RPGamer's Reviews
The underlying philosophy of the game’s developers helps to make an engaging narrative experience that does not rely on physical conflict between people yet at the same time is intensely physical in its platforming challenges, balanced against the mental contortions of planning a perfect recipe for the request at hand.
Though it lacks the teeth and depth of Slay the Spire, it still provides a great package with a good deal of replayability.
It offers an engaging story with appropriately speedy pacing that engages the brain without overtaxing it and there’s no bizarre leaps of logic required. Newcomers to the series can happily jump in at any point, but after the remakes showed that there’s plenty of modern appeal from its classic gameplay design, it’s great to see another title carrying the legacy on.
There are enough comedy and fun characters to pull the story along, but getting lost with the cast of characters is the true gem here.
Panic’s Arco brings plenty of fresh ideas and inspirations to the gaming sphere. Its tale of revenge is decently paced and doesn’t run too long, meaning that despite some unfortunate technical issues, it’s easy to overlook them in favour of what the game does well.
Elrentaros Wanderings’s greatest sin is how boring everything about it is, and how unremarkable and bland the gameplay and story are.
Visions of Mana is a strong entry that effectively revitalizes the lore of the series and keeps it more alive than ever. With dancing merchants, the ring system, and cute creatures such as Sproutlings, the game includes many staples of the series at their best, with Elemental Vessels being a magnificent addition.
The gameplay elements added are definitely the highlight, but with nothing special in the presentation it just makes for a title lacking that spark to keep players returning.
Those who played the 2021 release will find every feature improved, and with the delightful additions, it is the best way to experience Shin Megami Tensei V. The numerous quality-of-life improvements implemented also serve to make this title a fine entry point to those jumping into the franchise, while still providing enough challenge for those who seek it.
The joy and nostalgia truly make Natsu-Mon shine as an open-world game, and its goal of reminding people how wonderful the world around them can be is refreshing given the doom and gloom we often see in many video games and our lives.
Stellar Blade remains consistently wonderful from a presentation perspective, uneven but perfectly well from a gameplay perspective, and lifeless and poorly executed from a narrative perspective.
With such a cheery disposition, this bright tactical RPG with a steam-powered robot crew draws in players and keeps them glued to the screen with a simple yet fun gameplay loop that never grows rusty.
The writing is witty and tight, and the game does a good balance of presentation across its eleven chapters. So between the plot, the side quests, and the hunt for optional fun bits like selfies and collectibles, it never feels like time is wasted.
The turtles might be stuck in a time loop, but Splintered Fate’s smooth combat, availability of multiple playstyles, and snappy presentation make sure it’s an entertaining, if somewhat bumpy, ride.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is an enjoyable experience, but may struggle to stick in the memory. There are some interesting ideas at play, but the execution just always leaves a little bit to be desired.
Dawntrail does the job it needed to do by giving players the new adventure they need to get going once again. It takes a little while to get there, but when the payoff comes it shows how the narrative team behind Final Fantasy XIV is at hitting the emotional highs.
There’s a good premise locked behind bad execution in Fate Seeker II. Combat is sprinkled in as a highlight, but when most of the game is dialogue heavy, it is not enough.
Anybody who enjoys a sci-fi yarn that blends Stand by Me with The X-Files, or grew up in the ’90s, will find plenty to enjoy here.
With its Mad Max-esque style, crazy characters, and battle between angels and demons, Sand Land walks familiar territory, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While the story won’t wow anyone, it is sincere in its approach that it’s hard to be disappointed in it. Monster Hunter Stories 2 is great for monster-taming fans, and those who don’t mind a slow-paced game in a gorgeous and inviting world.