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.
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.
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.
Remnant: From the Ashes perfectly captures the Soulsborne feeling it was aiming for with some neat tricks of its own. The way the world is created through random encounters and design means that there will always be something new to discover. The technical side is a bit hit or miss but underneath a few questionable design choices, there’s a fantastic game waiting to burst out.
Blasphemous is a great addition to the genre and it truly feels like a unique creation able to stand fine on its own without taking too much from other games out there. The world and lore are fantastic and enough to keep anyone with a passing interest engrossed to the very end.
Ultimately, The Alliance Alive HD Remaster is an interesting call back to the JRPGs of old and the excellent combat system is its saving grace. If you played the original back on the Nintendo 3DS, there’s not enough new features to dive in for a second time however if you missed out on this game the first time around then The Alliance Alive HD Remaster is a competent if somewhat unremarkable game.
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.
Trials of Mana is the pure definition of an AA game and that is not necessarily a criticism, not every game has to be a AAA blockbuster. Indeed, despite my grievances with a lot of the game’s issues, I never once disliked my time with the game and hopefully this is the start of a revival for the Mana series.
Far Cry 5 offers a new, interesting perspective on the Far Cry series and it’s a much needed one to stop the series from becoming stale. The Co-op mode is the highlight and you’ll get hours of enjoyment out of it should you stick around and explore Hope County to its fullest.
The Surge 2 improves upon the first game in almost every way which is a huge testament to how far Deck 13 have come as a developer. If you disliked the first game and found no enjoyment anywhere, you’ll most likely find nothing for you here but if there were parts you enjoyed about the original, the Surge 2 improves upon it and makes the sci-fi Soulslike genre it’s own.
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.
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.
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.
Re Mind is a fantastic DLC for those that are seeking a greater challenge than the base game offered. For those here for the story, you’ll be left sorely disappointed but with everything else the package offers, there’s something for everyone.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a great RPG that deserved a second chance on a more popular console. The changes might not be numerous but what is there elevates the game beyond the original and for those with a tolerance of the idol industry, you’ll find a fantastic RPG that fills that Persona void on the Switch.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a fantastic game and is a sequel to Koji Igarashi’s Castlevania games in all but name. There’s enough familiarity there but also many new ideas which will please newcomers and veterans alike. It may have been a long time coming but Koji Igarashi’s return has been well worth the wait.
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.
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.
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.