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.

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.

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.

If you're looking to dive into a world and have the time to spare, Iceborne expands on an already massively satisfying experience.

Fans of X-Men or those seeking more challenges from Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 will probably find some enjoyment in Rise of the Phoenix.

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Romancing SaGa 3 is a remarkably frustrating experience hampered by poor storytelling, lack of character development, and impenetrable mechanics.

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.

Disco Elysium is a landmark title in gaming that will hopefully set a new standard for quality game design and writing.

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.

This is a rough-around-the-edges nostalgia trip for die-hard fans, but with very little narrative reward.

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.

It's an interesting start, but Dead Patient has a long way to go if it aims to impress fans internationally.

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.

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

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.

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout is a surprisingly nuanced, enjoyable RPG with a bevy of content.