Travis Bruno
Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed isn’t the best brawler around and has limited fan service but a solid storyline and witty dialogue make it an addicting one nonetheless.
Hades’ ability to blend its narrative with its addictive gameplay makes for an incredibly enjoyable game that can entice even those who have never tried the genre.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny features the most changes in the series so far as stripped mechanics linger everywhere despite the signature humor and large numbers remaining as solid as ever.
Scarlet Nexus’ flashy psionic-packed combat system and intriguing storyline that is both lengthy and far more varied than one would expect make it a great action RPG that oozes with style.
NEO: The World Ends With You combines its fascinating storyline and characters with solid and chaotic combat to create an RPG sequel that more than lives up to expectations.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin improves on nearly every aspect of the original all while providing a charming story and plenty of Monsties to gather and fight alongside.
Poison Control may offer a fun and interesting story but mishandles certain aspects all while lackluster shooting mechanics prevent it from standing out in any way.
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection retains the unique high speed action of these classic games of varying quality but does little to improve upon them beyond bringing them to modern platforms.
Guilty Gear Strive makes a few changes to a long-loved formula but proves it is as stylish as ever with presentation and combat that proves the series deserves its time in the spotlight.
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers may lack depth but it still offers a pure EDF experience with plenty of action in a setting that is lighter than ever before.
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster may still have some rough edges for a remaster but a number of improvements as well as combat and recruitment systems that hold up strong help this classic JRPG remain just as worthwhile today as it was in 2004.
Resident Evil Village takes its horror roots and kicks the action up to another level, all while capturing the campy elements the franchise is known for.
While still a bit dated in some areas NieR Replicant ver.1.2247448713R9… improves upon nearly every aspect of the original and helps it shine as one of Yoko Taro’s signature works.
SaGa Frontier Remastered’s new content and visual upgrade make it a must for series fans and those who love classic RPGs but newcomers will be wary of old design decisions.
Root Film features a great mystery filled story with plenty of twists but some poor exploration and a few predictable mysteries hold it back.
The implementation of “makers” and poor optimization may hinder Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town but it still remains a solid entry in a franchise that is still going strong 25 years later.
Persona 5 Strikerstakes the RPG elements and fast-paced combat of Warriors games and fuses them together to create a worthwhile sequel that will please fans of both games.
Little Nightmares II offers another dive into its twisted horror-filled world with satisfying puzzles and enough new mechanics and monstrosities to keep things fresh.
Gal*Gun Returns goes back to its roots and is simpler than what fans of the franchise are used to but remains an enjoyable fanservice filled rail shooter.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy has seen improvements across the board that may move it further from what older Atelier games may have been but offers a great upbeat RPG that will delight anyone looking for a fun, almost relaxing, time.