While it won't be for everyone, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a fun remake that showcases the history of the series with a brand new look. Seasoned fans of the games will find themselves slightly out of it with missing mechanics, but as the game's difficulty has been toned down since the original, it will appeal to more players. A fitting last instalment for the 3DS, the game is worth a look for those craving tactical RPG battles, or for long-running fans wanting to see the evolution of the series.
With its smooth and bright visuals, catchy soundtrack and easy gameplay, LocoRoco Remastered is a great way to unwind and play something a little less serious. Not much has changed in eleven years since its initial release, but that goes to show how simple and solid a game it was at the time of release. Prepare to get stuck with earworms over the soundtrack though!
Digimon World: Next Order excels with a fairly easy combat system and simple gameplay mechanics, but I was let down by the repetitiveness of the world and environments, as well as some pretty unresponsive controls (mostly in dialogue sitations). The nostalgia factor and the excitement of evolving my digital partners was what kept me playing, but the drawn-out travel methods and consistent grinding in training didn't impress me too much. Digimon World: Next Order is a bit of a mixed bag – die hard fans will likely love it, but newcomers may be turned away by some of the gameplay mechanics and extreme grinding.
All in all, I wasn't expecting Tales of Berseria to be as good of a game as it was. Sure there were some minor gripes with the voice acting and dialogue, as well as the extended overworld travel which slows down enjoyment, but most games have flaws in one way or another. With fun flowing combat and a pretty badass anti-hero lead in Violet, Tales of Berseria is a game you shouldn't let slip by – unless of course you are already swamped with other titles in the meantime.
Gravity Rush has a compelling narrative and gameplay reminiscent of some of Sony's best titles of years past, and some very intuitive character controls. Gravity Rush 2 is a return to form that I don't think I've seen in games in a long time. It has heart and soul, and is genuinely fun to play. Gravity Rush 2 is not for the fainthearted gamer; the controls and gameplay will frustrate many people, but in the end the payoff is worth it.
Despite being the first Final Fantasy game I had played in a long time, World of Final Fantasy felt like something new yet quite familiar
RPG fans and people who like extensive gameplay times will absolutely fall in love with Dragon Quest VII
The first console I ever owned was a Super Nintendo Entertainment System, back in 1996. Occasionally, I’ll get it out and play it on an old CRT television, just to relive the memories of the countless RPGs played on it.
Fire Emblem Fates, regardless of which game you begin with, is a wonderful experience that builds on everything Awakening did right, and makes it even better.