RPGamer's Reviews
Cairn: Mathair’s Curse is a game that’s well worth the time invested in it. While its gameplay might not push the boat out very far, it provides a solid foundation for an engaging storyline and entertaining setting. Heartfelt events, a good balance of zaniness and challenge, and a strong soundtrack ensure that those looking for another strong retro-styled RPG, or even just a fun RPG in general, are well catered for.
While it offers a whole host of improvements, the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake experiences end up being quite different. Dragon Quest I’s remake offers an amazing story upgrade but has frustrating battles throughout, while Dragon Quest II’s remake is one of the most amazing and memorable Dragon Quest experiences there is.
As it is, loot hounds will be happy with the constantly evolving magic circles and equipment, but the unbalanced progression and uneven presentation will not do this quirky dungeon crawler any favours in finding more than a niche audience.
Ultimately, Shrine’s Legacy is a game brimming with passion and care that misses the mark on a few key elements. Those looking to fill a SNES-era RPG hole in their hearts will certainly find something to enjoy here, as the game carries the charm of that era in its narrative, visual design, and structure. While combat can be one-note and awkward at times, and the dungeons are incredibly basic in their design, none of these problems prevent the game from being a fun romp.
Despite all of its environmental detail, scope, and promise of a wider, more exciting space-faring adventure, The Outer Worlds 2 is a disappointment. While it offers divergence and choice, its paper-thin satire, tonal mishmash, and balancing oddities see the experience crumble under the weight. In addition, the review build’s far too many immersion-destroying bugs, blocked questlines, and other sequence breaks ensure that the game’s issues outweigh its redeeming qualities.
The Lonesome Guild is a game that will find its audience through its visual appeal, but those wanting much deeper gameplay and story may be disappointed.
Ashes of Elrant ably builds upon the base game that came before it, while being an otherwise rather standalone adventure for the game’s cast of characters to embark upon. Because of its distance from the established narrative, it’s difficult to sell anyone who rolled credits a couple of years ago to return to it now, even though all of its disparate elements are as entertaining and worthwhile as one could want. The passage of time may have widened the gulf a bit too much to make a return trip worthwhile at this stage, but those experiencing the (now) full package for the first time will find an enjoyable bonus adventure well worth the time it takes to complete.
Wander Stars is a great reminder that episodic RPGs are a fantastic, if rare, thing. At no point does the game outstay its welcome across its ten episodes, and the writing and characters do a wonderful job of bringing players back. The battle system is interesting, though it ultimately plays a bit too safe, which is a shame given how playful the idea of using one’s words is.
Adding new dimensions to the combat, with action elements to blend with the traditional turn-based, as well as redone visuals and voice acting, all reminiscent of the newer Legend of Heroes titles, breathes new depth into the start of Nihon Falcom’s storied franchise.
Disgaea 7 Complete is a demonically good time and a playground for gamers who can’t get enough of seeing big numbers get even bigger. The move up to the Switch 2 remedies the ill performance of the original game, while the added content is sure to please fans who held out for the complete edition.
Ultimately, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a mixed bag. An excellent Digimon raising and customization system is held back by a shaky combat core, and the game’s interesting yet linear plotline is severely hampered by awkward voice acting and dialogue. There’s parts of the game that are enjoyable, but its flaws hold it back from being truly memorable.
Unfortunately, some interesting story ideas and decent music are thoroughly let down by a self-destructive gameplay loop, incredibly shallow systems, and a horrendously broken battle system.
Despite some flaws, Super Robot Wars Y is a complete joy to play, and it definitely has me wanting to explore more games in this long-running franchise.
The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily can be rough going at times, and especially in the final act of the “Happy Ever After” path, but it’s also an entertaining adventure with plenty of strategic twists all the way through. It’s colorful in more than one sense, as well as modern in its themes and mechanics, and the overall package is cuter than the wrapping on a birthday pipe-bomb.
With Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian, Gust has returned to its roots with a title that feels like a perfect blend of the older Atelier games with many modern features. The game looks and plays amazing, boasting a heartfelt story, excellent new game mechanics, and an engaging battle system.
Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is a recommendation for those who love D&D, but they should expect some bumps along the ride.
Consume Me is a heartfelt look at personal struggles, finding courage, and finding compassion in a world obsessed with physical appearance. The game is a difficult, hopeful experience worth playing, reminding anyone going through these motions that they are not alone.
The gameplay is a bit rough around the edges, particularly in difficulty and class balancing, but everything holds up remarkably well. More importantly, the story and themes of Final Fantasy Tactics have aged like fine wine, and the voice acting does wonders at fully fleshing out and finally bringing this classic tale to modern audiences.
While the bones of combat and customization are well executed, the open world element feels tacked on to an abysmal main narrative, and technical issues hold the game back even further. Those who enjoy the mech-fighting genre will certainly find something to enjoy here, but others will find a game that feels incredibly undercooked.
Elohim Eternal II: Son of Man has some good elements, but it is constantly at odds with itself. The combat tries to make the most of what it has and can be climactic, but is entirely optional. The story is too often telegraphed and cookie cutter, with any interesting uses of its setting and building connections to the first game coming far too late to be of any worth.