Derek Heemsbergen's Reviews
Danganronpa V3 unravels the series' tightly wound coil of bloody intrigue in spectacular fashion.
Etrian Odyssey V is a digital adventure that leans analogue, with pen-and-paper sensibilities that delight far more than they frustrate.
Ys VIII is a smooth and speedy action RPG that is weakened by a curious proclivity to pander to trends instead of carving out its own niche in the space this series helped to define decades ago.
This thrilling game of high-stakes detective falls short narratively but remains strangely compelling throughout.
Not the jump forward I was expecting for this series, but a light and entertaining RPG nonetheless.
A brief, somber, and quietly beautiful journey that occasionally stumbles to resonate emotionally.
A technically inferior version of the original Atelier Shallie, but its narrative additions are worth seeking out for hardcore fans.
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.
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.
Ever Oasis is a competent blend of simulation and action RPG that revels in its celebration of nature's bounty.
A charming throwback to 32-bit era JRPG aesthetics, Zwei's quirkiness and polish make it worth playing in spite of the repetition at its core.
An enjoyable but extraordinarily safe follow-up that carries the torch for this beloved strategy RPG series into the next generation.
Kingdom Hearts III is the biggest, boldest, flashiest entry in the saga—one that builds upon the gameplay systems of its forebears in a kaleidoscopic carnival of action RPG jubilance.
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.
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.
Kamiko's quaint, pick-up-and-play nature makes it a fantastic fit on Nintendo's versatile console.
Ys SEVEN remains a hard-rockin', wall-crushin' paragon of the action RPG genre.
This hack-and-slash romp is as good as it was in 2014, but remains fundamentally the same game, making it best suited for those yet to experience Hyrule Warriors whatsoever.
A loving homage to a niche sub-genre of days gone past, Slay the Spire uses procedurally-generated challenges to keep its deck-building gameplay fresh.
Trails of Cold Steel III marches the long-running series ever closer to an explosive climax with satisfying combat, characters, and music.