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.
The open world can be tedious and the story can be predictable at times, but 'Stellar Blade’s strong points shine through. With its real-time action combat, 'Stellar Blade' is a thrill to play, and the gorgeous graphics make it a spectacle to behold.
As a Suikoden successor, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is faithful to a fault.
Rise of the Ronin has an excellent parrying system that makes its Soulslike gameplay feel challenging, yet fair compared to its contemporaries.
Unicorn Overlord is the strategy RPG fans of the genre have been waiting for.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden delivers both slick action and tough moral choices.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink has a succinct story, fantastic battle system, and fun multiplayer options that help it stand out.
Persona 3 Reload is a win-win of a remake for old and new Persona fans alike.
'Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth' manages to mostly avoid the pitfalls that come with being a direct sequel of a video game. While the story can sometimes have pacing issues and feel bloated, its incredible cast of characters, fun gameplay, and amazing side content make it an unforgettable adventure.
Another Code: Recollection left me with a lasting impression that's sure to keep my memory of the lost series alive.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is fun enough to give frustrated Pokémon fans a solid alternative.
Persona 5 Tactica is a fun time for someone who’s looking for a more casual strategy game. The Phantom Thieves are just as charming as ever, and the newly introduced characters mesh well with them. It’s not an essential experience in the same way that Persona 5 Strikers was, but fans who aren’t tired of Persona 5 yet will find plenty to like with Tactica.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R strikes a good balance of retro and modernity with its throwback visuals and new combat mechanics.