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Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an excellent first step into console RPGs for the series. The story doesn't quite live up to expectations with poor pacing and an overall lack of character development, but the second half features epic fights and a streamlined narrative. Additionally, the gameplay is a thrill to experiment with, and it is a blast to play with friends online. Combined with its jaw-dropping mosaic-like visuals and beautiful soundtrack, it's safe to say that the six-year wait has mostly paid off for Cygames & Granblue with a solid first entry into the world of RPGs.
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes is a fantastic fighting game that blends intricate storytelling with a complex yet rewarding combat system. It's standout features include a unique “take-control” replay system, comprehensive training tools for newcomers, and extensive character customization options. While the game’s ambitious narrative may challenge new players, it's overall presentation, immersive gameplay, and thoughtful design make it an exceptional choice for both new and veteran players of fighting games!
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the mountaintop of the Like a Dragon series and a spectacular title that manages to impress from start to finish. This is a grand, momentous adventure that sees players control both of the series protagonists in a story that ultimately shapes the future of Like a Dragon. It's a masterpiece that improves gameplay systems from Yakuza: Like a Dragon while driving ambition in many other aspects.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a fantastic introduction to the Metroidvania genre. Despite a predictable story and graphical oddities, the game's accessibility options, unique gameplay, and thrilling level design make it a great choice for anyone hoping to get into the Metroidvania genre for the first time.
Echoes of the Fallen is a solid DLC that offers prospective players what is essentially a "Lost Chapter" to the main game of Final Fantasy XVI. Interesting new lore about the Fallen, an additional dungeon, and one of the best boss fights in the game. You get a nice chunk of game! However, $10 as a standalone price or a $25 bundle with a DLC that isn't out is a slightly steep ask.
Snowman Story is a short and sweet game where players go on a journey as the titular snowman, Chris. Despite the lackluster gameplay, the game boasts a beautiful art style and with its heartfelt story, it's the perfect way to ring in the Holiday season and pay tribute to the "most wonderful time of the year."
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an awesome game! It has everything GBVS and fighting game players have been asking for. It has a great story, a huge amount of fun online/offline content, a fantastic online experience with rollback netcode, and excellent presentation. While the RPG mode lacks the gameplay depth the original GBVS used to have, and the replay system does not make innovations, this is a great step in the right direction. If you are looking for a terrific fighting game experience, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is the one for you!
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince displays and waves the banner of its pedigree proudly. It offers the same wonderful tone and gameplay as Dragon Quest with some nice twists. The game also gives fans of Dragon Quest IV, especially some lovely fanservice that ties in properly to the melancholic, yet hopeful, story. The loop of finding new monsters, training them, and synthesizing them is very addicting and streamlined. Making new teams and refining your strategy over time is super engaging. The only things that sully the charm of the series and the satisfying gameplay loop are its rigid structure and incredibly inconsistent performance.
I really liked Super Mario RPG! It's a fun time through and through. Seeing all the zany characters in a gorgeous art style, accompanied by a beautifully rearranged soundtrack really took me back. The combat is engaging and smooth, especially with the updates provided by ArtePiazza. It takes everything that was beloved about the original and keeps it intact while adding minor tweaks to sandpaper down some rough edges. Some may complain that some of the mechanical additions make combat too easy, but I find that they further push the idea of a "beginner's RPG". Super Mario RPG is a beautiful, funny, and diverse experience for any RPG player, mind you.
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections ultimately falls short of the lofty goals many had for it. Although the gameplay changes are refined and welcomed, an overall lack of content depth looms and makes me yearn for more. Ultimately, Storm Connections is a title I recommended waiting to pickup, as the content is not justified for the $60 price point.
Persona 5 Tactica is a really fun RPG that brings interesting new characters, addicting gameplay, and a story that delivers lighthearted and dark themes alike. Although the game doesn't exactly move the Persona series forward in a substantial way, Persona 5 Tactica brings an intriguing twist to the gameplay systems that fans come to know and love in a well-rounded RPG that respects the player's time.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is gleaming with joy from every corner, with bright colors and expressive animations. The innovation and creativity seen in each level transcends what held back previous 2D entries, marking a new era of 2D Mario. While there's nothing here that transcends the platforming genre, Wonder is a fantastic title that any Nintendo Switch owner should grab.
Cuisineer is an adorable game. If aesthetics, side content, and difficulty were deterrents to you in other roguelikes then Cuisineer is a perfect game for you! Half of the draw of the game is running a restaurant while interacting with cute townsfolk. The roguelike elements are designed to be more forgiving and less brutal than many of its contemporaries while keeping an incredibly solid and polished combat experience. Many of these elements Cuisineer don't wholly appeal to me beyond a different flavor of this genre. However, I believe this game can attract a new audience to the Rogelike genre. Even roguelike fans should enjoy the more laid-back tone and additional sim elements. In short, Cuisineer is very 'to taste'.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name delivers an impactful story through the perspective of Kazuma Kiryu, the beloved protagonist of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. In preparation for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Gaiden bridges an important gap in the timeline while providing additional context with new characters that enter the fold. Meanwhile, Gaiden introduces various improvements to the signature combat system and many hours of compelling content as a can't-miss entry in the series.
Alan Wake 2 is a visual and narrative marvel filled with beautiful environments and horrifying moments that had me on the edge of my seat. The game is only held back by some lacking gameplay and bugs, along with missing features and the lack of a physical version. Despite that, the game is one of the best this year, with moments that any long-time Remedy fan and newcomer alike will enjoy.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a masterfully done remake. The goal envisioned by the creators was to bring a classic game up to modern sensibilities, and they have truly outdone themselves. Star Ocean: The Second Story R takes the masterfully crafted systems of the original game, combines them with the updates from Star Ocean: Second Evolution, and wraps them up in a gorgeous and smooth package. Any qualms that can be found lie within things like the story and characters, which remain true to the original game. However, the ease of play, deep RPG elements, strong story theming, and revamped battle system more than makeup for any issues I have. Please, I implore you, to check out this absolutely astounding game.
Alien Hominid Invasion is a re-imagining on the formula of the original Alien Hominid. Taking the form of a roguelite, the title features a widely customizable gameplay system with beautifully stylized graphics. However, the lack of diversity among objectives in levels can get old quickly, especially with the roguelite style.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon marks the triumphant return of what was once FromSoftware's flagship series. Only a studio such as this could make a niche mech action game appealing to a huge audience. While I may have some nitpicks, almost everything I would want out of an Armored Core game is present here. Armored Core VI is easily one of the best action games I've had the pleasure of experiencing this year and is further proof that FromSoftware is one of the best game studios around.
Spider-Man 2 is one of the best superhero games ever, with an incredible narrative, addicting gameplay, and stunning graphics. Despite some occasional bugs, I was never bored playing Spider-Man 2 with its moment-to-moment gameplay improving on a formula that has stayed the same for twenty-five years. Only time will tell what Insomniac has planned for the franchise, but I will watch with great interest.
CRYMACHINA is an intriguing action RPG with mechanical girls that attempt to become human again in a very distant future. Although such a future is bleak, these androids make CRYMACHINA feel wholesome and hopeful. CRYMACHINA's smooth combat system, stellar Japanese voice acting, and well-rounded offering of single-player content make it a solid game.