On the whole, Hades II delivers a truly great action roguelike experience, buoyed by strong, exciting combat. It remains addictive across multiple runs, even with poor Boon balance, keeping combat artificially elongated. This is achieved through engaging combat and a compelling story that motivates players to learn more about the characters and world. Its outstanding visuals and fun, immersive audio also make it a treat for the eyes and ears. Trudging through the depths of hell has never been more exciting, and as someone fairly new to roguelikes, I found myself pleasantly surprised at just how engaging Hades II can be.

Sporting a relatively short runtime of fifteen to twenty hours, Pragmata doesn’t overstay its welcome and is a briskly paced adventure that does everything a game needs to do. Its bold and stunning presentation and smart, compact level design make it so fun to navigate. Hugh and Diana have a truly wonderful, organic, and beautiful relationship, evident not only in the sturdy – if sometimes predictable – plot but also in its exceptional hybrid combat system, where facing down and overcoming hordes of AI bots feels incredibly rewarding, further fueling their bond. Pragmata proves that when you shoot for the moon, you land amongst the stars.

People of Note excels in both of its main promises: it’s a highly entertaining musical and an incredibly tight turn-based RPG. With its solid gameplay structure, it’s clearly tuned in to what makes for outstanding combat, doing quite a lot to distinguish itself and make it interesting. Meanwhile, its jamming musical style, strong cast, excellent puzzles, and musically colorful world layer on top of the turn-based structure to create something so refreshingly original, fun, and passionate. People of Note is overflowing with love for both RPGs and music, pulling out all the stops and blowing the roof off the venue in the process.

While I have been lucky enough to not lose a loved one to tragedy, Omori still managed to make me feel the despair of losing someone cherished, and the powerless feeling of being able to do nothing to bring them back was replicated perfectly. The game tackles the idea of acceptance and escapism beautifully, and when the credits rolled, I did not move for a while. It is one of those persistent games that follows players even after putting the controller down. I think about it more than I expected to; it creeps in at night before I sleep, and whenever I come across a screenshot or hear the name, something in me just recalls the weight of it immediately. People process loss in completely different ways and at completely different speeds, and Omori never pretends otherwise. What makes it so remarkable is that it does not ask players to have lived through something specific to feel it. It just asks for attention. And with attention, Omori will find something in players to pull on regardless of what their lives look like.

Pokémon Pokopia is a worthy spin-off that breathes new life into the series. With a refreshing narrative and an incredibly engaging world, the game flourishes with its bold direction and diligent execution. It’s hard to believe that this is the series’ first foray into life simulation games because of how snugly the game fits. Between making sure my Pokémon residents are as happy as they can be and stopping to smell the roses, I have been too busy living my best Poké life to miss Pokémon battles.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection doesn’t aim to completely reinvent what’s been established in the previous two entries in the series. Instead, it smartly tweaks and iterates on what worked and what didn’t work to create a much more refined and enjoyable monster-catching experience. The story touches on more serious subjects, and keeps things moving along well, even if it lacks the depth it could have. Combat is plenty of fun, with individual battles having more impact and much of the tedium of the previous series entries cleaned up, but exploring and collecting monsters is a blast, and having available non-battle activities for monsters makes it all the more exciting to go out and find new ones. Fans of collecting monsters and min/maxing their team will have almost an endless supply of tweaking to play around with. Any fan of Monster Hunter or Pokémon-like games should not pass on this one.

While Esoteric Ebb certainly doesn’t try to avoid the direct comparisons to Disco Elysium’s style, it manages to stand out through its original setting and entertaining set of mysteries. The ingrained usage of skill checks to help guide conversations and what the game reveals to players helps keep them engaged, with plenty of highly enjoyable quests and interactions to be had all the way through. There’s lots to enjoy here, particularly for those who like seeing how their choices affect the presented mysteries and obstacles.

Wounded only by minor flaws, Dynasty Warriors: Origins for Switch 2 offers a banquet of content to those willing to follow its path of conquest to the top. From a grand narrative to addictive combat to music and visuals that deliver, it wins the war by succeeding on every front. Good for both quick portable sessions and binging on the big screen, as well as causal and hardcore play, it stands above many of its rivals for being capable of winning the hearts of many. Fans of the genre who have yet to experience the game will find much to appreciate about it, while newcomers and skeptics may find themselves persuaded by it to awaken the warrior within them and head into battle with the wind at their backs.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is about new beginnings and, speaking as a relative beginner to the franchise, it is a great adventure. The artwork and character designs are just a treat, and it’s always worth getting to the next island just to see what big bad resides there. The combat system is snappy, making it a fun way to fight to the next heartfelt story beat that runs the whole gamut of emotions. Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is an eye-catching and enjoyable appeal to wide audiences, and serves as a great example for the franchise.

Ultimately, Final Fantasy VII Remake can be considered a rousing success and sets up the Remake trilogy to great effect. There’s a huge amount to enjoy about the game, be it the exciting combat, impressive presentation, highly endearing cast, fascinating adjustments to the original tale, or detailed realisation of Midgar. If one hasn’t already dove into Final Fantasy VII Remake, the fine Nintendo Switch 2 release is an excellent opportunity to.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is easily the best game in the Calvard arc thus far, and one of the greatest games in the entire franchise, though with the caveat that it is made possible by building on twelve games worth of context. New players should really avoid leaping in here and go back to at least Trails Through Daybreak, but series fans are in for a treat. The narrative is excellent, the combat is in top form, and has never been at a higher level.

Demonschool has a methodical pacing to it from story to combat that largely works in its favour. There are moments where the story drags out simply to match its established weekly formula, but the charming characters and thoughtful combat more than make up for that shortcoming. It is easy to appreciate the impressive amount of ways that its innovative combat system uses something as novel as strategic positioning. The level of thought and care put into the presentation and gameplay experience in this ambitious title is rewarded in spades for anyone that enjoys an entertaining romp into a strategic campy horror experience.

Persona 3 Reload on Switch 2 is functionally the same game found everywhere else, and though the remaster of Persona 3 Portable is playable on the system, this is a more refined way of experiencing one of the most memorable stories in gaming and a seminal title for the RPG genre. The inconsistent frame rate will be unnoticeable to some and inexcusable to others, but the added perk of portability may be enough to make up for its graphical shortcomings. Moreover, it wouldn’t be right for a game that aims for excellence to be shot down for the few targets it missed, just as how a life of many highs shouldn’t be defined by the times it stumbled and struggled. Persona 3 Reload is a beautiful game, and it being on the Switch 2, imperfect as it may be, means that more people will get to see that beauty for themselves and come away from it with a greater love for what games can really be.

While it offers a whole host of improvements, the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake experiences end up being quite different. Dragon Quest I’s remake offers an amazing story upgrade but has frustrating battles throughout, while Dragon Quest II’s remake is one of the most amazing and memorable Dragon Quest experiences there is. Together with the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake released a year ago, they do make a definitive trilogy that all Dragon Quest fans and those new to the series should explore. It was a worthwhile return to the games that made middle school me the RPGamer I am today.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a wonderful remake where it is easy to see how much the team cares about the story and characters. Little touches in the revamped visuals and voice work add a vibrancy to the adventure that is much appreciated. This vibrancy loses some luster with an uneven pacing that highlights far too many meandering moments at the speed of everyday life, though it does build to just as many unforgettable crescendos of incredible storytelling. The hybrid action system, combined with the orbal arts system, adds a variety to combat that makes it enjoyable throughout. Altogether, the best and worst of deep worldbuilding are in full display and makes for a delightful re-entry into this long running franchise.

The gameplay loop and humor of Disgaea is not for everyone, but for those curious about Nippon Ichi’s flagship series, Disgaea 7 Complete is a demonically good time and a playground for gamers who can’t get enough of seeing big numbers get even bigger. The move up to the Switch 2 remedies the ill performance of the original game, while the added content is sure to please fans who held out for the complete edition. Like an all-you-can-eat buffet, Disgaea 7 Complete will be heavenly for the hungry and hellish for those with weak stomachs, but one way or another, it’s got something you can’t find anywhere else.

The bottom line is that Super Robot Wars Y is a high-octane ride from start to finish. There’s so much to love here in terms of the game’s robust combat system, the excellent mixture of franchises that are both new and old, and a soundtrack that absolutely slaps. Having never previously played a Super Robot Wars game, I can confidently say that while there are a lot of systems and franchises to understand, once everything clicks, it becomes an addictive experience, making it great for newcomers. While not every franchise feels equal in its inclusion, I have been begging my husband to find ways for us to watch some of the shows I am less familiar with, thanks to their appearance in Y. Despite some flaws, Super Robot Wars Y is a complete joy to play, and it definitely has me wanting to explore more games in this long-running franchise.

If it isn’t already clear enough by this point, Atelier Resleria is an excellent RPG. From battle system to alchemy to multiple other subsystems, everything seemed superbly planned and polished. No previous experience with the Atelier series is necessary to enjoy all this game has to offer, but returning fans will receive plenty of nostalgic dopamine hits. This is a game that shows how a familiar series can be both welcoming to newcomers and deeply rewarding for long-time fans. The developers have successfully crafted a title that honors its legacy while forging a new, promising path forward.

If it isn’t already clear enough by this point, Atelier Resleria is an excellent RPG. From battle system to alchemy to multiple other subsystems, everything seemed superbly planned and polished. No previous experience with the Atelier series is necessary to enjoy all this game has to offer, but returning fans will receive plenty of nostalgic dopamine hits. This is a game that shows how a familiar series can be both welcoming to newcomers and deeply rewarding for long-time fans. The developers have successfully crafted a title that honors its legacy while forging a new, promising path forward.

Ultimately, The Ivalice Chronicles brings a classic masterpiece to modern systems in a manner that is both highly reverent to the original, while also adding some modern gameplay concessions and other additions. The Classic version of the game offered is also sure to please traditionalists or RPGamers looking for a more nostalgic experience. The gameplay is a bit rough around the edges, particularly in difficulty and class balancing, but everything holds up remarkably well. More importantly, the story and themes of Final Fantasy Tactics have aged like fine wine, and the voice acting does wonders at fully fleshing out and finally bringing this classic tale to modern audiences.

I have reviewed a ton of life-sim titles here at RPGamer, but I can say with certainty that Consume Me is a unique one. I found myself both completely invested in Jenny’s story, wanting to help her find success, and yelling at myself whenever I failed her goals. While the gameplay has some blemishes, the overall experience is as stressful as it is fun, especially in its short runtime of six hours to complete. Consume Me is a heartfelt look at personal struggles, finding courage, and finding compassion in a world obsessed with physical appearance. Consume Me is a difficult, hopeful experience worth playing, reminding anyone going through these motions that they are not alone.

Something Classic Games has done a great job identifying what it is that has made classic RPGs so beloved and not only emulating it, but also in adding enough of its own touches to make Quartet a memorable title. The game’s finely-paced and deep narrative, great soundtrack, and well-executed gameplay ensure that it easily keeps the player’s attention. It all amounts to a highly rewarding experience that is easily recommended to any RPGamer.

OFF is an unnerving dream that steeps one foot into a fever-soaked nightmare. This surrealist approach makes it a truly trendsetting experience with how the characters, story, and visual presentation meld into a highly artistic personal journey that is not like anything else. Combat is always serviceable and the new balanced approach to buffs and debuffs allows extra time for deciphering puzzle clues, making them less frustrating to deal with. The nuanced layers added from the original soundtrack are definitely missed, but the muted melancholy the new soundtrack provides is still a trip to experience. If surrealism mixed with an uncanny sense of wrongness sounds enticing, then OFF will not disappoint.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remasteris exactly what it claims to be: a no-frills, touched-up rerelease of a beloved RPG. The mini-games are not enough on their own to warrant double-dipping, and some of its changes will take getting used to for fans, but both fans and newcomers can walk away satisfied with the updated visuals and features. Flaws of the original remain, as do its strengths, but a great game remastered is a great game made better, leading this to be the definitive way to play Bravely Default.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma stands as a triumphant evolution for the beloved franchise. By boldly venturing into a new, culturally rich Eastern setting, it breathes fresh air into its established formula while retaining the core elements that fans adore. The cohesive integration of its various gameplay elements—from the strategic depths of village management and the relaxed rhythm of farming to the engaging action of its combat and the heartwarming intricacies of its relationships—creates a truly satisfying experience. The game’s strengths lie in its innovative approach to community building, its refined combat system, and its deeply endearing cast of characters, all presented with captivating visuals.

For an RPG under two hours long, Kabuto Park offers an excellent balance of bug collecting and battling, keeping everything in its tight package simple. It’s one of those rare games that I restarted simply because I found myself wanting to go through all over again. Doot Tiny Games has offered RPGamers a cozy RPG that will take players back to simpler times when exploring the world around them was the way of life. Any RPGamer who loves a creature collector RPG or wishes to indulge in a short and sweet experience should absolutely spend five dollars to check out this gem of an indie game.

Peglin is easily one of my new favourite games. It’s cleverly designed, every playthrough feels different, and there is a comedic chaos to all the insanity that is happening throughout the game. It’s a game that has made me feel so many emotions — anger, frustration, excitement, and joy. While its deceptively simple design may not appeal to everyone, there is no denying that Peglin is a triumph of genre-melding proportions. It’s the perfect time sink for someone looking for a quick game to waste time on, only to find themselves wanting to go just one more round.

It’s worth appreciating the efforts Monolith Soft has gone to in making Xenoblade Chronicles X accessible to a much larger potential crowd. The studio could easily have left its elements as they were, but the quality-of-life features go a long way to alleviating the small but notable issues. Even for those who had already played the original, those touches ensure it’s a delight to play, and the new epilogue is very much in keeping of what fans of the series have come to expect. Xenoblade Chronicles X’s Definitive Edition is exactly that, and another excellent late addition to the Switch’s bulging library.