Butcher is not an innovative title by any means, but that is also kind of the point.
Combining an action RPG with a building game is an unusual combination, but great care was done to ensure that fans of both can be satisfied by this and the freedom to play the game in a way most compatible to the individual player’s preference only makes it better.
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past takes a fragment of gaming’s forgotten past and breathes new life into it. Some of the more hardcore Dragon Quest fans may find the reduction in job grinding time and streamlining the intro a negative change that dumbs down the game, but I would argue that it also makes the title more accessible and more fun. Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is essentially the same game we remember from the PlayStation except it has been updated and improved.
Criminal Girls 2: Party Favors isn’t a groundbreaking RPG, but does offer a decent gaming experience with an interesting story concept.
60 Seconds! is a blast (groan).
MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death is a good though unremarkable game.
Wrath of Loki: VR Adventure is a rather short game that is designed to be completed in twenty to thirty minutes.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is a modern JRPG masterpiece.
Grow Up is a worthy follow up to Grow Home.
A.W.: Phoenix Festa attempts to combine an action RPG with a dating sim and is actually able to pull it off. It is a short game that can be completed in just a few hours, but it has some replay value since getting different partners for the Phoenix Festa or trying to date different women can offer a different experience the second time around. There is not a great deal of challenge to it but it is a cute game that can be casually enjoyed, provided one has thick enough skin to handle repeated rejection from digital young ladies.
Snow Horse is a mildly amusing concept that could have been decent if it were developed beyond the idea of “let’s put a horse on a snowboard.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is an enjoyable, though not groundbreaking RPG.
Lifeless Planet is all about exploration and atmosphere (groan).
Cast of the Seven Godsends Redux could only be more old school if it actually was made in 1991.
Daydreamer: Awakened Edition plays like an early 90s platformer but looks like it belongs in this console generation.
Crush Your Enemies is a fast-paced RTS that combines a need for strong strategy with pick up and play accessibility.
Monster Hunter Generations is an action RPG that is designed to consume your life.
Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness is essentially JRPG comfort food.
One Piece: Burning Blood is one of those middle of the road games that makes game reviewers weep. The fun of praising or decimating a title stolen away without so much as a cheeky card. The game itself does work as an introduction to the series, giving the briefest of glimpses as to why it's so popular, and piling on the fan service with countless playable and support characters. Neither good nor bad, it exists. That will be enough for many fans.
Grand Kingdom takes some time to get going, but once it does, it's a great tactical RPG.