The Legacy of Kain series has long been missed, and it’s fantastic to get a chance to return to them on modern systems. Unfortunately, many of the gameplay systems feel dated, and there are a few bugs in Soul Reaver 2 that holds this collection back a little.
At the end of its massive runtime, Metaphor: ReFantazio never suffers from pacing issues and tells a captivating story that stirs your imagination. With fantastic additions to the familiar Press Turn battle system and one of my favorite casts in a long time, this is one fantasy you won’t want to miss.
Frostpunk 2 is a great entry into the city-survival genre and one that will hook even newcomers to the genre. With a fantastic campaign full of difficult choices, a sandbox mode available from the start, and so many options on how you shape New London, the larger scale of Frostpunk 2 is one that succeeds in every way.
Four years since its initial reveal, Black Myth: Wukong is a great success. An engaging, cinematic story, a combat system with many options, and breathtakingly beautiful, this is one journey you won’t want to miss!
Eiyuden Chronicle is a fantastic first entry from Rabbit & Bear Studios in an attempt to bring back Suikoden. A by-the-numbers plot holds it back from truly achieving greatness, but a strong cast and exciting base building makes this a must-have for all fans of classic JRPGs.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth ups the ante in this unforgettable globe-trotting journey. Featuring some of the best characterization in gaming and a faithful and enjoyable recreation of Final Fantasy VII’s world, this is one train you won’t want to get off.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a gorgeous open-world adventure that, despite having some similarities to Ubisoft’s own Far Cry, has its own identity that begs you to explore every nook and cranny. That exploration won’t be for everyone, but for those of you tired of having your hands held, there’s a lot to see, do, and enjoy.
Beyond the Dawn is a great time for those wanting more Tales of Arise, and the same great gameplay systems are all there, but it feels like a missed opportunity to expand upon what was an already great game given the time between release and DLC.
A great follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077 with a stellar cast that brings a thrilling story to the streets of Dogtown. The gameplay changes bring it up to a better standard, but if you are not a fan of the original, don’t expect Phantom Liberty to change your mind.
Despite expecting a Persona spinoff with Warriors style combat, Persona 5 Strikers is a Persona 5 sequel in every sense of the word. This is a must play for fans of the original although those here for a Warriors style game may be left disappointed by the focus on the story and out of combat moments.
Gust have spent a little longer than they usually do with Atelier Ryza 2 and the game is much improved over the first in nearly every way.
Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that was never going to live up to the massive hype it generated but what was released is an unfinished game with too many issues that may be beyond saving.
Watch Dogs: Legion is a disappointing follow up to Watch Dogs 2, no lessons have been learnt and despite enjoying the sights of London as a local, repetition in mission design coupled with dialogue feeling like a poor Guy Ritchie knock-off leaves a lot to be desired.
All said and done, Trails of Cold Steel IV is more of the same from its predecessor last year while bringing in more of the wider Legend of Heroes series to light. Those without prior knowledge will certainly miss out on a lot but for those who have been around since the start, this is one finale you will not want to miss!
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an emotional rollercoaster packed in a visual novel style gameplay that is excellent from start to finish. The lackluster battle system lets it down and at times, gets in the way of a game that would be better without it.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is still as fun as it ever was, but the new additions fail to make an impact and in some places, lessen the experience.
Mortal Shell is an excellent first game from Cold Symmetry and although light on content, I cannot wait to see more of Mortal Shell down the line.
Fairy Tail is a fun romp through the kingdom of Fiore with many interesting features although newcomers to the franchise may feel lost at times with the story.
Despite being a remaster of a VITA game, Ys: Memories of Celceta is another excellent addition to the Ys series that is now accessible to a larger fanbase where it may perhaps get the recognition it deserves.
As a newcomer to both visual novels and the Utawarerumono series, it tells a compelling story that introduces you to a fantastic world. The story is entertaining throughout, and the battles are fun enough if a little basic.