Playstation 4Xbox OneMac OSPC WindowsNintendo SwitchLinux
Chained Echoes is an indie JRPG that surprises players with engaging combat, compelling characters, and stellar worldbuilding. It pays homage to classic RPGs and adds clever twists. The turn-based combat system is excellent, requiring strategy and skill upgrades. Well-written characters and a thought-provoking story make the game enjoyable throughout its 30-40 hour runtime. The music perfectly complements the high fantasy setting. Chained Echoes is a fresh and smart adventure that celebrates classic JRPGs while incorporating modern improvements.
Nintendo SwitchXbox One)(Xbox Series X/sPC WindowsPlaystation 4Playstation 5
Octopath Traveler is a stunning homage to 16-bit era JRPGs. It features beautiful art design, nuanced and mature storytelling, complete with 8 unique characters that the player can get to know in their own journeys. Players will also experience a behemoth of an overall narrative, a robust combat system, and plenty of content to explore.
What we like:
Homage to 16-bit era JRPGs
Beautiful art design
Nuanced and mature storytelling
Unique characters with personal stories
Robust combat system
Plenty of content to explore
What could be improved:
Can be difficult to navigate the world at points
Battles tend to go overlong
No visual indication when bosses are weakened or close to death
Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4PC Windows
In this science fantasy RPG, choose between Claude or Rena, play through their perspectives, and unlock various endings. Recruit allies and defeat foes in fast paced real-time battles.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero is a classic Japanese JRPG that has been localized for the West. Players take control of a team of young police recruits in a major city as they strive to improve the reputation of their force by completing odd tasks for citizens. With impressive visuals and engaging characters, Trails From Zero will provide an enjoyable experience for both newcomers and veterans alike.
What we like:
Tactical turn-based combat
Dynamic shadows
Keyboard & mouse support on PC
What could be improved:
Boring side quests
PC offers higher frame rate but needs powerful hardware
Nintendo SwitchAndroidPC WindowsPlaystation 5Playstation 4
Live A Live is a cult classic Super Nintendo game that has been brought to the west with this remastered version. With a unique story told across multiple time periods and characters, enjoy an ambitious scope of HD2D visuals, voiceovers in both English and Japanese, unique turn based combat, and fantastic music!
What we like:
Unique story told through multiple time periods
HD2D visuals and particle work
Voiceovers in both English and Japanese
Unique turn based combat system with risk/reward elements
Fantastic music
What could be improved:
Some may feel disappointed by the lack of 3D remake feature
japanese
rpg
jrpg
grid
turn-based
remake
battle
fight
6
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream (2022)
Embark on a heartwarming journey with Sophie the Alchemist in Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream. Explore a world where you can fulfill your dreams while attempting to return a friend's soul to human form. The game features a beautifully designed anime-inspired world, a captivating story, and an engaging alchemy crafting system. Battle with six party members and utilize weather manipulation to open up new paths. Enjoy lovable characters, great music, and improvements over previous Atelier titles. With a variety of DLC content available, the adventure never ends.
What we like:
Beautiful anime-inspired world
Captivating story with rich characterizations
Engaging alchemy crafting system
Excellent turn-based combat with weather manipulation gimmick
Lovable characters
What could be improved:
Panel Synthesis alchemy system returns mostly unchanged from previous game
Fully voiced in Japanese without an option for English
Gathering system can be tedious
Alchemy system requires a lot of understanding
japanese
rpg
jrpg
turn-based
grid
battle
combat
crafting
7
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg (2023)
sega saturnps1Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4ps2dreamcastPC Windows
It's not about saving the world. In this "leisure adventure RPG," failing student Marie pursues alchemy, adventures, and quests while aiming to graduate in five years. "Atelier Marie," the origin of the Atelier series, has been remade with new elements!
Playstation 4LinuxMac OSPC WindowsNintendo SwitchXbox One
Experience the fusion of East and West, old and new in Rise of the Third Power. Join a party of eight on a suicide mission to topple the Arkadyan emperor in a world of political intrigue. With a custom battle system, persistent equipment, and a captivating story, this RPG is meant to surpass the developer's previous work and leave you wanting more. Will you be able to prevent the reprise of the Great War?
PC WindowsvitaPlaystation 4Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5l
Experience a world without regrets in The Caligula Effect 2. Transport yourself into the virtual world of Redo, where you can redo your life and become the person you've always wanted to be. Join the Go-Home Club as they strive to escape this false world and return to reality. Unravel the mysteries of each club member's past and engage in turn-based battles with the power to predict the future. Use WIRE's group chat function to uncover hidden truths. Embark on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.
What we like:
Streamlined graphics and mechanics compared to the first game
Deeper passive and equipment system
Great voice acting and music
Well-balanced combat system with satisfying combo hits
Natural progress of the story with character development
What could be improved:
Story heavily relies on the prequel
Side quests are mediocre
Lack of variety in music
Little difference in graphics compared to the original game
PC WindowsXbox OneXbox Series XPlaystation 5Playstation 4
Embark on a thrilling RPG adventure with the Straw Hat crew in One Piece Odyssey. Shipwrecked on a tropical island, separated from your crew, it's up to you to find them and escape. Encounter dangerous enemies and unpredictable forces of nature in the world of ONE PIECE. With the Digital Deluxe Edition, you'll get extra content and bonuses to enhance your gameplay. Don't miss out on this exciting journey through the New World!
What we like:
Impressive graphics and character design
Well-animated combat system with rock-paper-scissors vulnerability types
Faithful to the One Piece franchise
Good dialogue from various characters in the anime
A must-buy for fans of the One Piece franchise
What could be improved:
Confusing setting for non-fans
Tedious and repetitive gameplay with excessive running
Lack of life and motion in the game world
Limited character outfits and accessories
Easy fights, lacking challenge throughout the game