RPG Fan's Scores

  • Games
Select another publication »
For 1,816 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 72% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 21% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 5.4 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 80
Highest review score: 99 Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Lowest review score: 25 Arcania: The Complete Tale
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,361 out of 1816
  2. Mixed: 432 out of 1816
  3. Negative: 23 out of 1816
1830 game reviews
view
per page
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden
    Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden is a creatively unique gaming experience from both a storytelling and presentation viewpoint. I don’t think the presentation is necessarily for everyone, but those who it does appeal to will most certainly find something enjoyably insightful about the overall experience. This is a game that is both realistic and hopeful in equal measure, tragic and tender all at once. I cared about the four main characters as they continued their quest, and I enjoyed diving into the story with a fantastic narrator to guide me. Based on the reviews of the first two games in the series — The Isle Dragon Roars and The Forsaken Maiden, respectively — by my fellow RPGFan reviewers, it seems as if each Voice of Cards title gets slightly stronger than the one that precedes it. Given how much I came to appreciate The Beasts of Burden, I’m curious to see what the future holds for this clever series.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Touken Ranbu Warriors
    Touken Ranbu Warriors offers exactly the kind of interaction between Touken Ranbu’s characters and musou mechanics that is only possible here, while maintaining the charm that makes the original property so beloved. Although some elements of the honmaru may not live up to the same high bar set by the missions, it’s still such a natural fit that the minor drawbacks seem less to disappoint and more to open up the possibility of future improvements. The ways Warriors intuitively expands the world of Touken Ranbu makes me excited for the possibility of other titles set across different time periods in Japan with the appropriate Touken Danshi and their previous masters. Although there’s no guarantee of what the future holds in that regard, I’ll happily return time and again to Touken Ranbu Warriors for its unique spin on the world of Touken Ranbu.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    RUINSMAGUS
    Overall, RuinsMagus has enjoyable combat and lovable characters, but it fails to create an immersive world for players to dive into. Additionally, while the combat mechanics are sound, a lack of enemy variety means players won’t have to evolve their strategy much after the first hour. For VR JRPG fans, RuinsMagus is worth a look, as it’s one of the only JRPGs available on VR platforms. For general VR enthusiasts, there isn’t too much to get excited about. If you’re looking for a cozy game with bubbly characters in a fantasy world, might be a good choice. Just don’t expect a deep RPG experience or a gripping story.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Steelrising
    Steelrising will catch grief from people who want it to be Dark Souls. And it’s not Dark Souls. Nor should it be. This is a competent, well-designed game that seems to focus on accessibility and reimagining history using a quasi-steampunk aesthetic. Does it have problems? Certainly! The enemies are samey, the platforming is tiresome, the sidequests focus on retracing steps far too often, and the graphics issues will irritate many. That said, I love it. This is a fun game. Soulslike purists will lambaste Steelrising for being too easy and short (about 15 hours), but I’d argue that the genre needs this game. The barrier for entry is far too high for many people who just want to have fun, and Steelrising gives those folks the ability to enjoy this genre. I’m not about gatekeeping. I, for one, applaud Spiders (the developer) for this bold work and hope we see more titles like it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ooblets
    It’s clear there’s a devoted team that set out knowing the cozy little game it wanted to make, and what they’ve created is a pleasure to play. So get out there and become a farming mogul or a titan of commerce or revel in the strategy of dancing — if you like nice things, then you’re sure to enjoy Ooblets.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - Prince's Edition
    Ni no Kuni II is still an excellent game. In most respects, I find it superior to the original, with fewer barriers between the player and the game itself. It’s packed with quality-of-life features, cool subsystems, and interesting side content to conquer. Unfortunately, the Switch version is the worst way to experience a fantastic game. For most players, the original will provide the best experience. There’s no new content to speak of here, and the visual setbacks make taking advantage of the Switch’s form factor a dicey prospect. You should absolutely play Ni no Kuni II. But you probably shouldn’t play it on the Switch.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 3 La Pucelle: Ragnarok / Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
    Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure is a wonderful little treat, and I’m glad it received a modern port. The game is blissfully short and quickly paced – coming in at around 12-13 hours – but it’s not without its faults. With extremely easy combat, an absurdly uneven encounter rate, and heavily reused maps for dungeons, the game operates almost exclusively on its charm. With how short it is, overlooking its flaws is easy as players zip from one location to the next, listen to musical numbers about how great frogs are, and learn the meaning of true courage as they help Cornet rescue the love of her life. Rhapsody is definitely worth playing, though it’s little more than nostalgic novelty some twenty years later.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beacon Pines
    Beacon Pines is a special kind of game in that it doesn’t strive to be more than it should be. That’s praise, by the way. At its core, it is a mystery title about conspiracy and larger-than-life problems; no deep human insights, no world-ending machinations, and no shoe-horned gameplay. Beacon Pines might not strike our fancy for those of us looking for something more than a small-town mystery, but if a simple romp with cute animals told with superior visuals and music is what you’re after, then Beacon Pines will sate nicely.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero
    The title Trails from Zero is particularly apt because the Special Support Section literally starts from nothing and has to work hard to rise to prominence in a city where police are seen as incompetent and corrupt. They face many barriers as they struggle to justify their existence, and in true Trails fashion, the road is long and slow at first. But if there’s one thing Lloyd and his friends are good at, it’s overcoming the seemingly impossible odds stacked against them. They even managed to beat the incredibly low chances that the Crossbell games would ever come out in the West. It’s been a long time coming, but to answer the question I posed at the start of this review, the wait has definitely been worth it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Hard West 2
    In no way would I ever recommend Hard West 2, but I have to be honest and say that I enjoyed myself. I just wish it didn’t come with a heaping bowl of curses. The developers should swallow their pride and listen intently to their customers, as I am sure I am not alone in my grievances. The team is clearly full of talented people who know how to create a good game, as long as they don’t get in their own way. As for me, I’m in need of some whiskey after this ordeal.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wayward Strand
    Wayward Strand is a heartfelt, touching story that grows on you the more you play it. I found myself caring a lot about Casey and the people she encountered at the hospital, and I started thinking about what I might uncover the next time I played the game the second I completed my first playthrough. That, to me, makes the title a success! I love the messages the story conveys, and the amount of care and thought that was clearly put into it. Wayward Strand is a feels-inducing, gentle sort of tale. For those looking for that type of story, Wayward Strand should not be missed!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Foretales
    Foretales easily fits as al so-much-potential game to me. The skeleton’s there: I love the branching paths, the core game design and how the cards are used, the presentation, and how well-hidden secrets appear to be, but there’s not enough flesh on those bones. Whether trying to create a tight, controlled experience that doesn’t get away from them or just not having enough resources to add a huge variety of cards, Foretales suffers. This title has the trappings of a phenomenal, top-tier experience but is just far too repetitive and slow.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Echoes of Mana
    All in all, this is just a disappointing game, and the Mana series doesn’t deserve to be brought down like that since it already has so many hit-or-miss games. Wright Flier Studios needs to rethink and retool this one and fast before the player base is gone and won’t come back. They only need to look at other Square Enix gacha games to see how to do it right, like Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe, or even their own Another Eden. I can not recommend Echoes of Mana in its current form, but hopefully it can be fixed before it joins the graveyard of other dead gacha games.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Sunday Gold
    Sunday Gold is a moderately successful experiment that could use further tweaking. The style, characters, and dialogue are cool and fun enough to lift a more familiar story. Mashing these two genres could be a worthy cause; though Sunday Gold makes a valiant attempt, it doesn’t quite kickstart the revolution. It may not be the top dog in the King’s League, but Sunday Gold is a contender.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Jack Move
    Despite being only 9-12 hours long, Jack Move gave me a more fulfilling RPG experience than many 40-50 hour games I’ve played. This game drips with personality in every fiber of its being, and was one of my most enjoyable RPG experiences this year.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    King Arthur: Knight's Tale
    King Arthur: Knight’s Tale could easily be considered the definitive King Arthur game and likely among the greatest modern media on the subject, especially since there’s little competition. It’s also a top-notch tactical RPG with an unexpectedly compelling story. The gameplay is solid on all levels, especially if you’re looking for a tactical challenge and love using fancy abilities in battle. My playthrough of King Arthur: Knight’s Tale alone took over 50 hours, so there’s plenty to keep you busy, but you can expect even more bloody adventures to come. The king is dead; long live the (new?) king!
    • 76 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption
    It’s quite an entertaining and satisfying rhythm, and of course, it’s up to you to establish your own priorities during the school year. No matter how you choose, and whether you play on Switch or PC, Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption worth the price of tuition. Well, not Shaun’s non-existent tuition, but worth the cost of the game on either platform.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    CORPSE FACTORY
    Corpse Factory is a great visual novel and an incredibly interesting piece of fiction. It’s descriptive, creative, bloody, and most importantly: fun to read. It’s a bit frayed on the edges and leaves a few too many questions unanswered, but it has a hell of a lot of heart. Personally, I can’t wait to see what River Crow Studio does next.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Gerda: A Flame in Winter
    Though the game can be completed in under ten hours, Gerda: A Flame in Winter contains multitudes beneath its exterior. I was held in suspense even when I had to shut the game down to go about my life. The choose-your-own-adventure gameplay style made me feel responsible for Gerda’s well-being and the people around her, even as her life was spinning out of control. Though not everything works and the narrative feels slightly too short, it’s also a wild ride that should satisfy those who enjoy the twists and turns of a hearty spy story. The world was a cold and cruel place during the Second Great War, and Gerda: A Flame in Winter provides an intense glimpse of how it felt to live back then.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Hashihime of the Old Book Town Append
    Hashihime’s ability to seamlessly move from comforting to discomforting—the real to the illusory, the silly to the serious, the average flaws to the critical—is as fluid as a river. It never shies away from the ugly, but that only makes its pristine moments shine all the more beautifully. Hashihime’s subjects and characters challenge readers by not being perfect, by being downright despicable at times, by acting as mirrors. At first glance, they seem to be funhouse mirrors, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that those reflections are the real deal. Locking eyes, it becomes impossible to look away, and Hashihime beckons to be experienced again. No matter how many times you dive back into those biting waters, Hashihime of the Old Book Town append leaves its chilling impact.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Dusk Diver 2
    Dusk Diver 2 isn’t a flawless game, nor the most original. However, it wears its heart on its sleeve and provides a lot of enjoyment if you’re willing to give it a chance. It feels like a homecoming in many respects, even if it’s a series you’re only just now experiencing for the first time. That’s rather special in a way. For action RPG fans looking for a colorfully fun time, Dusk Diver 2 might be worth a look.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RPG Time: The Legend of Wright
    RPG Time respects your time, allowing you to save the world in roughly 7 hours. The tale was expeditiously wrapped up before Kenta or I ran out of steam or energy. It’s a fun re-creation of the boundless zeal and creativity a child would bring to one of his creations, and it’s an adorable love letter to all kinds of games. The game’s invitation to play pushes it beyond simply a game to conquer. That’s a positive because though it can be fun and engaging, it lacks the crunchy investment that RPGs typically require. Still, the overflowing creativity makes your journey in RPG Time worthwhile for letting your inner child run wild.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak fixes many of my complaints that popped up after extensive time with Monster Hunter Rise. Monsters have far more tools and can match the hunter in most instances, new armor skills ensure that builds and playstyles are varied and viable, and the maps and monsters themselves are fantastically exciting. For anyone on the fence about Sunbreak due to disappointment with the base game, this expansion is for you. For those who loved the base game, Sunbreak is a no-brainer. It has something for everyone, from longtime fans to newcomers who just started with Rise. As I said in the review for the base game, Monster Hunter Rise is a great way to lose a couple hundred hours of your life. With Sunbreak, you might want to say farewell to a couple hundred more.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Far Away From Home
    I immensely enjoyed my time with Far Away From Home, and found it to be a polished gameplay experience from beginning to end. In addition, its accessibility options are excellent and can really help tailor the experience to your liking and gameplay preferences. Far Away From Home is definitely a game SRPG fans should take a closer look at. Oh, and pet the dog whenever you get the chance too! After all, Claster is the best boy and deserves all the pets!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Soul Hackers 2
    My opinion of Soul Hackers 2 was in constant flux during my playthrough. I never especially disliked the game, but I often flipped between enjoyment and disappointment within mere minutes. That feeling of disappointment is what remains in the end. I am not sure if Soul Hackers 2 is exciting enough to hold new fans through to the end, and it isn’t mechanically competent enough to fully grab the attention of a series veteran like myself. But there is still the visual flair, musical swagger, plethora of rad demons, and bonds of friendship you forge along the way to make it an enticing package.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    We Are OFK
    We Are OFK came out of nowhere and immediately captured my attention. While the game’s concept has been done before on TV, this is, to my knowledge, the first time a video game has told the story of a fictional (or perhaps I should say, virtual) band that makes and releases real music. Really good music that I may or may not be listening to as I write this review. The plot has a few pacing issues and the gameplay is limited, but the art style is undeniably attractive, the writing is great, and I love the cast. If a future sequel — shall we say a season two? — means more time with these messed-up goofballs and more great music, I’m all for it.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Thymesia
    Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but when the imitation does little to add its own twists and ideas to an already established formula, it ends up as little more than a cheap copy of the original. For those desperate for Sony to finally port Bloodborne over to the PC, Thymesia might be a good stopover. Still, for anyone looking for a genuinely good Soulslike experience, your time is better spent elsewhere.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a reminder that “good enough” isn’t good enough. Takahashi and the rest of his team could have relied on doing the same thing they’ve always done. Heck, they’ve already revolutionized the genre once. Instead, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is no revolution; it results from listening to what doesn’t work, tirelessly working to do better, and knocking it out of the park. Put simply, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a masterpiece, and one of the finest games the genre has to offer.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    As Dusk Falls
    As Dusk Falls is a gripping tale of fate, chaos, and a storm of desire from several strong characters; everyone wants something, and not everyone is going to get what they want. Fortunately, you have the ability to steer the ship, but the thing about storms and ships is that sometimes the laws of nature have more sway. That’s how life goes — a reality which is expertly communicated in this solemn story.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
    All told, even with the quirky middling difficulty making this one hard to write home about, I still think Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a fun game to play through. The postgame can be somewhat monotonous, but the main story keeps things going. Seriously, the plot is simple, but the dialogue between all of these Pokémon makes for a great experience. The mix of mature themes — life and death, protection and abandonment — with the childlike wonder of all things Pokémon keep the mind focused on the purpose of the quest, even when the quest itself is a heavy strain (or a simple frolic) for some players. If you’ve yet to try Mystery Dungeon games but want a better understanding, this might be a great starting place! If you’ve played other Pokémon Mystery Dungeon entries and appreciated their balance of challenge and storytelling, you’re likely to enjoy this remake of the one that started it all.
Page:

Top Trailers

See all »
See all trailers »