A sequel that treads very familiar ground whilst remaining fresh and innovative, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a great title that delivers on both its promise to give the player an immersive narrative, and also in giving them untold freedom to play the game however they want, as long as they can deal with a dumb hunger meter. Building might be bad, but has never felt so good.
For a small and reasonably-priced DLC, Mr. X Nightmare brings a lot to the table. Not only does it add a new mode with a decent amount of depth, but three new characters and a lot of other small changes. Streets of Rage 4 was already an incredible game and a worthy successor to the iconic franchise, but Mr. X Nightmare has made so many refinements and tweaks that it has raised it to the level where it has surpassed them. All it took was adding one key factor - replayability.
So, should you buy Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana? Absolutely and unequivocally yes. With a reduction on the fluff, an easy-to-learn combat system and a plot that (unlike many JRPGs) doesn't border on the incomprehensible, Ys VIII stands as a fantastic example as to how these games should be made and one I'll now hold as a benchmark to mark any future JRPGs against. An essential Switch purchase.
If you have previously played the original, there are little changes here to warrant returning to Lordran (unless you want to of course). However, the core of the game is still one of the most intriguing, challenging, and beautifully created gaming experiences currently available; so, I wholeheartedly recommend picking it up despite its flaws
Thank you to Nintendo for kindly supplying a review code for this title. Mario Tennis Aces is available now on Nintendo Switch eShop and in retail.
Thank you to Aksys Games for kindly supplying the game code for this review!
Will you be getting this title when it releases on September 4th 2018? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter, and keep an eye here on Rice Digital in the future for coverage of more awesome Japanese games.
Have you got Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? Who is your main in the game at the moment, or who are you gravitating to the most right now? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter and Facebook, and check back for more coverage of games like this and other Japanese titles.
The World Ends With You -Final Remix- is out now on Nintendo Switch. Do you think you'll pick this title up, or is it just a little too noisy for your tastes? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter, and check back for more coverage of games like this and other Japanese titles.
DEAD OR ALIVE 6 is out today for Playstation 4, and PC via Steam. Have we swayed you on the game? Why not pick up a copy?
Steins;Gate Elite is out now for Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC via Steam. Have we sold you on the game? Why not pick up a copy?
An enjoyable retro-style rogue-lite; in RAD you should expect brutal gameplay in a gaudy and synthesised world. The random nature of the world sometimes proves to be a problem, but not enough to diminish what is a fantastically loud take on the genre. If only for letting players smack about mutants with their engorged limbs and a baseball bat, RAD lives up to its name. Just try to stop playing it, you'll struggle.
Once you fall into the groove, Oninaki is greatly enjoyable, even if it initially falls flat because of its repetitive combat. The story heads to dark places surrounding the central theming, occasionally in a ham-fisted way, but still manages to have emotional impact. Ultimately though, Oninaki is a gem of a game if you're persistent in putting in the work. Tokyo RPG Factory have done it again
Being a visual novel, If Found… won't be for everyone, but those willing to give it a try will find a beautiful and endearing story of self-acceptance. The gorgeous hand-drawn art and the story coming directly from a diary really give the impression of an insight to someone's life, and the gameplay idea of actually erasing history and identity creates an intensely emotional experience.
If you're looking for a great indie title to while away a sombre afternoon, look no further.
What Bravely Default II has retained from previous games has been polished to a high standard and delivers the perfect slice of turn-based JRPG nonsense you're craving. However, be warned as the areas that have changed aren't as solidly executed and can have frustrating results. Bravely Default II is definitely worth the look for JRPG fans or fans of the series, but be prepared for an experience that's a tad rough at times.
Balancing excellent strategic gameplay with great writing and a tank-full of heart, Fuga: Melodies of Steel continues the excellent track record of the Little Tail Bronx series. A set of great characters, beautiful visuals and excellent music precede an emotional journey through a war-torn world through the eyes of a group entirely unprepared for the choices they will have to make. This won't be for everyone by any means, but what is here was clearly made with a lot of care.
If you can look past (or appreciate) the brazen clichés and huge levels of fan service, Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is a phenomenal murder mystery visual novel. The gorgeous world, wonderful characters and genuinely well-constructed mysteries combine into a thoroughly enjoyable if bizarre experience. If other similar games like Danganronpa or Ace Attorney are your bag, this is definitely worth investigating.
There is a lot to love in the Super Mario RPG remake. An adorable art style, deceptively deep combat, an excellent updated soundtrack, and genuinely funny skits and writing all make this game as much of a joy to play as the SNES original. If you can look past the simplicity of the game overall, and the occasionally frustrating experience that is the jumping puzzles, this is a stellar addition to the Switch's already stacked library.
The Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is overall a fantastic release, bundling up two incredible games and one less-than-incredible one, and with a bevy of other features and other content for those Chords of Steel fans. Spirit of Justice might be a weakest link, but it's still one in a damn solid chain full of charm, humour, and plot twists. If you're a fan of Ace Attorney, you need this collection, and honestly this is still worth your time even if you're not.