All in all, Shiren The Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate is an exceptional and mechanically dense roguelike filled with many small pieces that fit together especially well.

The unique approach to genre staples may not be for everyone, but for anyone looking to check out one of Square's legacy franchises, I’d recommend Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven in a heartbeat, or at the very least check out the free demo that’s out and see for your self. Regardless, it’s great to see new life being breathed into the franchise, and I hope Romancing SaGa 3 receives a similar remake treatment one day as well.

For a certain type of player, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be the single game you'll end up sinking the most time into on your Switch 2. If it wasn't for every other RPG I've yet to play this year, I might have ended up in those shoes. Age of Imprisonment isn't just a great Zelda spinoff, but confidently stands among some of the singular best games in the entire Zelda series. I simply can't recommend it enough for anyone who is a fan of the Warriors' genre.

Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection is a comfortable and light Action RPG with charm. While it doesn't offer then strongest narrative or the most interesting combat mechanics, it's still an enjoyable romp through a colorful world that's worth a look.

SRW 30 is a great starting point for newcomers to the series; it is also a milestone for veteran SRW players due to how it has revamped its narrative structure to be more open-ended and non-linear. If there is one common thread throughout every single SRW game, it has always been to form your giant robot dream team and have fun breaking the game in half with them. SRW 30 is no different.

Ultimately, when I finished Nioh 2, I was more than ready to head into New Game+ after the lengthy campaign. Yet with Wo Long, clocking around half the playtime to reach the credits I had already had my fill. Other aspects, like the state of the game's PC port - unfortunately, this is yet another game plagued by what appears to be the now dreaded shader compilation stutter - certainly contributed to matters, but while Wo Long was certainly worth the time spent finishing it, and a great game in its own right, somehow I doubt I'll be returning to it in the same way as Nioh 2 in the months and years ahead.

I cannot overstate how glad I am that Eiyuden Chronicle exists, and I adore its excellent presentation & nostalgic charm. Not everything landed for me as well as I hoped it would, but there's room to grow, and I truly hope Rabbit & Bear Studios gets the opportunity to continue with these characters in this world.

It might seem like I’m harsh on this spin-off, but I think I’ve grown more fond of the title the longer it sat with me. To get the most out of No Sleep For Kaname Date, you need to align your expectations in advance. The story isn’t devoid of emotional pay-offs, but it’s hardly going to hit things out of the park as hard as the previous games did. What it sacrifices in the typical mind-bending mystery, it makes up for with excellent comedy writing. This game knows it can’t meaningfully advance the plot of the main series, and it blatantly doesn’t try to. It wants you to have another go with characters you grew fond of throughout two really special games. It wants to make you laugh over the most ridiculous jokes, and applaud as Date powers up with his signature porno mags. As an AI fan who didn't need this to be the next big thing, I can’t help but appreciate what this offers.

At first, I wasn't completely sold on MHStories, but the longer I played the more that the game's heart shone through. The story might not have much depth, but what the game might lack in narrative it more than makes up for with its charm.

Druidstone is a perfect entry point for RPG fans that are interested in this style of tactical game without having to invest several dozens of hours in a longer experience that they may not enjoy. It doesn't offer a lot in terms of unique themes or robust storytelling, but it's balanced out by an impressive variety of encounter designs and flexibility for different playstyles. On top of these strengths, it also offers some surprisingly good musical scores and environmental art. It's a strong overall package that, while brief, was a joy to play through.

I wouldn’t be surprised that, when the dust settles, Crimson Desert’s evolution is looked upon in similar ways that No Man’s Sky and Final Fantasy XIV are. There is a lot to love, and a lot to still be let down by in the lands of Hernand and beyond, but it’s still a game that lets me ride a dragon and jump in a mech suit, so that is reason enough to keep it installed on my PC and console! Who knows what other goodies lie hidden still in the desert sands that I will be digging up for months, if not years to come?

Xanadu Next is a treat - a well crafted package that blends addictive combat, fun progression systems, pleasant exploration, great music & atmosphere along with a compelling story that doesn't get in the way. The whole experience is simply delightfully satisfying. Sometimes, good things come to those who wait.

Othercide is an interesting twist on the tactical RPG genre with a striking artstyle, adding in roguelike elements to questionable effect. Not everything comes together well mechanically, it's a little bit repetitive, and I think the narrative elements could have benefitted from just a tad more outward direction. It's certainly a unique game, which may be worth checking it out if you like trying new and different styles even if the execution is spotty in places.

Indivisible is extraordinary. It’s a very focused game that cuts out a lot of the fluff in RPGs. There’s no skill trees, no crafting, no mundane ‘kill 10 of this monster’ type of stuff, no weapon or armor system, and not even money to spend things on. There’s one basic currency you collect to upgrade your attack or defense. I think this works in Indivisible’s favor in an era filled with games full of massive checklists, endless progress bars, and so forth. Lab Zero has an admirable vision of where it wanted to take Indivisible; it may be a streamlined experience, but it’s a damn good one.

Shin Megami Tensei Liberation Dx2 is worth playing especially if you’re a series fan. If anything, it’s a good way to satisfy our cravings as we await the release of Shin Megami Tensei V. Even if you have never played a Shin Megami Tensei game in your life, but the idea of a very mechanically-driven mobile game interests you, you may find a lot to appreciate here.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity isn’t revolutionary, but I can’t deny that the Breath of the Wild touches to the formula leads it to be one of the better musou games on the Switch. Writing this review has been a bit challenging, because a good musou game is pretty self-explanatory. Most of the time, it even tends to be a great one with a staggeringly large amount of content. Outside of performance issues, the design is overall very tight and enjoyable, but the cast of characters and the gameplay truly shine for this genre. I’m hoping that the rumored Switch Pro is real, because I’d love to see how this looks and runs with better hardware. If you enjoyed Breath of the Wild’s story and characters, and like musou games, this is a great combination of the two that’s worth checking out.

That energetic feeling in the first game of swinging around buildings and taking out Titans with a well-placed strike is still incredibly satisfying. Complemented by a solid PC port, and you have yet another highly entertaining licensed product by Omega Force well worth checking out. This is how a sequel should be treated.

Atelier Lulua is one of the more new player friendly titles of the series yet, tweaking mechanics to be more intuitive than previous entries. Also, as a long-time fan of the series, it was great to return to Arland and learn more about the world and characters. Atelier Lulua is one of the better Atelier titles in recent years, and it’s worth picking up for any fan of the series.

I feel mixed on Grand Kingdom because I want to like it, but it just seems lackluster on its feedback loop of repetitive mission design; there is nothing that significantly caught my attention outside of the intricacies of battle from constantly building parties of different classes. Its story is severely lacking, and the War mode has a few neat quirks that overstayed its welcome rapidly. Grand Kingdom is an entertaining experience that presents neat, unconventional approaches to the genre, but there are so many aspects of its infrastructure that just seem haphazardly unrealized.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Heart of the Forest doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel and I wouldn’t say it’s genre-defining, but it still manages to be unique in some aspects. End game pacing issues aside, the game tells a great story and offers enough choices that I never felt slighted. Even the small option of choosing which werewolf form to shift into was nice. Heart of the Forest is a simple and easy to follow addition to the World of Darkness games but still manages to avoid becoming boring or repetitive. It’s a fun, uncomplicated game and honestly, that’s all I want sometimes.

Despite an underwhelming conclusion, Drova: Forsaken Kin is an incredibly fun and challenging game in many ways, and it likely would have made my personal top five last year had I played it when it released. It utilizes a smart integration of challenging environmental exploration, rewarding player progression, and intricate world design to create one of the most engaging RPGs I've played in a while. Only some shortcomings with writing and storytelling hold it back from being recommended without hesitation.

I like a lot of what I've seen in Endfield. The combat system seems really engaging and the visuals are some of the best I have seen for a gacha game. While the story does seem quite promising so far, I am not sure if I want to fully commit to the game with a gacha system this predatory as someone who enjoys a lot of gacha games. I've always hated the gacha system that HoYoverse games have popularized, but with so many games copying the system and Endfield's own spin on it somehow feeling even worse, it is hard for me to want to get inviested here. [Impressions]

It's hard to gauge how much of these technical hurdles are down to a rushed launch, poor optimization or simply the results of a game that hasn't been designed to run on last generation's hardware - but it takes what is undeniably a game of the year contender for me, and makes it difficult to fully recommend to anyone without either the hardware to back it up. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is an excellent game, and an especially fantastic sequel; it's just a shame that most players will ultimately have to compromise when they decide where and how to play the game.

Outside of the unorthodox pairing of gameplay and presentation, Battle Chasers: Nightwar isn't that remarkable of a game on paper. Many of the mechanics are largely borrowed from other games and the narrative merely exists to move the party from one dungeon to the next -- practical but not altogether captivating. That stated, Nightwar is a game that ends up slightly more than the sum of its components, partially due to the novelty of the package as a whole, and (admittedly) somewhat due to the nostalgia of the turn-based rpg at its core.

I’m supposed to care about the drifters, which would make the ending of the episode all the more harrowing, but I never got enough time with them to care. Still, Episode 4 will be sure to strain some heartstrings, and in hindsight will probably make this episode a bit better, when it releases.

I come away from Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden endeared to its characters and storytelling, but disappointed in the game's world structure and combat. Antea and Red are captivating characters, and I applaud the game's narrative style & direction, but mundane world exploration, tedious combat, and average questing pull down a game that I had higher hopes for.

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen plays extremely well both docked and undocked, with no frames dropping at any instance.

Despite my unearned misgivings at the game's initial announcement, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader somehow became likely my favorite title so far from Owlcat Games. Likely due to a combination of well-designed turned-based gameplay, a better focus of gameplay systems that don't needlessly detract from the core experience, and simply waiting for a few additional layers of polish to give the title a chance to be represented in the best manner possible. While still a little uneven in terms of gameplay progression and technical proficiency, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an engaging game that's brimming with things to discover and a uniquely compelling narrative that is at times both hopeful and poignant.

Blue Reflection Second Light is a great improvement over the original and a step in the right direction for the series. Almost every feature in the original has been refined. Although there are some interesting new ideas too, not all of them are implemented well, such as the new stealth system. Second Light is not a perfect game by any means, but it is a solid title to recommend for players that want something different from big-budget JRPGs and maybe prefer a game in a relaxed environment without trying to save the world all the time.

Trails of Cold Steel II is an incredible experience. Despite its unfortunate performance issues, this sequel is better than its predecessor in almost every way. Just like with its predecessor, it’s hard to think of a reason to not pick up this version of the game if you can’t play it on PC. Now that both games are available on a PS4, there hasn’t been a better time to play them if you ever had even a passing interest in them. And just like I said in my review of the PS4 version of Trails of Cold Steel: the Trails series is well worth your time.

Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII Reunion is one of Square Enix’s better remaster offerings and is generally a pleasure to play. The responsiveness and tight controls, along with the new quality-of-life additions, make combat a thrill to take part in. The visuals breathe extra life into an already interesting world, and I never got sick of watching the redone summon attacks. The story of Zack, while tragic, is still filled with moments of some brevity and intrigue, thanks in new small part to Zack simply being a wonderful character. My gripes aside, I am thrilled that whole new generations of players can once again enjoy this prequel and see Zack’s story again after such a long time. Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a must-play for anyone that loves Final Fantasy VII.

With limited role-playing components, a so-so narrative, dialogue choices that don't seem to have significant impact, and a lack of replayability, Strays Gods: The Roleplaying Musical doesn't quite come together as well as it could. Still, this unique blend of styles will scratch those with an itch for an urban fantasy musical with entertaining songs.

Despite my misgivings, I still had a lovely time with this game. If you’ve stuck around with the series up until this point, I certainly recommend this version of Atelier Shallie. However, if you’re a newcomer, you will definitely want to start with Atelier Ayesha Plus.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition lives up to its moniker, and makes a compelling argument for both fans and newcomers of the game to pick it up. It's a welcome addition to the Switch's library, though anyone that already had their fill elsewhere shouldn't feel the need to upgrade.

Mary Skelter Finale provides a rather disappointing finale to the series. The previous games left off on a rather satisfying conclusion to the series, and Finale just feels like an overextended sequel. It's ultimately a really difficult game to recommend to players unless they're already heavily invested in the story of the first two games. Even veterans of this series will be a bit lost without giving its lore a reread to get a better grasp on it. Luckily the game provides one of the best recollection modes I have seen and if any players have never played the series, this can even be an option for those that just want to read any prior story of this title.

If there was a succinct way to sum up Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, it’d be a celebration of Kiryu’s legacy. There are subtle callbacks of his past adventures that don’t intrude on the central themes and internal struggles that he faces as the title connects the past to the present. While it may not be his grandest adventure, Like A Dragon Gaiden sets an important milestone for the Dragon of Dojima. We’ll meet him again in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but Gaiden establishes an essential foundation and roadmap in what’s next for this legendary character.

Years ago, I said that Pokemon Legends: Arceus proved that there was room in the Pokemon world for more games like Pokemon Colosseum to exist, and to even thrive. While Pokemon Legends: Z-A wasn't quite what I had in mind, it feels like validation nonetheless. Pokemon is at its best when Gamefreak is allowed to experiment with what a Pokemon game can actually be, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A is an affirmation that the series isn't done evolving, much like the Pokemon themselves. If this is the future of the series - more experimental "Legends" titles which attempt to broaden the Pokemon world in ways that only they can, instead of merely retreading old ground with remakes - I couldn't be happier.

Anonymous;Code managed to grab my attention in a way that other SciADV games following Steins;Gate weren’t able to, due to how absolutely absurd but compelling the lore was, and how each situation escalates. Anonymous;Code does feel a tad bit shorter compared to other entries in the SciADV series, but the captivating story and excellent pacing kept me engaged through the true ending.

There are challenging moments in the game that only make it more aggravating. It really tests your patience especially near the end where you experience a number of trial-and-error moments. However, I can’t say it bothered me as much this time around only because I had already dealt with it previously. On the other hand, it was fascinating being able to observe the fate of two different girls and see the plight from their individual perspectives. The visual and audio design shine brightly in this bleak journey that never breaks from its ambiance and distressing frame of mind. This carries all the way through to the ending which sets a somber mood. So if you’re looking for a frightening adventure that subverts your assumptions, and if you can get around the checkpoint system, the unnerving atmosphere of Yomawari: Midnight Shadows may do you in.

During my time with Elden Ring Nightreign, I was waiting for something to jump out and amaze me like the original game and Erdtree had, but that sensation never came. Nightreign delivers glimpses of what I love about the previous games, but the jump to this new format just never quite landed as well as I had hoped. When I played with my friends or when I finally tackled that Nightlord I had been stuck on, it hit with that same exhilarating sense of accomplishment that I love, but so much else left me wanting. With so many reused enemies and guest bosses, Nightreign feels more like an impressive expansion than a whole new release, and perhaps that is a better way to look at it: an experiment in something new. This first drop into the roguelike genre with the Souls series is intriguing enough to make me consider exploring future explorations into it, but beyond that, I will happily stick with my exploration-heavy and deep character customization options instead.

If, like me, you found yourself interested in how things might evolve with the sequel I can give my endorsement for Kena: Bridge of Spirits on Switch 2. All in all, it's a solid port for a solid game.

For old fans of the series, this is still a fine remake, and the quality of life changes make the transition from GBA to the Switch worth it. I’d say even new fans of the series will have a good time while playing. The game is still fun to be in, and I’ll continue to play it as I progress through the years in-game, but it just misses the opportunity to be spectacular in any way.

Mario & Luigi Brothership is the biggest and boldest the series has ever been, with some novel battle mechanics and colorful presentation. However, an overstuffed runtime and exhausting pacing severely dilute the experience in both narrative and gameplay. Had Brothership been a snappier, more compact entry, it could have been one of the best in the series, but as it is, we're left with an enjoyable game that overstays its welcome once again.

The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind is a great nostalgia trip for those that experienced the original main series game. Other than that, though, what it has to offer is outclassed by better, more popular games. However, if you do want to experience the oft-talked about Morrowind setting in a more modern game engine with more modern gameplay mechanics, and are able to look past its flaws, this might be a good time-waster for you.

Despite some early mistrust due to the game’s agricultural aspects, I ended up enjoying my time with Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin — at least the first two-thirds of it. It wasn’t breaking any new ground gameplay-wise, with combat that was just enjoyable enough to make up for its repetitive nature. The narrative was decent, though those looking for a deep storytelling may dislike the aimless self-motivation the game requires of its players. The farming aspects are so simply integrated that they only added to the overall experience, never detracted. What did take away from my enjoyment in the end, however, was the sudden and severe prolonging of the game, just when the credit roll started to feel inevitable. It’s a solid and certainly unique game that can be quite enjoyable when approached with the right expectations.

I'd wager that while I had fun with the game overall, part of what I'd hoped the game offered at the beginning was a mechanically-dense resource management sim where I have to carefully plan out my actions step-by-step, and while that's certainly how it looks like things will head at the start, in the end the game's actual gameplay mechanics feel like set dressing. It's essentially an excuse to get you out and about driving a Kei truck through a fictional Japanese town. There's nothing wrong with that, and we do cover games that veer towards narrative experiences, but I can't shake the feeling that Promise Mascot Agency wasn't quite what I'd signed up for - even if the end result was an enjoyable romp about reviving a town in its twilight years.

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is a wild ride from start to finish. There were some twists in the mystery I wasn’t expecting and some that I saw coming. Despite a short lull in the middle section of the game, it still results in an excellent story told with a colorful cast of characters. Kanai Ward itself is such a beautiful place too. Like how the rain never lets up in the city, the suspense never lets up in Rain Code.

Dodgeball Academia is simply lovely with all the little touches it puts forth to celebrate both RPGs and the sport of dodgeball. Many clever mechanics make the marriage between the two a natural fit in this game. Some unsatisfying character progression, late-game repetitive battles, and a needlessly prolonged final stretch do set it back, but I think it is still a solid attempt at such a novel concept.

The Baten Kaitos games deserve better than this remaster gives them, but for new and returning players alike, it is still a great addition to any RPG fan’s Switch library. Hopefully, this collection isn’t the last we see of the Magnus-slinging series and is instead the beginning of a bright future ahead for the series.

Much of this review probably sounds negative, and that's a shame because World Of Final Fantasy is a fantastic throwback to earlier entries in the series and a damn good RPG in its own right. If you are ok with a 30 FPS cap and an experience that's the same as the PS4 version, then this PC port is perfectly playable. I've yet to encounter any technical bugs in my time with it and the art style makes up for the lack of graphical options in my opinion, just know going in that the port is lacking in several ways. If you are a fan of the franchise and didn't play it when it came out last year on other platforms, you probably won't be disappointed jumping in with this version.

World of Final Fantasy isn’t going to break the mold, and that’s okay. It’s a game for the fans and one I certainly think they’ll appreciate.

Cryptmaster was a game I had hoped I would enjoy more. In the end, it's a solid proof of concept with a few hints of what it could be in the future. Cryptmaster is a game with a lot to say, but much like with the game's undead protagonists - it feels like its a bit confused on how to say it.

Fae Tactics is not really like other tactical RPGs that I've played, despite sharing a lot of foundational DNA as some of the greats. While other similar games have ended up feeling a fair bit more derivative, Fae Tactics's manages to stand out on pure inventiveness and imaginative structure. A unique narrative framework, distinct focus on summoning mechanics, high level of variety, and smartly-designed challenge makes Fae Tactics a near must-play for fans of tactical RPGs.

Yakuza Kiwami isn't my favorite Yakuza game, but it is still an excellent entry in the series, and a very good entry point for newcomers. Revisiting it in 2024 on Nintendo Switch played handheld has been a fun experience that makes me hope SEGA brings Yakuza 0 to the system next. This conversion bringing in some quality of life features like auto-save and licensed music including Receive You [Reborn] is also great to see. While there are noticeable cutbacks to visuals and performance, Yakuza Kiwami is an easy recommendation to play on the go on Nintendo Switch with its low asking price.

While there are a few small missteps with the Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection, they ultimately pale when compared to the broad, useful features added. The fact that not only can fans and first-timers enjoy the Star Force series, but can also tailor their experiences to their liking without the need for emulators is wonderful, and Capcom's efforts to release much older games in bundles on modern platforms really should be commended. If you're a newcomer interested in quirky action RPGs or a long-time fan looking to re-experience the magic, the Star Force Legacy Collection is an easy recommend from me.

Darksiders Genesis, assuming some of the technical limitations are ironed out, could be a fun co-op romp for ardent fans of the franchise. For those looking to try out something new, there are better co-op games, and better Darksiders games.

When Zeboyd Games initially took the idea of Cosmic Star Heroine to kickstarter, they knew they were in it for the long haul. About 4 years have passed since then and a lot about the games industry has changed. Retro throwbacks are even less novel now than they were in 2013, but all the same, I think the studio has succeeded in all that they set out to do. The game has a fantastic combat system, feels distinct from its peers, and never leans on nostalgia too much. If you’re looking for a fun space adventure that’ll remind you of the JRPGs of the 16-bit era, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more fitting experience than Cosmic Star Heroine.

Signs of the Sojourner feels like life. It gets hard when you least expect it, sometimes returning home is a blessing and other times it feels like a burden. People change, life moves on and you just have to try to keep up. It takes something as impersonal as cards and creates an entire world full of personality.

At the end of the day, Persona 5 Tactica is a solid game, with some unique ideas for the Tactical RPG genre; if you're a huge fan of Persona 5 and have been interested in getting into these types of games then you could do far worse than starting here, but part of me is disappointed that despite the game's strong start, that ultimately Tactica fails to follow-up on its most fascinating quirks. It's a good game, but with just that extra push it very easily could have been a great one. Maybe P-Studio will revisit the concept in the future - and I hope they will.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is a wonderful remaster marred by an unoptimized Switch port. While you could argue that they could have gone further in places, like maybe offering players the ability to further customize which parts of the experience they wanted to be presented with old or new graphics, it feels nice that one of my favorite PS1 era JRPGs got so much love. I adore both of the games in this collection from the bottom of my heart, and I’m glad they’re more accessible than ever. I hope the Switch version can be an easier recommendation in the future, especially since the only way to own it physically seems to be on that platform.

Genre defining works rarely stand the test of time, but moon is a rare exception to this rule. It not only holds up today, but is probably still one of the best “anti-games” out there. In addition to a quirky sense of self-awareness you’d come to expect from this genre, there’s a raw authenticity that makes it stand out among the rest. It understands its own simplicity and scale, and tells a story that fits exactly what it sets out to do. The ending isn’t bombastic in any way, but the experience is simple enough to benefit the obtuse storytelling. moon a great game that is unapologetic about the flaws in a way that feels earnest, which is hard to say about almost any other game trying to achieve that.

I didn’t have any preconceptions about the game before experiencing it for myself, which given the changes to the game since early access is likely a good thing. The hand-holding was grating, but the overall story is good, mostly grounded, and the combat was decently balanced with every party member being viable outside of their strong connections. If you’re looking for a narrative-focused RPG that touches on modern issues, that have been long ongoing, Long Gone Days is a great option.

World of Horror is simply awesome. The wait for its full release may have been lengthy, but I think the final product was well worth it. There aren’t really that many games that nail the feeling that World of Horror provides. It delicately balances a lot of systems to provide a challenging, yet fair roguelite RPG experience. I highly recommend World of Horror for anyone who wants an enjoyable, unique RPG that is okay with pacing it out through multiple bite-sized playthroughs.

Avowed is exemplary of the sort of game where the more I put into it, the more I get out of it. Not in an "it gets good 20 hours in" sort of way, but more like I needed to slowly parse through the character interactions, story moments, the marriage between exploration and resource management, and the cohesive coupling between these components that all subtly contributed to my overall enjoyment. At its best, Avowed is quite precisely the sum of its carefully crafted parts, though infrequent moments of uneven execution slightly mar the overall experience.

Relayer has the building blocks of a promising new IP with a compelling ensemble of characters and an intriguing world to build off of. There are too many key flaws with its English localization, its design decisions, and its UI that holds it back from being truly great, but all of those can easily be improved upon in a sequel. I hope Relayer does well enough to encourage the development team to make more because I am so interested in where they take it next, especially with the way the main story ended.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is incredibly impressive when viewed as the first game project developed and released by Leenzee. It’s ambitiously put together when it comes to the marriage of its various flexible gameplay systems and a game world that’s constructed seamlessly. Its depiction of the late Ming dynasty is fascinating because it isn’t afraid to show the brutal circumstances that loomed over this time period, even when separated from all of the dark fantasy elements that provide flavor to it. I enjoyed my time a lot with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, but its horrid performance and optimization on PC unfortunately damaged my overall enjoyment.

VA-11 HALL-A is inherently flawed yet it's still a wonderful personal cyberpunk tale. Even with the writing being lackluster at times, I find its cast to be pleasantly unforgettable. I often think about them, Glitch City, and my dreams of the future living through its soundtrack as I listen to it outside of the game. It was worth diving in and have a fascinating peek into that view. And I'd love to return to it anytime.

While it may not go far enough to vastly improve on its previous entry, this series continues to offer plenty of appeal for someone like me who could not get into Monster Hunter due to how it skimps on the story. Bottom line, Toukiden 2 is a great option for those looking to get into this type of genre. It doesn't even feel as much of a chore this time to take down an Oni. And really, considering Monster Hunter hasn't been on consoles in a very long time (not counting the online-only game), it's certainly worth a look for that alone.

The Tengu’s Disciple is only the first part of a trilogy of DLC and it definitely feels as such. People who are mainly looking for a narrative will probably end up disappointed by this first piece of content, but those who enjoy playing Nioh 2 and like to engage in its loot-based systems will find enough content to pull them back into the game. Whatever the case, it turns out that even five months later Nioh 2 still remains an extremely fun game to play. A DLC with a weaker story does not change that. In fact the content that is outside the story, that plays around with Nioh’s nature as a loot game, only makes it better.

Immortals Fenyx Rising was a game that I wanted to play to finish and put to the side, but it’s one that has stuck with me a lot longer than I thought it would, and given me one of my favourite Ubisoft open worlds in memory. If you can look beyond a lack of originality in some of its formula and some rigid puzzles, you’ll find a beautiful world that’s well worth exploring.

I would recommend Final Remix not because of the new content, but for enjoying an older RPG in a more accessible format. The World Ends With You making it to the Switch means that a wider audience gets to enjoy this unique title, and the game is worth revisiting even for those that have already completed the DS version of the title. TWEWY is by no means a perfect game, but it has a lot of charm, and sometimes that can be what matters most.

Star Renegades offers a great artstyle and robust combat system for fans of turn-based RPGs and roguelikes. It doesn't have much to tell in terms of an outward storyline, and some of the roguelike elements feel a little thin, but it's a solid experience if you know what you are getting into.

Monster Hunter Stories is a decent RPG even for those unfamiliar with the series. If you're a Monster Hunter fan and you like traditional RPGs as well, Stories should be a must-have game. It's a charming title for those looking for some monster taming fun, and a simpler RPG to play in between some other big hitters. Consider checking it out the next time you're looking for a more relaxing RPG.

I come away from Final Fantasy 1, 2, and 3 looking forward to the remaining games more than I did before. I appreciate the new features like the enhanced bestiary, the auto-combat feature, making grinding friendlier, and I LOVE the new soundtracks. But I hope they manage to address issues like the screen tearing and especially the font before the last three games release.

Playing Bravely Default II was a truly memorable experience. Games like this just aren’t made very often any more. The flaws are very visible and your mileage will vary depending on what you value in your RPGs, but there is a great game here for fans and newcomers alike as long as you’re willing to look for it. Even with the issues noted throughout this review, Bravely Default II grabbed my attention and refused to let it go for 75 hours. It truly cemented my love for the job system.

For fans this is something of a no-brainer, especially after a price drop. Others may want to consider carefully, though that taste of KH3 is still rather difficult to resist. Kingdom Hearts 2.8 is ultimately a collection of a good but not great game, an exciting demo and a hardcore-fans-only movie - and hearing that you probably already know exactly where you stand.

Dragon Quest Heroes II is an odd mix. It has some super smart enhancements to gameplay but is bogged down by a terrible, messy storyline. There’s a lot of fun to be had, but you may be best served just not paying attention to the story. The game’s expansive gameplay options may feel overwhelming at first, but mastering its systems will reward you with a great action RPG to play.

Despite some presentation issues and some lack of difficulty, Trials of Mana is fantastic fun. It knows what it is and delivers on its promises as a remake with confidence. The world of Trials of Mana is one I won’t soon forget.

With three more episodes to come, it wasn't a surprise to discover that The Council: Episode 2 - Hide and Seek was more transitionary by design. It has its fair share of minor revelations to make, but, continuing to be hampered by the same technical issues, it's important the next episode needs to up the ante and correct some missteps before my interest in the whole spectacle falls apart.

It’s so purely fun. It’s a thrilling, charming, and humorous game that celebrates many positive things at once with an almost childlike innocence, all while containing a deep mystery that has you constantly thirsting for more information. After a difficult past year, it’s the type of thing that is sorely needed right now as we tackle this one with newfound resolve and hope. 2064: Read Only Memories, with its contemporary and thought-provoking themes, accessibility through its diverse and rich characters, and beautiful story about what it means to be human, is an uplifting experience that I’ll remember for years to come.

Due to the difficulty, or mostly lack thereof, and simplified concepts I could recommend Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars as a beginner or more laid-back RPG. More experienced gamers might bemoan the straightforward gameplay or lack of difficulty, but those who are interested in the charm and humour only need bring their cards to the table. At the very least you should give the demo a try.

Operencia: The Stolen Sun is a neatly packaged dungeon crawler with a nice style and satisfying gameplay loop. I found myself wishing that the combat was a little more robust or distinctive, or that the game challenged me a bit more throughout, but I enjoyed my time with it. I'm looking forward to seeing how Zen Studios might follow Operencia up in the future.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 - The Sith Lords feels and plays (mostly) great on the Switch. After revisiting the first game last year, being able to continue on with the nostalgia here was a pleasure. Aspyr has once again done a good job reintroducing classic Star Wars games to brand new audiences with these ports, and honestly, this has become my preferred way to play Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2.

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta's Switch release is a lot easier to recommend now via backward compatibility on Switch 2, and is well worth getting if you haven't played it before and want a great portable experience. If you have played Celceta before, the new soundtrack option isn't enough to justify a new purchase unless of course you want to revisit the game on Switch 2. I don't recommend playing it on Switch 1 though if you have other options.

Lost Judgment’s The Kaito Files story expansion DLC is well worth a playthrough, especially for players who already like Kaito. He is such a fun character all-around and his time away from Yagami here shows a man that has grown significantly from our initial introduction to him in the first Judgment. Of course, I would love nothing more than to see both Yagami and Kaito back as the main focuses in a future installment of Judgment, but if the Judgment series has to go on somehow without Yagami, I think The Kaito Files demonstrates that Kaito can muster up the strength to take over as the main character, despite how divisive it would be.

The simplicity of the Atelier series in its base form requires you to manage your time and discover things for yourself. Like the original, Atelier Marie Remake has a pretty small scope, with a playthrough easily taking less than ten hours and most players aren’t likely to do more than two playthroughs. The changes to this game make it a joy to look at and smooth to play with very few issues. Some people might enjoy the shorter run time, but pairing it with the price, I don’t think it should be a nearly full-priced game. However, it is a mostly relaxing experience that still keeps the essence of why people enjoy Atelier games.

World of Demons deserved better. Any game would have deserved better, but the fact that a title clearly crafted with love from one of the most beloved action game developers in the industry can just vanish into the ether should give anyone pause. Unless there's assurances of a port down the line, the same could happen to any game stuck on Apple Arcade; and just because the platform isn't given the same attention as others in the industry doesn't mean that the games are any less important. The same could happen to Fantasian, Sonic Dream Team, or even Pocket Card Jockey. At the end of the day, our industry thrives on building off of past successes; and with the loss of games like World of Demons, we might never know what games it might have inspired in the future.

Raidou Remastered has undoubtedly improved a flawed game, but there’s only so much it could do in keeping to its mission statement to recreate the content of the original title. I respect the lengths Atlus went to provide a largely faithful, yet polished, version of Raidou's debut. It's a fascinating way to revisit that era of games, and in a way, I’m glad Atlus didn’t simpy outright scrap tedious aspects of the original. Raidou Kuzunoha is a tried and true Devil Summoner entry in every way, and I’m glad ATLUS is still willing to revisit this scrappy series.

Persona 5 Strikers is the most impressive effort yet from Omega Force to adapt a third-party license into the Musou subgenre. This probably will not be the title that will change the minds of those that already harbor an intense hatred for them, but Persona fans who are on the fence should honestly not miss out on this game. It feels like a proper follow-up to Persona 5 and the story is surprisingly one of its most outstanding feats. The journey is not a 100+ hour ride like the original, but in exchange, its tight narrative is exceptionally more cohesive and the pacing is significantly more palatable. Smart, sensible tweaks have been made across the board to the usual Musou gameplay template to remain faithful to the spirit of Persona 5 and the game is that much stronger for it. If Atlus were to ever revisit the Phantom Thieves again in a new title, whether it be a mainline or spin-off entry, they better include the characters from Persona 5 Strikers. Please? Pretty please?

By the conclusion of Weird West, I thought that the experience was interesting and original enough to not have felt as though my time had been wasted on an unfun experience, but only just barely. The five character stories do manage to build up to a largely satisfying conclusion, and there is enough persistence from character to character to make at least some of the experience feel meaningful and sometimes even poignant. However, I also often found myself ignoring locations and battles and just main-lining toward the next story beat to the finish line because I simply wanted to see how the threads ended up wrapping together, looking for some sort of payoff. Weird West is a creative game full of neat ideas that just didn't quite come together in the end.

The Surge 2 makes several smart gameplay refinements from its predecessor that polish up some rough edges, and environmental design & traversal have improved considerably. However, the lack of enemy variety, disappointing boss encounters, and overreliance on blocking prevent The Surge 2 from making the full next step into being a great action RPG.

In summary, playing Brigandine is like the board game "Risk", its brilliantly complicated at first but also a fascinating game at the same time. If you want to try something different from the standard tactical RPG, Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia offers something unique that any fans of the genre should give a try.

I feel that's a tough ask for the average RPG fan; and it makes recommending Emerald Beyond to those unversed in Kawazu's picture of the RPG a difficult proposition. For anyone that's already a fan of SaGa, however, it was never really a question if Emerald Beyond would be for you. This is a SaGa for SaGa fans, and in truth I couldn't be happier any other way.

With Trails Through Daybreak 2’s release, Western fans are now only one game behind Japan—a feat that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Even with its faults, Daybreak 2 left me full of questions, theories, and eager anticipation for the next title in the Calvard arc. I adore this series and can’t wait to see where this trail leads me next.

Though it's ultimately held back its shortcomings, the other highs of Dragon Age: The Veilguard - its characters, its storytelling, and its sense of personality - make the game easy to like despite the flaws. The issues may be harder to look past for some, but others will find joy in the things it does do well.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight won't light the action platformer world on fire or usurp the greats of the genre like Castlevania, but it's got a lot of heart. I don't consider myself a complitionist, nor am I particularly good at this sort of game, but there is something about Momodora's bleak atmosphere that kept drawing me back to it. It's a strong example of how great art direction and solid game design can come together to make well-trodden paths feel fresh.

It's difficult to recommend 7th Dragon III: Code VFD. The unique class and party systems are watered down by mundane structure and generally low game difficulty. Story beats are either too predictable or lessened by a connection to other games most English players haven't experienced. Those who are fans of turn-based class systems can still find enjoyment here, but it's hard to see the game leaving any lasting impact.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance satisfies that itch if you are looking for something a little different than typical western high fantasy or Japanese style RPGs. It's rough around the edges and some narrative & mechanical quirks don't always hit their mark, but it's still an enjoyable experience if you can put up with a little bit of uneveness.