SwitchRPG's Reviews
CHASM is the perfect Metroidvania for those that desire a heavier emphasis on RPG systems at the expense of less flair on the action side of things. If you like the more RPG-centric Castlevania games from the PS1 and DS eras, there’s a lot to love here. Lore nuts and audiophiles may not have a lot to get excited about, and it isn’t as infinitely replayable as the procedural generation system would have you believe, but CHASM still proves to be a solid experience.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection proves to be a shining example of a console port done right.
My barrier to entry with any traditional JRPG is low, and I am not ashamed of it. I have played some amazing games over the years that have entertained me that might have not for your average RPG fan. Because of that, I’ve come to appreciate several of the KEMCO RPGs because they scratch that nostalgic itch for me, despite having issues here and there. But I just can’t give Revenant Dogma a pass. It is a mess in the truest sense, and is built in a way that might feel like a cash grab to you even after paying the $12.99USD entry fee. While I’m not writing off future KEMCO RPGs as a whole just yet, I sincerely hope that the next title is catered more towards the console audience, at the very least.
Dragon Sinker, by any metric, is one of KEMCO's finest outings. While a few of the usual KEMCO quirks still exist – awkward menus with randomly ordered items, lottery items that can imbalance the early game, and a screen size that looks a little too zoomed in – they are hardly game breaking. The gameplay, visual, and sound design all skillfully weave classic and modern components into one of the most satisfying budget RPGs currently available on the Switch.
Disgaea 5 Complete is the type of game that can easily provide hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of playtime, so there’s no reason to rush it. There is a near infinite amount of freedom in customization and gameplay tweaks that should satisfy RPG fans of any caliber. While I still prefer the thematical grittiness that Final Fantasy Tactics offers, there is simply no comparison to Disgaea 5 from a mechanics perspective. Seriously, if you find yourself enjoying the first few hours of the game, don’t be surprised when those single digit playtimes roll into double and triple digits before you know it.
Fernz Gate is a traditional JRPG that strives to balance classic tropes with modern innovations - a balancing act that can either create an impressive gaming experience or - in this case - go horribly wrong.
This board game RPG has complex mechanics and smooth gameply, but it stumbles in one key department.
KAMIKO is a well put together and simple, yet rewarding experience on Nintendo Switch. The controls are easy, the levels are great, and the playable characters are interesting in their own unique ways. The graphic design is pleasant and the same can be said for the sound track. KAMIKO is not a very long game, but you’re not paying a large entry price either, making it a pleasant experience all around. There are no detractors to mention, so just head on over to our KAMIKO listing and check it out as it regularly goes on sale. You won’t be disappointed.
While it satisfies all of the hallmark aspects of the first-person dungeon crawler- the feeling of accomplishment that accompanies a large mapping session, the loot-gathering nature of repeated cyclical visits, and turn-based combat with its own unique flair, this first attempt has both the good and bad elements of the subgenre. Its wacky narrative and the impact it has on the design of the labyrinths is certainly unique, but the game never rises above its contemporaries, rather offering an experience just as full-featured and lengthy. For a full-retail title, there is plenty to see and do in Labyrinth of Refrain, but it still comes with a strong warning: if other first-person dungeon crawlers aren’t your thing, this game won’t do much to change your mind. Like Disgaea, it serves as its own unique entry into its subgenre, doing so with competence, flair, and even a few unexpected delights. It may not be a masterpiece, but it is well-worth a look.
Firetop Mountain is a quaint title. Straightforward and simple like the series it was based upon, its tone is never too serious that it breaks the illusion of playing a tabletop game. There are several moments of genuine humor to be found, and there is a consistent sense of whimsical, swashbuckling adventure throughout. There’s nothing here that is particularly offensive, rather a few elements that an attentive player must keep their eyes upon. The result is a satisfying experience that features loads of variety in a deceptive manner, encouraging experimentation just as often as it pulls the rug out from underneath the player. While the combat is never too deep, it makes sense as the kind of mechanic one might see in a physical game. The writing is never too grandiose, nor does it need to be, but the loads of text and the illusion of verbal storytelling is a huge drawing point. If one prefers gameplay and active exploration over a more passive and strategic title, this likely won’t be the best fit. If you’re looking for an RPG that is approachable and entertaining, however, there are very few other options on the Switch that present as faithful and fundamental a look at the genre as The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.
While playing this game, I believed that a car accident had occurred outside of my house, but it was really just a glitch that killed a character in-game.
This doesn’t detract from the overall visual spectacle and quality of the combat; however, the obscure hidden objects and aimless directive do, somewhat. Hyper Light Drifter demands patience and a slower pace, so those looking for a non-stop, full throttle action title should temper their expectations. While the game seeks to deliver a more expanse experience than the SNES titles of the past, it is often most effective during its most intimate moments. In comparison to other Zelda-like titles on the Switch eShop, it is difficult to say whether or not there is an equal amount of quality and personality, as Hyper Light Drifter is content to wow players with its own, unique charms. If you are a fan of tight combat and gorgeous visuals, you can’t go wrong with this title, but expect to get lost more than a few times, in both good ways and bad.
Regalia is a melting pot of RPG elements, creating a unique experience for a tactical RPG. Its strength in character and story made the game a joy to play, and the teams involved developed a wonderful stage for the story to unfold. Even though a few technical aspects missed the mark, I would not let this deter you if you are looking for a decent tactical RPG, or are simply trying to get out of constructing IKEA furniture.
Ultimately, Little Dragon’s Cafe is worth pushing through its overly-lengthy tutorial because once it completely opens up to you, it is genuinely a joy to play. Is it for everyone? Maybe not, especially when you consider the performance issues and the price. Little Dragon’s Cafe is a $60 game, and may not be worth the cost of admission to those that are simply “interested” in it. A game like Stardew Valley can scratch a similar simulation experience itch for a much lower entry fee, albeit in a different way (2D farming and combat vs 3D dragons and cooking). It’s really going to boil down to what you favor gameplay/aesthetic-wise as to whether the game should be a “buy now” or “wait for sale” kind of thing.
Cosmic Star Heroine is a charming retro-inspired game that sets itself apart with its deep battle system. Don’t go into this game expecting a unique storyline, but instead know that it was made with a lot of love and care by people who are obviously fans of SNES-era RPG’s. Cosmic Star Heroine does a ton of things right and provides many hours of entertainment at a budget price.
Recommending Salt and Sanctuary comes with a hefty amount of baggage. It is not just an action-combat RPG, it takes some of the best parts of a number of different series and combines them to create what could be called a 2D Dark Souls equivalent. However, that is a discredit to all of the smart design and punishing challenge the the developers have implemented in order to make that oppressive feeling work without an additional dimension. A patient video game enthusiast with some experience with this kind of game may get the most mileage out of it, but even newcomers will appreciate the crash course of mechanics and difficulty that Salt and Sanctuary features, especially with the fabled Dark Souls remaster eventually coming to Switch. If you’re looking to get your teeth kicked in by a well-made title, this is definitely the one for you, otherwise you might end up grappling with your Switch a bit too much.
This Guardian Heroes-like action RPG has a few new bells and whistles on Switch. But you’ll need to be a certain kind of player to get the most out of it all.
Octopath Traveler is an absolute delight, and is a must-have for anyone fond of retro-infused JRPGs in particular. Its lack of linearity in both a narrative and gameplay perspective may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but should be fantastic for those wanting something a bit different than the norm.
I am content to recommend this title for what it truly is: a charming adventure with wonderful dialogue and story options. If you seek it for any other reason, you may find yourself holding a tumbleweed rather than a glorious chunk of gold.
This mixture of tabletop game mechanics deals a winning hand as one of the most unique and rewarding Role-Playing Games on the Nintendo Switch.