While the premise of the game is quite simple and the plot progression can be considered safe in its approach, there is a very solid turn-based RPG at its core, with each new element added to the battle system only helping to boost the enjoyment of the game. The dialogue is sharp and funny and the characters are likeable. The dungeon designs are rather bland, making the exploration aspect of the game forgettable, this is not a perfect game by any means, but if you love JRPGs then it's worth the time.
While 2D Fighters are not my forte I'll admit, Arcana Heart 3: Love Max!!!!! Is definitely enjoyable and with tons of extra content, it's definitely worth the money. Visually it looks fantastic, it's great to see sprites back in action, as the jump to 3D characters in other franchises has not always been a good thing. Having the option of a portable version is also a plus, as it's the kind of game you can pull out and play in short bursts.
With an emotional and compelling plot, combined with a fantastic battle system and an awesome soundtrack, this Final Fantasy will be one entry into the series that people will place among the best of them. Forgetting the annoying camera controls and some slightly iffy areas where the visual quality doesn’t quite match up, there isn’t anything not to like. Square Enix made a brilliant game that has been eagerly awaited and HexaDrive’s work bringing it to the PlayStation 4 has been near perfect.
Omega Quintet suffers in quite a few areas with a huge amount of dialogue filler, not much story progression to its visually dated look that for a PlayStation 4 title may put potential buyers off. For fans of Compile Heart’s style and those looking for a new JRPG experience will find a great amount of pleasure here. The battle system is crammed full of exciting and interesting features that make battles an absolute joy to partake in. The Promotion Video System, although missable, will entice fans of simulation that have been eager to try this style of game mainly confined to Japan. Overall, for a JRPG fan a very enjoyable experience with plenty to offer.
A tried and tested formula that’s hard to beat, no new evolutionary additions in this instalment but a series of refinement that makes for one of the best Warriors sub-franchisees to date. Being the first title in the series to be released on the new generation of consoles, everything has been amped up to get the most out of the new hardware. One Piece fans will enjoy the story mode that goes back to the series beginnings, following it to the most recent story arc in the manga and the whole raft of new characters it brings. The series also hits Steam for the first time so there’s even more availability for fans of One Piece and the Warriors franchise alike, you wouldn't go amiss with this awesome title.
Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is a great addition to both the Dragon Quest series and Dynasty Warriors series. Taking the basic elements from DW and adding in a lot of DQ, making it a stand out title amongst a growing sea of DW spin-off titles. If you’re a fan of either series, then you will find something to like here; it’s both familiar and different, making for a unique and thrilling ride.
Corpse Party: Blood Drive is a great new entry in the Corpse Party series and the final instalment of the Heavenly Host storyline. Be prepared to die in more ways than before, but also experience more ways in which to defend yourself. If you’re a fan of Corpse Party, you know what to expect, but newcomers get ready to start sleeping with the lights on. Blood Drive is more tension-filled and heart pumping than we’ve seen before and we love it.
As a big fan of strategy RPGs, I’m surprised at myself that this is my first foray into the Disgaea franchise. Often hearing of the series' brilliance, I’ve never found myself picking up one to play and I realise now what a great injustice that is. I will say, however, that past knowledge of the series may be a good thing, as the sheer amount of options available to you can be quite daunting. Outside of battles, I found my head spinning at all the possible ways of customising characters and the extra features available. Not to say this is a downside to the game rather a benefit that only adds to the game's long-term appeal. It’s clear that Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance has so much to offer that you may never truly achieve 100% completion, but be ready to sink in many hours trying. Even after the main story campaign, there’s just so much to keep you coming back for more; D5 is easily worth the price of admission and then some.
Atlus says it's “two full-length RPGs in one package!” which should make this a must-buy for players of the original and newcomers alike. As a player of the original on the Nintendo DS, I decided to relive the event of the Septentriones scenario and I do not regret it. The story is brilliant and the battles are just a joy to play. If you haven’t experienced the first game, Devil Survivor/Devil Survivor Overclocked, and are worried about jumping in at DS2, don’t worry as the stories are completely separate. With essentially two full-length RPGs contained within this one release, you’re sure to get your money's worth.
Sword Art Online: Lost Song takes what Hollow Fragment made overly complicated, simplifies it, and makes it a much more enjoyable and fun experience. If you’re a fan of Sword Art Online, then you owe it to yourself to play this. The ALO story plays no real part in this game, so don’t let that dissuade you. The flight feature works brilliantly and you can have some really epic aerial battles or just take in the beautiful scenery. Sword Art Online: Lost Song is a really enjoyable game whether you play it alone or with friends.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is a good JRPG that will kill some time and provide some enjoyable turn-based battles. I’d recommend picking it up on PlayStation Vita if you can, as I think it would work well in quick pick up and play sessions. If you’re finding the opening hours a little tedious, stick with it; you will be rewarded, and with Trails of Cold Steel II confirmed for a western release, you’re not going to want to hang around as you’ll easily sink many hours into this game.
What can I say, this game is fun, addicting and insanely brilliant. Tearing myself away from it to write this review was a challenge in itself. The visuals are impressive even though it was originally only developed for PlayStation Vita. The basic game mechanic has been carried over from previous iterations and they are perfect. You can sink so much time into raising your Digimon, but it’s so rewarding that I can’t stop! If you’re a fan of Digimon or JRPGs, then buy this game it’s absolutely fantastic you won’t regret it.
I can honestly say that I had a blast with Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight. I look forward to future titles and I’m definitely going to hunt down the older ones. I’ve been a huge fan of dungeon crawling RPGs for some time now and EO easily pleases and then some. The mapping feature is brilliant and obviously a big draw for the series. The new cooking feature has depth and becomes rather addictive in itself as it opens up in the later game. If you’re a newcomer to EO like me, don’t feel afraid to jump in, each game is separate from one another and you’ll have a great time with it.
The story mode is easily the best part of the game a lot of attention and effort has clearly been put into it. Unfortunately, other areas of the game have suffered slightly but thankfully not to the point where it’s unenjoyable. The anime-like cut-scenes and character designs are highly praiseworthy and the new features in combat make battles just as exciting as previous Warrior iterations. Ultimately Arslan: The Warriors of Legend is a great game but feels somewhat lacking in some areas. The biggest question though is when is its sequel coming out?
I’m a little disappointed with Final Fantasy Explorers not because it’s a bad game but I feel that it could have been better with the addition of even a tiny bit of story. Lack of plot aside the game actually has some great features like the job system and it's crafting, let’s face it who doesn’t want to dress as Sephiroth while kicking ass as a Dark Knight or Dragoon. Multiplayer is clearly where the developers imagined this game to be played and it’s definitely where you’ll have the most fun. Given all the negatives, I still have the urge to continue on, there’s a solid basis to the game just not much more than that.
Everything about Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair is, let’s face it, pretty below par when it comes to technical, visual and audio quality. The gameplay isn’t the smoothest, the visuals leave a lot to be desired and the audio, what little of it, is just basic. Given all that, though I still can’t help but really enjoy the game, it’s just so stupid, so ridiculous that’s it’s actually a fun game to play. It’s even better when you can play it with a couple of friends as the ridiculousness just never ends.
It’s a shame that Stella Glow will be imageepoch’s last game, but what a game to finish on. Based on the initial trailer and screenshots, I was expecting some great SRPG elements and an engaging story from Stella Glow and I can safely say it delivers on all that and more. Combining a brilliant soundtrack and fantastic visuals each map continues to impress upon each visit and with multiple ending the replay value is high. Strategy RPG fans this title is not one to miss and it’s easy to grasp for newcomers to the genre so definitely give it a try if you’re on the fence.
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale clocks in at around 30 hours of core story but features a lot of side content and a fantastic farming simulation that you can easily pour hours into. There’s a good range of things to do within the game given its hybrid nature. Really fitting the pickup and play style this game is perfect for short bursts or extended sessions.
Unfortunately, a lot of the issues we originally had with the game are still present in the Revival Edition but Nippon Ichi Software has added significantly to the game which also warrants praise. If you didn’t like what you saw with the PlayStation 3 version then this probably isn’t for you but for those that did enjoy it then the Revival Edition is certainly worth a shot.
Nights of Azure on PlayStation 4 from Gust and Koei Tecmo is visually gorgeous and features an attractive soundtrack. If you’re a fan of Gust titles or new to their games you need to give this Action-RPG a try.