RPGamer's Reviews
Square Enix has further refined its successful formula with Dragon Quest Builders 2, and the future of this offshoot series looks brighter than ever.
From gorgeous graphics to deep crafting and combat systems, Lulua is an impressive game.
Originally conceived as DLC for the game’s Switch port, the franchise’s catalog of celebrated musical compositions and Nintendo’s unusual interest in lending its crown jewel to an indie developer quickly turned Cadence of Hyrule into a standalone entry that somehow manages to combine the best of both worlds.
Although its story isn’t always flawlessly compelling, it manages to be an overall fairly enjoyable experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The combat continues to improve — it’s incredibly fun taking down huge groups of yakuza — and the story and characters really shine.
It’s of greatest interest to Etrian Odyssey aficionados looking for more intriguing dungeon layouts and worthwhile cartographic opportunities, but the blend of cast members from the popular Persona titles offers its own enjoyable time.
Braveland Trilogy is ultimately a game that is sunk and buoyed by its earlier rough edges and eventual success.
While those looking for a deep, story-heavy RPG might find Octopath Traveler lacking, the game is a hugely enjoyable modern take on traditional turn-based games of yesteryear with a collection of short story, rather than novel-length, narratives.
Aside from a mild fatigue from repetition near the end, occasional long load times between zones and the frustratingly designed Nemesis curse, everything about The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse comes together in one strongly designed package.
While this latest installment has a compelling story worth experiencing, the game is riddled with technical issues that make it difficult to recommend.
The swift progression through levels and missions, combined with a highly appreciable visual style and polish provides plenty of satisfaction. It won’t do much for those looking for a strong challenge or deep gameplay, but it succeeds in what it sets out to do.
Back in the Groove can be completed in a single evening; subsequent playthroughs extend the experience, but feel like a pancake-eating contest where the prize is more pancakes.
Fell Seal is a game that is easy to recommend simply because it does everything well.
The game does get repetitive fast, but the fast-paced action and short missions are enough to keep players thoroughly entertained, especially in short bursts.
The $40 launch price on Nintendo Switch is going to be an issue for many, especially given its pricing on other platforms and the selection of adventure titles also available on the system. It’s certainly an enjoyable game, and for adventure fans it’s worth keeping on the radar, but it’s an eye-widening price tag in the context of the game.
For those that haven’t played Steins;Gate, Steins;Gate Elite is an ideal place to start, and its use of animation will help ease in those who are less interested in the standard visual novel layouts.
Final Fantasy XII feels like one of those games that has gotten more appreciation with age, and that feeling is richly deserved.
Coupled with a unique combination of rogue-lite elements and progression systems, and an atmosphere full of mystery and secrets that beg to be uncovered, it offers an immersive experience from start to finish, and plenty of reason to stick around even after finishing the final boss.
The learning curve is a bit steep, the seas may get choppy, and the deck can get rather slippery, but with some patience and perseverance, even the greenest sailor can go from lowly deckhand to decorated captain.
Seeing Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky in action definitely makes clear its similarities to tri-Ace’s Valkyrie Profile, though unfortunately the same height of quality is not reached.