RPG Fan's Reviews
If you enjoy text- and systems-driven RPGs, or well-written sci-fi in general, Starward Vector is a remarkable achievement as both game and fiction.
Coridden, while lacking polish, also shines like a diamond with its wealth of ideas, theming, and creative setting. Almost better as a proof-of-concept, my intention isn’t to steer the developers away from success, but to highlight that the hard part’s been done: good game design. All that’s needed is some QA. For you, reader, you may enjoy seeing what’s being chewed on here, but don’t go in expecting a crisp experience.
Eternal Strands does some really cool things but is held back by some baffling design decisions, lackluster writing, and melee combat that doesn't ever click.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero may not be the most unique JRPG in recent memory, but there’s still not much out there that can capture the specific charm of its gameplay. It’s a delight if you’ve never played a Nippon Ichi RPG or if you’re a veteran, and as one of those veterans, I’m so glad that this series has returned from the dead. Seems to be a theme.
Tales of Graces f Remastered presents the ideal way to experience this enjoyable entry in the Tales series. While I can’t promise Graces will revolutionise your view of the genre, I can assure you of an enjoyable time in the company of an entertaining group of characters, coupled to a battle system that gets your adrenaline flowing. Just like Sophie, the memories you create in your time here will be worth the journey.
So long as those flaws don’t seem like deal breakers, Dynasty Warriors Origin is the easiest recommendation I’ve had in the mainline series. It’s got a more substantial format, more potent storytelling, and more engaging combat than the series has seen before. While individual elements of other games may stand out, Origins is the most complete package currently, even though it’s not the full Romance of the Three Kingdoms story.
Team Ninja takes a big swing with Rise of the Ronin, and for the most part it pays off, albeit with a number of speed bumps along the way.
An opportunity to explore Chinese mythology, unfortunately wasted due to poor execution.
An amazing, older classic action game continues to be incredible despite its years, and it looks better than ever moving to modern platforms.
Die-hard fans of Mario RPGs have a lot of content to sink their teeth into with Mario & Luigi: Brothership, but it’s a hard sell to anyone else.
A worthy upgrade to an indie favorite.
A well-made SRPG with a full commitment to its piratical inspirations, even if it takes longer than it should to learn systems and control patterns.
Neon Blood opens with some undeniable potential, but it's too short and ultimately feels hollow.
I praise the developers for making an accessible yet strategic roguelike because this subgenre often has a steep learning curve and barrier for entry. While I’ve beaten the game, I can tell that I’m going to do my routine 90% completion on this game, even after investing 20 hours. The post-game is the game.
Solid simple action RPG mechanics, good music, likable characters, peak shonen anime storytelling if that’s your thing.
Crossroads fittingly bridges some of Dawntrail's weaknesses with strong new gameplay and long-awaited improvements.
The definitive way to experience a gaming classic.
VED is full of gorgeous graphics and hosts a decent combat system, even if its story and characters do not come together in a satisfying manner.
Plenty is thrown at the wall, and just enough of it sticks, but it's hard to get over the idea of plucking monsters out of the ground.
An unfinished disappointment that's too fractured to be good and too much of a slog to laugh at.