Scar-Lead Salvation feels unfinished, with a weak story, dull enemies, and generic environments. While movement and combat have appeal, shallow roguelike elements make its price hard to justify.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma takes bold gameplay risks with mostly positive results. Despite AI quirks and weaker combat, its engaging story and lovable cast make it a worthy time sink.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon offers a dark, unique take on Arthurian legend with strong storytelling and engaging combat, but frequent bugs and crashes make for a frustrating experience.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny returns for a new generation, keeping its charm despite its dated aspects. While lacking major upgrades, its cast and refined combat still make demon-slaying a blast.
Death end re;Quest: Code Z had potential but fell short. Despite the returning cast and Sayaka's appeal, a weak plot and bland gameplay hold it back, making it a spin-off suited only for die-hard fans
The Precinct blends action with police simulation and a solid '80s aesthetic, but underdeveloped storytelling, rough mechanics, and bugs tarnish what could have been a standout experience.
Cooking Companions serves up dread masterfully, telling a chilling tale with multiple endings. Despite some nagging issues, its eerie atmosphere makes this indie horror game a juicy treat.
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate’s visual upgrades, addition of an English dub, and new co-op action breathe new life into this beat’em up even if it feels like more could have been done.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a satisfying fighter with a gorgeous art style but odd roster inclusions, bad menus, and a rocky multiplayer launch issue dampen this long awaited return.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage captures its dual eras perfectly while delivering an emotional story with new elements, even if bugs and poor writing decisions drag it down in the second half.
Is this Game Trying to Kill Me? is a short but satisfying adventure puzzler with plenty of variety and takes its game within a game concept quite literally, especially when it kills you.
Lunar Remastered Collection respects the original translation, delivering an improved experience for both charming games with a few missteps, making this collection one any JRPG fan should enjoy.
Sol Dorado Heist has a colorful cast of characters whose chance to shine is squandered by its short run length, leading to a mostly satisfying story that has its fair share of presentation issues.
South of Midnight weaves oft overlooked southern folklore into a rich, myth-filled journey that is a bit straightforward all presented with a unique visual flair and outstanding soundtrack.
Bleach: Rebirth of Souls’ satisfying roster and flashy combat makes the most out of these characters’ abilities but simplistic combat and bare-bones modes do little to support a solid story mode.
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster touches up two classic JRPGs and adds just enough QoL improvements to work out some of the antiquated systems while leaving a few annoyances intact.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings feudal Japan to life with stunning visuals, and evolving gameplay, but uneven storytelling and lackluster open world rewards hold it back from greatness.
With a deep alchemy system, engaging world, and darker yet satisfying narrative, Atelier Yumia impresses, though the combat could improve, making this a promising new step for Gust's iconic series.
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces new mechanics while sticking true to the addictive gameplay loop, making this new addition just as entertaining as fans could hope for even if its storyline is lacking.
Please Be Happy is a gorgeous visual novel that takes a unique approach by spending time growing the main character while also developing relations, even if the world could have been expanded more.