Tech-Gaming

Exstetra's kissing gimmick might be the attention grabber, but it's the taut pacing, enjoyable row-based combat, and unapologetically handheld JRPG charm that will make you stick around. Bland dungeons might hold things back, but this long-overdue localization is welcome reminder that JRPGs don’t have to be deadly serious.

Viral Reload EX keeps things simple, demonstrating that a dash mechanic can be almost enough to create tense, satisfying arcade action without power-ups or gimmicks. That minimalist approach is undermined by unforgiving restarts and a lack of meaningful rewards, but masochistic shoot 'em up fans who enjoy mastering the single mechanics could find enjoyment.

BLUE REFLECTION Quartet is at its best when it reminds you why Gust's magical girl RPGs earned such a devoted following. While the revised versions of RAY and SUN still contain compromises and some superfluous self-censorship is present, this is the most complete way to experience the Blue Reflection saga.

Truxton Extreme isn't content to coast on nostalgia, expanding the series with cooperative play, progression, and new mechanics while staying true to the action that made the original shooters so legendary. Some additions slightly disrupt the elegant simplicity of its arcade roots, but this is still a triumphant return for one of shoot 'em ups' most respected names.

Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands adapts Dan Martin's webcomic into an RPG, blending an amusing script with a smart timeline-based combat system. Its surreal humor and intentionally meandering exploration won't resonate with everyone, but those who appreciate absurdity will find plenty of laughs across this 15+ hour musical adventure.

Gurei finds a way to stand out in the crowded metroidvania genre by borrowing Mega Man's nonlinear boss progression, intensifying the decision of who to tackle next. But that hook is offset by some uneven difficulty scaling and some truly grueling boss fights, but players who enjoy demanding action will find plenty of hearty challenge.

Disgaea Mayhem explores if the series' addictive obsession with leveling and loot can survive the jump to real-time action. The answer is a tepid sort of, with combat often feels more dependent on grinding than skill, a surprisingly brief campaign, and a forgettable cast. At least familiar components like the Item Word and Dark Assembly make the jump.

Dragon Dragon Fire Fire Deluxe wears its Bubble Bobble inspiration proudly but swapping bubbles for fire creates chaotic chain reactions that make this arcade throwback feel fresh. With more than 200 stages, some solid score chasing, and online leaderboard, it's an easy recommendation for anyone who misses the golden age of arcade gaming.

Culdcept Begins proves that the series was never too complicated; it was simply ahead of its time, blending Monopoly-style board play with deep but approachable card battles that are more relevant than ever. With smart balancing and a newly polished presentation, Omiya Soft's franchise get another chance at enchanting Western players.

Teeto is a charming throwback that blends a playful transformation mechanic with satisfying exploration and genuinely funny writing. While it plays things a little safe, its polished platforming and infectious personality make it an easy recommendation for fans of mascot-driven adventures.