Latest Reviews
Yakuza Kiwami
This review is based on a free review copy provided to RPGFan by the developer. This relationship in no way influenced the reviewer’s opinion of the game or its final score.
Ys Seven
I was happy to have the chance to revisit Ys SEVEN with fresh eyes. Falcom and XSEED have pulled off an excellent port that runs like a dream even on my (far-)below spec laptop. As far as Ys titles available on PC, we’re spoiled for choice, and this is an...
I admit my expectations were perhaps a little high for Ys VIII, particularly because I’m such a fan of this series and this developer. Its weak writing is a grievous misstep, one that stunts the emotional impact of its narrative and characterization by imparting a generic, been-there-done-that tone that is...
If I were to offer a film critic style soundbite, I would say that Collar X Malice is a slick, stylish, and sexy thriller. The story and characters held my interest and the sense of danger kept me on the edge of my seat. It had its tropey “because anime”...
Miitopia
*Disclaimer: I spent over 20 hours on the demo prior to the game’s release, and the demo allows all gear, items, money, and experience to transfer over to the main game. Some parts of the game may be more difficult than I describe.
Tacoma
Tacoma is a short game. You can get through it in under three hours, and even my more methodical playthrough only took me about seven. But Tacoma is also a well-done narrative adventure, with a diverse cast, good art design, and an interesting twist on the audio log mechanic that...
By sanitizing the romantic aspects inherent to queer dating, Dream Daddy succeeds in being a feel-good story but not a feel-good story, if you catch my drift. It is, at the very least, wonderfully inclusive, with avatar customization options that allow for significant flexibility in defining your dad’s identity. The...
As a visual (kinetic) novel, Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception is quite good. It does take a long time to start, but once the story gets going, it is quite compelling. The music is fantastic, the voice acting is good, there’s a fun cast of characters, and the visuals are there....
Pyre
I enjoyed my time with Pyre; I’m glad I played it. The world inspires thought and curiosity, and I’m left with something to mentally chew on for a while. I already miss my new friends. Due to the “check box” nature of getting to know characters and building relationships, I...
I enjoyed my time with this title immensely. This is more than just the original with a facelift; this is truly a different experience. Even if you didn’t take to the initial release, the inclusion of the job system and overall enhancements warrant you giving this game a second chance....
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is without a doubt the best game in the “Harvest Moon genre” in many years. It has a subtle message about what it means to live a good life and to flourish through a combination of hard work and human connection. The Harvest Moon games all basically boil...
Bugs aside, I had a killer time with 2064. Although series like Phoenix Wright and Danganronpa have successfully reinvented the Japanese-style adventure game for the 21st century, there’s a certain allure to the mysterious world of menu-driven microcomputer adventures of decades past. 2064 not only successfully simulates that feeling, it...
