It certainly isn’t a title that will gain universal appeal, but it very much finds its home in its niche and will offer those looking for an easy-to-jump-into yet strong narrative will find Arcadia Fallen II is adept at scratching that itch. While it may not be the most thrilling tale at the start and has limited ways to engage with it, there are plenty of fun moments to enjoy from the cast, and the story ultimately satisfies.

On the whole, Monster Crown: Sin Eater is a shining addition to the monster taming genre. With its diverse array of monsters at the forefront, it features a truly harrowing, cruelly immersive world full of violence and sin. While its scope and non-linear design can sometimes lead to some odd pacing and gameplay imbalance, it largely remains engaging due to its atmospheric, well-designed world, strong writing and lore, and excellent audiovisual experience. From Asur’s humble farm beginnings all the way to the heights of Meru Spire, Sin Eater provides a monstrously oppressive adventure, top-to-bottom.

Rise of the Ronin is defined by that divide. Its combat system and historical setting give it a strong foundation, with occasional moments that genuinely stand out. At the same time, its formulaic open-world design and weak character development fail to build on those strengths. RPGamers should expect a game that offers rewarding combat and an engaging setting, weighed down by a predictable structure, pacing issues, and an incoherent story.

Adol Christin embodies adventure, and even with amnesia, there’s a fun cast of characters and enjoyable combat surrounding him to carry through its thirty-hour length. Pacing issues do slow things down at the beginning, but once the story starts hitting that next gear, everything ramps up to match that enjoyably brisk pace. There are nitpicks that drag it down from being something truly special, but there’s a perfectly serviceable action adventure in Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta. The story of Adol continues, and this outing will keep players interested in seeing where the winds take him next.

Aether & Iron is the sort of game I like to see exist. It populates a novel setting with an interesting cast of characters and uses them to build upon a solid gameplay structure, while trying out plenty of its own ideas. There are definitely flaws within, but despite these, it’s ultimately a very enjoyable game to play through, and I would be very happy to continue Gia Randazzo’s story in the future.

Etrange Overlord has a lot of qualities to enjoy. The narrative is fun if a bit nonsensical and predictable, the characters are a blast, and the musical numbers are a nice touch that distinguishes it from its contemporaries. Unfortunately, the lack of a great combat core combined with monotonous gameplay makes the game ultimately difficult to recommend.

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.

It all adds up to a game that’s more commendable on paper than in its execution. GreedFall: The Dying World is an ambitious title by a smaller developer that tells a story from a perspective not often seen in the medium. A story about the horrors of colonization, not to mention told from the point of view of the colonized, is a laudable endeavor. But there isn’t much about the game that makes it a fun outing. Characters lack personality, and it’s entirely up to the player to seek it out where it exists, combat is an overly complex mess of options layered on a foundation made for brute-forcing, and both presentation and technical optimization are in need of fine-tuning. With the change away from the more action-oriented combat being a questionable one, fans of the previous installment may still be on board for another chance to visit the world of Teer Fradee, while all others may want to miss the boat this time around.

I haven’t played an Obsidian game in a long while, and I have to say that in terms of characters, storytelling, and worldbuilding, I felt right at home with everything that was happening throughout Avowed‘s modest runtime. Even with the uninspired combat and the performance issues, I found myself constantly wanting to explore the Living Lands, make potentially life-altering decisions that could affect the world, and steal Marius’ snacks for good measure. Avowed does a fabulous job of keeping players on their toes while also weaving stories that make players want to see everything through to the end. While Avowed has some blemishes, there is a lot to love in this world, and I want to see more of it.

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.

Thysiastery is a simple title at heart. The roguelike dungeon crawling always has a sense of random luck in mind that can cause a lingering frustration due to how easily a party can be defeated. This frustration can give way to a pleasant surprise when weak party members strive farther than expected, or when that next treasure chest or merchant visit changes everything for the better. The quick-paced combat is always fun to dive into, and the amount of skills gives plenty of viable variety to tinker with in party composition. Charging blindly is not a usual feeling for the typical first-person turn-based dungeon crawler, but the easy replayability found here makes it exciting to explore all the possibilities, and despite a decent amount of trial and error it is a worthwhile chance to take for fans of roguelikes and dungeon crawlers alike.

WiZman’s World premiered sixteen years ago as a mid-tier DS title with a simple plot and dense monster fusion system, and not much has changed in the interim. This remastered edition is an improvement in most metrics of graphics and sound, but the core of the game remains the same. It is crunchy and combat-driven, with narrative as an afterthought, and it makes no apologies about that. It is, was, and shall remain a mid-tier JRPG, but sometimes that’s just what an RPGamer needs. To anyone looking for a game that lets them tune out and wreck monsters without high drama attached, it’s certainly worth a look-see.

As a full tome, Ariana and the Elder Codex has quite a lot of potential, but among its genre and the RPG landscape as a whole, it doesn’t stand out too starkly on the shelf. While it has some charming visuals, lore, and some good voice acting, its gameplay and story are only ever serviceably engaging, and predictable twists and excessive endgame lore dumping dull the adventure. While I found myself thoroughly charmed by the characters and having a decent time, the uneven exploration and easy moment-to-moment combat left the game feeling devoid of the substance it’s obviously capable of. If players are looking for a short, fifteen-hour light adventure with some nice charm, Ariana is not a bad pickup at all, but it doesn’t do enough to warrant a top spot on RPGamer’s reading lists.

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.

Compared to the original release, the Sandras now also boasts a faster travel speed while on the high seas. Apart from that and the new island of Öland, there is also the new post-game Muspelheim dungeon for players to tackle. All previously released cosmetic DLC, namely costumes for Adol and Karja and decorations for the Sandras, are included, as are some tweaks to specific game mechanics like naval combat and mini-games, and some graphical and performance upticks. All told, this package is certainly worthy of being deemed the game’s definitive edition. The Ys formula, while certainly evolved over time, has always been focused on more action-oriented mechanics, and there are enough bells and whistles here to keep it generally engaging, if a bit repetitive, while the storytelling has taken on a more and more prominent role over time. It may not be up the alley of those looking for deeply engrossing gameplay, but for players with a passing interest in the franchise who have not yet committed to this installment, now’s the perfect time to dive in and get their feet wet.

Under the Island does the job it sets out to do: provide players with an enjoyable adventure with plenty of puzzle-solving along the way. The puzzle-solving elements — including the boss fights — are easily where the game is its strongest, but it never really steps out from the traditional top-down adventure template, and the lack of any substantial narrative and mediocre overall combat prevent it from distinguishing itself from the crowd. While it certainly has enough to satisfy players who pick it up, it doesn’t quite take the next step to fully stand out.

Escape From Ever After is a gem of a game, offering clever layers that are engaging throughout its playtime, as the narrative and the game’s combat truly carry the experience. While I wish the puzzles and platforming were more refined, I can also see the follow-through and how others may not have had the same issues as I did. What I won’t deny is that Sleep Castle Studio has created a genuinely fun game that has brought new life into fairy-tale properties and given them an original spin. Escape from Ever After offers so much joy in such a small package, and those who love stories will find much to adore here.

Calamity Angels: Special Delivery is an ambitious title that took one-note jokes way too far. A title about deliveries at its epicentre has promise, and the character designs are very enjoyable. Combat has moments where the absurdity all connects, and a wonderful finishing move is shown on screen that always brings a smile, but that smile quickly becomes a twitchy bunch of frustrated nerves when the party will not listen to commands. The constant chatter and disdain from the party is easily annoying, and while the game is only twenty hours, it still feels painful herding them to complete the most basic survival instinct-related things. This constant source of manufactured tension sadly overshadows most of the good on offer here. This courier is anything but dull, but the chaotic frustrations will cause many prospective clients to look elsewhere.

I am struggling to fully reconcile my feelings about Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. I have nostalgia for the original game, even if it’s not rated highly within the series. However, while I enjoyed some of the changes made, such as the side content with the Morning Glory Orphans and the silly Okinawa Girl Gang, those rose coloured glasses come off when I realized that the story feels quite messy, content from the original has been removed for questionable reasons, and everything in the game feels bloated. Coupled with following some of the worst characters in the series, it’s hard for me to say with confidence that this is the definitive version of the game, because it’s honestly a substantial step backwards.

While Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass has its share of problems, I cannot deny how intrigued I was by the game’s characters, story, and world. Kasey Ozymy has crafted such an intriguing, yet sinister world that makes you want to follow the game’s mysteries to the very end. While the combat is serviceable and the puzzles are passable, these are not the elements that will attract players to pick up the game; rather, it is the absurdity, humour, and sharp writing that will keep them exploring. While the PlayStation 5 port has a few crashes, Starseed has done a decent job of porting the game to modern consoles. While Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is an imaginative experience filled with nightmares, its combat and grindiness hold it back from being a truly exceptional experience.

Nioh 3 feels weighed down by its own scope. There’s a lot of space, and not quite enough content to fill it all adequately. If Nioh as a series was going to move towards an open world, there definitely could have been a better balance between scope and content. This is a game that could have benefited had it traded at least one of the time periods for more unique yokai and more missions. If it had to be this big, the performance issues and eventual repetition indicate it needed a bit more heat and time in the crucible. That said, it does maintain ferocious, ruthless, fast-paced action combat, punctuated by blood-pumping compositions, and it has a generally competent story and world built around it. Just don’t expect it to excel in every dimension.

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.

For RPGamers who like cuteness and low-stakes adventure, there is much to enjoy here. Each of the main areas of the game provides its own puzzles and mysteries to figure out, and discovering how best to approach the various creatures provides for fun adventures. The characters and story are strong points, and the decoration aspect is not to be ignored. Little Witch in the Woods is a game that knows its niche and fills it well.

While it wasn’t the game I had thought to spend much of my winter holiday pursuing, Pokémon Legends Z-A turned out to be a pleasant romp, a delightful return to a part of the game world I hadn’t seen in over a decade, and the chance to learn many new and interesting words in French. I shan’t be delving too deep into the post-game or DLC, so others may touch on those as they wish. All I may say is that this was, in the end, a very welcome Christmas present.

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.

While it wasn’t the game I had thought to spend much of my winter holiday pursuing, Pokémon Legends Z-A turned out to be a pleasant romp, a delightful return to a part of the game world I hadn’t seen in over a decade, and the chance to learn many new and interesting words in French. I shan’t be delving too deep into the post-game or DLC, so others may touch on those as they wish. All I may say is that this was, in the end, a very welcome Christmas present.

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.

Kingdoms of the Dump displays plenty of effort and ideas stemming from a unique premise. Combat tries something new, but ultimately feels like a complicated way of doing something routine, and the platforming bugs can irritate quickly. However, the heartwarming and remarkably designed party members and its world, with something new to see around every corner, make that irritation disappear quickly. Tone shifts between jokes that don’t always land and serious stakes of world altering proportions make the story feel too disjointed to be a win, but the passion is clear and there is still enough quaint charm to give this quirky title a worthwhile look.

It’s very pleasing to see Inazuma Eleven make its return in strong form. Level-5 has translated its gameplay onto PC and consoles well, while keeping the series’ nature and enduring charm intact, as well as ensuring that fans will have plenty to keep them occupied ahead of any potential sequel. There are still plenty of areas for improvement: the non-story modes struggle to find a gameplay loop that is particularly engaging, and there are times where more of a challenge would be welcomed. However, with a solid revival to build upon, here’s hoping it’s a much shorter wait before the next entry.

Tales of Xillia Remastered is another successful feather in the cap of the series’ 30th anniversary Remastered Project. While the game itself has some wrinkles in the story department, and visually the game shows its age, it is still filled with fun combat, wonderful characters, and one of the best antagonists in the whole series.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a very solid first foray into the Metroidvania/action RPG space for developer Primal Game Studio. Combat is enjoyable and provides many options to tailor the experience to one’s personal taste, even offering some replayability for those wanting to try a wholly different character build. Combat is generally challenging, with a noticeable increase in difficulty coming from some late-game bosses, so this one is not for the casual crowd. A handful of drawbacks must be taken into account, such as a tendency for too many bosses to make palette-swapped repeat appearances, and the Switch port did exhibit some occasional lagginess when transitioning into menus as well as lengthy loading times between areas. But the quality of the gameplay, in addition to a considerable layer of polish in its presentation, easily make up for the occasional technical hiccup, producing a fine overall package that is well worthy of a place in its crowded niche.

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.

Cairn: Mathair’s Curse is a game that’s well worth the time invested in it. While its gameplay might not push the boat out very far, it provides a solid foundation for an engaging storyline and entertaining setting. Heartfelt events, a good balance of zaniness and challenge, and a strong soundtrack ensure that those looking for another strong retro-styled RPG, or even just a fun RPG in general, are well catered for.

Cladun X3 has so many customization options that it is easy to get lost and difficult to find ways to get the full extent of their capabilities. This creates a lack of balance between dungeons, as players are forced to either flee to survive or too overpowered to matter. There’s more strategy and balance in the exciting boss fights, but they are too infrequent to save the fluctuating difficulty. As it is, loot hounds will be happy with the constantly evolving magic circles and equipment, but the unbalanced progression and uneven presentation will not do this quirky dungeon crawler any favours in finding more than a niche audience.

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.

I found myself truly struggling with how I felt overall while playing The Lonesome Guild. On one hand, it’s a game with adorable characters who build their own bonds to push back a very real threat in the form of loneliness. It wears its heart on its sleeve, and while a lot of what happens in the story is fairly cliché, there’s also a warmth and kindness that cannot be understated and is truly the focal point of the game. On the other hand, the combat is uninspired, the dodge mechanic is fussy, the puzzles are often so poorly explained, and the rewards offered to the player have no real value in the grand scheme of things. The Lonesome Guild is a game that will find its audience through its visual appeal, but those wanting much deeper gameplay and story may be disappointed.

Despite all of its environmental detail, scope, and promise of a wider, more exciting space-faring adventure, The Outer Worlds 2 is a disappointment. While it offers divergence and choice, its paper-thin satire, tonal mishmash, and balancing oddities see the experience crumble under the weight. In addition, the review build’s far too many immersion-destroying bugs, blocked questlines, and other sequence breaks ensure that the game’s issues outweigh its redeeming qualities.

If there is anything that should be praised, it’s that Wander Stars is a great reminder that episodic RPGs are a fantastic, if rare, thing. At no point does the game outstay its welcome across its ten episodes, and the writing and characters do a wonderful job of bringing players back. The battle system is interesting, though it ultimately plays a bit too safe, which is a shame given how playful the idea of using one’s words is. There is a lot to enjoy in this tiny package, but the Switch’s performance issues hold it back from being excellent. That being said, Wander Stars is a very joyful game that, if a sequel were made and its issues ironed out, I would be on board to play in an instant.

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.

Varlet has a few interesting elements. The story is enjoyable enough to experience, with a welcome cast, and it’s quite enjoyable to listen to. However, the gameplay is ultimately little short of a disaster. While Varlet does a lot wrong, players can still readily get through it. However, the worst failing the game has is that it feels a significant improvement could simply come from excising much of its gameplay.

Ultimately, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a mixed bag. An excellent Digimon raising and customization system is held back by a shaky combat core, and the game’s interesting yet linear plotline is severely hampered by awkward voice acting and dialogue. There’s parts of the game that are enjoyable, but its flaws hold it back from being truly memorable.

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.

The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily can be rough going at times, and especially in the final act of the “Happy Ever After” path, but it’s also an entertaining adventure with plenty of strategic twists all the way through. It’s colorful in more than one sense, as well as modern in its themes and mechanics, and the overall package is cuter than the wrapping on a birthday pipe-bomb. It’s still just as explosive, though. RPGamers interested in giving more strategy-oriented titles a try will have some fun with this one.

Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is an easy way to get into the franchise. Sadly, this version has few noteworthy new features and several bugs, making it not as good as one could have wished for. Nonetheless, it is great news that an iconic PC franchise is getting an enhanced version to reach more RPGamers. Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is a recommendation for those who love D&D, but they should expect some bumps along the ride.

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.

Ultimately, Daemon X Machina: Titantic Scion is difficult to recommend. While the bones of combat and customization are well executed, the open world element feels tacked on to an abysmal main narrative, and technical issues hold the game back even further. While these things are forgivable on their own, the full launch price tag feels extremely steep for such an underbaked game that has paid DLC customization options on top of it. Those who enjoy the mech-fighting genre will certainly find something to enjoy here, but others will find a game that feels incredibly undercooked.

Elohim Eternal II: Son of Man has some good elements, but it is constantly at odds with itself. The combat tries to make the most of what it has and can be climactic, but is entirely optional. The story is too often telegraphed and cookie cutter, with any interesting uses of its setting and building connections to the first game coming far too late to be of any worth. Elohim Eternal II: Son of Man is unfortunately left bereft of any engaging sparks, and while perhaps future titles will provide some payoff, it is stuck in a dull routine that it never quite escapes.

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.

So how does this remaster of a vaunted classic stack up in the end? It’s a strange beast, where each step taken by Nightdive to inject some modern convenience is countered by an outdated design decision, though fans of the original will be happy the developers decided to hew closely to what they remember so fondly. It’s all very much a case of “one step forward, one step back,” resulting in a game that absolutely honors its source material, for better or worse. For new audiences, however, that same approach leaves a lot less to latch on to. A classic it may be, though it never quite manages to be as memorable as its equally punishing predecessor despite coming close. Between its crass difficulty, clashing gameplay systems, and at-times-puzzling implementation, System Shock 2 is a game that aims to take the player’s breath away but winds up running dangerously low on oxygen instead.

Megaton Musashi W: Wired offers plenty in terms of a dumb, fun giant robot game. While story issues and performance issues on Switch hold it back from reaching greater heights, the depth of the mecha customization and combat is entertaining overall. The entire package is a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s one with just enough not to feel disappointed.

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.

Elden Ring Nightreign is not the most unusual game FromSoftware has released in its modern era, but it might be the most dense in terms of experimentation. In the spots where the team got to push at the boundaries of what its games are capable of, it’s easy to spot the new, exciting ideas at play. As a roguelike, it can’t quite support the variety expected of the genre. And yet, the core of FromSoftware’s combat is still strong enough that the game is still a blast with friends and so is still somewhat successful at what it sets out to achieve — just don’t expect it to be a big RPG.

There’s an undertone of frustration within Mado Monogatori: Fia and the Wondrous Academy. It is a colourful, magical world, with a charismatic cast of characters who have some of the best comedic situations in an RPG. Unfortunately, combat is just so basic and quick that it feels better to avoid it to just experience more of the world. Luckily, this group of colourful comedians’ antics are funny and charming enough that there’s still a fun adventure to be had.

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.

All in all, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers successfully distinguishes itself as worthy of attention for multiple reasons. Beyond its riveting gameplay and exceptional character customization, Wuchang crafts a vibrant, mystical, and interesting world deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Sadly, the game’s awful quest progression, storytelling mishaps, and occasionally overbearing level design keep the promising concepts, plot premise, and beautiful world from shining like they should. Nevertheless, Wuchang’s sheer excitement is too attractive and makes for a gameplay experience that fans of action RPGs and especially Soulslikes will not want to miss.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is a very well executed roguelite action RPG that brings players back to the fascinating world of Random. While the foremost focus this time isn’t the narrative, the combat system has received such a shot of adrenaline that it more than makes up for it. Combat flows fast and frantic, with a wealth of offensive options mixing melee combat with dice- and card-based attacks. Though there is some necessary repetition that sets in due to the roguelike nature of the gameplay, the many synergies possible between various moving parts of the battle and upgrade systems make for a wealth of build flexibility. Anyone with any interest in roguelikes like Hades will want to give it a whirl, while the dark fairy tale atmosphere will be appealing to others. The game wants to present a polished, not revolutionary, experience and manages to deliver on this in spades.

I do not enjoy being harsh on any game, but I can’t recommend Nova Hearts. It’s a game with no spark or excitement. While I don’t mind some chaos and messiness in my stories, and prefer that, the story, characters, combat, and music all suffer from a level of disjointedness that is too noticeable to overlook. This is one of those games where more time in the oven and a less-is-more approach truly could have helped it hit its full potential. Unfortunately, as it stands, Nova Hearts is a half-baked game that tries to do too much, and does none of it well.

All in Abyss might be that title that caters to the most specific of niches of what is already a subset of gamers. The narrative lacks any redeeming characters, the poker gameplay tends to get old fast, and the gameplay is reductive. Most offensive, however, are the perverse torture scenes that are treated as collectible trophies but will turn the stomachs of many. The gratuitous cruelty simply isn’t enough to sustain a worthwhile game experience, and it quickly plummets from “going overboard” to “growing overly bored”. Those who feel intrigued by this concept may still find a good time here, but all others would do well to steer clear.

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.

Dragon Is Dead has a solid foundation with incredibly fun combat and an addictive loot grind. Unfortunately, the game fails to implement systems that successfully utilize the repetitiveness inherent to its genre, and without a satisfying narrative, it becomes simply another action roguelite in a long list. RPGamers that enjoy loot systems and roguelites in general will certainly find something to appreciate here, but the game is unlikely to sway those who don’t already enjoy the genre.

Raidou Remastered is an interesting look back at Atlus’s first foray into action RPGs, and, luckily, Atlus has drastically improved the gameplay from the original to make for a significantly more fun and riveting combat experience. While it’s a bit on the shorter side, the distinctive setting and endearing story make for a fun, decently sized adventure, even if the game is still a bit rough around the edges in other regards. For RPGamers looking for a good action RPG, or especially for SMT fans interested in something different from the series’ typical elements, Raidou Remastered is an experience worth picking up.

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.

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny fits an interesting place in gaming history. There’s a weightiness to the visuals and combat that place it more in the past, but the new life given from the analog controls cannot be understated. What results is a comedically charming story that is coupled with methodical action combat. The lack of reliable healing adds a layer of difficulty that makes taking hits problematic and gives added weight to the powerful boss encounters. This particular style of quirky nostalgic charm hasn’t been replicated since the original’s release and the modern improvements make this a treat that is enjoyable to experience firsthand.

Although Maliki: Poison of the Past offers strong storytelling, great art direction, and a stellar soundtrack, it’s still a game, and games need to be fun to play. I want to stress that the strongest elements in Maliki are amazing, and I found myself absolutely loving the characters and their world, but the translation to being a video game wasn’t as smooth as it perhaps could have been. Maliki: Poison of the Past is an ambitious title that can’t overcome its gameplay issues, making it difficult to recommend, but if you’re interested in this series, there are thousands of comic strips to enjoy.

While Toward Dawn certainly tempers some of its ambitions, it is nonetheless an impressive debut title from a solo developer. It displays a fine understanding of what makes RPG tick, and its efforts to showcase and raise interest in its Welsh mythological inspirations are effective. The game is a fun and worthwhile spending of time, and I look forward to seeing what Devi Serene has in store next.

Ultimately, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon succeeds at a lot of what it’s going for, and it cannot be overstated how successful the adaptation of the Arthurian legend is. Not everyone is going to resonate with the creepier, darker tone, and the game’s technical state leaves much to be desired. However, those that do resonate with it will find an interesting, complex, intelligent narrative with the player being used both as a framing device and a driving force.

All in all, Blades of Fire is a remarkable action RPG, and it executes its themes, combat, and presentation in a balanced, synergistic manner. While it hammers out its best aspects with force and confidence, it unfortunately suffers from pacing issues that hold back its endearing, attractive plot. Despite its stunning presentation and sophisticated location design, the adventure’s scale feels a bit too long for its own good sometimes. Nevertheless, if RPGamers seek fiery and engaging combat, well-designed progression systems, and an exquisitely crafted world, Blades of Fire offers an experience players will want to brush up their smithing skills for.

Creature Keeper demonstrates a promising foundation, but it requires considerable refinement to truly realize its potential and become a consistently enjoyable adventure.

For those looking for an enjoyable retro adventure, Geo Mythica should fit the bill well. The combat ultimately won’t be for everyone, especially as it gets more chaotic to weave around towards the latter portions of the game, but there’s always a fun journey lying underneath it. While the story is fairly predictable, a solid sense of charm permeates everything it does, helped by pacing that ensures it doesn’t outstay its welcome, making for a solid if unspectacular title.

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.

The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is a wonderful experience where adventure and tactical RPG have been mixed in ideal proportions to deliver an engaging tale. The sheer number of endings ensures dedicated players will have their fill, while the quality of these endings is assured to satisfy those who have less time to spare and can’t afford to clear multiple routes. The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is an exquisite blend of genres that lets the player loses theirself in its well-crafted immensity where each final destination is worth the travel.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that blasts the senses from beginning to end. The melancholic and bleak moments are balanced by the characters’ perseverance, which makes their triumphs shine much brighter. There’s a profound sense of style and substance that only expands as more of the world is uncovered. What results is a true work of art that ties its brilliant components together into a complete package, which is awe inspiring to come from a freshman developer. The heart and soul injected here makes for a very bright future of a return of more turn-based epics that don’t need the power of a known franchise to propel their popularity. RPGamers will not want to miss out on this masterpiece.

While I wasn’t fully impressed by Konami’s additions in this remaster collection, I am happy for anyone who can finally access these two classics. The Suikoden series is for those who love political intrigue, gripping storytelling, and a fantastic soundtrack. Suikoden as a series does an amazing job of pulling RPGamers into their war-torn worlds and making them feel invested in what is happening. While I miss some of the quirks of the original localization, such as Jowy having multiple spellings to his name or the Celestial Sword being known as the Sward Dragon Sword (it will always be the SDS of my heart), I cannot deny how much happiness I felt replaying two of my all-time favourite RPGs. Even though this remastered collection is fairly barebones for veteran players, it is absolutely worth grabbing for anyone who has never had the opportunity to play these classic JRPGs.

From just about any standpoint, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an unequivocal triumph. Although the game adheres to a strict philosophy of medieval realism — and, as such, includes some trying sections, particularly for certain builds — there is just nothing else quite like it. Steeped in historical fact, and allowing for a deep level of role-playing immersion, the continuation of Henry of Skalitz’s tale is a masterclass of storytelling filled with an unforgettable cast of characters, many of whom are pulled straight from the pages of history. The game’s scope is also greatly expanded, with one narrative twist or turn after another, as well as some heavy-hitting set pieces to round out the experience. Simply put, the team at Warhorse has created a banger of an RPG, and a must-play for fans of the genre.

There are two schools of thought for Dark Deity 2. The game will feel very familiar to tactical RPG fans, and it plays things quite safe. However, there’s poise and polish to everything, and a single playthrough is easily enjoyed through its gameplay options alone. Despite the lack of bells of whistles to make it feel unique, the game deserves reward for how it utilizes its strengths. Dark Deity 2 is like picking up comfort food in that it’s perfectly enjoyable as something easy to digest for tactical fans.

Atelier heroines have come in many varieties over the years. Students, heroes, shopkeepers, adventurers, and civil servants have all appeared in the series so far. As a parkour potion princess leaping through her open world, Yumia fills the alchemist role while stretching the mold, offering something new, much like many other aspects of her game. As the Alchemist of Memories, she offers an excellent start to what I hope will continue to be a fun new trilogy, or longer, for Atelier fans to enjoy.

On the whole, AI LIMIT hits the target it aims for. It is a solid, if somewhat thin, Soulslike with a pleasing anime aesthetic. The combat is fun with a few decent innovations, the narrative is compelling, and the presentation manages to toe the line of being unique while also feeling familiar to its contemporaries. Unfortunately, a few missteps in the enemy design, voice acting, and technical departments hold it back from true greatness. Those that don’t enjoy the genre are unlikely to find that AI LIMIT solves any problem they might have, but those that do will find a fun addition to their collection.

The First Berserker delivers an uncompromisingly tight combat experience that is further buoyed by an interesting, if somewhat unevenly paced, plot and a gorgeous presentation that is equal parts relentlessly grim and oppressive. The bosses are epic, enthralling, and even elegant at times, and even in easy mode, players are sure to get a tough but fair adventure. Its commitment to this identity is both impressive and formidable, and The First Berserker is sure to deliver thrills to players willing to meet its challenges.

Avowed is a surprising title, less in how entertaining it is and more in the ways it is entertaining. Obsidian set out to take the Pillars of Eternity franchise in a big, dumb action direction and largely it succeeded. It’s a blast to play, reducing a lot of the friction in the RPG mechanics while gaining strides in the action department. It feels good in the hands in ways that its contemporaries don’t, zipping the player all around the map. Even with a less-intriguing script, the decision-making doesn’t feel compromised. Every other issue with the game feels as though it can be addressed without having to crack the foundation open, leaving curious thoughts of what a sequel might be able to accomplish. Ignoring that, Avowed is still absolutely an adventure worth the time.

When Ender Lilies came out, it was a game that captured that side-scrolling feeling perfectly. Ender Magnolia hits all the notes as well, but it follows a game that was more original with a more engaging story. When crafting a sequel, one would hope that a new title would retain some of the spirit of the original work, but for Ender Magnolia, it feels more like a DLC than its own experience. Still, fans of Ender Lilies who want a new world to explore should check out Ender Magnolia.

Shujinkou is a great cover letter in the history of Rice Games, putting the developer on the radar of RPGamers. The game pays a fair homage to several of its influences such as some Atlus entries and also brings some good new ideas to the table. Learning Japanese is optional, but even for casual players vaguely interested in learning, some words will linger on their minds, and the didactic approach is a great idea. Shujinkou has some flaws that can dismay some players, but the overall experience is great and makes one look forward to the next release of Rice Games.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a truly extraordinary game and a masterpiece of presentation. With its compelling monster designs, riveting fights, and amazingly lush world, it’s bound to thrill and fill players with intrigue and wonder as they smoothly and effortlessly traverse beautifully crafted environments on their Seikret mount. The environmental systems and interactions between monsters are truly something to behold, and even though their integration leaves more to be desired, the rest of the package soars tremendously high in every other element for what ultimately amounts to a monstrously mouthwatering RPG.

While it may not be the most meorable entry in the series, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II still has plenty that series fans thoroughly enjoy. Spending more time with the memorable and delightful cast is never a bad thing, and even though there are elements that don’t quite hit the same or feel a bit superfluous, there’s never any point where the game is in danger of becoming grating. Fans may well come to appreciate its role in simply holding the fort before Kai no Kiseki comes to shake Zemuria up.

Tails of Iron 2 is the poster child for a game that’s going to have a hard time winning over anyone who wasn’t already sold on its predecessor, not due to any lack of quality but because it essentially is its predecessor. It looks and sounds identical, and has nearly the same narrative, despite its new protagonist and setting. It also plays much the same, though the introduction of elemental magic is a welcome bonus source of dishable punishment. Returning players will know to expect a considerable challenge, as the game’s default settings don’t extend a helping paw (though both easier and harder modes are available and can be switched to at any time). All of these elements are what made the first game such a treat, so getting more of them is great, even if it means the game isn’t moving forward in any noticeable way. Unfortunately, some of this excitement is undercut by the new beast hunts, which feel like rather uninspired ways to pad a few extra hours into the game’s runtime. A retread of a fun game isn’t a bad thing by any means, but returning players should be aware that they’ve seen what’s on offer here before.

Ultimately, Tales of Graces f Remastered is a game of peaks and valleys. For some, the combat alone will be enough to carry the experience while they ignore the narrative. For others, the characters will carry an otherwise average and unsatisfying plot. Thankfully, the game gives players as many tools as possible to make their playthrough as accessible as can be, making this an easy starting point for those who haven’t played a Tales game and potentially a fun retread for those who played the PS3 release.

While Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii retreads some familiar ground, it is hard to deny what a joyful experience it is. It’s as though Ryu ga Gatoku Studio knew gamers needed a bit more stupidity in their lives, decided One Piece and Like a Dragon should have a baby, and boom — you get this delightful oddball spinoff that is just fun. Much like Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece, Majima is no thoughts and just vibes, on the adventure of a lifetime, and while finding treasure and becoming a pirate king would be a great reward, it really is more about the friends we make along the way. Everything in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the Like a Dragon series dialed up to a hundred, and while other series would long ago have gotten stale, sometimes injecting a large dose of stupidity can go a long way.

Fans of the first Phantom Brave know just what to expect with the sequel, and it delivers on those grounds. Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero brings the best gameplay mechanics from the first title and lightly refreshes them for a new era, with crisp graphical updates and slight improvements that are sure to delight fans of the genre or developer. While the story lacks the narrative depth of its predecessor, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a sequel that knows what it is good at, and leans into it, delivering a sharper and more refined experience.