South of Midnight is a straightforward but well-executed action-adventure game elevated by the artistry and heart of the American Southern culture that’s wrapped around it.
Refining the Atlus RPG formula of weaving tough turn-based combat into compelling social sim mechanics, Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t just send a powerful message across its political drama, it becomes a beautiful expression of the real impact storytelling can have on all of us.
The Persona 3 Reload DLC, Episode Aigis: The Answer, may be tedious to play at times, but in its faithful recreation are important lessons about the toughest parts of our lives, told through the lens of the series' best characters.
Dawntrail may have some growing pains as it establishes a compelling new era for Final Fantasy XIV, but in its best moments, it lives up to what has made this MMORPG so special for all these years.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance doesn't necessarily make drastic improvements upon the 2021 original, but its new storyline and content additions are reason enough to revisit an already great RPG, or start fresh if you missed it the first time.
1000xResist is a revolution in storytelling, creating its own complex and rich fiction that’s beautifully written and spectacularly visualized. By expertly weaving genuine intimate moments with a sharp political identity, it makes its statements with a confidence that leaves an everlasting impact.
The Rising Tide works great as one last hurrah with new Eikons and a short but worthwhile adventure that shows a different side of FFXVI.
Sand Land’s vehicular focus shows potential, but devolves into a by-the-numbers open world action game with storytelling that only occasionally manages to live up to the joys of the original work.
Backpack Battles’ satisfying inventory organizing mechanics make for an autobattler with a strong foundation, but its barebones Early Access launch leaves a lot of its potential waiting on the table.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth impressively builds off of what Remake set in motion, both as a best-in-class action-RPG full of exciting challenges and an awe-inspiring recreation of a world that has meant so much to so many for so long.
With a stellar visual overhaul and countless small but impactful changes, Persona 3 Reload tells a timeless story of tragedy and hope with sharp emotional sincerity.
Infinite Wealth takes one step forward and two steps back, leaving conflicted feelings amid its outstanding RPG systems and phenomenal character moments.
RGG Studio's latest action-brawler is a captivating and emotional look at Kiryu's life that offers a 'greatest hits' of the series' gameplay.
Phantom Liberty embodies the best of Cyberpunk 2077 for a thrilling RPG-shooter with an evocative story, compelling side content, and unforgettable conclusions.
Bethesda's spacefaring adventure has its moments with impressive scale, satisfying combat, and some worthwhile side quests, but its shallow RPG systems and uninspired vision of the cosmos make for a journey that's a mile wide, but an inch deep.
FFXVI is a bold shift in both gameplay and narrative, yet captures the Final Fantasy magic in stunning fashion, earning a place within the pantheon of incredible entries in the beloved franchise.
Bayonetta Origins is a beautiful storybook brought to life as an imaginative action-adventure full of childlike wonder and endless charm.
Although Like A Dragon: Ishin is dated in some respects, the gripping drama and spirit of Yakuza makes for an enticing historical fiction.
Hi-Fi Rush marches to the beat of its own drum with stunning animation, loveable characters, and stylish rhythmic action that are anything but one-note.
NEO TWEWY is an eccentric action-RPG with an endearing youthful attitude, though its narrative lulls can obstruct its best moments.