FANTASIAN Neo Dimension masterfully revives classic JRPG elements. Originally an Apple Arcade exclusive, its transition to PC and consoles allows the game to shine. With a nostalgic yet fresh turn-based combat system, engaging narrative, and innovative Dimengeon mechanic, it's a gem for RPG fans. While the visuals may not impress, gameplay improvements like difficulty settings and voiceovers make it a must-play for the genre's enthusiasts.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven revitalizes the classic SaGa series with modern accessibility and enhanced visuals. This remake of the 1993 original balances the needs of veterans and newcomers while showcasing a complex, multi-generational storyline.
Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is an enjoyable sequel that doesn’t bring much innovation, yet retains the simple charm the franchise is known for.
Ys X: Nordics effectively combines classic Ys elements with modern gameplay, offering a rewarding action RPG experience. Centered on a younger Adol Christin, the game introduces the Duo Combat System and focuses on exploration via the ship Sandras. Despite some minor drawbacks in the early naval sections, it’s a must-play for both fans and newcomers, blending action, exploration, and character development seamlessly.
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns offers new characters and guest fighters, but the high price is hard to justify with a short story mode and limited content. The unresolved gameplay issues and lack of replay value make it feel incomplete.
Reynatis was anticipated as a standout title but ultimately disappoints. Despite an intriguing dual-mode combat system and a blend of modern and fantastical elements, the game suffers from a weak narrative, repetitive gameplay, and uninspired presentation.
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – Reforged faithfully remakes the beloved point-and-click classic with improved animations, streamlined gameplay, and modernized features. The remake introduces a vibrant new art style while offering both a nostalgic Classic Mode and a newcomer-friendly Story Mode, striking a balance between honoring the original and welcoming new players.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis provides a poignant epilogue to the beloved JRPG, focusing on Aigis and delving into the aftermath of the main story. The narrative deepens character arcs and themes, but the gameplay mainly consists of tedious dungeon crawling, lacking the social elements that define the series.
Castlevania Dominus Collection includes three DS-era classics—Order of Ecclesia, Portrait of Ruin, and Dawn of Sorrow. With updated features like touchscreen integration and quick save, these challenging yet rewarding games are now more accessible.
Fate/Stay Night Remastered revitalizes the classic visual novel with enhanced graphics, modern UI, and an official English release for its 20th anniversary. The multiple story routes, diverse endings, and rich storytelling offer high replay value and make it a standout visual novel for Fate franchise fans.
Bakeru stands out in the crowded action platformer genre by blending nostalgic gameplay with modern mechanics. While the story isn't groundbreaking, it excels in character design, art style, and engaging gameplay.
Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid offers a nostalgic slice of rural Japanese life. The game creates a relaxing atmosphere for players to enjoy a carefree summer vacation. However, repetitive gameplay and technical issues, such as blurry visuals and performance drops on the Nintendo Switch, detract from the experience.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is an enjoyable Metroidvania game, though it is marred by a lack of clear direction and frustrating platforming sections.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak serves as an excellent introduction for new players and a warmly received return for those familiar with the series. The game enhances its combat system with new adjustments, resulting in a more dynamic and thrilling battle experience. While it may not achieve the pinnacle of the franchise, it lays the groundwork for a promising start.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance expands the base game with new content, improved performance, and deeper lore. Despite the challenging difficulty, the added quality-of-life improvements make it a rewarding experience for both returning players and newcomers.
Shadow of the Erdtree maintains the high standards set by the base game. It introduces the challenging Realm of Shadow, offering new boss fights, weapons, and progression without excessive grinding. The expansion revitalizes the sense of discovery with secrets, mini-bosses, and unique NPCs.
Sand Land is a visually stunning game with a heartfelt narrative that unfortunately stumbles in gameplay variety. Fans of Toriyama’s work will find much to love, while newcomers might find the combat repetitive. Nevertheless, it is a journey worth experiencing, especially for those who appreciate a well-crafted world and engaging story.
Unicorn Overlord blends Vanillaware's signature artistic flair with a complex combat system reminiscent of Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics, set against the backdrop of a rich high fantasy narrative. The game not only provides a deep strategic experience with its innovative combat mechanics and expansive world exploration but also excels in storytelling, offering a compelling tale of liberation and the quest for justice, making it a standout addition to the genre.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake impresses with its visual upgrades and co-op mode, yet its unchanged gameplay and performance issues question its necessity for those familiar with the original. Best suited for newcomers, this visually enhanced journey offers little new for returning players, making it a beautiful but non-essential revisit.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash falls significantly short, delivering an underwhelming and superficial gaming experience that fails to leverage the rich potential of its source material.