Ender Lilies is a captivating sidescroller RPG with a well-told compelling story, beautiful music, and solid gameplay.
A pixel-art Metroidvania-like action game that looks great, and plays well, but has a few odd design components.
The third entry to this dungeon crawler series is not much more than average, offering a disappointing overextended Finale to the Mary Skelter franchise.
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.