Persona 4 Golden is a superb JRPG that stands the test of time with a brilliant cast of characters, fulfilling main story, and addicting gameplay. This excellent JRPG is finally portable again on Nintendo Switch, providing one of the best ways to play Persona 4 Golden with its new quality of life improvements and features. This is a must-buy for JRPG veterans and newcomers alike.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is a beautiful turn-based RPG that encapsulates what makes Falcom's Trails series so great. The Special Support Section proves to be one of the most memorable casts of characters in gaming today. Addicting gameplay, an enormous offering of content, and a host of new features make this one of the best entries in the whole series.
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.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a masterful RPG that defies expectations, and it's the pinnacle of its genre. Players are plunged into an amazing and complex fantasy setting as a protagonist setting out to right the wrongs of its kingdom: the United Kingdom of Euchronia. Along the way, players meet several well-written characters, including a tremendous threat of a villain. ATLUS refined and perfected the calendar and turn-based battle systems to create an all-time classic. This is absolute brilliance.
Persona 5 Royal is a wonderful experience on Nintendo Switch with its beautiful visuals and fun turn-based combat holding up quite well. Players can experience a captivating story on the go or at home with tons of new features unavailable in the original Persona 5. This is a must-buy for RPG fans who have yet to experience the tale of the Phantom Thieves or for those who want to relive the journey on a portable device.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is another incredible action game produced by SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Sakamoto Ryoma's journey is emotional and action-packed, hitting all of the right chords for an excellent Yakuza / Like a Dragon title. This game is welcoming to newcomers while rewarding longtime fans for their continued support of the long-running series.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is a near-perfect sequel that follows up the previous game with an intriguing story and premise. While shaking up the story formula, the game retains many of the redeeming qualities of its predecessor and makes improvements in the right areas, including the seamless action-to-turn-based combat system. This is a cant-miss RPG that brings everything Trails fans enjoy about the series.
Shenmue III is a real treat for fans and the best entry in the series so far. Improvements push the series in the right direction but it's not very friendly for newcomers. However, the overall game is an engaging experience from start to finish. It delivers what was promised by YS NET as the next chapter of the series.
Soul Hackers 2 modernizes the Devil Summoner formula while retaining the unique cyberpunk aesthetic of Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers. Ringo charges into the Devil Summoner underworld with an interesting narrative and signature Megami Tensei series combat. Soul Hackers 2 is worthwhile experience for JRPG fans wanting another great ATLUS adventure.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is another excellent Trails JRPG with a memorable cast of characters and an engaging narrative. The game stays true to the identity of the Trails series while foreshadowing implications for subsequent games. A strong and well-rounded JRPG awaits in Crossbell following the success of the Trails in the Sky trilogy.
Persona 3 Portable ages like fine wine as an excellent JRPG that caters to handheld play sessions on Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. The game's iconic style, incredible story, humorous cast, and emotional moments are beautifully remastered for modern platforms. The remaster's new features and quality of life improvements make this version the best way to play Persona 3 right away.
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.
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.
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.