Capcom has revitalized the original Monster Hunter Stories by releasing it on PC and making it compatible with the Steam Deck. While it may appear lower-budget compared to its successor, its excellent combat system and engaging RPG elements make it an enjoyable experience.
SteamWorld Heist II is a grander sequel that retains the core gameplay elements while trying to offer innovations. For fans of the original, it is a worthy sequel.
The 20th Anniversary Edition of Beyond Good & Evil revives a beloved classic with enhanced visuals and character models while keeping the original gameplay and level design intact. The improved graphics make it worth the higher system requirements, and new missions and quality-of-life features enrich the experience. Fans of the original will appreciate this remaster while awaiting the long-promised sequel.
Paper Mario: The Origami King is a fun-filled adventure that manages to keep things fresh, however, the puzzle-based battles tend to feel repetitive. Despite the repetitive combat, the boss battles are easily some of the best seen in the series.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a good remaster if you haven't played this classic WRPG, but it also shows how far the genre has advanced since 2012.
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection succeeds at what it sets out to achieve with a collection, albeit it doesn't add anything exciting.
The quality and enjoyment level of Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania are decided by how much you enjoy the series, but one thing is certain: there will be no shortage of content.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles appears to be an attempt to satisfy series enthusiasts. To some extent, it is approachable and entertaining, but the story is mainly a rehash with no fresh content, and the versus mode, although enjoyable, could benefit from a broader character roster.
House of Ashes is the best entry in the Dark Pictures Anthology. It has taken its predecessor's weaknesses and offered an overall balanced experience this time around.
Rune Factory 4 Special was my first introduction to this series, which combines the farming simulation elements of Harvest Moon with a traditional action RPG, and suffice it to say, I greatly like it, despite its flaws.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a dream come true for those who appreciate its value, but it lacks enough content to create a compelling purpose for someone to play through the games again.
Shadows of Rose is a solid continuation of the Resident Evil Village story, with minor flaws in its survival horror focus but some tense moments. The other new additions in the Winters' Expansion make an already terrific game even better, with a completely new third-person camera providing a distinct perspective on Resident Evil Village's scary story mode.
Dragon Quest Treasures is a pleasantly decent take on the conventional Dragon Quest formula, featuring hours of gameplay and a likable cast of characters.
Forspoken is a promising game that has the potential to provide hours of enjoyment through its open world and various side content. Despite this, it falls short in terms of pacing, an underwhelming story, and mediocre graphics, which greatly detract from the overall experience.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.