Yakuza Kiwami comes to Nintendo Switch with good, solid port that faithfully brings the lights and sounds of Kamurocho onto a handheld. Despite some flaws in performance, Yakuza Kiwami on Switch retains its smooth and fun combat system, rich and compelling story, and all the content of existing console and PC versions.
Ys X: Nordics is a crowning achievement for Falcom as one of its most vibrant and compelling action RPGs yet. The setting of the Obelia Gulf invokes a sense of adventure and mystery, while its characters, locations, and lore keeps players engaged. As the young hero Adol and the pirate princess Karja, players experience a combat system that sets the new standard for the franchise as well.
REYNATIS is a great action RPG that interprets the themes of a "fantasy based in reality" in an intriguing setting: Shibuya, with a bustling underground of wizards. From the perspective of protagonists Marin and Sari, players may unleash their magic with unique Wizart abilities and explore another world that runs in parallel with their own. Despite some of the game's limitations and flawed execution in various areas, it delivers a compelling story without overstaying its welcome.
Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku is an excellent rhythm and exercise game that keeps players coming back for more. Despite a lack of variety in its modes, the game still offers compelling content and rewards that will motivate you to keep moving every day. It's a very polished title on Nintendo Switch with very responsive Joy-Con controls and vivid visuals as well.
Falcom's Tokyo Xanadu eX+ finally comes to Nintendo Switch and quickly presents itself as the best console version of the game., thanks to a revised localization and 60 FPS support. Despite its story and combat-related flaws, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ still presents RPG fans with a great offering of content and features that will make them want to explore Tokyo and discover the secrets of the underworld.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak serves as a brilliant introduction to the Republic of Calvard, the setting for what appears to be the most exciting Trails story arc yet. Van Arkride explores the gray areas of Calvardian society alongside allies that are just as tough and driven. The game's story is complemented by a revamped combat system that retains the identity of Trails, and there's of plenty of improvements made that make this one of the best Trails games to date.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a near-perfect version of Shin Megami Tensei V with a brand-new storyline and nearly a hundred hours' worth of new content. The Canon of Vengeance story corrects many of SMT V's faults while making the game's world feel even more intriguing and unique. All of the new features compound together to make an even more fulfilling game, making this the definitive version of SMT V.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the mountaintop of the Like a Dragon series and a spectacular title that manages to impress from start to finish. This is a grand, momentous adventure that sees players control both of the series protagonists in a story that ultimately shapes the future of Like a Dragon. It's a masterpiece that improves gameplay systems from Yakuza: Like a Dragon while driving ambition in many other aspects.
Persona 5 Tactica is a really fun RPG that brings interesting new characters, addicting gameplay, and a story that delivers lighthearted and dark themes alike. Although the game doesn't exactly move the Persona series forward in a substantial way, Persona 5 Tactica brings an intriguing twist to the gameplay systems that fans come to know and love in a well-rounded RPG that respects the player's time.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name delivers an impactful story through the perspective of Kazuma Kiryu, the beloved protagonist of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. In preparation for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Gaiden bridges an important gap in the timeline while providing additional context with new characters that enter the fold. Meanwhile, Gaiden introduces various improvements to the signature combat system and many hours of compelling content as a can't-miss entry in the series.
CRYMACHINA is an intriguing action RPG with mechanical girls that attempt to become human again in a very distant future. Although such a future is bleak, these androids make CRYMACHINA feel wholesome and hopeful. CRYMACHINA's smooth combat system, stellar Japanese voice acting, and well-rounded offering of single-player content make it a solid game.
The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails brings a vastly different experience compared to other Trails games, but it's a true Falcom title that will captivate players all the same. From an otherworldly setting with dozens of levels to a simple gameplay system that evolves with progression, Falcom presents a very fun action RPG with high replay value, and intriguing story/lore, and a pleasant cast of characters.
ANONYMOUS;CODE is a brilliant visual novel by MAGES. and Chiyomaru Studio that blends the wonders of reality and science fiction for a truly memorable experience. The stellar writing, stunning artwork and CGs, and incredible cast of characters make ANONYMOUS;CODE a standout title in 2023. This is a must-buy visual novel for Steins;Gate fans, and newcomers will be pleasantly surprised, too.
Affogato combines elements of visual novels, popular Japanese RPGs, and anime to create a compelling title. The beautifully drawn illustrations and superb Japanese voice cast make Affogato feel like a high-quality anime or visual novel production. Affogato's Persona-inspired life management systems also allow players to dive deeper into the game's colorful cast of characters as well.
Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening is a well-rounded RTS game that brings players into the Sengoku period to lead clans into victory. The game's rewarding management system and compelling mechanics are very enjoyable, but the controller button layout and menus may feel obtuse to some players.
Exoprimal is a very fun third-person action game where players may enjoy destroying waves of dinosaurs to progress a story across time. Exosuits offer a compelling arsenal that may suit different combat scenarios, and various upgrades and cosmetics let players add a personal touch. However, Exoprimal's opening hours leave a lot to be desired, so commitment and time are needed to get to the game's best features and modes. The game's use of a Season Pass and microtransactions may also be a point of contention for some Capcom fans.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is an exceptional turn-based RPG that beautifully ties up loose ends from previous Trails games while hinting toward the franchise's future. Players are greeted by a memorable cast of characters that are playable across three main story paths. These story paths converge into an excellent experience with a slew of side content and much more to discover. This is an absolute must-buy for Trails fans.
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is an incredible detective-mystery game that blends elements and the appeal of Danganronpa with refreshingly new ideas. Investigation and Mystery Labyrinth sequences always hold surprising twists and turns, and the game is bolstered by a diverse cast of bizarre and endearing characters. This title is a must buy for fans of mystery games and the Danganronpa franchise.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is an awesome strategy RPG that faithfully adapts Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising into one delightful remake. The remake provides a lot of compelling content with addicting gameplay that will keep players busy for tens of hours. Although online functionality is somewhat limited, the single-player content makes Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp a hidden gem on Nintendo Switch in 2023.
GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a great remaster that brings players back into a magical world crafted by Nippon Ichi Software and Vanillaware. This real-time strategy game features a vibrant artstyle, unique gameplay, and a compelling cast of characters.