Zach Wilkerson
Octopath Traveler II takes everything that works about the original, makes it better, and is a fantastic game steeped in appropriate nostalgia.
Lost Judgment's story misses the mark on an important issue. While you can have a lot of fun getting lost in its world, it doesn't pack the punch it wants to.
What Monolith Soft has done here is nothing short of remarkable. They've taken everything that worked in previous games, thrown out the things that didn't, and gave us one of the best RPGs ever.
While AI: The Somium Files - nirvanA Initiative might be minor Uchikoshi, it's still Uchikoshi, which makes it worth experiencing for most fans.
While Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising may simply serve as an appetizer for Hundred Heroes for some, its excellent writing and characters, fun exploration, and fantastic sense of community make it worth playing regardless of its status as a "prequel."
Almost 30 years after its initial release, there still isn't a game that has captured the charm, satire, and emotion of EarthBound.
This version of Final Fantasy III is more than just a history lesson; it's a fun, experimental game with a cool early job system, an absolutely stunning soundtrack, a story that does more than people give it credit for, and a significant improvement from earlier games in the series that is worth playing today.
If you listen to Cris Tales talk, it sings with love for its influences. But sometimes, maybe we can love too many things. The game is remarkable on a variety of fronts, notably its look, its sound, and its love for Colombia. All of that works. But it feels the weight of its many influences. Eventually, when the developers throw so many things at the wall, it starts to get messy, with a story that tries to do too many things, combat that never fully lives up to its potential, and a bloated run time.
While the games in Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend certainly show their age, the ambition and complexity of these titles should still be celebrated even today.
Even if you've played Xenoblade Chronicles before, the Definitive Edition makes so many meaningful improvements that it's a must play for all fans of JRPGs.
Heroland has charming character art, hilarious dialogue, and a unique premise. Unfortunately, its style can't make up for its repetitive, monotonous gameplay and unwieldy length.
Ultimately, Crystar is a case of "be careful what you wish for." What at first appears to be an excellent deal — a game with fast-paced action combat, stunning graphics, and a story that takes women and people of varied sexualities seriously — turns out to be deeply disappointing,
Despite some repetitive gameplay and a story that sputters out, Judgment is a worthy successor to the Yakuza series, with engaging side content and a world that feels truly alive.
While it still maintains some of the annoying quirks of past Compile Heart titles, Dragon Star Varnir is worth playing for its fantastic battle system and likeable characters.
A quick, breezy throwback to some classic 8-bit RPGs with a few fun twists thrown in.
With the additional features, and the ability to take it on the go, this is the best way to experience Final Fantasy VII.
NieR: Automata is a true masterpiece; the new content just strengthens an all-time classic.
The definitive way to experience one of the best visual novels.
This is the purest vision of what Kingdom Hearts is all about: absolute joy.
While a perfectly serviceable example of the genre, there are just better options out there in 2018.