Joshua Broadwell
Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia offers deep tactics gameplay but the overall execution falls short of greatness.
The Pokemon Sword and Shield Isle of Armor DLC is a worthy add-on to the base game, despite being somewhat light on content.
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition makes one of the best RPGs even better, despite not spreading its improvements evenly over the whole package.
Sakura Wars' unique LIPS system, thoroughly charming cast of characters, and great writing more than make up for its less than stellar combat.
The latest Animal Crossing is also the best, full of life, charm, and near-endless ways to make your very own island paradise.
Persona 5 Royal improves on the original in almost countless ways, big and small, to deliver a top-notch RPG for new and old fans alike.
Mystery Dungeon DX gets the story right, but ultimately fails to deliver on everything else.
Rune Factory 4 is an abundant RPG, full of fun characters, things to do, and a compelling network of interlocking systems.
Snack World works as a tasty, but not entirely satisfying, appetizer, with too much filler and some strange balancing choices.
The combat is the best Fire Emblem combat in years, and you get some very good carryovers into the main game that make it worth going back yet again to re-shape the world.
TMS #FE Encore is a solid enough RPG that doesn't play to its strengths and ultimately falls short of greatness.
Atelier Escha & Logy DX refines the formula Ayesha laid out and other new features that make it not just the best in the Dusk trilogy, but one of the best Atelier games in general.
Atelier Ayesha DX is a solid entry starting off the Dusk trilogy, with compelling crafting and gameplay loops, as well as plenty of loveable characters.
Though Atelier Shallie falls short in some ways, the entire Atelier Dusk Trilogy is a solid package with compelling crafting and combat systems.
Heroland offers a hilarious take on working life, RPGs, and fan culture, wrapped in a clever combat system.
Pokemon Sword and Shield breathe a joyous breath of life back into the series, with great improvements and a stellar batch of new 'mon.
Luigi's Mansion 3 is almost non-stop fun and is another must-have for the Switch's library.
Atelier Ryza is the best Atelier game to date, with some much-needed improvements that make for a more compelling package on the whole.
Doraemon: Story of Seasons borrows from both franchises while managing to be a stand-out farm-sim game in its own right.
A Knight's Quest has a good foundation, but it relies too heavily on a borrowed identity and suffers from technical issues and a bit of tedium.