Travis Bruno
Forspoken squanders its impressive magical combat and parkour with a check-list open world and some of the most generic and predictable writing around.
Fire Emblem Engage may lack the same quality storytelling and interaction as past releases but offers some of the best tactical RPG combat and deep customization that fans could ask for.
Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters tells one of their best Neptunia stories in recent years but some rough combat elements and dungeon reuse hold this latest spin-off back.
One Piece Odyssey has all the heart of the original manga and tells an enjoyable storyline filled with interesting "what ifs" but is far too easy and often simple to the point of detriment.
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is an impressive remaster that makes the game far more fluid than the original but it is limited by its PSP origins.
Marvel's Midnight Suns’ story may be a bit on the safe side but character interactions, tons of side content, and an exceptionally enjoyable combat system make this a must play tactical RPG.
The Callisto Protocol offers some meaty melee combat and is one of the best looking games around but its poor story, lack of scares, and other issues will leave fans wanting.
Samurai Maiden’s action may feel generic and its story is lacking but some great characters and interactions help make this anime action game at least a bit enjoyable.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn remains an incredibly impressive strategy RPG with new enhancements making it all the better, though Square Enix’s smoothing filter does a bad job with the sprites.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me tries new things that don’t work the best but still tells a fearful tale closer to reality, offering a modern twisted take on a historical killer.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force delivers fast paced combat and a great setting that allows it to tell an engrossing tale but a number of visual choices heavily damper the experience.
Harvestella tells an enthralling tale filled with gorgeous designs and interesting characters but it's simple gameplay mechanics hold it back from truly shining.
Potionomics combines management sim, crafting, and deck building together to create a fine game that oozes with charm but is far stricter than it appears.
The additions found within Resident Evil Village: Winters’ Expansion tell a satisfying, albeit short, new story while also spicing up Mercenaries mode and giving the core game a fresh look.
God of War Ragnarök lives up to expectations by offering a new compelling story with tight action and a gorgeous presentation making it a must play for anyone with a PlayStation.
New Tales from the Borderlands may not hit the highs of the original but it does deliver an oft laugh filled adventure with a great cast that fit right in with the Borderlands series.
Signalis is a must-play for fans of survival horror with satisfying puzzles, well-balanced combat and a gripping storyline that will have them eager to see what is waiting for them.
Dragon Ball: The Breakers' poor camera and controls limit what enjoyment can be had in this interesting take on asymmetrical multiplayer that is already hindered by other design choices.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero proves it is just as impressive as recent entries in the franchise and gives longtime fans and even newcomers an amazing RPG that was worth the wait.
It may feel lackluster but once players enter the fray Valkyrie Elysium’s exceptionally designed combat mechanics make for a fun action RPG that doesn’t quite live up to its franchise’s legacy.