Baldur’s Gate III is a title that many would not have thought possible just a few years ago. The game serves to further Larian Studios’s already strong reputation, and the studio deserves massive credit for refusing to panic, taking its time to get things right, and continuing to offer improvements even after launch at an impressive rate. Hopefully, it is able to reap the richly deserved rewards for doing so.

Skyrim is one of the finest embodiments of an open world RPG, as there is never a dearth of places to go or quests to complete. What Skyrim lacks in tough role-playing choices, it more than compensates for with interesting things to do.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has immediately become one of the Switch’s standout titles. Creating something with a greater draw than the Breath of the Wild was always going to be a challenge, but Nintendo has taken lessons learned from and systems established in it to create a glorious follow-up that fully deserves the plaudits that have already come its way. Even for those who haven’t played many Zelda titles, Tears of the Kingdom is absolutely worth diving into and rewards every moment spent with it.

Persona 5 is certainly not a light endeavour, and Royal’s new additions understandably won’t be enough for everybody to want to go through it again, but for those considering reuniting with the Phantom Thieves, or completely new to the title, Persona 5 Royal is a perfect opportunity and an incredibly rewarding usage of time. Persona 5 already made an incredible mark when it released, and Persona 5 Royal just adds to Atlus’ richly deserved reputation among RPGamers.

BioWare made a great game with Mass Effect, but Mass Effect 2 is better in every single way.

What's remarkable about the game is that it's aged far better than most of its contemporaries. It's still fun, it's still relevant, and it's still Zelda.

Everything is well planned, balanced, and executed, making it a game that has gained the recognition of fans and the media. There is a novelty in how the mechanics are implemented. Metaphor: ReFantazio is an amazing title and a strong contender for this year’s awards. Time will tell how iconic the game will be, but it will undoubtedly please Persona fans, hardcore RPGamers, and casual players alike.

It’s hard to review Elden Ring without being comparative; that’s because Elden Ring is an evolutionary step, not a revolutionary one, and one can’t help but see how it’s built on what came before. Here is a massive undertaking of a game, not for the sake of chasing trends but as the natural progression of the style the company has been fostering for over a decade. It’s amazing how smoothly the transition to open world was and how much of the Souls identity is still present. In the short time since its release, it has already left a cultural mark, no doubt a result of the game’s increased approachability. Even after sifting past all the hype and grandiosity, there’s still an excellent game left and Elden Ring is a clear showcase of FromSoftware’s outstanding expertise in the field. Elden Ring really is just that good.

The Witcher 3 says no to all of this - it's a great game with a fully realized setting, it's a joy to play, the business model behind it treats its customers like human beings, and it delivers a story that finally hits the tone of the books.

For those looking to get into cRPGs, and even for those just searching for a great RPG, Divinity: Original Sin II is heartily recommended. It has all the virtues that fans of the subgenre have extolled and wraps them up in a way that is much friendlier to newcomers than every other title I've tried. Combine that with fantastic writing, a highly engaging combat system, and great design, and you have another standout RPG in a year packed full of them.

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.

Persona continues to be one of the best RPG franchises around.

With Persona 5, Atlus has once again proven that it is the master of the modern JRPG. With terrific style, addictive gameplay, and an engaging, thought-provoking story, Persona 5 not only matches, but often exceeds its predecessors, one of which RPGamer even declared its RPG of the Decade back in 2010. It is an exceptionally long game, with most players likely to expect over one hundred hours for a single playthrough, but the investment is well worth it. Persona 5 is a remarkable game that shouldn't be missed.

This is easily one of the best RPGs ever created, a serious contender for Game of the Year awards from the gaming media, and a title with which all video game fans owe it to themselves to spend some time. It is hard to put down and will not disappoint.

BioWare has crafted a fantastic game with Mass Effect 3. The shooting is improved once again, the RPG customization is deeper, and the story missions are mostly amazing, with the exception of the overall plot ending with a big letdown.

Like any reimagining of a series, Skyward Sword doesn't get everything right in the first try. Despite everything it does well, there are still several kinks that need to be worked out. That said, it's still the most creative, bold, and arguably important Zelda title to be released in over ten years.

Rogue-lites may be an acquired taste for some, but it’s hard to envision a world where Hades isn’t an easy recommendation. By the time credits rolled on the main story, there was plenty more to discover and unlock as well as the desire to do so. It may not have the infinite replayability some of the others in the genre are often considered to have but its focus on narrative and characters will give a satisfying enough conclusion even without all that. It’s a game to lose a night to or play in reasonable chunks and still get something out of. It is Supergiant Games’ best effort by far and that is no small feat.

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.

It’s been twenty-seven years since Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa first left Midgar. Since then, their world — and ours — has changed significantly. It’s such a wonder, then, to be able to recreate that sublime experience of leaving Midgar for the first time during the opening of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This is the game that delivers on the promise of the Final Fantasy VII remake project. It’s a fascinatingly familiar yet unknown journey that is breathtaking and unforgettable.

Bloodborne is complete, distinct, and excellent.

Despite the fact that Undertale didn't tick all my boxes, it was still an enjoyable game. Its visuals and music brought to mind some of my most cherished memories from my formative years, and are top-notch even for games that try to evoke that retro vibe. Its narrative is tongue-in-cheek and consistantly sends surprises the player's way. The game excels at asking players to enjoy it in ways that are incongruous with the traditional way RPGs are designed. Unfortunately, those looking for a more traditional experience may feel short-changed here. The lion's share of the game's character, lore, and emotional impact is experienced by challenging yourself to play the entire game in a completely different fashion.

Revisiting Demon’s Souls in this fancy new package was some of the most fun I’ve had all year. The return to Boletaria was a pleasant reminder of just how good the game is, and the influx of new players makes it the current definitive choice for someone looking to get into the series. There’s a certain boldness to releasing the game relatively functionally the same so that a whole new generation of people can experience just how weird it is. While the facelift can cause some dissonance, most will experience a beautiful action RPG with some of the most tightly-designed levels and a bevy of different ways to approach the game. It may not be a brand new game, but even all these years later there still isn’t anything else quite like it.

Undertale is a delightful, heartfelt game.

Just because this is more accessible than most for newbies does not make it any less of a tactical game, hardly the best-selling genre in the gaming world. Awakening is nevertheless a genuine treat for anyone seeking a deeply rewarding tactical title on the 3DS, and a fine return of the series to the English-speaking world after the last game missed out.

Chrono Trigger DS truly stands the test of time. From the distinct 2D visuals, to the wonderful score, to the singular characters, to the unique take on a well-known battle system, everything was done exquisitely in the 90s, and it is all there and just as fun today.

Despite its length, Monolith Soft has managed the feat of keeping Xenoblade an incredibly enjoyable experience throughout. The top-notch story only furthers the fascination in the unique world that has been lovingly created, and it is a world that fans of the genre deserve to see.

Dragon Quest XI S is a game for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. There are many Easter eggs and references to past Dragon Quest games that will subtly reward fans, but at the same time, the charming world of Erdrea and its characters are appealing to newcomers of all ages. Even those who have played the previous versions of Dragon Quest XI may find the vast improvements of the Switch version compelling enough for another round, especially with the Tickington quests, new character content, and marriage options. This game is a masterpiece, and it sets a new high standard for not only the series, but console RPGs in general. Hopefully the series will continue outdoing itself with further instalments.

Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is outstanding, and the pinnacle of Final Fantasy XIV so far. All of its elements blend beautifully for not only one of the strongest MMORPG experiences going, but one of the strongest RPG experiences full stop. The ability for its gameplay to cater to both players who prefer to play predominantly solo and those who prefer the more communal MMO elements is amazing, and the audio and narrative just further pile on the goodness. For those debating getting into Final Fantasy XIV, the release of Shadowbringers offers an ideal time to do it, with the very best awaiting them at the end.

I was blindsided by how much I enjoyed Disco Elysium. Developer ZA/UM succeeded in making a game where progress isn’t tied to the defeat of, say, four hundred rats in a sewer, but to thoughtfully engaging with the world and characters it has to offer. It presents a reactive and messy world, occupied by people with needs, desires, and prejudices rather than NPCs with repetitive sage advice. There is a certain emptiness to the game, a sense that despite all efforts there is no fixing the underlying problems that plague the inhabitants of Revachol. The poor are still poor, union leaders fight for better pay, scabs take their jobs, and the rich businessman on top takes advantage of all of them. But dig deep enough and you’ll find some hope there, too.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is probably the biggest surprise of the year.

Far Cry 3 reaches for greatness, but falls short at merely being really fun. It has a few hiccups here and there and the story is very thin, but the exploration and combat really shine. It's a worthy addition to any collection.

At the end of the day, Dark Souls II uses more subtle changes to find its own flavor and place in the series as a whole, rather than reinventing the wheel.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the perfect starting point for those who are new to the series. Many small quality-of-life changes help streamline the experience for players, additional content and costumes create more flavor to the story, and the addition of the orchestral soundtrack bolsters the experience. It’s a shame that the Switch port wasn’t re-rendered to give S the same graphic prowess as the original game, but even with its noticeable downgrades, Dragon Quest XI S is well worth the time.

In the end, the game was great, and though there isn't much replayability, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story makes you want to play it over from the beginning again, just for the laughs alone.

If you've never had an opportunity to experience The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, now is the best chance to do so.

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.

While fans of Persona 3 can rest assured that they will find a thoroughly enjoyable experience in Persona 4, in many ways it feels like a move sideways for the series rather than a step forward.

Monster Hunter: World absolutely stands out as an astonishing, deep, compelling hunting experience that can keep most gamers entertained for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. The aforementioned loop of "hunt, upgrade, repeat," works here better than ever before. Capcom has fine-tuned this series for over a decade, and their hard work pays off with this release. Some may have worried that with the recent release of Monster Hunter clones that others may have discovered ways to improve on this formula and take over the genre. Yet, Monster Hunter: World proves that Capcom is still king of this jungle. Long live the king!

Despite not everything going off without a hitch, and some systems sure to appeal more to certain kinds of gamers, Chicory’s emotional core is so strong, so impactful that it eclipses all other shortcomings and just leaves the player with an overwhelming feeling of pathos.

Overall, Sekiro is defined by its riveting, challenging, and ultimately highly rewarding gameplay. Stemming from simplicity but giving a wide variety of different combat options, few games come close to matching the exhilarating rush that Sekiro’s best moments provide. Exploring its atmospherically engrossing levels is a treat, from a visual, musical, and atmospheric standpoint. Even if exploration and character storylines are sometimes hampered by Dragonrot, repeatedly severing the immortality of bosses with brutal “Shinobi Executions” and discovering the ritual secrets of eternal life offers a captivating experience that stands out as one of FromSoftware’s best and most distinctive titles.

While not perfect, especially when it comes to combat in Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is still a gem. Most of the changes were put into Mass Effect 1, and the effort made it far more replayable than the original. Mass Effect 3 holds up the best of the three, proving that regardless of the controversial ending, it is still one of the best gaming experiences BioWare has made to date. Mass Effect 2 could’ve done with some more tweaking to bring it up to 3’s combat. Legendary Edition gives hope for the future of the franchise.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and all that has come after is one of the greatest success stories in the history of gaming, so much so that said success has become one of its greatest challenges. Though there is still much more to come from Final Fantasy XIV in the future, Endwalker is a magnificent cap on everything leading up to it and a fitting end to the story of Hydaelyn and Zodiark. The passion of the Final Fantasy XIV team and its desire to do the best that it can for the fanbase is clear, and it deserves every one of the plaudits that has come its way.

With its numerous mechanical improvements, ridiculous amount of content additions, and of course the simple ability to carry the game around with you, Persona 3, RPGamer's RPG of the Decade, is at its greatest in Persona 3 Portable.

Veterans will still find the Terminian challenge they know and love, but new players should no longer feel daunted by the game's expectations.

While this expansion will certainly frustrate new hunters learning the ropes, it gives veterans nearly everything they craved for after finishing the original experience. Capcom continues to do what it does best in this series, improving upon prior efforts to refine these games for an even finer sheen. When it comes to games about hunting monsters, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne proves that this series is the apex predator.

If this is to be the last of the classic Dark Souls titles, then Dark Souls III is a great way to finish the trilogy.

The game is very hard, but not unfairly so; each time you die, you'll learn a bit more about the level, and you'll be able to progress a bit further. I was very surprised with what I found in Demon's Souls.

Pillars is a title that should make old-schoolers happy while still offering a solid core game, story, and a rich setting for new-schoolers.

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.

Perhaps the most affirming praise to offer Slay the Spire is that instead of writing about it, I would prefer to be playing it instead. The game has an addictive quality where all the little choices made can pay off in big ways down the road. The combat is straightforward enough for anyone to grasp while also offering incredible depth, and the simple act of deck-building is entertaining in and of itself. Where the game needs to exceed it does so by multiple degrees, more than enough to outweigh the minor quibbles it garners after hours of play. Any opportunity to even try the game should be greeted with enthusiastic expediency.

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.

Already one of the prime RPG properties out there, Nintendo and Monolith Soft have somehow contrived to take Xenoblade Chronicles even higher. It’s clear that the studio has taken on board what has worked and what hasn’t from the previous titles, while still looking to inject fresh ideas. The great ambition of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is backed up with superb execution across the board as all of the elements work together to put players at the centre of another stunning experience.

Despite being an all-around improvement over the original Borderlands, Borderlands 2's biggest flaw is that it plays it safe.

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses isn’t a perfect game, it comes incredibly close to it. It quickly became my favourite Fire Emblem entry and is quite possibly my favourite TRPG of all time. After finishing the game, all I wanted to do was dive back in and take a different route. Coming from someone who doesn’t replay games, that by itself is a truly telling statement of how excellent the game is. With lovable characters, a deep combat system with great improvements, an interesting story and a beautiful presentation, there’s very little not to adore about this Switch title.

While my time with Stormblood started off slow, once I got into Doma and met the characters there, things really took hold for me. What initially seemed like a dull liberation story quickly grew into a full-on, worldwide revolution with characters worth caring about. While the party interactions never match up to what was offered in Heavensward, the world building, villain motivations, and general sense of purpose for the heroes quickly took center stage and never let up. The build-up was worth the trip, especially the final boss, and all of it left me excited to see what's next.

Bastion is an enticing experience, and one worthy of every accolade that it has received.

After sinking over fifty hours into Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to get to the story’s end, the game is an easy recommendation. The story is over-the-top bananas in the best way possible, and the twists and turns are definitely gasp-worthy. The fresh faces do a great job cementing themselves as new favourites, and the addition of Hawaii makes for a great setting change. While there is some recycling of assets and the collision issues are still present, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is addictive, campy, and a game to easily lose oneself in.

Child of Light's artistic appeal not only holds up, but it has the gameplay to back it up, making the world of Lemuria an unforgettable one.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a game that's definitely worth playing, but there's a lot of room for improvement.

Dragon Age: Inquisition starts off as a good game and keeps getting better as it goes along. This doesn't mean the early parts are insufferable, but instead shows how the game continues to build and develop throughout its entirety.

Horizon Zero Dawn is as close to a flawless RPG as one could hope for; developer Guerilla Games went for the gold in every respect, and it shows. The game boasts immense production values in its gorgeous art direction, and is stuffed to the gills with great voiceover performances, atmospheric and tuneful music, and visceral sound effects work. Even more importantly, it provides a top-notch story that delights in plunging the unsuspecting player headfirst down a rabbit hole of epic proportions, far and away its strongest achievement.

At the end of the day Dark Souls succeeds in producing a game that is both incredibly challenging and fair.

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.

NieR: Automata is an odd case where the game feels worse than the sum of its parts. Each individual element is high quality on its own, but there are enough flaws to bring down the overall experience. The story goes in very interesting directions but fails to land the ending, and the combat has a lot of depth but fails to encourage the player to explore it, which combine to make the whole thing feel just a bit hollower than it should be. Anyone who liked NieR or Drakengard will love this game just for how it presents itself and the ideas it explores, but fans of action games or slightly thoughtful sci-fi stories will find a lot to appreciate too.

For me Torchlight II was an immensely enjoyable experience from start to finish. The game is more than welcoming for both fans of the original and newcomers to the series and is high amongst the better gaming experiences I've had this year. It might not bring anything particularly new to the genre, but those who choose to pick it up will be provided with superb value for their money.

Many of the great franchises of the 90s have burned out or faded away. But now, XCOM is back in a way that plays like a love letter to the original. It may not be stellar, but it has everything to make it feel right with the old fans while at the same time welcoming the newbies with tentacular appendages. That is a rare and wonderful thing.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a gem with fully justified award wins in 2020, and the Nintendo Switch port is a very welcome opportunity for more players to dive into its fantastic sci-fi story. While it’s light on the action, it’s a wholehearted recommendation for those who enjoy narrative adventures and RPGs in general.

Despite a few hiccups, Pokémon Y is a terrific addition to the series, but it's hard to really call it better than generation five. While it has a number of great new features, it also has a number of significant flaws, and the dearth of new pokémon is disappointing, especially in light of the addition of a whole new type.

While I clearly had issues with the actual gameplay parts of The Witcher 2, the story and characters were memorable enough to make it worthwhile, mostly because of how real they felt. While it starts off rough, has a steep learning curve, and offers a lot of places where it can get frustrating, in the end the experience was worth the effort. With a little more polish on the controls and interface, this series can continue to mature into something truly outstanding.

Despite these minor hiccups, Monster Hunter Rise is an epic experience that no Switch owner should be without. It manages to reach the vast majority of high expectations of both long-time fans and newcomers alike, and even pushes those boundaries with the exceptionally fun Wirebug mechanic and a superb cast of old and new monsters. While small room for improvement still exists, Rise continues to refine the formula even further giving RPGamers a hunting experience that can only be compared to other entries in the same franchise. And while veteran hunters will certainly enjoy everything Rise offers, newcomers will find that Rise provides a more welcoming experience than any other game in the series. Coupled with the Switch’s ability to play on-the-go, Monster Hunter Rise retains its Master Rank in the arena of co-op action RPGs.

Regardless of what-ifs, Revelation does its job well as the game half-way between the two main campaigns that answers unexplored questions.

It takes the core experience that made Diablo II great and makes it less frustrating and, more importantly, much more accessible. Where Diablo II encouraged careful planning and forethought, Diablo III encourages experimentation and fun. And hey, if you're not down with that, Torchlight II is right around the corner.

The base gameplay of Dave the Diver is so engaging and addictive that Mintrocket really did not need to go the extra mile by crafting such a diverse and creative adventure, but doing so takes Dave the Diver from being a great game to a wonderful and memorable underwater adventure.

Those with an appreciation for the tabletop games and classic PC games this pays homage to will likely have an enjoyable experience. The learning curve is a bit steep, the seas may get choppy, and the deck can get rather slippery, but with some patience and perseverance, even the greenest sailor can go from lowly deckhand to decorated captain.

For its rookie outing, Nioh shows a lot of promise and delivers on quite a bit of it. Its combat is unmatched and will carry it further than some of the more nitpicky complaints can bring it down. It's a fun game to learn, offering great incentives to explore and pore over its many intricacies. It may end up being a bit too long for its own good, but others may find this offers the replayability necessary to get that next piece of an armor set. If this is to be the foundation for a new series, which it absolutely should be, then the hard work is over and an interesting world just needs to be built around it. If it is to stand alone, then it at least does so with one of the finest combat systems ever created.

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.

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.

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.

Persona 3 Reload is the best edition of the game and DLC promises to bring some additional content that was featured in other iterations of the game. The story has been preserved while the gameplay has been renewed and enhanced. Persona 3 Reload is closer to being the next mainline entry than simply a remake, making it a must-play game for all RPG fans.

XCOM 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel, which is a good thing. It takes the lion's share of the gameplay from the last game and embeds it into the new game's foundation, shifting around some pieces to support the new gameplay fixtures without really altering the heart of the experience. With new soldier classes, enemy types, mission objectives, an all-new base, and a story built on losing the invasion the last time around, the new game provides the same intense combat experience and resource management series veterans expect. It ups the ante in terms of difficulty, and the result is a nail-biting game of close calls and narrow victories. While this may turn off some, it provides an amazing feeling of victory when one finds the sweet spot between keeping troops alive and advancing the long-term narrative-driving projects.

Dragonfall is worth any RPG fan's time and $15 unless, I don't know, they don't like cyberpunk, dragons, or exceptional tactical combat.

Returning to Midgar has been a much more fulfilling experience than I expected going in. Seeing all of these characters, and the world, fully realised in 3D has given me a whole new appreciation for them and I’m very much looking forward to what’s next in store. Exactly how successful the full project is remains to be seen, but the first part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake has done everything it could in getting me incredibly excited for the second.

Although Dragon Quest IX's main story can be completed in forty hours or so, doing so would be a disservice to the supplementary material. These additional layers are what transform the most recent iteration of one of RPG-dom's sacred cows from a repainted throwback into an old-timer who has traded speed for the silvered brows of style.

Astral Chain is a very welcome addition the Nintendo Switch’s library and PlatinumGames’ portfolio. Some areas are stronger than others; the combat and style are both excellent, but platforming sections are less engaging and the game’s doesn’t make full use of its interesting premise and setting by preferring to go into more straightforward anime melodrama. It’s one that’s well worth checking out for RPGamers and non-RPGamers alike.

The Pokémon franchise is one that has been consistently good throughout its twenty year history, but Pokémon Sun & Moon aren't just good, they're fantastic

It’d be easy to simply compare Chained Echoes to some of the classics that clearly inspired it and call it a day. But the game brings to the table a lot more than simple callbacks to Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, or Suikoden. It builds on the impressive groundwork set by these household names in such impressive ways that it easily establishes its own identity. Even those who have never played any of the above titans will be able to get into Chained Echoes without any trouble, and all that take the plunge are sure to be quite happy they did so.

Square Enix has improved the battle system where its imitators have failed, while expanding on an already powerful story.

Final Fantasy XVI is the magnificent entry fans and newcomers needed. This somber take on the series’ traditional theme surrounding magic crystals an imposing Eikons readily evokes nostalgia on longtime fans and nicely introduces newcomers to the series. Its spellbinding story, emotive soundtrack, spectacular visuals, and fast-paced action combat make Final Fantasy XVI a must-play action RPG.

Sea of Stars is a perfectly balanced modern RPG with a beautiful world to explore. The game’s story is full of heart and charismatic characters that push it forward in emotional and meaningful ways. There is a plethora of amazing music and sounds that contribute to its classic vibe, and some great minigames. Its retro RPG inspirations are used only as a foundation; it comes into its own through clever storytelling ideas and vivid world interactions. Although it never quite reaches the heights of the classic RPGs it takes inspiration from, Sea of Stars stands out as a superb, modern turn-based RPG due to its incredible polish and refinement.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening has quickly become my favourite Zelda game to date, and the pacing is a strong reason why I enjoyed it so much. Every time I thought to myself, “I could really use an item to fill a specific need,” there it was. Combat is satisfying and it feels really good to take down a tough boss. Grabbing the Seashell Tuning Fork and trying to dig up all 50 is a fun diversion from the main plot and rewarding to boot. The gameplay is highly accessible, offering both a normal mode for newer players like myself or a more challenging hero mode for veterans. It’s the perfect game for anyone looking for just the right title to dip a toe into the Zelda universe and proves quality top-down RPGs are not a lost art.

The Pokémon franchise is one that has been consistently good throughout its twenty year history, but Pokémon Sun & Moon aren't just good, they're fantastic.

Its combat stays consistently interesting and most other aspects are on par with Awakening, which is plenty to make it a fine tactical title worthy of investigation by anyone intrigued. When the rest of the game is considered, it feels as if Intelligent Systems tossed in just about every notion to cross the development team's mind, which makes applauding its ambition easier than considering everything a rousing success.

Aside from the travel issue, Spirit Tracks is, in every way, a better game than Phantom Hourglass. Sadly, the travel gets so frustrating later in the game that it really drags the whole thing down.

Pokémon HeartGold is an addictive game. There's plenty to do and lots of secrets to uncover.

Despite a few issues with the boss fights, Little King's Story is an adorable and surprisingly challenging game that can easily addict a person for its twenty to thirty hour duration.

In the end, the real question is whether Pokémon Black offers enough spark to justify buying another Pokémon game. True believers have purchased it already, and the vocal haters will continue their hating despite this review's best efforts. For everyone who's left, the answer is a solid maybe.

Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster brings the definitive version of a 28-year-old game to today’s audiences by looking at modern enhancements and embracing the past. The spirit of the beloved original is honored here, with love of the game showing in every wisp of smoke or hiss from a strike of thunder. Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster doesn’t play exactly like Final Fantasy VI did in 1994 when I first played it, but the experience of this Pixel Remaster certainly looks, sounds, and feels like it did all those years ago. Unlike that old sweatshirt from college, this always fits. That’s the best kind of nostalgia, isn’t it?

The remake does an amazing job of appealing to both newcomers and veterans by offering two versions of the game. Those who were bothered by the technical issues in the original version can enjoy the remake with all its new features, while those who want more of a challenge can still enjoy the no-frills Classic Mode.