYasha: Secret of the Divine Jewel to completion, so I have a monstrous tolerance; The Pale City roasted, toasted, and burnt my Jedi-level fortitude to a crisp.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Overall, there are not many negative things I can say about Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition. This version took the foundation of an already truly excellent RPG experience and built upon it further, offering new features and quality of life improvements along the way. I poured over a hundred and twelve hours into Dragon Quest XI S, which is more than I've spent on any other RPG recently, and I never once looked back with regret as I wholeheartedly fell in love with the gameplay and story. Having only played Dragon Quest XI S, I can't say for certain if there is enough new content here to warrant an additional playthrough, but if you've yet to play Dragon Quest XI and have access to a Nintendo Switch, this version is truly the "Definitive Edition" that the title claims it is.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Clocking in at about three hours, I can't say that The Procession to Calvary is for everyone. I looked at the game and its trailer, and immediately knew that it was suited to my tastes. The tired game design is unfortunate, but entirely made up for with the absurd premise and visual style. That said, taste will be a significant factor in determining if Joe Richardson's latest foray into classically-inspired work is for you. Simply put, if the trailer or this review don't entice, then this game probably isn't for you. As for me, I have the sudden craving to talk to an art historian or visit a museum.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Playing Wintermoor Tactics Club gave me the same feeling as curling up on the couch with a comic book and a blanket. It wholeheartedly lived up to its billing as a "cozy" game and I loved the 12 or so hours I spent with it. The entire play experience felt smooth and I enjoyed immersing myself in this game's world without overwrought menu hopping and stat gathering interrupting my reverie. Wintermoor Tactics Club is far from perfect and may not please hardcore SRPG fans, but I thought it was a great game and I hope to see more like it in the future.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Planet Stronghold 2 is a nuanced, well-crafted sci-fi RPG/visual novel hybrid that offers a lot of choice and replayability.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    This remake of Trials of Mana is wonderful, with its expanded storytelling, exciting combat, and loving recreation of all the game's artistic elements. The bits of added content are worthwhile diversions, offering more of a good thing. It harkens back to the halcyon days of spring break sleepovers playing at all hours of the night with your friends. Though it's not without flaws, you'll find plenty of joy in swapping stories about your party and how you crafted it. It's been a long time since I've had so much fun with a game, one that filled me with such warmth and joy consistently. It truly feels like the Mana series is back and ready to capture our hearts and imaginations once more.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The huge effort and perceived budget that went into this game shows, and Sakura Wars makes a triumphant return after a 14-year retirement.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Liberation Dx2 does the Shin Megami Tensei franchise justice as an engrossing RPG for mobile with impressive looks and equally enjoyable gameplay.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Royal is possibly the best enhanced port ever made, and it helps that the original material is still as amazing as ever. This is a must play for RPG fans.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 66 Critic Score
    If I had to describe Ann Achronist: Many Happy Returns in one word, it would be "indecisive." The game has an identity crisis about what it wants to be, and its dichotomy between silly and serious is off-putting. I wanted more of the artful visuals and heady writing of the prologue and epilogues and less of the uninspired graphics and corny writing from the game's middle. These two extremes do not mesh together well at all, and it feels like eating a sandwich featuring tasty artisan bread but with a slice of cheap, processed cheese in the middle. Ann Achronist: Many Happy Returns is not a bad little time-waster, but it's difficult to recommend unless you can snag it at a bargain bin price.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A refreshing re-imagining of the beginning of Final Fantasy VII, Remake is at times wonderful but at others audacious, and I'm here for the ride.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    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.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fortunately for Granblue Fantasy: Versus, I think its accessible tutorials and easy-to-pick-up gameplay are going to appeal to a lot of existing Granblue fans, as well as people who have been anxious to get into the genre for a while. Fighting in this game is extremely fun and opening the doors to new players is only going to be a good thing in the long run. I appreciate the attempt at making a more varied single-player campaign too, and while I understand these games survive on their online play and longevity, I still think the game could have done better with its RPG mode. But as my first proper fighting game in around five years, it felt good to slip back into the fray, and this was the perfect game to help me do just that.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Yakuza 5 was considered a high-water mark for the series, and it's easy to see why. I've rarely seen a game that packs in so much content, even compared to the other installments of the series which are bursting with side quests and mini games. Though the story loses some of its focus in the final part (a recurring issue with most Yakuza games), it still keeps you engaged from beginning to end. There are laughs, tears, broken faces, and a hell of a lot of dancing. In other words, it's a quintessential Yakuza game that makes for a super-satisfying conclusion to the Yakuza Remastered Collection!
    • 76 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Overall, despite knowing next to nothing about the Langrisser series before diving into these remakes, I enjoyed my time with them. Fans of old-school SRPGs will find two excellent games here for the price of one, with quite a lot of replay value as well. I'm certainly hopeful that other games in the series receive the same remake treatment after having played this collection, as Langrisser I & II are solid games if you can get past their hiccups.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While Half Past Fate is pleasant, that's really all it has going for it. There's nothing bad about it, but it just doesn't do anything to stand out. I'm always excited to see more diverse protagonists and better representation in video games, but I also want to be engaged by the characters and world through writing and gameplay. The fact that Half Past Fate fails to make any of these things consistently interesting is disappointing.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    Fans of this archaic throwback to Wizardry dungeon crawling of old may enjoy the nostalgia captured here, but those craving story and more engaging gameplay best look elsewhere.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    BattleTech is a special kind of experience that doesn't come around too often. As much as it demands from you, it offers equal or greater reward in return. As I said before, this property is very dear to my heart, so it brings me joy to see this game achieve what it sets out to accomplish with so much success.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Rune Factory 4 Special is a fairly underrated game from the 3DS library that I'm glad got another chance on Switch. If you were ever curious about the Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons games but perhaps farming wasn't your thing, you should check out Rune Factory 4 Special. It's the most polished game of the Rune Factory series, and if they can improve on Rune Factory 4's formula going forward, I'm looking forward to the future of this series.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a dungeon crawler, The Lost Child really doesn't do anything wrong, but it also clearly never strays too much out of its comfort zone either. El Shaddai fans in particular will no doubt find something to enjoy in The Lost Child, and even diehard dungeon-crawling fans might have a good time. Those without nostalgic fondness for El Shaddai or who aren't quite sold on the genre might be best served giving a series like Shin Megami Tensei a try as their first take on a story-driven dungeon crawler instead.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    I walked away from Yakuza 4 having had a much more fulfilling experience than I did with its immediate predecessor. The new characters revitalized the old "Tojo clan is in trouble" plot, and the different combat styles brought new life to the never-ending street brawls. I do wish that the developers left Kiryu out, as his addition feels unnecessary. Yakuza 4 brings the series ever closer to its modern-day iterations, with enough polish to be playable for newer fans of the series. I look forward to seeing what the last part of the Yakuza Remastered Collection brings us!
    • 61 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Katana Kami is the worst game I've ever reviewed at RPGFan. While it works from a technical standpoint, the design is as flat and disgusting as a glass of soda that's been sitting out on the dining room table all night and into the morning. The ideas are there. I can almost hear the exciting discussions during the beginning stages of development. On paper, this game sounds tenacious and engrossing, but everything done after those initial meetings was clearly a disaster. I never got a sense of import or consequence. Katana Kami is a black hole that sucks in time and gives nothing back.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Mercenaries Wings: The False Phoenix is a serviceable SRPG that brings little new to the table but might satisfy an old-school itch.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    If you like JRPGs, please play this game for the love of everything that is holy. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is so much more than "idol Fire Emblem." It's a solid JRPG that can hold its own among some of the best out there. Now that it's finally on Switch, I'm hoping it will succeed and people can see what they likely missed out on four years ago.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Despite occasionally feeling dated, Yakuza 3 still offers a fun experience for fans of the series.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    A fun strategy RPG that offers something for everyone but lacks an enjoyable story, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics assumes players are fans of the original movie, which is absolutely required viewing to get the most out of this game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    An incredibly addictive gameplay experience that ropes you in, dazzling you with its unique world and storytelling, that you will quickly lose sleep over.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Mythic Ocean is a very cool game. I enjoyed my time with it, and people looking for an engaging visual novel with an open-world feel and relaxed pace will like this one. I wish I had more to say about Mythic Ocean, but I really don't, because it's a solid game that doesn't really do anything wrong.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's all well and good that Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot looks and feels like you're re-experiencing the show. That's why it's all the more disappointing that the game makes for a really lacklustre RPG. It's overstuffed with unnecessary mechanics just to try and make it feel like an RPG, but it fails because it forgets to make any of the systems actually matter. It doesn't need them. Essentially, if you love Dragon Ball in any form, you'll probably love Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, but if you're looking for an in-depth RPG with engaging mechanics and combat, you're not going to get it here.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    To The Moon absolutely lives up to the hype, but it's approachable as well. Despite its reputation, it has a surprisingly simple narrative, filled with amusing and relatable characters. Don't let that fool you, though: it's an incredible game that caused me to rethink different moments of my own life and (more than a few times) almost moved me to tears. The problems with the Switch port, even the glitchy controls, only dull an otherwise overwhelming emotional experience, rather than mar it.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you're looking to dive into a world and have the time to spare, Iceborne expands on an already massively satisfying experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Fans of X-Men or those seeking more challenges from Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 will probably find some enjoyment in Rise of the Phoenix.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    A welcome enhancement to a BioWare classic that is worth revisiting if you can see past its aged look, but consoles may not be the best format.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While building is a joy, the hiccups in between make this an adequate experience for fans of the series.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Though there are a few rough edges, Cthulhu Saves Christmas is a delight from beginning to end for JRPG fans. It's hysterically funny, plays well, and best of all, genuinely works as a sort of Lovecraftian holiday special, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In fact, why not make this a holiday tradition? Cthulhu Saves Halloween, anyone?
    • 70 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    I simply cannot recommend Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York, because it's asking full price for what feels like half a game. I wanted to like this game because its graphics, sound, and general vibe reflect the kind of vampire story that appeals to me. Unfortunately, what I experienced was a massive heap of squandered potential that left me feeling cold and dead inside. I hate to say it, but Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York earns the dubious distinction of being my biggest disappointment from 2019.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Don't let first impressions deter you away from Cross Rays, as you will be delightfully surprised at the amount of content and eye-candy it possesses.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    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.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Heroland has charming character art, hilarious dialogue, and a unique premise. Unfortunately, its style can't make up for its repetitive, monotonous gameplay and unwieldy length.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Virgo is a great game, plain and simple. While every aspect of the game is worthy of praise, the ace in the hole is easily its sound. Any game where the music makes me immediately drop my controller, grab my bass guitar, and play along to learn my favorite pieces is something special. Delightfully, it marches to the beat of its own drummer and I loved every second of the 14 or so hours I spent with it. If you are into unique turn-based JRPG style games with twitch elements to keep battles interesting, you simply must play Virgo Versus the Zodiac.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Star Ocean: First Departure R is the quintessential version of an enjoyable old-school sci-fi fantasy JRPG.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In the end, Elsweyr is a worthy addition to the legacy of the Elder Scrolls Online world. The new necromancer class, the Sunspire trial, and the dragon hunts all have kept me playing for months after completing the main questline.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For those fans of Code: Realize who want more content and to enjoy some good old-fashioned fluff, Wintertide Miracles will not disappoint. Those who like happy endings will certainly appreciate another opportunity to continue Cardia's journey.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Romancing SaGa 3 is a remarkably frustrating experience hampered by poor storytelling, lack of character development, and impenetrable mechanics.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    While LISA: The Painful attempts to do something unique and bold, it misfires and instead tells a story that works against its own ends, ultimately feeling gratuitous and pointless.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Disco Elysium is a landmark title in gaming that will hopefully set a new standard for quality game design and writing.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game delivered quite strongly in its presentation in a way that sets the stage for the franchise to continue into future generations, but at the same time the lack of real gameplay and story innovation could endanger some of that staying power, especially among longtime fans.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This is a rough-around-the-edges nostalgia trip for die-hard fans, but with very little narrative reward.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    7'scarlet is an enjoyable otome work that provides an intriguing mystery, but it isn't the strongest visual novel offering on the Vita or PC.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    It's an interesting start, but Dead Patient has a long way to go if it aims to impress fans internationally.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I don't derive pleasure from admonishing Sparklite, especially when it expertly establishes a fun, lighthearted vibe, but in this era, games need to do more — and do it better. What especially perplexes me is that it's labeled as having co-op gameplay, but the second player's only ability is to drive a drone around and dig up holes that don't offer a whole lot in terms of treasure. The whole affair felt either rushed or like a product borne from a lack of experience. While the game is not without merit, I definitely can't recommend Sparklite to anyone.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Despite some minor control issues on consoles, Return of the Obra Dinn remains possibly the most successful detective game ever made.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Folks that loved how engaging and approachable Monster Hunter: World was will find Iceborne offers more of the same with enough exciting changes to invigorate the many hunts they're sure to have.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout is a surprisingly nuanced, enjoyable RPG with a bevy of content.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Overall, Doraemon: Story of Seasons is a standard entry in a long line of farming sims with just a touch of the Doraemon franchise to differentiate it from the competition. It hits all of the typical farming sim notes, if sometimes in a basic way, which makes it a suitable entry point for those who may be younger or having their first go at this sort of game. It would likely be enjoyed by more experienced fans of the genre too, with the Doraemon elements providing a new element. The fact that the game is on a versatile console like the Switch counts for a lot too.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Ni no Kuni's whimsical world and aesthetic will pull you in with memories of your childhood anime and cartoons.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Despite some frustrating map design involving hunting for switches and keys, Strife is a rompin', stompin' FPS with a fascinating setting and fun characters.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Both Cyber Sleuth games provide solid RPGs that will appeal to both longtime Digimon fans and newcomers alike.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    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!
    • 82 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    There are a few bumps along the road, but Trails of Cold Steel III is yet another excellent entry in the Legend of Heroes series. Longtime fans will find a lot to love about this game, from the smaller but stronger core cast and the intertwining of plot threads from previous arcs to the refined battle system and quality of life changes. Personally, I'm still reeling from the ending, so I'm definitely going to need a few more playthroughs to tide me over until Trails of Cold Steel IV makes its way Westward.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    For all the Valkyrie Profile fans out there who are wondering about Anatomia: let me put your anxiety to rest! Valkyrie Anatomia is a game absolutely worth skipping. You need not lose bandwidth or storage space over this one. If you must know what is going on, follow the wikis out there and read story summaries from time to time.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While I didn't have huge expectations for Destiny Connect, I feel like the game has settled for simply being average. For a sub-15 hour RPG, revisiting the same places over and over again while posing no challenge struggled to hold my attention for even a third of the time, and the charming art is severely let down by the Switch version's quality. There are so many better examples of beginner RPGs out there that allow kids to customise and experiment much more and give them a robust world to explore. Think Fantasy Life on the 3DS, or any Pokémon game, and you've already got something much more engaging and exciting.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    The Surge 2 is a decent Souls-like title that has solid gameplay but lacks much to call its own.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With stellar combat, a nuanced story that keeps things interesting, stunning art design, and a killer soundtrack, The Alliance Alive HD Remastered is a worthy addition to the incredible line-up of Switch RPGs.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If it isn't already apparent, I'm completely invested in the series. Whereas Death Mark examines the darker side of human beings through an emotionally repressive lens, NG painfully portrays just how cruel life can be. This engrossing rumination on the nature of life and death is something we all can easily identify with, and I for one am eager to know where it will take me next. As for what the letters in NG stand for, you'll just have to play this Necro-centric Game to find out.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    An enjoyable and short-ish adventure game, Whispers of a Machine is well worth a thoughtful playthrough.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    In spite of the harsh scrutiny I leveled at YU-NO throughout this review, I was thoroughly entranced by it. YU-NO's acclaim is well deserved and proves the adage that there is no expiration date on a good story. Whenever I was at work, my only thought all day was, "Man, I can't wait to get home and experience more YU-NO." That YU-NO finally made it to the West and even spawned an anime series (which the author of our original review wished for dearly) is something visual novel enthusiasts should celebrate.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If I were to over-simplify and equate most video games to desserts, I'd put them in two camps: you have your rich chocolate mousse slice of cake and the super-sized bag of salty, greasy potato chips. Some games don't have a lot on the plate, but that labored over mousse screams quality. Other games are meant to make you mindlessly go from the top of that bag of chips to the bottom without even realizing it, relying heavily on quantity of good enough content. Borderlands 3 is certainly the latter, and just like eating that bag of chips, I feel awful afterwards, regretting what I'd done.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a different spin on the Soulsborne series, Bandai Namco offers up their take with gameplay that feels inviting rather than punishing.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Indivisible takes three different genres and melds them together expertly to create something wholly unique.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Neo Cab is a short but altogether engrossing and clever game that offers players a lot of replayability. Lina's journey in Los Ojos was ultimately very fulfilling once I reached one of the game's better endings, and I regretted none of my time behind the virtual wheel. Those who crave an original cyberpunk setting might find this creative, independent title worth playing.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    An incredible remake of one of the greatest adventures Nintendo has ever released, Link's Awakening is a must-have for anyone who owns a Switch.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    It's clear that Akash: Path of the Five was a labor of love by all involved, and their joie de vivre is quite palpable throughout the game. I liked its 3D polygonal environment design cues and hope to see more developers use this technique to craft more visually dynamic and less flat visual novels. Although it's not the most original game, Akash: Path of the Five is an enjoyable romp whose killer art direction exudes a refined cool. I look forward to seeing what the artists at Truant Pixel come up with next.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Even though it resembles other WRPGs that came before it, GreedFall is a solid gaming experience for those wanting a choice-heavy narrative.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Corona Borealis is the kind of enjoyable visual novel you can lose yourself in for a short while, but it doesn't offer much staying power once you've completed all its routes.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Cat Quest II feels like the perfect game for a parent and child to play together. This is likely a growing market, so I applaud the publisher for being on top of this. The game hides enough potentially mature jokes to keep adults chuckling along, while the kiddo may fall in love with the adorable atmosphere. Although never too difficult, Cat Quest II seems to hit the sweet spot of demanding one's attention while never being too frustrating. I think anyone could actually enjoy this game, if one doesn't mind a chill, cozy excursion into the land of meows and ruffs.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    It may not be quite the package we were hoping for, but this port is still the best way to experience these two charming classics.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    An otherwise delightful and nostalgic JRPG, Octopath Traveler's lack of an integrated story leaves the experience feeling empty in the end.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A solid enough follow-up to Until Dawn, with the promise of more to come; hopefully, they iron out a few kinks next time.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    A fun game that offers a lot of variety between classes and partners, but difficulty spikes later on require you to miss out on it in favor of specific choices to have a chance at success.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VIII Remastered is lacking a fair bit of polish in some areas, and it isn't the easiest Final Fantasy to recommend to everyone, but it's a piece of history in Square Enix's storied life. This is easily the best and most accessible version of the game you can get today, and I'm so glad it's finally getting a bit more love and attention. FFVIII embraces its weirdness and quirks to full effect, and it's definitely worth giving a shot if you're curious. With this release, I hope a lot more people realise this game is better than many made it out to be back in the day.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Star Traders: Frontiers achieves what many games attempt and can't quite accomplish: naturalistic procedurally generated content, interconnected game systems, and strong narrative possibilities existing within the chaotic environment of said procedural generation.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    When all is said and done, I enjoyed my time with Winds of Change. I liked its blend of visual novel and point-and-click elements, making it a sort of East-meets-West game. I also found the story and characters engaging and spent several playthroughs exploring new character subplots and decision branches. On the other hand, some of the voice actors were not that great. Winds of Change is a niche game that won't appeal to everyone, but whether you try it or not, I still encourage folks to step out of their gaming comfort zones and try something a little different or unconventional.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The game presents a unique mix of visual novel and puzzle gaming, with a distinctive puzzling setup supported by a fair learning curve.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The fourth entry in the series is enjoyable and worth most people's time. I question how much it has added to the characters and story beyond fixing the issue introduced in Episode 3. Even the newly introduced characters feel anticlimactic. I'd almost call this entry filler. In truth, describing Episode 4 to fence-sitters won't sell the series, and those who've bought in up to this point will have little reason to turn away from the penultimate installment. I just wish it had a bit more of a wolf's bite.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Three Houses should be a part of any Switch owner's library at some point. It has pretty much everything you could possibly want in a video game: good graphics, great music, an epic story and, of course, top-notch gameplay. Fire Emblem has a new, higher bar moving forward, and hopefully we'll see this effort replicated for future titles.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    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.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    There are a few promising things about Crystar, but they are overshadowed by its terrible combat and a story that thinks it's much more interesting and important than it actually is.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I'm frustrated because I wanted to like Oninaki a lot more than I do. It's absolutely not a bad game; rather, it's yet another "serviceable" outing from Tokyo RPG Factory, who continue to try their hardest.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    I have such mixed feelings about Eliza. With regard to what it does well, it stands head and shoulders above the competition. In terms of the concepts explored, exemplifying how directionless adulthood can be, and its presentation, Eliza is exceptional. Regarding the actual narrative, pace, and flow of the writing, Eliza can be a slog to get through that frequently left me wondering, "Why am I doing this in the game right now?"
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Needless to say, Eredia wasn't my cup of tea in the end. The few bright spots it has are completely overshadowed by its tasteless protagonist and its subpar execution. This is supposedly the first of three installments. While I can't say what the future holds for the series, I can say that where it stands right now, I can’t recommend it to anyone.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Dicey Dungeons certainly offers a unique experience to turn-based, deck-building titles. Unfortunately, the inclusion of dice can both excite and frustrate, as no amount of planning can prepare one for each contingency one might encounter or a poor run of luck. The unique playstyles keep the game fresh, the sheer quantity of items one might accrue add to the customization. If I've got the itch to throw dice, I can see myself dusting off Dicey Dungeons before anything else, but I think my luck's run dry for the time being.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    Overall, there is very little to fault Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk for. My time spent with the game was memorable, and many of the endings emotionally resonated with me. As far as otomes and visual novels go, Ashen Hawk is one of the best I've played in a long time.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order doesn't do much wrong, save for its camera angles, especially if you're just looking to have a fun time with some friends in the Marvel Universe. Overall, it is a decent action RPG that I had fun with while it lasted. However, if you aren't someone with a passing fondness for Marvel lore in general, there are other action RPGs on the Switch that you might want to try out instead.

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