Quite simply, Bastion is a game with lots of character and precious few flaws. Any fan of old-school action RPGs would be remiss not to play this game. If every title released had Bastion's sense of newness and adventure, the gaming world would be even better than it already is.

With a strong narrative chocked full of fascinating characters and choices, DS2 ably sprints ahead with the torch passed on from the first game. Simply, those underwhelmed by the first game will not like this installment, while those who lauded the former only have to decide if the safety and security of structured, neat opportunities and a lack of tension hinder the experience.

Personally, I feel as if this is one of the best titles I've played in a long time, despite some of its gratuitous flaws. Movies are sometimes judged on their ability to make people forget their problems for a couple of hours – the immersion. LoG definitely has that going for it, and even when stumped and dying repeatedly, I couldn't pull myself away. This is a sleeper hit that everyone should at least try, and let's hope its success encourages the developers to work on another game, improving on an already-polished title.

Like the Atelier games before it, it may appeal to a somewhat limited audience, but Atelier Ayesha is a quaint, relaxing adventure that provides a refreshing contrast to high-stakes JRPG melodrama.

Overall, Devil Summoner Soul Hackers is a solid entry in the SMT franchise.

Working Designs did an excellent job of localizing the game, not only providing a quality translation, good voice acting, and an informative full color manual, but also adding new options like the ability to mute out individual characters’ battle cries if they get too annoying and the ability to use the L & R buttons as shortcut keys in battle for quicker gameplay.

Like its prequel, the game does not even try to convince the player it would be anything else but a classic, heavily story-driven RPG with a traditional turn-based battle engine. The visuals are currently among the best in the genre and at least the songs composed by Yuki Kajiura are solid.

All-in-all, though, Phoenix Wright ends up winning my heart with its charm and overall presentation. The characters are certainly lovable and the stories are far from boring.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance is the result of two games' worth of experience on Raven Software's part, and it shows.

The premise may be simple, but the plot is surprisingly good, especially for a Mario game. Part of it is thanks to the excellent localization and likeable characters.

Even though this is not the definitive strategy RPG of our time, like some have labeled games such as Shining Force, Final Fantasy Tactics, or Disgaea, it's pretty damn close.

Afternoon of Darkness features a fast startup time, even faster game loading times, and almost unbelievably fast level loading times (under 2 seconds), all of which just add to the many reasons why this port is a great fit for the PSP.

This game brings both style and content to the table. It doesn't pretend to be anything greater than it is: it's a very straightforward Strategy RPG.

BioWare has created a top-shelf RPG with Mass Effect, though it's not without its flaws. Many of the issues present in the Xbox 360 version of the title are gone, and while there are new issues thrown into the PC version, they are minor in comparison.

If you've never played it before, you've been missing out on a game that combines addictive, deep gameplay with a good plot and a great sense of humor.

But I can say with confidence that Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is a must-own for nearly all JRPG fans.

While Rune Factory Frontier is not without its flaws, it's definitely a solid step in the right direction for the series.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - Director's Cut for the DS is a worthwhile purchase for graphic adventure fans.

Sequels typically either make only slight improvements or worsen the series, but Atlus went the extra mile to make a major overhaul, and ultimately succeeded on improving the series.

In the end, The Crystal Bearers manages to be a somewhat simple but entertaining adventure, but one that is polished and put together with care, for the sole purpose of entertaining the player.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes comes highly recommended, whether or not you've played any other games in the M&M franchise. This is not a bastardization of the series. If anything, Clash of Heroes may become the catalyst to resurrect a franchise that was once on its last legs.

It is absolutely, positively worth your attention if you are in any way an "RPG Fan." At least rent or borrow it. Give it a try, and see if you are capable of falling for this one like I did.

It is absolutely, positively worth your attention if you are in any way an "RPG Fan." At least rent or borrow it. Give it a try, and see if you are capable of falling for this one like I did.

To say that Recettear came out of nowhere and completely blindsided me, in a good way, is an understatement, and others who've played the game feel the same as I do.

Dragon Age II is streamlined, not simplified. It's a great game within its own rights, but issues with the overall story, repetitive environments, and control scheme keep it from being truly fantastic.

Dragon Age II is streamlined, not simplified. It's a great game within its own rights, but issues with the overall story, repetitive environments, and control scheme keep it from being truly fantastic.

From the excellent storyline, to the addicting gameplay, everything in Final Fantasy IV Advance is just as good as it was in the early '90s, despite minor changes and a few lag issues.

There's a fine line between "challenging" and "cheap," and there are some occasions where I feel Baten Kaitos Origins crosses that line.