JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R's main foundation is good, with a fun battle system that doesn't seem difficult, but the mediocre online multiplayer dampens some of its promises.
The Diofield Chronicle has all of the components for an intriguing game, but it lacks a few key ingredients that may help it stand out.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force has a terrific battle system, a variety of unique exploration possibilities with a lot of vertical mobility, and a solid cast of characters, but the game's pacing can be a problem, and the writing is somewhat weak.
Harvestella is a Frankenstein creature of several genres with a golden heart. It's one of the year's most soothing games, with an addicting gameplay cycle and some intriguing quests.
Doraemon: Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom is an enjoyable sequel with some great improvements, but it falls short of the franchise's full potential.
The Devil In Me is an intriguing concept on paper, and the developers have attempted to implement several interesting gameplay changes, but the game suffers from abrupt pacing and inadequate character development, which limit its potential.
If you are a fan of the series, Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered is a worthy release, but for newbies to the JRPG genre, this might be a challenging first step. It's still a lot of fun if you give it the time it needs to understand the many gameplay mechanics.
Valkyrie Profile Lenneth is one of those obscure but famous JRPG titles that deserved a revival, and while the new game was less than fantastic, its predecessor has been remastered for current platforms with the respect it deserves.
One Piece Odyssey might not establish a new standard in the JRPG genre, but it is still an entertaining experience, especially if you are a fan of the franchise.
Persona 4 Golden has cemented its place in the pantheon of great JRPGs, and revisiting the game on a big screen only serves to reinforce that reputation. From its charming young cast to its twisting and turning story, this game has everything that makes a great RPG.
Persona 3 Portable is a game with a darker tone and philosophical themes, with enjoyable gameplay but a repetitive tower of Tartarus. The main cast of characters is likable and social links provide interesting side stories. It may not have the same level of quality content as its successors, but it is still worth playing for fans of the series, but newcomers may prefer to start with a more recent entry.
Like a Dragon: Ishin is a Yakuza franchise spin-off set in 19th-century Japan with a lively open-world experience, four unique combat styles, and plenty of substories to complete. The addition of Trooper Cards might not be appealing to everyone, and the game's visual presentation is dated with some minor bugs, but it's still a decent remake of a 9-year-old game.
Octopath Traveler 2 is a fantastic sequel that retains its distinct features while enhancing its overall coherence. It's a top-tier JRPG from Square Enix and a strong contender for 2023's GOTY. Although pacing issues persist, the game's narrative rewards perseverance, resulting in a memorable experience. Whether new or returning, players will find plenty of entertainment and engagement in this title.
PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is an excellent visual novel game that blends Japanese mythology and fiction to create a compelling story, with a unique art style and fascinating lore, making it worth the price for fans of the genre.
GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a remastered strategy RPG set in a magical world, boasting a captivating story and strong characters. Despite its repetitive gameplay and dated concepts, the game offers adjustable difficulty and a unique gameplay blend for committed players.
Townsmen VR delivers an immersive experience on PSVR 2, with intuitive controls and engaging gameplay for VR newcomers and RTS beginners. Despite some control challenges and the absence of a fast-forward option, it remains a well-implemented and entertaining VR adaptation.
Across The Valley is a disappointing VR farming simulator with numerous bugs, poor controls, and tedious gameplay. Despite its visuals and budget price, the game's core experience remains underwhelming.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, despite visual inconsistencies and limited accessibility for newcomers, remains a solid entry in the series. Its Lovecraftian twist, complex mysteries, and character development engage players. While some areas need improvement, the game offers a captivating experience for Sherlock Holmes and adventure game fans. Frogwares delivers a notable adventure, albeit not perfect.
Disgaea 6 Complete introduces accessibility features and 3D graphics, providing smoother combat and humor-packed content. However, the game sacrifices some charm and complexity, presenting a cliché story and simplified mechanics that may alienate long-time fans. This mixed bag offers an enjoyable, yet different experience for both new and veteran players.
The Tale of Onogoro offers an engaging VR experience with vibrant visuals and inventive puzzles, setting it apart from its predecessor, Last Labyrinth. While the game excels in delivering an immersive world and clever mechanics, it stumbles with repetitive combat and excessive cutscenes that interrupt the gameplay. Despite not fully realizing its anime-driven action-adventure ambitions, The Tale of Onogoro provides a more replayable and enjoyable experience overall.