The Caligula Effect is a difficult game to review, mainly because of how contradictory it can be at times. Its writing can make it seem leagues above most other JRPGs despite its low production value, yet many of its systems are too complicated to recommend, despite however deep they may be.
While it may superficially retread a similarly desensitised violence found in the original film, little else could be compared from one to the other. In fact, Reservoir Dogs: Bloody Days is better an example of Lionsgate's misuse of the original property, shelling it out every so often for some quick cash here-and-there.
It's not that Drive Girls is simply repetitive, it's just somehow boring. And that's not something I thought I'd say about a game where women transform into cars, fight bug-robots and lose their clothes.
For fans of otome games, Bad Apple Wars may feel like a love-it-or-hate-it experience that will mostly depend on how much you're able to put up with. If you're able to find aspects of the characters you like, its romance subplots will probably pay off.
While technically the game may not be as impressive as others, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is special.
While strategy RPGs may be harder to come by these days, Summon Night 6 is a thirst quenching oasis for any genre-loving desert travellers.
While there can be quite a bit of hand-holding, which may turn off more hardcore fans of the genre, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ offers a great respite from other, bigger holiday releases. If you've got some time this holiday to sit down with a meaty JRPG, this one might just be the one for you.
InnerSpace is, without a doubt, an interesting experience. Despite its annoying inconveniences, it is a relaxing experience from start to finish.
I love Tokyo RPG Factory's admiration of the past, but Lost Sphear offers little for both longtime fans of the genre and casual passersby. If a taste of the past is all you need, however, then it will surely be your companion on that trip down memory road. Just don't be looking for anything more than that here.
Dissidia NT successfully builds upon what came before to make its resurfacing as a competitive focused fighter a deeply satisfying one.
If you were expecting Zwei: The Arges Adventure to be a hidden gem finally unearthed to play, you'll be plenty disappointed. While there's a lot to love within The Arges Adventure, it's mostly superficial due to a frustrating combat system that forces most of the game to become a slog.
The foundation laid by the game offers a surprisingly fun experience, even for those who aren't that interested in the franchise, but thanks to poor AI, a boring story, and uninteresting characters, it isn't able to become a great JRPG in its own right.
All in all, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge is a delightful recreation of the event itself yet it exists in a genre populated by games that far exceed it.
In Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings, there's a charming story and intricate systems that help make it one of the best entries to date. I can't think of a better way to help celebrate 20 years of this long-running series.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - Ultimate Edition is without a doubt one of the best platformers out on a modern-day console.
Mulaka feels deeply personal. A true passion for the Rarámuri culture shines through, as does an equal appreciation for games like Ocarina of Time.
With Ride 3 just around the bend most casual fans might be better off waiting. Anyone returning to the perennial racer may not be able to help but have a sense of déjà vu.
Nobunaga's Ambition: Taishi is a game that feels like a more approachable version of what's come before, both for returning players and new ones alike.
Slime-San: Superslime Edition goes the extra mile in almost every regard. As it makes its way onto more platforms, I can only be thankful that it got another shot in the spotlight. Because dammit, it deserves all the time there it can get.
There's no more excuses. You should play NieR: Automata.