As a package, this title stands up impressively well, to this day. Every scenario presents a unique and compelling message with relevant lessons, and its short runtime means barely a second is wasted. Numerous cinematic touches throughout make it feel like a collection of experimental short films. And it all comes together beautifully in the end for a truly rewarding experience that any JRPG fan will not want to miss. It was also nice of Nintendo to confirm that both sides of the title are pronounced “live” as in “alive.”

Overall, it pains me to give KOTOR II the score I have, as the core gameplay mechanics are genuinely enjoyable and well-rounded, not to mention that I found the plot and characters to be quite strong whenever the game hit its strides. However, I still can’t overlook the very noticeable glitches present in the Switch port. It’s a shame that the initial base game is a rushed, poorly edited product as well since it has all the makings of a classic and problems knock it down to just a “good” game. Despite these setbacks, the KOTOR duology is still one of my favorite Star Wars stories. It is a testament to all of The Sith Lords‘ strengths that I’m glad for those patches and am looking forward to seeing how the Restored Content DLC might improve upon the overall game experience. However, as for how the base game now stands on the Switch? I’d be hard-pressed to recommend someone purchase it until that free story DLC is released. This echo seems more akin to a dying whimper than the steady, unyielding presence the game could very well be in the future.

All of this said, is this a $60 experience? I loved it. I intend to come back to it. But I also got this game for free for review, and that matters. I might have felt burned at a $60 price point because it is pretty short if you only have one go at it, and movie tickets aren’t $60 here in the US (not yet, anyway). If someone isn’t as into the game as me, that’s going to feel like a high entry price. That said, this is a phenomenal-looking game with fantastic acting. If price is no object, then I definitely recommend The Quarry, as it’s worth the ten hours of your life, but for those who have to make discerning decisions with their wallets, maybe wait until this one’s on sale.

There’s really not much to fault in Ballads at Midnight. It’s a well-polished, complete VN experience from beginning to end. I suppose it would’ve been nice to have more artwork in general, but that is largely because the artwork itself is so fitting and expressive! Honestly? I’d be really nitpicking if I did go looking for a few flaws. This is a solid VN for fans of fantasy romance in particular. Other positives include that it doesn’t take an exceptionally long time to play through and offers a surprising amount of content for the right price (since it is free!). Truthfully, I’m very much impressed by this outing from Synstoria. If this is the level of quality they can produce in a month, I’m very eager to see what their larger upcoming VN Imperial Grace will be like! Ballads at Midnight is the type of song I could pleasantly listen to on repeat time and time again.

Pinku Kult: Hex Mortis is a taut game that took me about 7 hours to complete and left me wanting more. Those 7 hours were all substance with no padding to artificially lengthen the game. The game respected my time rather than waste it under the pretense of “longer game = better value.” I liken Pinku Kult: Hex Mortis to a game like Trace Memory. While Trace Memory was only about 3-5 hours long, it was one of the most fulfilling experiences I ever had with a Nintendo DS game. Aside from my misgivings with the writing, the only other caveat I have with Pinku Kult: Hex Mortis is that its macabre style and occult themes may not suit every person’s tastes.

It’s difficult for me to say this, especially with so many positive elements in the game, but I found Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit to be mediocre. It doesn’t do anything inherently wrong, but there is nothing very memorable about it either. My lasting impression is that the game played it too safe and colored too neatly inside the lines. Clearly, a lot of love, effort, and resources went into creating this game. I wanted to adore it, but I have no interest in playing any future games in a hypothetical Crowns and Pawns series. I suppose players looking for a classically-styled point-and-click game will definitely get something out of it, but it’s not a game I would recommend buying unless it’s on sale.

Biomotor Unitron does a more than admirable job of living up to my childhood dreams. The game is pure fun, unique in the face of its inspirations, easy on the eyes, and surprisingly snappy. After finishing the game, despite accomplishing everything and developing every part I could, I immediately started a new game with a different character. This was partially to check out the other Unitron designs, but mostly because I had such a good time. Biomotor Unitron might seem daunting at first, but keep in mind the port is packaged with a virtual manual that is useful for deciphering its intricacies. If any part of this game draws your curiosity, I highly recommend giving it a shot. At its low price point, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

It’s a testament to Birushana’s quality that one of the few gripes I have is that I want more of it. Although the game has a few hiccups, they’re safely surface-level, and don’t remarkably hinder the story or its compelling cast of characters. Although it’s appreciated when an otome title tries to add complexity to the progression through the use of stats or other features, the main reason why one plays otome games isn’t for their mechanics but for their love interests and the world they inhabit—and Birushana delivers both with flying colors. While it’s already a must-play for fans of historical fantasy and samurai warfare, Birushana will no doubt appeal to anyone interested in exciting battles, intriguing mysteries, memorable characters, and a few unique twists on the usual otome tropes.

This is really only the first half of Numina, with the second part being planned as paid DLC with carryover save data to be released in the future. Some might balk at this, but I felt that this Part 1 was a self-contained story, and that ending alone makes me yearn for the final half of the game already! Again, it is a testament to how strong a title Numina is that I want there to be even more after fifteen hours of playtime already. I’m already looking forward to where my journey with Shawn and the others will take us next, and I can’t praise the game enough, given that. Numina is a surprising gem of an RPG, and I hope it shines bright enough for others to see.

If the combat and overall gameplay needed an upgrade, they’re in a good spot, but the lacking story is still the most significant issue. Perhaps the developers have learned something from this exercise and Metal Max: Wild West will be the post-apocalyptic RPG of this generation. But for now, Metal Max Xeno Reborn demonstrates that simply slapping the word “Reborn” on a troubled game doesn’t automatically transform it into a masterpiece.

Tell Me Why is kind of a fascinating experience. It feels personal and down-to-earth, even if it can at times be a little dull. The struggle of its twin protagonists to come to terms with the death of their troubled mother is relatable, even if the game never definitively answers their questions about her. Tyler’s experiences as a trans man feel genuine, and the game treats him with respect, even though it also capitalizes on his trauma to move the plot along. In the end, memories can only reveal so much, particularly when they conflict with someone else’s, and the only peace you can really have is the peace you choose to make for yourself.

I was pleasantly surprised with the time I spent playing this SRPG. In many ways, it draws from classic heavyweights of the genre, but it also has more than enough substance to stand on its own. There’s certainly a lot to uncover and do throughout a playthrough, and it also has moderate replay value given the ways player choice alters certain narrative events. Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is an adventure fans of tactical RPGs might want to keep an eye on.

If you're an Uchikoshi fan, you're going to play this. And you probably should. Just don't expect the heights he's reached in the past.

Salt and Sacrifice is a capable Soulslike for those who can’t get enough of the genre. I had a good time playing it and found the experience worthwhile, but I by no means think this cements itself as a flagbearer for games like it. Five years later, I still distinctly remember the personality and mystery of Salt and Sanctuary, but this title seems to lack that same sort of magic. Though, I will say, Soulslikes have a high standard given the sheer quality of titles available.

Ultimately, that blend exemplifies the entire experience in Wolfstride. There are good ideas at work with the combat, style, and interesting story twists. But for everything it does right, it does two things wrong. Whether it’s aggravating attempts at comedy, tasks that feel like a chore, or a tone that just can’t decide what it wants to be, there is always something standing between you and the ideal experience. So really, your experience will be defined by how much you can enjoy, or at least tolerate, the worst parts. There’s gold in them thar hills, but you’ll have to dig through a ton of peepoo to get to it.

Overall, Bit Orchard: Animal Valley is cute and charming. With such a low price point, it is worth it for those looking for something a little different. Sure, some aspects could be better, but for retro fans, it is a worthwhile journey. But don’t try to catch frogs; trust me, your sanity will thank you later.

While there are a lot of great things about Death end re;Quest 2, the poor performance of the Switch version continually detracts from the experience. In a game rife with blood and gore, it’s unfortunate that the frame rate is the most nauseating part. While I’d love to recommend Death end re;Quest 2 to fans of the original (and horror RPG fans in general), it’s difficult to recommend the Switch version unless it is your only option. If you had no qualms with the original Death end re;Quest‘s Switch performance, you’ll likely have no issues with this sequel. However, it is without a doubt the worst way to experience a great horror RPG.

If you’re looking for a bite to tide you over until Bloodlines 2 is released, or if you just want a good narrative game where you get to play as vampires, then Swansong might just be worth sinking your fangs into.

Overall, I find The Centennial Case a compelling mystery and game. It is a well-done interactive drama. The multi-generational story isn’t just a gimmick, but an inspired choice, and everything comes together in a perfectly satisfying and thoughtful way in the finale. It constantly surprised me with its production values across all fronts (except the disappointing translation) and kept me entertained and asking questions the entire time. I am particularly pleased with the reasoning system as a vessel for solving mysteries in an interactive environment. I will be there on day one for any follow-up games and recommend any mystery fans check out The Centennial Case.

I adore so much about Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers. I love how choice-heavy it is, and the replayability it provides is phenomenal. It is an entertaining experience for fans of the visual novel genre, with a colorful cast you can’t help but root for and fall in love with. Playing it was a pleasure despite some occasional hiccups, and I’m going to be diving into my copy of the original game soon just to experience more of this zany and heartwarming series. That, to me, is the sign of a true winner!

Unlike other Guild Wars 2 expansions, End of Dragons doesn’t have one big feature to hang its hat on. Instead, it offers several smaller features and the game’s most enjoyable campaign yet. Factor in beautiful new maps and challenging but engaging late-game bosses, and there’s plenty of content for Guild Wars 2 fans to come back to.

Overboard! is simply an incredible puzzle-box of a game. The ship’s small size and the limited timeframe for events hide tremendous content and depth. Uncovering all the secrets of the passengers for your own ends will require careful observation, repetition, and smart choices. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble upon another possible way to get away with the crime. Your first few runs are likely to be fruitless, but the writing is at such a high level that even failure leaves you entertained. Set sail with Overboard! It’s a murderously good time!

start;again is a puzzle-laden visual novel adventure with some wonderful mystery, suspense, found family, and romance themes that are deftly explored even in its shorter playtime. I enjoyed my time playing the game and felt like it was a solidly designed, well-written, and complete adventure. It’s impressive to know that the game was developed in just a month for the NaNoRenO 2022 event. I’d recommend start;again for any visual novel fans out there looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking adventure that doesn’t take days and days to see to a satisfying conclusion.

I really hate comparing one game to another in games criticism. But, with anything Eiyuden Chronicle, it’s inevitable. We’re all hoping for the next Suikoden with Hundred Heroes. To be clear, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is not working on that level. But it doesn’t need to. It does get one part of Suikoden just right: the feeling of progression as you build a community. Taken for what it is, a wonderful little townbuilding Metroidvania-like title, it’s stellar. Time will tell if Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is truly necessary before playing Hundred Heroes, but it stands tall as a delightful little game all on its own.

Best Month Ever! has an important, unique story to tell that charts the course of a dying mother and her beautiful young boy. Like the road trip itself, however, bumps occur along the way that detract from the experience. While checkered with flaws, the story hits home and meets a satisfying, albeit sad, conclusion. Some folks won’t be able to see past the jankiness, while others will appreciate the experience for what it is.

Triangle Strategy is a game that welcomes numerous approaches to its strategic gameplay and multiple runs through its story. No matter which way you proceed, you’re met with an impactful experience, thought-provoking in its mechanics and the story that it tells.

Vengeful Heart is an all-around solid VN with a powerful story. It was developed using Ren’Py by only a handful of people, and the quality of their work is absolutely incredible to behold! Vengeful Heart made me think and feel so many things as I progressed through it, something I wish more narratives in general could do. If you enjoy well-crafted cyberpunk tales with memorable characters and abundant social commentary, then you’ll definitely want to give this colorful kinetic visual novel a try.

Each of Anuchard‘s chapters takes roughly an hour or so to complete if you do everything before clearing it, and my playtime was about 12 hours when all was said and done. This is a shorter game that still manages to feel like a complete experience, and it ends up providing many activities for players to enjoy. Anuchard isn’t exactly breaking the mold as far as action RPGs go, but those looking for a solid gaming experience whose narrative leaves a little room for thought might want to give this bell a ring.