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After more than a decade and a half of these things, it would be understandable to grow sick of the formula over the countless iterations.
Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception is a good visual novel that blends that genre in fairly seamlessly with strategy RPGs. It's far more of a visual novel than an SRPG, but when the SRPG elements come in, they're well-done.
Some folks are really into slice of life tales, and for others, it makes reading a visual novel a total slog. If you're interested in a slightly mystical take on the genre then perhaps A Butterfly in the District of Dreams will excite you. For most, however, it's an average tale which plods along with no real meaning for the majority of it. There's nothing harmful about this, and there's far worse you can play on Steam, but your hours of reading time might be better served elsewhere.
Reservoir Dogs is a classic movie that deserves a better homage than Bloody Days for its 25th anniversary.
By the end of Thumper, the speed is insane, the music wild and oppressive, and the feeling of just barely holding on to a beast that wants to send you flying so it can gnaw your bones is disturbingly strong.
Portal Knights has a few shortcomings, but the overall experience is a lot of fun. Its blend of RPG-esque leveling up with crafting and a steady learning curve keep you engaged. Those looking for a solid gateway game into the crafting sub-genre should check it out — especially if they enjoy RPGs. The music does hold things back, but every other major part of Portal Knights works well.
Mages of Mystralia is an energetic and clever action-RPG, set in a vibrant and colorful land with a dark history.
Injustice 2 is nearly everything you'd want a sequel to be.
Disgaea 5 Complete comes with a lighthearted story, enjoyable characters, all the DLC and gameplay full of different strategies for every player to try.
For all of its noticeable issues, Acquire's risk to try something new in Akihabara pays off.
Strafe falls short of greatness, but is definitely great fun.
All gripes aside, I've had less fun with games that were full price.
Overall, Prey is a fun game with its highlights rooted in beautiful yet creepy levels that contain a lot to explore, but its lack of originality sadly holds it back quite a bit.
Lily of the Valley is best enjoyed in a single sitting on a quiet day.
Higurashi weaves such an intense tale each and every chapter.
Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol. 1 is just a small bite of the new world of Phantom Trigger. Clocking in at just a couple hours, some may feel it takes a few missteps at truly utilizing its short gameplay length fully. Still, players should easily find themselves wrapped in a militaristic world that is both intriguing and a bit frightening.
Birthdays: The Beginning is a cute and clever world-builder where simple actions can have deep, complicated results.
Picked nits aside, there is no better time to explore the world of Planescape with this enhanced edition.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has taken all the best parts from the Wii U version and improves quite a bit upon where it needed some adjustments.
Despite being left wanting a bit more, What Remains of Edith Finch is a one of those examples of truly interactive storytelling.