RPG Site's Reviews
Astria Ascending is not a great JRPG. I would hesitate to label it a good one. In a year of winners, it's not a complete outlier but it's no contemporary classic. Despite a few flirtations with intrigue, the story is generally vacant of anything compelling enough to stick around until the credits. Poor writing compounds the problem and unlikable characters can't overcome it. Gameplay ranges from strong to stale, with just enough gumption and innovation to keep things lively. Pound for pound and for all its pedigree, this is a disappointing experience I'm not inclined to recommend.
Detective Yagami's second adventure in RGG Studio's Yakuza spin-off series is a fantastic improvement over its predecessor in nearly every single way, positioning itself as one of the strongest games from them yet.
Eastward has been in the works for a while. Finally, it's time to head eastbound across the train tracks to an action adventure game filled with stunning visuals and an endearingly quirky cast.
After nearly half a decade, Tales of Arise was worth the wait as a shining new example of what the series future may hold.
Brazilian indie studio Pocket Trap captures the creative spirit of 90's cartoons in this odd marriage between the sport of dodgeball and traditional RPGs.
Death's Door's blend of excellent pacing, an engaging combat system, and a haunting aesthetic help elevate it among its peers.
Skyward Sword HD is a welcome improvement to the original game, but will likely do little to change the minds of any detractors.
For me, Fuga: Melodies of Steel is the most “feel-good” release of the year so far. I always hoped it would be great, and my impressions of the game two years ago at AnimeExpo made me sure that the game was on the right track – but you’ll never truly know how a game will land until you’ve had a chance to sit down and play the whole thing for yourself. I can only hope that Fuga is the start of a grand new chapter in CyberConnect2’s journey as a developer, as their team has showcased some serious chops when it comes to designing an RPG.
The first batch of the Pixel Remaster series of Final Fantasy games are now out, and while in many regards they are good versions of these historic games, some aspects and issues hold them back from being the best ways to experience them.
I come away from Final Fantasy 1, 2, and 3 looking forward to the remaining games more than I did before. I appreciate the new features like the enhanced bestiary, the auto-combat feature, making grinding friendlier, and I LOVE the new soundtracks. But I hope they manage to address issues like the screen tearing and especially the font before the last three games release.
The first batch of the Pixel Remaster series of Final Fantasy games are now out, and while in many regards they are good versions of these historic games, some aspects and issues hold them back from being the best ways to experience them.
NEO: The World Ends With You does a wonderful job recapturing what made this formula work so well on the DS, but in a more approachable way.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles isn’t perfect, but it’s the closest that the series has ever been to that lofty goal. These games are Shu Takumi at his absolute best, and it’s a blessing that western players finally have the chance to play them without resorting to fan translations. Whether you’re a new fan, or have been with the series from the very beginning, I can’t recommend The Great Ace Attorney: Chronicles enough.
This love letter to classic JRPGs has a lot of heart & charm, but is a bit rough around the edges.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 manages to improve upon nearly every aspect of the original game, though some lingering issues continue to hold the series back from true greatness.
World's End Club comes from a legacy of murder mystery visual novels. However, this lighthearted successor doesn't quite meet the same standard. A wholesome but underwhelming tale.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny is the latest entry in the long-lived strategy RPG series and there have been quite a few changes and not just the leap from 2D sprites to 3D models. Using the Super Reincarnation spell, Zed reincarnates into different worlds taking the most optimal path to success until he achieves his wish of defeating the God of Destruction.
Scarlet Nexus contains just about everything you'd want to see from a new game IP. Clear ambition, innovative gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and room to improve. A lot of room to improve, but it's still a commendable effort.
Released more than two decades ago, The Legend of Mana amazed players with its striking art and soundtrack. It redefined the series with its more open-ended narrative and gameplay structure, and now it's time for a whole new generation of players to experience the world of Fa'Diel.
Yuffie's episode is thrilling fan-service and a welcome slice of more of the same for fans of FF7 Remake, but it's also easily skippable.