Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra is a solid expansion that culminates the expansion pass on a highly positive note with a slew of new features and improvements.
The Alliance Alive has been given a second chance with this HD remaster. It is another great addition to the existing JRPG library of the Nintendo Switch. It offers multiple characters with colorful personalities and a battle system that feels like a spiritual successor to the SaGa series.
Yu Suzuki might not have delivered a perfect continuation of Ryo Hazuki's journey but the work he has done in making Shenmue III is admirable. It is a good game once you dig underneath it, warts and all, especially considering the expectations of making this sequel after all these years.
Dragon Ball Z Kakarot is a solid action game with an enjoyable customization system and fun battles. It lacks in innovation with the story repeating events from the popular anime, but this is merely a design decision and has no bearing on the overall quality of the product.
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.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2 is an outstanding sequel that has improved on its predecessor with exceptional gameplay, despite some technical issues and a weak story.
Moss and Moss Book II offer a unique and immersive experience for players on the PSVR 2, with some minor flaws in navigation and combat. Overall, they are must-play titles for adventure game enthusiasts on the platform.
Pistol Whip offers an immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience, making it a fantastic addition to anyone's gaming library. Its excellent use of PSVR 2's features and its diverse soundtrack and cinematic scenes make it an exceptional game that stands out among other arcade-style shooting games.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has proven once again in Lost Judgment that they know how to create a game with enjoyable side content, a compelling plot, and overall fantastic gameplay.
Scarlet Nexus succeeds in offering an interesting story and characters to establish its roots as an exciting new action RPG despite the overly anime aesthetics that are felt in its story as well.
Ys IX Monstrum Nox is one of the most ambitious games in the series. It is laser-focused on crafting a better narrative but also innovates the gameplay with new concepts.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a flawed port but includes an exceptional collection of games. It offers a good stopgap between the next 3D Mario and should be a delight for fans of the Italian plumber.
SRPG fans have limited choice on Nintendo Switch and this is where the Disgaea series truly shines. Disgaea 4 Complete Plus might not be a new game, but it doesn't need to be one. It has the perfect blend of everything from the likable cast, addicting gameplay, to a deep customization and combat system.
The release of Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece on Steam is a significant improvement, especially for Steam Deck users, offering better compatibility and performance without the need for extensive tweaks.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth serves as a worthy continuation to the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, building upon its predecessor's foundation with vast maps, refined combat, and a compelling narrative. However, the game is not without its faults, as it suffers from technical performance issues in its visual-focused mode. Despite this, the game innovates with semi-open world exploration, improved gameplay mechanics, and an engaging story, setting a high standard for the series.
Initially perceived as redundant, Persona 3 Reload transcends its predecessor by integrating the artistic flair and gameplay sophistication of Persona 5, presenting a visually and mechanically enhanced version of the iconic title. This remake revitalizes the original's darker narrative and roguelike dungeons with significant aesthetic upgrades and gameplay innovations, offering both veterans and newcomers an immersive experience that arguably surpasses even Persona 5 Royal in visual and interactive depth.
Tekken 8 not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessor, Tekken 7, by delivering a refined fighting experience with new features like the Heat Gauge. It sets new standards in visual quality, single-player content, and character customization, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience that is both visually stunning and rich in gameplay variety.
The Apollo Justice Trilogy is an extension of the critically acclaimed Ace Attorney series that brings new life to the courtroom drama genre. It combines humor, nostalgia, and innovative gameplay mechanics to maintain the essence of the series. The engaging storytelling and dynamic courtroom battles remain intact, while new gameplay elements like Apollo's lie detection and Athena's emotion-reading abilities are introduced to enhance both the gameplay and narrative.
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.
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.