Robert Fenner's Reviews
Persona 5 is not nearly as subversive nor as smart as it wishes it was, but it's stylish as hell and a gripping ride. Worth the wait, and worth your time.
Lieve Oma is a charming little game about how our relatives shape us.
To all the faildaughters and failsons out there who've ever felt like their lives were hecked up forever, Night in the Woods has got your back.
Steins;Gate 0 would be excellent if it was about one-fifth of its length, but its constant missteps make it difficult to recommend to any but the most ardent Steins;Gate fans.
Xanadu Next is short, sweet and satisfying; an immensely addictive dungeon crawler that manages to be textbook Falcom with refreshingly quiet aesthetics.
The Silver Case's uncanny brand of Erotic Grotesque Nonsense absolutely isn't for everyone, but those willing to penetrate its deliberately obtuse shell will find a deeply thoughtful mystery.
Virginia is an intensely intimate, powerful and thought-provoking experience masquerading as an homage to supernatural detective thrillers, and it is one of the most important games of 2016.
Mandatory Happiness is a compelling cyberpunk visual novel in its own right, though one that never reaches the heights of the anime it's based on.
OZMAFIA!! is pretty inconsistent across the board as far as visual novels go, but a ridiculous concept and large stable of lively beaux make for a wacky good time.
The Director's Cut of Oxenfree remains a dissociative nightmare you can't wake up from.
One small step forward from Star Ocean 4, one giant leap from being a compelling experience. Integrity and Faithlessness is, much like Fiore's outfit, a case of the Emperor's New Clothes.
Magical Eyes isn't the worst visual novel on Steam by far, but there's plenty more out there that are more deserving of your time.
Conquest is very lucky that its gameplay and localization are so excellent, because its tired story leaves much to be desired.
Stranger of Sword City is a competent dungeon crawler with teeth.
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but Salt and Sanctuary is truly inspired.
Between its excellent dialogue, enchanting visual design and care handling delicate subject matter, Firewatch is one of my favorite narrative experiences of 2016 so far.
Final Fantasy Explorers offers a lighter alternative to players intimidated by Monster Hunter, but know going in that it's a very light experience indeed.
Holiday Star is possibly the only game that contains a pheasant weaponizing the delusional fervor of otaku. Established birdie lovers will find a lot to love in Holiday Star, but fledglings should start with the prequel.
Hatoful Boyfriend isn't just quirky and bizarre, it's also the smartest visual novel you've never played.
Stella Glow may fail the Bechdel Test with flying colors, but its battles provide hours of fun.