Ben Thompson
Final Fantasy VII might not seem as ambitious as it once did, but it is still an incredible ride for fans of the traditional JRPG.
If you would have told me a few weeks ago that I’d now be invested in helping a pack of squids of varying shapes and sizes thwart an oozy corruption hellbent on destroying their homeland, I would have thought that you were crazy. Heck, I still think I’m crazy for what I’m about to say about this game.
The Dragon Quest / Minecraft hodgepodge is something you’d probably never dream of asking for, or even expect to work. But I am so glad that it is a thing.
Fans of 16-bit era JRPGs itching for their next meaningful experience need look no further than Shadows of Adam.
Disgaea 5 Complete is the type of game that can easily provide hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of playtime, so there’s no reason to rush it. There is a near infinite amount of freedom in customization and gameplay tweaks that should satisfy RPG fans of any caliber. While I still prefer the thematical grittiness that Final Fantasy Tactics offers, there is simply no comparison to Disgaea 5 from a mechanics perspective. Seriously, if you find yourself enjoying the first few hours of the game, don’t be surprised when those single digit playtimes roll into double and triple digits before you know it.
In my opinion, Ys VIII falls just short of being a masterpiece, but is still an amazing game despite its shortcomings. I found the island of Seiren to be an absolute blast to explore, as it is chocked full of action, adventures, wonders to explore and mysteries to uncover. Ys VIII is my favorite Switch RPG to date, and has made me a fan of the series to boot. While it may not have the same performance quality as its PS4 counterpart, it is still an excellent version all around. Be right back while I install Ys Seven on Steam.
SteamWorld Heist is a game that has left me with no regrets – okay, maybe the fact that I'm kicking myself for not giving it the time of day beforehand counts as one. Outside of that, I really love everything about this game – the sound, look, and feel are just stellar for a modestly priced indie affair. Like steampunk? Play this game. Tactical/Strategy enthusiast? Play it. In it just for the unicorn hat? Whatever the case may be, play this freaking game.
Game Freak and Nintendo have made it clear that Pokémon: Let’s Go is not a replacement for the core RPG experience coming in 2019, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t appeal to series veterans at the same time. It is true that the exclusion of random encounters and wild Pokémon battles (among other things) is weird and makes the game a whole lot easier. However, Let’s Go still manages to exude that Pokémon essence we all know and love despite the changes. Being able to experience the wilderness of Kanto on a TV for the first time is wonderful, and the option to play with even the least experienced player out there definitely has its perks. Pokémon: Let’s Go has the potential to scratch that catch-em-all itch for a while, although hardcore challenge seekers will really have to get creative with self-limitations in order to maintain any true level of difficulty before reaching post-game. But if we’re being honest, isn’t the most difficult part of any Generation I-esque game getting Mew out from under that blasted truck near the S.S. Anne?
Octopath Traveler is an absolute delight, and is a must-have for anyone fond of retro-infused JRPGs in particular. Its lack of linearity in both a narrative and gameplay perspective may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but should be fantastic for those wanting something a bit different than the norm.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection proves to be a shining example of a console port done right.
Tales of Vesperia is an epic adventure that only marks the beginning for the series on Switch.
Games, like Alvastia Chronicles, are the reason why I continue to get excited about the next RPG release from EXE Create and KEMCO. When the team gets it right, it is hard to find a better experience within the budget tier of the traditional JRPG market.
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth may not be the absolute best Metroidvania on the Nintendo Switch, but it is certainly among the best.
Undernauts may lack the brutal difficulty of other DRPGs, but the culmination of QoL features, compelling narrative, and unique setting make it shine nonetheless.
Like Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition was in 2020, Rise of the Third Power will undoubtedly be one of the best budget-friendly Switch RPGs of 2022.
If you are a fan of beat’em ups and welcome a splash of Metroidvania and RPG mechanics thrown in, then The Legend of Tianding should be on your radar.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game – Complete Edition is a brilliant homage to both classic arcade beat’em ups and the niche beat’em up RPG subgenre.
Boot Hill Heroes goes above and beyond riding on the success of its inspiration, bringing life to the Wild West in ways many should find comforting.
Project Warlock pays tribute to the early ’90s first-person shooters while freshening the experience through its use of RPG mechanics.
Xenoblade’s unwavering quality – even after almost a decade – proves it’s worthy to stand among the other “greats” of the genre.