RPG Fan's Reviews
Despite fun new additions to the formula, AI LIMIT can't cross the finish line without stumbling along the way.
The Chapter of Marisa doesn't truly add anything to the overall Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes experience.
With a successful transition to a fully realized open world, Atelier Yumia is a strong start to a new series while serving as a fantastic follow-up to the Atelier Ryza games. The world is large and rewarding with something around every corner, and the cast is unique and lovable while having a whole lot of heart.
Reaching that finale is well worth your time, as it brings together elements from each of the previous episodes into a spectacular finish, with multiple twists. I’m still thinking about the final post-credits scene even now. Just wait, and in a minute, I’ll tell you more about why you should play this game immediately. It’s just that there’s a scratching sound coming from the front door, and I need to go and find out what’s making it…
Overall, I enjoyed the experience but was left wanting more. I wanted more world-building, lore, and character development. In addition, several gameplay flaws are difficult, if not impossible, to overlook.
I truly wish Freedom Wars could live up to my expectations. Stories about authoritarian forces with absurd standards of criminality are more necessary than ever. I think we could also use more action games emphasizing vertical environments and mobility.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter took me by surprise, successfully combining blatant inspirations from the big cheeses of action RPGs and reinterpreting them in a fine, nibble-sized package. It looks simultaneously beautiful and intentionally rough, and its combat is challenging but (mostly) fair. I’m not sure it needs to continue doubling in size with its potential third entry—it’s a little fighter, and rat’s good enough.
With exceptional writing, beautiful art, a compelling environment, and a captivating central gameplay mechanic, Expelled! is a video game work of art. If you have any interest in visual novels, adventure games, whodunits, or time loops, I can’t recommend it enough. Believe me, you will want to play this one again and again!
There are a few blemishes that could be buffed out, but the blend that Ivy Road has brewed for us here is well worth savoring.
ENDER MAGNOLIA is a fantastic follow-up to a darling Metroidvania that pushes the series forward while remaining true to its predecessor.
Suikoden I & II shine even more brightly here than they have for over 25 years. Plus, building up your base is still a blast, and I got the same dopamine hit every time I added someone to my army.
Ever 17 is weird. It’s a conventional survival story told in a very unconventional way. Its tone can turn from laid-back to dire on a dime and its traditional gal game structure gives way to some of the most shocking rug pulls you’re likely to find in any piece of fiction. If you can sit through some repetitive text and a lot of typos, you’ll find a truly special experience from one of gaming’s most under-appreciated talents.
The Crimson Diamond is a retro-style game done right, pulling everything that worked from the text parser games of the late 80s while making it much more accessible for audiences today.
Never 7, in spite of its many differences from his later titles, is still distinctly a Kotaro Uchikoshi title. Rest assured, there is a scene where someone rambles about Schrodinger’s Cat. The game’s heavier focus on romance is not an indication that it isn’t worth your time, whether you’re a fan of his or not. While I may have preferred more variety in route structure and a cleaner script, Never 7 is still a worthwhile, albeit slow, read.
Ultimately, I can only review what’s in front of me, and as it stands, this game shows promise that isn’t fully realized yet. Given the strength of its foundation, I’m excited to see where it’s headed in two years. If Capcom delivers, the expansion could very well be the best Monster Hunter yet.
Richly detailed and only occasionally derivative, Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog is well worth the few hours of your time it will take for a playthrough and a half.
It features one of the series’ best protagonists, tells a pretty compelling story, and fills in many of the blanks left over from Infinite Wealth. I certainly enjoyed it more than The Man Who Erased His Name. Pirate Yakuza might not be the treasure we were hunting, but with its solid plot and a delightful cast of characters, maybe the real treasure was the friends (and enemies) we made along the way!
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage has a lot going for it—a compelling mystery, a strong cast of characters, and a nostalgic atmosphere that captures the era perfectly. But the technical issues are hard to ignore. From audio glitches to animation bugs, it feels like the game needed more time in the oven. I’m hopeful that Part 2 will smooth out these rough edges, because there is certainly some potential here. It’s just not quite there yet.
Avowed is an easy recommendation for any RPG lover, especially those invested in Eora. Simplicity is the soup served by Obsidian, and, in doing so, Avowed shines pristinely and with outstanding design. A bit more spice wouldn’t hurt, but over-seasoning risks ruining any stew.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II works best when viewed as a character-driven epilogue to the first game rather than a full-blown sequel.