Derek Heemsbergen's Reviews
A high price point and some subjective duds make Namco Museum a stretch in terms of outright value, but the influence these games had on the industry makes them worth at least a cursory glance in the rearview mirror.
Kamiko's quaint, pick-up-and-play nature makes it a fantastic fit on Nintendo's versatile console.
Ever Oasis is a competent blend of simulation and action RPG that revels in its celebration of nature's bounty.
Stormblood helps Final Fantasy XIV soar to new heights in storytelling, visuals, and gameplay, inching one of the best MMORPGs ever created even closer to perfection.
The ultimate version of Disgaea 5 goes deeper than ever into strategic minutiae, standing out as a fantastic value in spite of its cringe-worthy humor.
It might sound strange to call an anniversary repackaging of a decades old title a "must own" for a new system, but Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is just that well produced.
Don't be fooled by its unassuming facade: Rakuen is a one-of-a-kind adventure that brings tears and smiles in equal measure.
A compelling expansion of the Trails universe that sets the stage for further adventures in Zemuria.
Technically messy and relentlessly shallow, The Caligula Effect is one taboo better left unbroken.
At $10, Kero Blaster is pushing it in terms of justifying its price point, but there's no denying that it's a silly, well-crafted little game that feels good and oozes charisma.
Dragon Quest Heroes II is one of the most flexible Warriors games on the market, full of nods to its dual lineage for better and for worse.
Episode Gladiolus is worth checking out for its rugged action and blood-pumping music, though its plot points really should've been part of Final Fantasy XV in the first place.
A surprisingly strong contender in the Nintendo Switch launch library, VOEZ is well worth its modest asking price for rhythm fans who need to scratch that IIDX itch.
Mass Effect: Andromeda presents plenty of great ideas, but these tend to be either aped too closely from its predecessors or buried under issues that are surmountable yet frustrating all the same.
The clumsiest Atelier title since Rorona, Atelier Firis lacks the heart, soul, and polish of its predecessors.
A dense and impenetrable creature-management simulation that relishes in gut-punching the player every time they make progress.
Tales of Berseria is proof that with a more thoughtful approach to design, the series still has what it takes to stand tall among its RPG contemporaries.
Kingdom Hearts fans - particularly those who can justify the game's astronomical price point of $60 for about five hours of new content - will definitely enjoy their brief time with Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.
A technically inferior version of the original Atelier Shallie, but its narrative additions are worth seeking out for hardcore fans.
As the most content-rich Project DIVA game yet, Future Tone has a bizarre charm that should appeal even to the most vocaloid-averse rhythm game fans.