INVEN's Reviews
While some inconveniences in control and outdated systems may occasionally be noticeable, these aspects are easily overlooked as mere nostalgia for JRPGs. If you've heard of the "Trails" series but hesitated to jump into its epic flow, "Trails in the Sky: The 1st" deserves your attention. Estelle and Joshua's adventures might at times feel clichéd, or perhaps even familiar, making them seem a bit daunting. But as they say, familiarity is scary. Once you're immersed in "Trails in the Sky: The 1st," you'll be captivated by its youthful, yet fresh adventures, all the way to its climax, where you'll face a conspiracy. And I think I will definitely be standing in line with old fans waiting for the next remake.
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Borderlands 4 preserves the series’ most essential DNA while delivering meaningful innovation. Although its open-world structure is not yet fully refined and shows some rough edges, the game remains immensely enjoyable and unmistakably Borderlands
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The sequel surpassed the original - Silksong achieves what’s often deemed impossible. In story, action, and presentation, it embodies everything a sequel should. However, its heightened difficulty may frustrate, feeling unforgiving to anyone who hasn’t mastered the first game’s toughest challenges.
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The protagonist-centered narrative and wide array of character crossovers give Super Robot Wars a stronger sense of identity, elevating its trademark storytelling to new heights. The difficulty has been fine-tuned, moving away from luck-based swings and instead rewarding players who approach each battle with careful strategy. Animation work shows clear improvements, though the uneven quality across different units still keeps the presentation from feeling fully polished. Meanwhile, quality-of-life features lag behind, leaving room for future updates to better match modern standards.
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The game blends a linear stage structure with Metroidvania-inspired design, adding value to both replayability and exploration. Its sharp action and striking artistic direction create gameplay so engaging that players may not even notice the underlying structure. More than just the revival of the Shinobi franchise, it firmly establishes itself as a game that is simply, and purely, fun.
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There’s a common dilemma that no matter how well it's done, a remake of a beloved original can never quite surpass it. However, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater faithfully recreates the original and, with its new camera system, offers a fresh perspective that makes it worth experiencing all over again. Still, some of the scenes from 20 years ago inevitably come across as awkward by today’s standards.
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The Mafia series returns with a classic, story-driven action-adventure that dives deep into the origins of the organization—and the series itself. With a dense, cinematic narrative and a faithful recreation of Sicily, the game delivers a grounded experience that feels both timeless and fresh. The detailed visuals and authentic sound design make it hard not to dream of traveling to Sicily yourself.
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By turning its core game design toward destruction rather than creation, Donkey Kong Bananza shines as a work of bold innovation. If The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined open-world exploration, then Bananza carves out a space of its own in the realm of 3D platformers. It's a must-play if you own a Switch 2—and if you don't, it's the first title that should go on your wishlist.
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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers doesn’t redefine the soulslike genre, nor does it aim to. But with its eye-catching visuals and flashy action, it offers a satisfying experience for players seeking style and spectacle in their soulslike adventures.
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Mecha BREAK is a game that has emerged like a beacon of hope for fans at a time when new releases in this genre are rare. It's a relatively low-stress PvP shooter that can be enjoyed casually, but there are still many aspects outside of the gameplay that need refinement.
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'Broken Arrow' is a blessing for wargame fans who prefer realistic battlefields. With its depiction of modern and near-future combat and a deeply engaging gameplay system, the game is highly enjoyable. However, it’s not a game for everyone, and there are still some lingering stability issues.
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Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.
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The mysterious worldbuilding of Control and Remedy’s signature presentation still shine through. However, repetitive mission structures, sluggish progression, and a steep early-game barrier make this surreal stage feel less captivating. While the fresh gimmicks and cooperative elements offer clear appeal, the game needs both stronger early engagement and more lasting motivation to truly stand out.
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The Alters is the title that best showcases 11 bit studios’ narrative strengths. It delivers a compelling and immersive story that explores how countless choices impact the game and lead to meaningful consequences. A well-crafted game where choice, consequence, and survival seamlessly intertwine.
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Lies of P: Overture is a most welcome expansion for fans. From the story and boss battles to new weapons, it adds meaningful depth across the board. While it does have the inherent limitations of an expansion, it’s a must-play for fans, as it completes Lies of P’s narrative as a prequel.
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Fantasy Life i is far more than just a healing RPG—the game is built on three solid pillars: town-building, combat, and adventure, each with surprising depth and polish. As long as you can embrace its childlike visuals and whimsical interactions, it offers a rewarding experience for players of all ages, allowing everyone to enjoy the game at their own pace.
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Monster Train 2 is a well-crafted roguelike deck-building game that, even at launch, already provides a solid foundation for delivering the kind of gameplay fantasy most players are looking for. While the genre might not appeal to everyone and could be challenging for some, the game boasts an impressive level of polish and quality
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ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN proves that even Soulslikes can become fully-fledged co-op experiences. While it has its shortcomings, there's no denying the quality of its design. The only concern is that FromSoftware has little to no experience with live service models—here's hoping they don’t abandon it post-launch.
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The simple addition of a "shield" has drastically changed the game. Combat has become formulaic, forcing players to constantly think on their feet and react specifically to green-marked enemy attacks. The game is certainly fun, but the instinct-driven, fully immersive combat that once defined the essence of DOOM has noticeably faded.
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Just a while ago, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could have been called a dark horse — a hidden gem with untapped potential. But not anymore. With its official release, it’s proven itself worthy of being a Game of the Year contender.
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