RPG Site's Reviews
Despite my issues with some of the characters, Almata, and the underlying Xipha system, I still enjoyed my time at Calvard, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and I am eager to return to one of my favorite long-form fictional works.
Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- is simply a fantastic visual novel to read from beginning to end. It is single-handedly the closest example of what a modern AAA visual novel would entail; the amount of care put into its production values is incredible in the realm of visual novels. The English localization does a magnificent job matching the tone, spirit, and meaning of its source material as every character’s personality shines through their dialogue brilliantly in English. A few blemishes in the clumsy nature of its flowchart navigation hold it back slightly, but I couldn’t be happier with how the official English release of the Tsukihime remake has beautifully turned out.
Bungie's conclusion to Destiny's first 10 years more than sticks the landing.
Shadow of the Erdree is an excellent expansion to Elden Ring. Poison swamps, giant swords, and fingercreepers return, better than ever.
Your enjoyment of Mahoyo will heavily rely on its narrative and characters. Despite lacking multiple routes found in later Nasu works, such as Tsukihime and Fate, Mahoyo's story remains highly engaging and is truly worth the long wait in English. If you're into the Nasuverse, do yourself a favor and give this game a read.
Regardless - Cryptmaster was a game I had hoped I would enjoy more. In the end, it's a solid proof of concept with a few hints of what it could be in the future. Cryptmaster is a game with a lot to say, but much like with the game's undead protagonists - it feels like its a bit confused on how to say it.
While the Vengeance re-release doesn't fundamentally change what Shin Megami Tensei V is, numerous adjustments and improvements allow SMTV to be the best version of itself.
Monster Hunter Stories' Switch port brings quality of life changes, improved graphics, and improvements to one of the 3DS's late life gems.
Taking cues from Hollow Knight and Sekiro, Nine Sols offers a metroidvania that seems perfect for RPG fans when paired with its excellent story and worldbuilding focus.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a good re-release of a good game, and adjustments made only improve upon it in small but substantial ways. It's an easy recommendation for general audiences and RPG fans. Now, where's my Luigi in Waffle Kingdom RPG?
Dread Delusion sets out to create a haunting open world, evoking RPGs of the past - and succeeds.
Level-5's giant robot action RPG is one of the most fully-featured games in the modern era with a compelling story, fun gameplay, and loads of in-depth customization systems that makes this hidden gem, unexpectedly, one of the best games of the year so far.
The spirit of Soul Sacrifice remains, but Thirdverse's successor doesn't quite stick the landing.
I was excited to see my country represented properly in a video game, and that did happen. Sadly the game itself isn't worth a damn, it's a classic style RPG but none of my choices matter and I can hardly make any of them. The only real redeeming quality is the art.
While there is room to improve and some blemishes throughout, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has excellent presentation & nostalgic charm, and I cannot overstate enough how glad I am that it exists.
Stellar Blade is a substantial and gorgeous-looking action RPG with exciting combat, but its narrative is undermined by flat characterization and frequently lifeless storytelling.
SaGa Emerald Beyond is a bold celebration of the series' past and present, warts and all.
Neptunia Sisters vs. Sisters on Switch is a decent port if you're looking for Neptunia on the go, but there are much better home options available.
Unicorn Overlord seems allergic to risk-taking, and it makes for a safe and enjoyable product that fails to introduce anything new. So when I was given just a passable game, I couldn't help but be let down.
Team Ninja's ambitious open-world action RPG is one of the best games about the Bakumatsu era ever, but its repetitive, uninspired open-world activities bog down what is an otherwise captivating experience.