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.
ENDER MAGNOLIA is a fantastic follow-up to a darling Metroidvania that pushes the series forward while remaining true to its predecessor.
With a successful transition to a fully realized open world, Atelier Yumia is a strong start to a new series while serving as a fantastic follow-up to the Atelier Ryza games. The world is large and rewarding with something around every corner, and the cast is unique and lovable while having a whole lot of heart.
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.
Stellar Blade excels in its gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack yet delivers a disappointing story with too little character development.
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.