The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a morbidly engrossing tactics RPG that takes the right notes from Danganronpa.
The First Berserker: Khazan has some of the most balanced defensive and offensive combat systems I’ve experienced in a Soulslike game, as well as some rich progression. However, some frustrating boss mechanics, braindead AI, and puzzling mission structure hold it back from reaching its full potential.
Xenoblade Chronicles X was already one of the Wii U’s best games, and this Definitive Edition does more than enough to justify another trip to planet Mira.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak 2 makes a few missteps with the pacing of its multiversal story, but it puts a focus on quality character moments and impressive worldbuilding.
‘Sonic x Shadow Generations’ is a solid remaster with an awesome tie-in that shows a bright future for the Sonic franchise. It fixes the original game's performance problems, while the new Shadow content is fun and exciting to play.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake gives an NES classic the royal treatment it deserves.
‘Life is Strange: Double Exposure’ is a direct sequel to the first game that continues Max’s personal growth while providing a solid cast of new characters. However, the pacing feels rushed towards the latter half of the game and gameplay mechanics aren’t as interesting as previous entries.
It’s been a long time since Inquisition’s release in 2014, less than one year after the release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but Dragon Age: The Veilguard is definitely worth that wait. It offers the fun and deep character interactions that BioWare is known for, while packaging the best aspects of previous Dragon Age games into a brand new adventure. Despite a few flaws, it’s an engrossing RPG that’ll leave an impression on fans for years to come.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a bit of an underwhelming RPG that has some unique gameplay mechanics. The open-ended world narrative structure feels freeing, but the characters are boring. The glimmer mechanic is fun, but the battle system lacks a strategic hook. Each of its gameplay systems is a double-edged sword, as we'd find a particular aspect enticing while another was baffling. It feels like a slight step back from the other recent SaGa games, but if you're a fan of the series, Revenge of the Seven might resonate with you more than it did with us.
In many ways, Metaphor: ReFantazio feels like the next mainline entry in the Persona series in all but name. In others, it carves out an identity all its own. The strategic turn-based combat system is just as satisfying as ever, while Archetypes and globe-trotting put a new perspective on an otherwise familiar experience. I could see the plot twists coming a mile away, but the endearing cast of characters made the journey worthwhile. It’s not perfect, but Atlus has earned my vote of confidence. Consider me a follower.
Fusing classic series sensibilities with modern ones, Echoes of Wisdom is an inventive and endearing adventure,
Concord has solid gameplay mechanics, but fails when it comes to providing characters to care about and doesn’t accomplish its attempts to stand out from other hero shooters.
Visions of Mana is like a snack that you eat in between your big meals. There’s enough here to satiate your hunger, like the fun combat and entertaining cast of characters, if you’re looking for another RPG to play in the meantime. It feels safe and familiar, so don’t come in expecting a novel experience.
Black Myth: Wukong is only a Soulslike in the way Stellar Blade is, and that’s to its credit. It lightly borrows elements from the subgenre but carves out a niche for itself by focusing on its key differences. Despite some performance issues and frustrating difficulty spikes, Black Myth: Wukong’s frenetic combat and emphasis on fluid movement make it feel unlike any of its other contemporaries.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a standout game in 2024 in how its different gameplay styles work surprisingly well with each other... With its gorgeous classic Japanese folklore aesthetic, it’s just as pleasing to look at as it is fun to play.
'Anger Foot' will have you kicking and screaming as you make your way through its grimy levels and colorful enemies. And it’ll always be through pure rage, whether you’re on an unstoppable rampage or dying suddenly to a stray bullet. With plenty of gameplay variety through its many weapons, shoes, and objectives, 'Anger Foot' is only held back by its poor technical performance on PC.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak’s new cast of characters, revamped battle system, and engaging story is exactly what the series needed to reach new heights.
Shadow of the Erdtree is so packed with new content that it almost feels like a sequel to Elden Ring.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance makes one of the best open-world RPGs around even better.
This sequel doubles down on what made the first one so enjoyable, with its incredibly dark atmosphere and concise storytelling. However, like its predecessor, 'Hellblade II's gameplay and combat didn’t improve much.