Joshua Broadwell
Rigid Core's first game contains a solid central mechanic and some well-designed puzzles, but suffers from lackluster implementation and repetition.
Challenging RTS game works well overall and brings you back for more, but is bogged down by some design flaws.
Despite a few drawbacks, this light RPG hides a challenging and worthwhile experience under its cute exterior.
A solid foundation can't keep balance issues and questionable content from dragging this arcade shooter down into the mud.
Pokemon Let's GO, Pikachu and Eevee might not be what fans were waiting for, but it's an excellent, well-balanced Pokemon adventure nontheless.
Etrian Odyssey Nexus is an excellent way to end the franchise's time on the 3DS, beckoning old and new fans alike back into the labyrinth.
Truberbrook has a few faults, but its engaging characters, enjoyable narrative, and fantastic atmosphere make it easy to recommend.
Though threadbare with new content, Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn remains as charmingly adorable and cleverly designed as ever.
Don't let the green dino's mid-tier status fool you. With fluid platforming, incredible attention to detail, and a huge variety of content, Yoshi's Crafted World is a must-have Switch game.
When it works, Mechstermination Force is an enjoyable experience, but those moments are marred by some faulty design and monotonous grinding.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission is split between a great card-based combat system and not-so-great everything else, but it's still fun for series fans.
Figment turns a touchy topic into an engaging puzzle adventure that's filled with heart and some excellent setting and soundtrack designs.
It's more of the same Atelier, but it also takes the best from its predecessors to synthesize a fun and customizable adventure.
New Cinema Labyrinth is a brilliant combination of game mechanics with a heap of Persona charm and style that's sure to keep you busy for a long time to come.
Dragon Star Varnir could use some polishing in a few areas, but the combat, setting, and story make for a dark and compelling RPG nonetheless.
Etherborn stumbles at times in its execution and gets lost in an unnecessary narrative, but there's no denying the puzzle design is brilliant.
A Place for the Unwilling offers a delightfully sinister tale of mystery and destruction with a staggering number of branching paths that guarantee no playthrough will be the same.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the definitive Fire Emblem experience, with a compelling story, streamlined gameplay, and a staggering amount of content.
The Forbidden Arts tries recreating games of old, but it manages to conjure flaws that should have stayed buried.
Children of Morta is a standout roguelike RPG with a solid central hook, satisfying gameplay, and gorgeous art style all piled on top of huge replay value.