Persona 5 Tactica emerges as a bold step in the Persona series, introducing a strategic RPG gameplay and a unique artistic direction, diverging from the main series' established norms. While it excels in maintaining the series' aesthetic charm and offers an engaging narrative, the removal of social elements and the focus on strategic combat may divide traditional fans. The game's success depends on embracing its innovative gameplay and fresh character perspectives, making it a distinct, if somewhat polarizing, addition to the Persona franchise.
Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections continues the celebrated series but falls short in innovation, heavily relying on familiar combat systems and character rosters. Despite this, it offers an impressive array of over 100 characters, simplified controls for newcomers, and enhanced online multiplayer features, along with two single-player story modes that revisit the Naruto series and introduce a new Boruto-centric plot.
Like A Dragon Gaiden links Yakuza 6 and Like A Dragon 8 with a focus on Kazuma Kiryu's life, featuring traditional Yakuza brawler action and a new gadget-heavy Agent style. Despite its engaging main story and memorable cutscenes, the game's side activities lack depth and innovation, falling short of series expectations.
Depending on where one stands on the convergence of interactive and non-interactive mediums, Alan Wake 2 may be perceived as a work of art or as an experience where gameplay is overlooked in favor of narrative artistry.
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster offers a visually refreshed yet faithful experience, balancing nostalgia with updated features. However, the dated gameplay and slow pacing reveal the limitations of this otherwise engaging remaster.
The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails emerges as a noteworthy addition to Nihon Falcom's esteemed portfolio, offering a different yet familiar experience for fans of the Trails and Ys series. With its first-ever English localization, the game brings action RPG elements into a narrative that, while not as complex as its Trails counterparts, is engaging in its own right. Despite some repetitiveness in level design and combat, the game shines in its technical polish, visual aesthetics, and captivating soundtrack.
ANONYMOUS;CODE offers a visually engaging experience and strong main character development but falls short in fully realizing its genre's potential. Despite these shortcomings, it remains a valuable addition for fans of the Science Adventure series and visual novels.
Rune Factory 3 Special serves as a comforting return to the series' roots, blending farming simulation with light RPG elements in a package that's both charming and engaging. However, its adherence to dated mechanics and lack of modern refinements make it feel like a missed opportunity for a truly special remaster, leaving players to till familiar soil without the benefit of new tools.
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is a thrilling new IP from the creators of Danganronpa, boasting a captivating narrative and a vibrant cast of characters. However, its gameplay, particularly the slow-paced Mystery Labyrinth and the overdone fan-service elements, can sometimes disrupt the overall flow and immersion of the game.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a nostalgic plunge into the farming sim classic, successfully offering engaging gameplay and dynamic character interactions despite some narrative shortcomings. While its strong focus on the social aspects and improved game mechanics breathe life into the series, the somewhat bland character development and repetitiveness can hinder the immersive experience it aims to provide.
Atelier Marie Remake, a nostalgic JRPG stripped down to its alchemical roots, leans into simplicity over more complex dynamics found in recent franchise iterations. This entry point, with its chibi-style charm and time-management gameplay, may delight newcomers but risks leaving veterans yearning for the rich character engagement of the later Ryza trilogy.
Park Beyond offers a unique and engaging park simulation experience with a focus on creativity and extravagant rides, making it a standout in a market with limited competition. However, it falls short in its economic management aspect, with the challenge of balancing park profitability often leading to frustration, and the controls can feel unnecessarily complex, detracting from the overall enjoyment.
Ghost Trick presents a unique and intriguing gameplay experience, successfully combining visual novel elements with environmental puzzle-solving. Despite its linearity, it engrosses the player with clever humor, witty dialogue, and an engaging cast. However, its short length and lack of replayability can be seen as shortcomings. The remaster significantly improves the game's visuals and user interface, enhancing the overall experience and making it feel like a modern title.
Final Fantasy XVI, with its shift towards a more action-oriented approach, offers a mature and dark narrative that is both captivating and contentious. The game's combat system, which echoes elements of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, is commendable, although its RPG elements appear somewhat diminished in the quest for action. Despite some irregularities in the distribution of experience points and variable quality of cutscenes, the game's epic fantasy action, dramatic set pieces, and well-crafted characters make it a standout installment in the franchise. However, the polarizing ending may leave fans with a range of reactions.
The Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection remasters the first three games of the series for the Nintendo Switch and PC, maintaining its unique dungeon crawling gameplay but struggling with the transition from dual to single-screen. Despite some compromises in the mapping function, the collection offers improved visuals, auto-battles, and remains an engaging strategic adventure, particularly on handheld devices.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor excels as a sequel with refined gameplay, stunning visuals, and an engaging story. With customizable difficulty and appearances, the game appeals to all fans. Despite some pacing issues and initial technical hiccups, this action-adventure is a captivating addition to the Star Wars universe.
Live A Live is a captivating anthology of short JRPG stories with diverse settings and unique gameplay mechanics. Remade in HD-2D, it offers an engaging grid-based combat system and a fantastic soundtrack. Despite some complexity and convoluted storylines, the game's multiple endings and quality-of-life improvements provide a satisfying experience for classic JRPG fans.
Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remaster breathes new life into classic games with meticulous retouches, improved artwork, soundtracks, and quality-of-life changes. The series stands as the definitive way to experience these timeless stories, characters, and gameplay mechanics. A must-buy for Final Fantasy fans and newcomers alike.
Creed: Rise to Glory Championship Edition delivers a potent VR punch, plunging players into Rocky's spin-off universe. Despite a lightweight campaign, its stunning visuals, intuitive controls, and exhilarating multiplayer make it a true VR boxing champion
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a nostalgic compilation of the Battle Network series, featuring ten games with turn-based card combat and RPG elements. While some games haven't aged well, and exploration can be daunting, the enjoyable combat, charming art style, and added online features make it a worthwhile purchase for fans and newcomers seeking hours of entertainment.