Sunbreak adds a much needed challenge to Monster Hunter Rise, introduces great new mechanics, and brings with it a whole new world of build and playstyle variety.
Atelier Ryza 3 feels like a generational leap due to the expanded world, refined battle mechanics, intensive alchemy system, and overall scope and direction.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a fantastic, gorgeous, and extremely fun over-the-top action RPG that raises the genre standards.
Not only is this one of the best games in the series, it's one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch, period. It's the perfect place for newcomers and veterans to hunt together.
A fantastic game overall and one of Gust's best games to date.
Atelier Sophie 2 is an incredibly high quality and wonderfully crafted follow-up to the original, and one of the best Atelier games to date.
A wonderfully dark visual novel that handles madness and psychosis in grim yet humanizing way.
An overall impressive port of one of the best games in the medium.
An adorable, hilarious, and charming little gem of a game that punches above its weight in nearly every regard.
A gorgeous dark horse of a game with stellar art, writing, and gameplay that allow it to cut a path through the impossibly large mountain of Metroidvanias.
The Caligula Effect 2 is a dramatic improvement over its predecessor in every single way and punches well above its weight.
A great cast and a deep job system make Relayer an endearing strategy RPG that is sure to delight mecha fans.
With fantastic art, beautiful music, and a wildly experimental concept, LIVE A LIVE is a wonderful remake that feels like taking a time machine back to the golden era of RPGs.
With a great story, rewarding combat, and endearing characters, Fate/Samurai Remnant proves there is still room for single-player story-focused RPGs in a world where mobile gacha games dominate the market.
Atelier Ayesha DX is by far the best version of the game to date and a perfect place for newcomers to start.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force is a return to greatness thanks to a new and exciting spin on the action RPG combat the series is known for, the endearing dual protagonists, and a solid story that manages to dodge the pitfalls of its predecessors.
Overall, Atelier Sophie is a pleasant and comforting experience that Atelier fans will know well. Newcomers to the series will find a cozy and welcoming endeavor that highlights the hidden wonders of the mundane. The story, light yet still having purpose, is strengthened by the DX version’s additional scenes surrounding Sophie’s grandmother and her importance to the community. There is a theme of growth and self-improvement while emerging from the shadows cast by those before. Sophie is an upbeat, positive, and wholesome protagonist surrounded by a grand cast of colorful characters, each with their own ambitions. By the time the game is over, Kirchen Bell will feel like a home away from home. It’s small, but it has a lot of heart, much like the game itself.
This entry honed in on the things its predecessor did well, while stripping out some of the less-than-great fluff. That said, there are still some awkward parts to the game which may put some people off. The visual novel presentation can lead to some light pacing issues, while the anime archetypes may be a bit too much for others. The “Glitch Mode” costumes, while considerably tame compared to the first game, are definitely fanservice. Despite a few faults here and there, its numerous strengths make the game worth a look. Stellar writing, endearing characters, phenomenal voicework, eye-catching artwork, a catchy yet haunting soundtrack, and a delightfully dark atmosphere all stand as Death end re;Quest 2‘s strongest points.
Ib is an indie horror adventure darling that still holds up over a decade later thanks to its beautiful and unsettling aesthetic, unique world design, and breezy yet engaging puzzles.
With improved performance, previously-paid DLC included, photo mode, and new content exclusive to the DX version, this is easily the best way to play Atelier Lydie & Suelle.