James Galizio's Reviews
Monochrome Mobius is a solid first attempt at a JRPG from Aquaplus, but falters due to a number of plot, pacing and user interface concerns.
Beneath all the jank and technical disaster, there's a Pokemon game that deserved better.
Cygames' roguelite action romp offers a compelling take on the genre, that's perfect for beginners to grit their teeth on.
While not quite perfect, Sunbreak confidently brings all of Monster Hunter Rise's best ideas to the next level.
Despite all its charm, The Cruel King and the Great Hero is hard to recommend.
Endwalker concludes Final Fantasy XIV's decade-long story - and what a story it has been.
Undernauts offers a nearly perfect entry point for folks looking to get into DRPGs.
Death's Door's blend of excellent pacing, an engaging combat system, and a haunting aesthetic help elevate it among its peers.
For me, Fuga: Melodies of Steel is the most “feel-good” release of the year so far. I always hoped it would be great, and my impressions of the game two years ago at AnimeExpo made me sure that the game was on the right track – but you’ll never truly know how a game will land until you’ve had a chance to sit down and play the whole thing for yourself. I can only hope that Fuga is the start of a grand new chapter in CyberConnect2’s journey as a developer, as their team has showcased some serious chops when it comes to designing an RPG.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles isn’t perfect, but it’s the closest that the series has ever been to that lofty goal. These games are Shu Takumi at his absolute best, and it’s a blessing that western players finally have the chance to play them without resorting to fan translations. Whether you’re a new fan, or have been with the series from the very beginning, I can’t recommend The Great Ace Attorney: Chronicles enough.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 manages to improve upon nearly every aspect of the original game, though some lingering issues continue to hold the series back from true greatness.
New Pokemon Snap is (almost) just more of the same, but it's those small changes that hold it back from true greatness.
Frustrations aside, Famicom Detective Club still manages to captivate all the same. It’s a miracle that these two Nintendo classics were ever localized, let alone as a global simultaneous release with these remakes. It was a blast to join the Detective Club after so many years, and I can only hope one day we can see a similar remake for the series’ 3rd game, sales permitting. If you’re at all a fan of either the Visual Novel or Japanese Adventure game genres, you owe it to yourself to experience this vital part of their history.
Team Ladybug's latest title is still worth your time, but pales in comparison to their earlier works.
Monster Hunter Rise proves that Monster Hunter World's success wasn't merely a fluke, but the circumstances surrounding its development are clear.
The latest Taiko no Tatsujin delivers what it sells on the tin, but little else.
Although it may come at an additional cost, Pokemon Sword & Shield's Expansion Pass has salvaged the games for this fan.
Cold Steel IV finally ends the "Phantasmal Blaze Plan" arc for the series after nearly a decade, for better or worse.
Tanegashima offers a more relaxed adventure in the Science Adventure universe and is more than worth your time reading.
Utawarerumono is a great, charming series, and one that is more than deserving of a closer look. This remake might not stand the test of time quite as much as its sequels, but don't let that stop you from getting into the series - it's one that I can't recommend enough.