RPGamer

Nocturne manages a tight narrative in its ten-hour run, and the beat-rhythm aspect both helps to pad out the relatively small number of mobs in the game and keep things interesting. The spritework is fluid, and the animation poetic. While the concept may sound like an odd mash-up, genre-wise, Pracy Studios makes it work.

Sadly, Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is a slog from beginning to end. The combat is repetitive from the start, as every fight becomes the same sequence of counters and finishing attacks. The progression system has plenty of upgrades to unlock, but they all leave the same tedious combat intact. The story has some interesting ideas; the writing fails to make them work, and the decent atmosphere is wasted. The basic visuals and repetitive environments are another drag on the experience. Although there are a few good ideas here, the game is simply not much fun to play. RPGamers who want something different may find Qliphah worth a look, but it is ultimately difficult to recommend.

CONTROL Resonant is a standout experience, and uniquely so. It is enigmatic and occasionally paradoxical. But that’s kind of the beauty of it. Its intricate, painstakingly crafted world is so beautifully surreal, but it’s also relentless, oppressive, and kind of scary. Its incredibly detailed story is always riveting and novel but wildly disorienting and even frustratingly bewildering at times. Its combat and deep RPG systems, later balance woes aside, always remain engaging. At the end of the day, though it’s not a perfect experience, it’s unusual and exceptional, and in one aspect or another, RPGamers are sure to find something here that deeply resonates.

Another Eden Begins does well enough at making for an experience that will keep players engaged for its runtime, but not really enough to stand out from the crowd. Combat is enjoyable and the base gameplay loop moves things along to prevent things from becoming too tired, though its side quests can drag things a bit. However, despite the promise of additional narrative elements in the New Game+, what’s currently there isn’t really enough to entice diving back into it right away. It’s ultimately a solid RPG with lots of scope for improvement.

Ultimately, Lies of P: Complete Edition is an incredibly solid way to play the game, and RPGamers who own a Nintendo Switch 2 and haven’t played this on another platform can expect a great experience with this package.

When it’s all put together, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a glorious comeback for a series that has been latent for far too long. Musashi has a nice, distinctive sense of humor and personality that is always entertaining, whether bantering with allies or feuding with demonic, manipulative villains. While its open-world structure in Kyoto is a bit bloated and somewhat detracts from an otherwise fantastic linear experience, the side content adequately supports an authentic, interesting setting. But the biggest takeaway is the game’s riveting, intense, and masterful combat design, which ultimately defines the game and, to summarize what Takamura says to Musashi regarding part of his reasons for fighting: “it’s just damn fun.”

Star Wars Zero Company is one of the best tactical RPGs in years, and Bit Reactor gives the genre a fresh identity while still getting the fundamentals right. The combat is deep enough to challenge longtime strategy fans, yet flexible enough to remain approachable, while the characters are well written and backed by compelling stories of their own. From building the perfect squad to watching bonds develop and seeing those choices play out on the battlefield, nearly every part of the campaign feeds into another. The impressive presentation and soundtrack only strengthen an already remarkable game. Although there are some performance and technical issues, they never detract from how amazing the experience is. RPGamers looking for their next tactical RPG should have Star Wars Zero Company at the top of their list.

Brigandine Abyss is not a perfect game by any means. The wonky AI, accuracy frustrations, and sheer volume of non-combat mechanics to peruse is a lot. Combat is still a climactic showpiece befitting the beautiful background maps, melodramatic stories, and engaging army raising. The amount of variety put into building an army through questing and training means that every fight feels engaging. This is not a title that will reach everyone, but for those it clicks with, it is an instant guilty pleasure that will keep them coming back time after time for just one more campaign.

Celestial Return presents a powerful message that surrounds an interesting murder mystery. However, the overtones from the powerful messaging can feel at odds with Howard’s situation. The reliance on dice succeeds in increasing the tension and getting players to consider their choices, but its impact is dulled by immersion-breaking on the part of the UI. Despite those missteps, the combination of cyberpunk and cosmic horror remains fascinating, and the striking presentation is worth experiencing.

While Voidling Bound does have shortcomings, they’re overshadowed by what’s great about the game. The game’s flaws are more about unfulfilled potential than something fundamentally broken. It is also a game that inspires and rewards creativity in its players, which will determine how much a player gets out of the experience. The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, with a wide variety of creatures and abilities to choose from, keeping things fresh through both the main campaign and the endgame. Voidling Bound is a delightful and inventive twist on the creature collector, and one worth checking out.