While I can't say it perfectly achieves everything it goes for, One Step from Eden provides a style of game that I can't get anywhere else. It does well to differentiate itself from its inspiration, Mega Man Battle Network, through its challenge, its style, its pacing, its gamefeel, its gameplay variety, its skill ceiling, and its tone. While there are still some frustrations I have while playing, I can't say that I don't have predominantly positive feelings about the game.
If poor combat bothers you greatly, then you might find this game deserving of quite a lower score than an 8. However, if you're just here for the fantasy farming simulation, and you're willing to push yourself through some unavoidable sequences of displeasure, then you'll find one of the most polished and satisfying farming systems I've come across. In short, your mileage will definitely vary with this one.
An empty game without much in the way of satisfaction. It's as if someone took the bare frame of what makes a God Eater game and sold it. God Eater 3 needed much more time in the oven, and while its polished presentation may look appealing on the surface, the hollow gameplay is where its true colors are shown. Compared to the precedent set by previous titles, it's a disappointment.
This is one of the most engrossing games I've ever played in an already well-loved franchise, and I can't recommend it enough to just about anybody out there. While there were some minor adjustments to systems in future Tales titles to make for a smoother experience (not having to forge an item to be able to swap characters mid-battle, for instance), not one has approached this level of depth or this high a skill ceiling. Without hesitation, I can say that the benefits in Vesperia outweigh the downsides by a landslide. This game deserves all your money and then some, regardless the platform on which you decide to purchase it. "All my heart baby, all my love~ Arrivederci! ;D"
Mega Man 11 is frankly something I consider fantastic. I unfortunately don't particularly anticipate this title bringing in newcomers who previously disliked Mega Man, just by means of the added complexity and much raised skill ceiling (even though the floor has also been lowered slightly), as well as the fact that it is still every bit Mega Man at its heart, for people who are already fans of the franchise, I'd be surprised if they weren't extremely satisfied with Mega Man 11, as there's a LOT this entry improves, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. This is by far my favorite entry into a franchise I already had a fondness for, and I'm pleased as a peach with what they've put out.
The game is simply not finished yet, and while I can definitely see those desperately hungry for this kind of game being able to look past a fair number of its faults, I would sooner recommend the myriad of other titles which scratch the same itch, without nearly as many caveats.
Iconoclasts has a genuinely interesting story, told in a way which is too obtuse to come across well. It also leaves quite a lot on the table without properly explaining things. Its characters are charming, lovable, believable, detestable, and sympathetic all at once, and watching them go through the events of the story can be captivating. Unfortunately, it takes Iconoclasts about halfway through before it begins to even feel like a game, and while the gameplay progresses a bit more from there, it still never reaches the heights I think it could have. At just 11 hours for the main campaign, it's something I would definitely recommend to anybody looking for something to dig into without much time commitment. Also recommended, start the game on hard mode; normal leaves things much too plain. I definitely believe that if the game's creator, Joakim Sandberg, ever places himself in the directorial and lead writer positions of a small development team, all of the depth that the gameplay and exploration elements were sorely lacking could reach their full potential and then some, creating something absolutely great.
Salt and Sanctuary is an excellent love-letter to the Dark Souls franchise while still managing to provide a distinctly unique experience. As far as game design goes, this is a splendidly polished example of the Soulsborne mechanics appropriated correctly, and I eagerly anticipate playing all the way through NG+7 and beyond, just not on the Switch. Unfortunately, the dark screen and glaring performance issues in this port detract from the overall experience, docking points. On steam, however, I'd likely give this an 8 or a 9.