Jelani James
Super Neptunia RPG is a diamond in the rough. It has the potential to be the best spin-off to date, but is so marred by gameplay issues and bugs that its successes are often overshadowed. Unless you're in love with Neptunia, then I'd suggest waiting for a patch. Hell, wait anyway.
My Hero One's Justice takes the essence of the source material and wraps it into an enjoyable package. This is by no means the definitive "My Hero Academia" experience a fan might have been hoping for, but it's still a fun one.
Dynasty Warriors 9 felt more like an experiment than a single, cohesive experience. At times it felt like Dynasty Warriors, sometimes an open world RPG, occasionally neither and sometimes both. But if Omega Force learns from this endeavor and buckles down for the next entry, the result could be spectacular.
Compile Heart has become increasingly proficient at producing titles with dark premises and Dragon Star Varnir is proof of that. And fortunately, unlike other Galapagos RPG titles, the focus on narrative doesn't leave the actual gameplay hanging by the wayside.
The Caligula Effect: Overdose has great ideas that are often marred by uneven execution. But with its unique combat system, as well as exemplary music and illustrations, the negatives are outweighed by the positives.
With it's disquieting atmosphere and horror-fueled setting, Death end re;Quest is one of Compile Heart's most intriguing titles to date. However, much like other entries under the Galapagos RPG brand, it occasionally feels like the core gameplay plays second fiddle to everything else.
Ultimately, I'm not sure if Dead or Alive 6 is the game that fans expected after a seven-year wait, but with its thrilling combat and amazing visuals, it still serves up a fulfilling experience — fanservice and all.
Shining Resonance Refrain might be outclassed by modern JRPGs, but if you judge it on it's own merits, you'll quickly find that there is a lot to enjoy.
I was worried Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time would be a cheap cash grab, but I was wrong. There are some flaws, but the most important aspect — the franchise's ethos — is fully intact and on full display, making this a game that's sure to leave fans spellbound
Though Cyberdimension Neptunia: 4 Goddesses Online stands as the strongest spin-off in the series, its shallow combat and uninspired boss fights will likely prevent it from appealing to all but the most hardcore of Neptunia and action RPG enthusiasts.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life brings a satisfying end to Kazuma Kiryu's story, but it's not quite the send off I expected. Between its convoluted systems and cut content, it didn't feel like the saga ended with a roar, but with a whimper.
Despite its altered gameplay and occasional flaws, Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash still offers more than enough fun and fanservice to keep longtime fans happy.
Fate/Extella Link is a solid musou, but how much enjoyment you derive from it will depend on how familiar you are with the lore. Fans of the franchise can jump right in; however, newcomers would do well to check out previous material before giving this a whirl.
It doesn't use the transition to modern consoles fully to its advantage, but with plenty of man-eating Aragami and action that is simply exhilarating to participate in, God Eater 3 is an Action RPG that's good as a snack, and even a three-course meal once future content arrives.
With fast and fluid combat, endearing characters and a grounded story that isn't afraid to crack a few jokes, Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal represents the series at it's finest. That said, if you take issue with the sexualization of its characters, then this game is not for you.
Don't let the odd marketing fool you — there is far more to Megadimension Neptunia VIIR than just its VR. Between its quality of life updates, reworked mechanics and enhanced combat, this game represents the series at its best.
Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings has allowed me to rediscover why I fell in love with the series in the first place. And though I did find the lack of characters and inconsistent translation frustrating, just about everything else blew me away.
Though dungeon crawlers usually aren't for everyone, Demon Gaze II manages to cater to all audiences by offering a low access point for newcomers and a fairly high skill cap for veterans.
Though Nights of Azure 2 feels more like a sidegrade than a definitive step-up at times, some of its new and revised features still allow it to feel like a genuinely new experience that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.
Blue Reflection is lacking in a few areas, but it still has enough going for it to offer an overall enjoyable experience that fans of the magical girl sub genre will enjoy.