None of the gameplay is smart or challenging. The environments, while they can be pretty, are nothing special. The story is so non-existent and uninspired, calling it paper-thin is not enough.
Sundered: Eldritch Edition was a delight to play. Aside from a rocky start and combat sometimes being dull, both the combat and Sundered itself gets better the more you play.
Townsmen does nearly everything right. It is the definition of an indie underdog that has a real chance to become something special next time the developers go to town.
If the only Disgaea game you can get is Disgaea 1 Complete, you will still enjoy yourself. It provides insane hour per dollar value if it scratches your team-building and strategy itches. You may just have to endure and work around some major issues. To those familiar with later Disgaea games, those older problems may be anything from a minor issue to you, to incredibly frustrating. You may still get some enjoyment nonetheless. While it can be purgatory, it is far from hell.
Dead Cells could have been a disaster – another game where your arm is behind your back unless you get lucky. Instead your skill is rewarded, and even when enemies become frustratingly fast, you always get the urge for just one more run. Good luck does help of course. It is not perfect, but it is dead close.
Cosmic Star Heroine feels like a short, classic JRPG that has been ported from an ancient system, warts and all. Some of the glitches and usability issues are criminal, and should never be acceptable.