This special short album, published by Scarlet Moon Records, contains five tracks. It is largely a recognition and celebration of Saso’s singular contribution to YIIK: A Postmodern RPG alongside its recent I.V content update. Saso brings out one of her signature styles—orchestral EDM—for the battle theme “Struggle with the Fallen Angel.” The rhythm is key for this one: ultra-syncopated 6/8, with a downbeat so hard to find that the average listener is going to get lost in it. When the main melody comes in, I can never anticipate it. I cannot count it or intuit its landing, its sticking point. However, as the layers build and a heavy brass ensemble takes center stage, the rhythmic confusion settles, and suddenly I can perceive. I imagine the battle where I am indeed struggling with a fallen angel, and I have that moment of clarity to strike at a weakness. Exploring this with musicality is just so cool. And, again, it’s indicative of Ayako Saso’s strengths.

Before getting to the arrangements, we have “Lullaby for a Soul” as the second track on this release. This one comes from YIIK composer Andrew Allanson. I am not certain of this song’s context in-game, but I am familiar with Allanson’s work in the full YIIK soundtrack and the recent YIIK I.V updated soundtrack (which effectively doubles the soundtrack’s size from four hours to eight). This piece appears to loosely utilize the melodic motif of “Struggle with the Fallen Angel,” but it isn’t an arrangement or remix. The structure, the additional melodic lines, and the slow 4/4 pace feel much more like the ambient electronic work I would expect to hear from Allanson. This is a strong, slow number.

As for these remixes? All three are quite good. The most tonal and least experimental of the trio is Frank van ‘t Ende’s “Subdued Grievances.” Detecting Saso’s time signature but reframing the pulse, we have a brisk waltz for piano and strings. This arrangement evokes feelings of love and loss, making the song title rather fitting.

The most experimental of the bunch is coda’s “anti-frame residue.” I’ve been following coda‘s work since 2011’s Tree of Knowledge, an original album with surasshu. Most recently, coda did the score for Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER. Looking at the past 15 years, I hear coda’s growth and his composer’s intuition in his latest works. That includes this new arrangement for YIIK. We’re living in quite the time, when coda is arranging Ayako Saso for an indie RPG. What I love about coda’s arrangement is the provocative choice to put the melody in lower octaves, using a synth that I want to call a percussive pan flute. I don’t know what to make of it. It’s weird and wonderful (much like the NEURODIVER soundtrack!). The layers of synth and the occasional surprise sample make this a great arrangement.

With all that said, I’ve saved my favorite for last. Arranger “Jamphibious” (Jordan Michael Reed) is someone unknown to me. But goodness, did he knock it out of the park with his arrangement “Feverdream Future Fragments.” I feel like this arrangement takes a page from Saso’s own capabilities as an arranger (particularly, her work on Cave arrangements like Mushihimesama Futari‘s “Cry! Scream!!”). This remix fully maintains the complexity and chaos of the rhythm in Saso’s original piece, and even elaborates on it with sick, sleek drum machine work. Then, Jamphibious brings in all of these bright synths for the melody: some crystal clear, others blurry and cloudy. It’s just so good! This is the kind of arrangement I would want to appear in a solid rhythm game (DJMax being my preference). Check out this great video accompanied by the Jamphibious arrangement!

So, there you have it. Five tracks total, a lovely digital EP celebrating Ayako Saso as a guest composer on YIIK, an indie RPG still going strong years after its initial release thanks to fantastic content updates. If you enjoy what you’re hearing, know there is so much more to explore across the full YIIK OST and I.V update OST!

As evidenced by my review, I immensely enjoyed the time I spent with The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak. It quickly cemented itself as one of my favorites of the long-running LoH: Trails series with Van and company’s phenomenal early adventures in the Republic of Calvard! Naturally, I was looking forward to the game’s sequel upon its localization announcement. Overall, Trails through Daybreak II is an enjoyable experience; however, it was not without some caveats. The first being that I’m hard-pressed to truly call the game a standalone sequel, as it feels more like an expansion. Sometimes it seems as if Falcom had some bits and pieces of story and lore they wanted to explore that hadn’t made its way into the first game, so they cobbled it together with some padding in the form of minigames and optional dungeon-crawling to create the illusion of a “full” game. In that sense, I’d probably say it’s more apt to refer to Trails through Daybreak II as a “1.5” instead of a true sequel.

But that isn’t to say the result isn’t enjoyable! I love the cast of characters in the Calvard story arc, and that continues to be the case with Trails through Daybreak II, along with the familiar faces from Trails of Cold Steel and Trails into Reverie who make appearances. The game even includes some deep cuts from the series by bringing in characters mentioned heavily in previous storylines, such as Judith’s capable grandmother, Dominique, and Prince Sherid’s intelligent sister, Princess Zita. Seeing everyone from the first Trails through Daybreak alongside these relative newcomers is excellent! I especially love the character development and personal journeys that party members such as Agnes, Feri, Aaron, and Quatre go through amongst the believable growth of NPC allies like rookie journalist Marielle, who is still trying to follow in Dingo’s footsteps. Various townspeople from the first game also have their surprisingly fleshed-out narratives carried over and continued, showcasing the phenomenal attention to detail that Falcom puts into the world-building the Trails series is known for. As far as character journeys go, Trails through Daybreak II truly delivers.

Unfortunately, it’s the bigger narrative where the sequel somewhat flounders. [Editor’s Note: Minor but vague plot spoilers follow at the end of this paragraph.] The addition of time looping adds to the narrative concept that there’s more to explore, and while some dangling plot threads from Daybreak get resolved, just as many remain mysteries that the sequel seems content to save for later. While this may be unsurprising considering that the follow-up game, The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki — Farewell, O Zemuria, released in Japan in September 2024, the result is that Trails through Daybreak II offers a “come back next time” type of finale versus a conclusive one. Those hoping for answers to the more burning, expansive questions surrounding Ouroboros’ intentions, relations between the Republic of Calvard and its neighbors, or the mysteries surrounding the Geneses will be left disappointed at this installment’s conclusion.

Players familiar with Trails through Daybreak‘s gameplay will easily fall into the routine again in Daybreak II. Players take charge of a main character (and this time, it’s not always protagonist Van) and their respective allies for a given story arc, traversing an area while solving optional side quests alongside advancing the main plot. As before, decisions you make during quests earn you law, gray, or chaos morality points. However, this morality system doesn’t have much impact this time compared to its effects on certain story scenes in the first game. In dungeon areas, you have the option of a more action-oriented combat style giving you direct control over your main character, or you can seamlessly switch to a more turn-based combat style with the press of a button. During the turn-based combat, you decide moves for your entire active party of up to four characters, moving them across the battlefield to best position them for abilities or to link up attacks together. It’s a pretty polished system already, and adding the EX Chain when you stun an enemy offers even more strategic maneuvering.

I mentioned previously in this review that minigames were added to Trails through Daybreak II for extra padding, with fishing, in particular, making its triumphant return. I admit to not being immensely fond of fishing in the other The Legend of Heroes: Trails games. However, I think Daybreak II‘s iteration of the hobby is probably the strongest, especially the more I practiced. There’s also a fun “hacking” minigame where you play as either Mare or FIO, progressing through a timed virtual reality maze while overcoming obstacles. There’s even a basketball challenge.

These minigames are often more entertaining than frustrating, though the stealth minigame unfortunately falls on the more annoying side of the spectrum. In this minigame, you must sneakily follow a painstakingly slow-gaited NPC during a longer-than-necessary walk, hiding in glowing squares along the way to avoid detection. The meter for not getting caught and the spacing between the safe zones are both frustratingly sensitive. If you get caught or lose track of the target NPC, you fail the minigame and must choose to either restart the segment or continue with the story while sacrificing any potential SP reward for your spriggan ranking.

Beyond the minigame additions, there’s the optional dungeon of the Märchen Garten. The Märchen Garten is a nine-floor dungeon that allows you to use any character in your party lineup who, at one point or another, allied with Arkride Solutions in the main story. This roster even includes the Gralsritter duo of Celis and Leon, despite them typically only being temporary party members. While traversing the Märchen Garten, you’ll gain shards you can trade in for various random items in a “gacha” style mechanic. While this area is optional, it helps keep everyone leveled up for the main story and nets you “skill stones” to strengthen the party’s abilities. I mainly used the Märchen Garten to keep my go-to party of Elaine, Quatre, Agnes, and Shizuna nicely leveled and outfitted even if they couldn’t be together at specific points of the main narrative.

Besides those added extra features, the most significant new gameplay and narrative component is the implementation of time loops. Essentially, you advance the game’s plot until you reach what the story denotes as a “dead end.” You then return to a point earlier in the story, wherein the script plays along the same until some variance happens and you decide on a new outcome. It’s an interesting mechanic, and I’ve experienced worse time-traveling mechanics in other games, but it isn’t without flaws either. In one instance, the scene repeated for ten minutes identically to what happened previously, making me worry that I’d somehow messed up in the looping process. It was annoyingly repetitive when it didn’t need to be. Fortunately, I eventually got a clue I hadn’t previously seen, but taking that long to get to something new certainly wasn’t ideal. The game’s third act, in particular, also relies on the time-looping mechanic so much that it’s ridiculous, becoming frustrating and feeling dragged out until finally managing to course-correct itself.

In my review of the prior game, I stated Trails through Daybreak could be a good tentative starting point for newcomers to the overall Trails series, but I need to recant that statement with Trails through Daybreak II. Not only does the sequel rely on you knowing what happened in its predecessor to fully appreciate its character stories and how they develop, but the additions of Trails into Reverie characters such as Swin and Nadia further muddy the waters and perhaps require a playthrough of that title in particular (which, as you can note from my Reverie review, isn’t is a bad thing since I adore those characters), which in turn leans into you also needing to know several of the games that came before it. Once again, what is the biggest strength and weakness of The Legend of Heroes: Trails series returns with a vengeance: its impressive interconnectivity and world-building is a double-edged sword.

Graphically, Trails through Daybreak II is just as good-looking as its predecessor. I love the artwork used for the more prominent characters, too. That pesky “jiggle mechanic” for several female characters remains, but I’ve mostly just learned to eye-roll in regards to it and move on. You’ll see hair going through arms at times, and many NPC models get reused, sometimes within the same scene. Many people in Heiyue are perhaps unknowingly pairs of identical twins.

Audibly, Trails through Daybreak II‘s sound effects and soundtrack are nothing short of astounding, as expected of Falcom by now. The opening song, “CRIMSON SiN,” and tracks like “Gimmicks and Traps” and “Buster the Ghost of Garden” are excellent examples of the OST’s caliber. The voice acting is also nicely done in English, with special mention going to the voice actors for Van, Agnes, Quatre, Aaron, and Nadia. From a script stance, beyond the odd typo here or there and some written lines not matching what was said at the beginning of the game (which might get patched later on), the localization is quite impressive, given that the title is so text-heavy. I also want to give the Daybreak games credit for their exploration of LGBT, gender identity, and various social issues as well, even if some of the commentary on prejudice and immigration might hit uncomfortably close to home these days.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is an enjoyable RPG experience, especially from a character stance. It isn’t the most substantial sequel within The Legend of Heroes: Trails series’ lineup, but it’s far from a terrible game. I enjoyed playing it and eagerly await the next adventure to hit the Zemurian continent. We should heed the lessons of the past, if only so that brand-new possibilities might emerge, and I feel The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II encapsulates that message well.

Among the most notable reveals that followed this theme was Lies of P: Overture, a DLC prequel to Neowiz and Round8’s excellent Souls-like Lies of P. It’s officially slated for a summer release and will be available on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, and PC (via Steam).

The State of Play trailer (below) featured some great music (including a catchy, almost seaside rhythm to start), flashy battle sequences (in which the player character utilizes a variety of weapons), and an impressive look at the world of Krat pre-collapse.

Lies of P fans should definitely check out the recent PlayStation Blog post by director Jiwon Choi. Of particular interest is his view of Lies of P: Overture as a potential “director’s cut” of the base game, saying, “Our production crew had so many stories and features they were eager to explore. We were constantly brainstorming until the very end.”

Below you’ll find the trailer for Lies of P: Overture, as well as an overview (via Steam), and new screenshots for one of the summer’s most anticipated DLC.

About Lies of P: Overture

Cross the Bounds of Time

Lies of P: Overture is a dramatic prequel to the acclaimed soulslike action RPG, Lies of P. It transports you to the city of Krat in its final days of haunting, late-19th-century Belle Époque beauty. On the brink of the Puppet Frenzy massacre, you follow a legendary Stalker—a mysterious guide—through untold stories and chilling secrets. As Geppetto’s deadly puppet, you’ll journey through Krat and its surroundings, uncover hidden backstories, and face epic battles that shape the past and future of Lies of P.

As Geppetto’s Puppet, you encounter a mysterious artifact that transports you back to Krat in its final days of grandeur. In the shadow of an impending tragedy, your mission is to explore the past and uncover its dark secrets—haunted by surprises, loss, and vengeance. The choices you make ripple through the past and present in the world of Lies of P, revealing hidden truths and leaving lasting consequences.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure where the symphony of steel clashes with the haunting melody of the unknown. Dare to unravel the mysteries of the past, for in the heart of darkness lies the key to unlocking the secrets of a timeless tale reborn.

“Geppetto’s puppet… We need your help.”

Lies of P: Overture Screenshots

Lies of P: Overture is due out this summer for PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, and PC via Steam.

Miss out on the base game the first time around? My man Noah Leiter has you covered. His excellent review can give you a good idea of what to expect, and newcomers and veterans alike will benefit from his starter guide.

As always, be sure to check out the RPGFan home page for the latest news from States of Play, Souls-likes, and just about everything else RPG!

Primarily a visual novel like its predecessor Coffee Talk, Afterlove EP also incorporates rhythm game mechanics and the ability to free-roam within the world to a certain extent. The broader scope of the story suits this new approach well.

In Afterlove EP, we take the role of Rama, a young musician living in Jakarta, Indonesia. We watch as he practices with his band and hangs out with his girlfriend, Cinta. Within the first few moments of the game, we realise that Cinta is sick, and unfortunately, she soon succumbs to her illness, leaving Rama alone. The game picks up one year later, with Rama isolating himself during the intervening period and having no contact with his bandmates and friends. He makes the decision to call the band with the intention of getting them back together to play the new music he has been working on.

However, all is not as simple as it seems. We soon learn that Cinta is not quite gone, appearing as a voice in Rama’s head and conversing with him, though nobody else can hear her. The developers make an excellent creative choice because while the game is predominantly text-based, Cinta is fully voiced, making her distinct from the rest of Rama’s reality and somehow more real than anything else within it. Shortly afterward, we meet Tasya and Adit, the other two members of the group “Sigmund Feud.” Rama learns they might be willing to reunite the band, and anticipating this, Tasya has already booked them a gig. The rest of the game takes place in the month between that moment and the date of the performance.

At this point, Afterlove EP introduces a calendar system much akin to (dare I say it) the later Persona titles. Rama has several apps on his mobile, and this helps us navigate his life. He receives messages from friends and acquaintances; more importantly, you can bring up the map here, which divides the city into different environments. The game splits each day into two parts, morning and night, and the map shows different characters’ availability and their locations in each time period, allowing you to fast travel to relevant destinations easily.

You have minimal options for how you spend the day, though. At a certain point in the game, you get the option to busk for money in different locations, and you also find spots where you can access memories of Rama’s life with Cinta. Other than that, you spend most of your time with a select group of people, including the members of Sigmund Feud, a therapist named Dr. Santi, and your three love interests. (Afterlove EP has a dating-sim element.)

With so much of the game depending on its visuals, I cannot stress enough the importance of Soyatu‘s artistic and visual work. They successfully depict a vibrant Jakarta, with small shops, cafes, and landmarks giving the game a definite sense of place. It’s an invitation for those unfamiliar with the city to experience what it may be like living there as we become more familiar with it over time. This is so effective that I found myself looking up the names of the dishes the characters ate at food stalls and restaurants. Soyatu has a definite eye for costume design reflecting the attitude of the wearer, such as Adit’s casual appearance, Tasya’s cool indie-chic look, or Rama’s own ramshackle vibe. The latter speaks to his ongoing grief, and several characters comment on this, making the art design part of the storytelling. Characters’ faces have a simplistic anime style, and this introduces some similarity between them, reducing the potential for subtle expression. This is a shame, as such distinctions are of crucial importance in a visual novel that relies on these cues to draw our interest.

Pikselnesia introduce the rhythm game aspect early on, in the initial chapter featuring Cinta’s illness. They skillfully and poignantly use it to connect us with Rama’s plight in a way I’ve not seen before, resulting in an immediate emotional connection with the doomed couple. I hoped this might be the case throughout, but subsequent appearances of the minigame failed to have the same impact. It feels quite basic for experiences of its type, relying on a single line of inputs coming in from the left and right, which don’t always coordinate with the music. What’s more, although Afterlove EP grades your individual inputs (with “good,” “perfect,” etc.), it is not clear what real impact your failure or success in the songs has, although I played it on normal and rarely missed a note. Still, I would prefer a more immediate sense of how this mechanic operates.

The musical soul of Afterlove EP rests in the writing. Pikselnesia set the characters’ places in the narrative well, with each arc as a note in the murmuring song that is Rama’s Jakarta. Adit is laid back and seemingly thoughtless at first, and Tasya is disciplined and always thinks about progression. Your potential partners have even more depth to them, playing out through your daily encounters. Satria, the music store clerk, comes across as comically egotistical but encourages Rama to express himself. Regina, a model and Adit’s girlfriend, seems abrupt verging on rude, but softens as you spend time with her. Mira, Regina’s agent and a poet, works too hard and sometimes finds her confidence shaking. The game is full of clever and engaging dialogue, and on many occasions, I found myself openly laughing at one of Tasya’s sarcastic remarks or Regina’s barbed quips.

Too often, abrasive story beats threw me off course, like a mistimed chord interrupting a symphony. In particular, the idea of Rama continuously speaking to Cinta is fascinating at first, as are his companions’ reactions to his frequent pausing and odd comments. As this continues, it begins to feel awkward before becoming actively oppressive. The changing tone may be in tune with Afterlove EP’s exploration of loss and death, but it comes across as wrong in a game that otherwise wants to evoke the cosy life-sim vibes of other titles. Having the disembodied voice of your deceased partner with you on dates is offputting and kills the romance deader than disco. How bad this is depends on your interpretation of events. At best, she is a literal ghost and you spend time making her watch you sweet-talk your new love interests. At worst, Rama is using Cinta’s memory to aid him in his conquests, making her affirmations of his behaviour even stranger.

I am also not fond of the frequent hostile reactions from characters Rama deals with, especially Adit and Tasya. Seemingly innocent conversations are regularly derailed by snide remarks or vitriolic character assassinations that can become wearisome. When a date seems like it is building to a crescendo, something happens that sends it stumbling into the pits. It’s all very circular too. We learn the chorus, and then we repeat it over and over until the game ends.

I suspect that some may find this more appealing than I, especially as there is much to like here. Whenever I triggered a memory of Cinta, accompanied by comic-book animations, I found them charming, especially as Rama and Cinta reflect on those moments together. Other wonderful experiences await, such as coming to know Mira’s love of literature and exploring her insecurities, getting Regina to open up about her interests, and taking part in Satria’s life outside of the music shop. It’s a shame that, like Rama, these aspects play their own music but don’t work as well in an ensemble.

I found other elements of the gameplay to be weak as well. When making dialogue choices, the game presents options that frequently seem nearly identical, shattering the illusion of control that visual novels benefit from. For the busking side-activity, Afterlove EP chooses not to use the rhythm minigame but encourages you to select lyrics, accompanied by dreary music. Needless to say, I did not engage with it frequently.

The music itself, performed by the Indonesian group L’alphalpha, forms a key part of the experience, filling Afterlove EP with a familiar indie sound. The music captures the soulful moods of Rama’s more introspective songs but also delivers music to jump around to in classic indie-rock fashion. While no particular tracks stand out as especially memorable, the overall quality is high and supports the sense that Rama is on his way up in the alternative music scene.

By Afterlove EP’s closing moments, I was happy to take the needle from the vinyl and put the record back in its sleeve. I will file it away in the collection, an imperfect album, with some standout tracks that make the filler worthwhile.

This DLC will be themed around Goddess of Victory: Nikke, a mobile action RPG by the same studio. The new content will also be available for the original PS5 release. Preview the official trailer that aired during the recent State of Play showcase below.

As shown in the trailer, apart from hairstyles, players can look forward to six new Nanosuits for Eve. We also got hints at a new area to explore, and confirmation of an additional story event.

Here’s an overview of the game via Steam.

Stellar Blade Overview

Reclaim Earth for Humankind

Save humanity from extinction as critically acclaimed action-adventure Stellar Blade storms onto PC. Experience blistering combat and a twisting storyline as you unravel the mysteries of Earth’s downfall. Developed by Korean studio SHIFT UP, and optimized for PC. Coming June 2025.

Explore an Awe-Inspiring Post-Apocalyptic World

The future of humanity is balanced on the edge of a blade. Ravaged by strange, powerful creatures, Earth has been abandoned, and what is left of the decimated human race has fled to a Colony in outer space.

After travelling from the Colony, EVE arrives on the desolate remains of our planet with a clear-cut mission: to save humankind by reclaiming Earth from the Naytiba—the malevolent force that has devastated it.

But as EVE tackles the Naytiba one-by-one, piecing together the mysteries of the past in the ruins of human civilization, she realizes that her mission is far from straightforward. In fact, almost nothing is as it seems…

Key Features

• A Thrilling Slice of Razor-sharp Action – Engage in blisteringly fast combat as you slash a path through the remnants of Earth. Unleash graceful yet brutal attacking combos, unlock new moves and weapon upgrades, and face epic boss encounters that will challenge both brain and brawn in equal measure.
• An Incredible Visual Experience – Become immersed in a highly detailed post-apocalyptic world that blends beauty and horror to spectacular effect.
• A Deep, Unforgettable Adventure – Unravel a gripping human fate story, with mature themes, a thought-provoking narrative and emotionally-charged revelations from beginning to end.

Stellar Blade x Goddess of Victory: Nikke DLC Screenshots

Stellar Blade is heading to PC sometime in June along with the new Goddess of Victory: Nikke DLC. Those interested in giving this stylish action RPG a try can read Des’ PS5 review.

Stay tuned here at RPGFan for all things RPG!

Dave the Diver‘s Ichiban’s Holiday DLC launches this April for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Check out the trailer below, and an overview of the update on PS Blog, penned by Director Jaeho Hwang.

Dave the Diver: Ichiban’s Holiday Overview

As some of you may already know, I’ve often cited the Like a Dragon series as one of my greatest gaming inspirations. From the original 2005 release to the latest RPG iterations, I’ve been captivated by the rich character development and genre-defying gameplay. It’s been a dream of mine to invite these iconic characters into Dave’s world, and now, that dream is becoming a reality. After a fateful meeting with Mr. Yokoyama, head of Sega’s Like a Dragon Studio and the team at Tokyo Game Show, we’re finally ready to unveil what we’ve been working on. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details of our upcoming DLC: Ichiban’s Holiday!

Key Features

Kasuga Ichiban and the bartender

Kasuga Ichiban, our beloved protagonist since Yakuza: Like a Dragon, decides to take a well-deserved break at the Blue Hole. Joined by his ever-reliable buddy, the bartender of the “Survive Bar”, this vacation is about to turn into anything but relaxing.

Brace yourselves for an epic showdown as Bancho’s ego takes a serious hit when the bartender delivers a harsh dose of honesty about his skills.

But wait, there’s more! Our dynamic duo stumbles upon a sinister plot that’ll have you hooked. A dolphin-poaching syndicate is making waves, and it’s up to Ichiban and Dave to dive into action.

Kasuga Ichiban x Cobra

Cobra is an ex-arms dealer helping Dave – who’s all about the money but secretly loyal to the core. When he teams up with Ichiban, you know things are about to get explosive! Prepare for a beat ’em up style infiltration of the nefarious Sea Blue gang’s hideout. 

More from Kamurocho!

A crossover between Dave the Diver and Like a Dragon wouldn’t be complete without some iconic mini-games from both worlds! Cheer along with Ichiban’s unforgettable karaoke performances and recruit familiar faces from the Like a Dragon series to join your restaurant staff. Can you recognize where they all come from?

It is worth noting that, unlike past updates, the Ichiban’s Holiday DLC will be paid content. That’s no issue for me, since this is a collaboration I’d be willing to pay for as a fan of both IPs. Plus, it’s wonderful and refreshing to see familiar faces from LaD depicted with Dave the Diver‘s gorgeous pixel art.

Also, Dave the Diver was one of my favorite games played in 2023. Niki Fakhoori’s Switch review sums up everything the game offers: sushi restaurant management, underwater resource gathering with roguelike elements, and a lighthearted narrative.

Keep checking back here at RPGFan for further announcements from Sony’s recent State of Play!

Source: PS Blog

This week on Retro Encounter, we take a deep dive into the themes, obsessions, and gameplay quirks of the “father” of Final Fantasy: Hironobu Sakaguchi. How much did he really matter to the series? Does his work after leaving Final Fantasy hold up? Who can’t stop talking about their disdain for Lost Odyssey? Listen in to find out!

Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

Listen and subscribe where you please, and leave a rating if you can! Email us your feedback: retro@rpgfan.com

More: Overcast | Pocket Casts | Castro | Podbean | Podcast Addict | Player FM | View all Retro Encounter posts

Between the diabolical-looking monsters, the “gas attacks” (you know which one we mean), and the array of cool gear and weapons, I have to believe MH‘s fervent fanbase was thrilled to begin their official countdown towards launch on February 28th.

This latest update on one of our most anticipated games this year showed off new footage as well as the announcement of some post-launch content. The first title update is planned for this spring and will feature the return of Mizutsune, along with its annoying immobilizing bubbles.

A second open beta test — with crossplay across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam — will run from February 13th (7:00pm PT) to 16th (6:59pm). Participants will receive the Stuffed Felyne Teddy pendant as a bonus.

Below, you can find Monster Hunter Wilds‘ launch trailer, details regarding the post-launch content, and the latest screenshots.

Now just a couple short weeks away from release, Monster Hunter Wilds is preparing hunters for the journey into the Forbidden Lands with its official launch trailer. The new footage of the highly anticipated action RPG provides a glimpse of the challenges that await in this ever-changing world. The trailer featured Jin Dahaad, the massive apex predator of the Iceshard Cliffs, and a mysterious Rathalos that is unlike any other “King of the Skies” hunters have seen before!

Following the arrival of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, the game will continue to evolve with post-launch content updates. The first free major Title Update is planned for release in Spring 2025 and will see the return of Mizutsune, the sleek dancing Leviathan that ensnares its prey with immobilizing bubbles. Before then, starting the week after launch, Event Quests will be introduced with special armor that players can earn as rewards. Please stay tuned for additional details on these limited-time quests and the other exciting content coming in free Title Update 1.

Monster Hunter Wilds Screenshots

Monster Hunter Wilds arrives February 28th for PS5, XSX, and PC (via Steam). A reminder that players who preorder will receive the “Guild Knight Set” layered armor and “Hope Charm” talisman. Additionally, a Digital Mini Art Book is available for anyone who places a pre-order via the PlayStation Store. Check out our previous coverage for more information on preorders and deluxe sets.

Played the beta? Have a preferred style, weapon, or look for your Hunter? Reach out to us on socials and let us know what you’re most excited for as the game nears its launch.

And, as always, swing on over to RPGFan’s home page to get caught up on all the other games that made their mark recently!

Details are still pretty scarce, but we do know that the game will feature turn-based battles, Digimon‘s popular monster-taming, and a story that unfolds across the parallel human world and the Digital World: Iliad, exploring the bonds between humans and Digimon. Below you can find the brand-new announcement trailer, an overview of the game, and the first screenshots of the latest Digimon adventure.

DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER is designed to be the perfect entry point to the series for RPG enthusiasts. The game’s multiple settings in both the human and digital worlds sets the stage for exploring the deep bond between people in the human world and creatures called Digimon, who reside in the Digital World: Iliad. Players must work together with them, forging bonds, and evolving their Digimon’s abilities to unravel the game’s mystery and save the worlds. To do so, they journey between the two worlds, even across time and venture deep into the intricate Digital World revealing never-before-seen elements of the world of Digimon.

Fortunately for players, they can tame and recruit the Digimon they discover in their journey, training them to fight. Customization and developing strong bonds with Digimon is a unique element to the game, and the key to success in strategic, turn-based combat. With an intriguing story and setting, memorable characters including a vast array of Digimon with unique abilities to discover, updated battle systems and more, DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER is the next evolution for the beloved series and a must-play game for fans of anime-inspired RPGs. 

DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER will include both Japanese and English VO with localizations in English, Neutral Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. 

Digimon Story: Time Stranger First Screenshots

While Bandai Namco did not reveal a specific release date, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is slated for release sometime in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam). Wishlist details are available via the game’s official website.

In the meantime, since you’re already astride your Garurumon, feel free to run a “Digimon” search on our games page to check out some of the other games in the series (I personally recommend Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition) and pad on over to RPGFan’s home page to see all the other games in the news this week!

On Twitter/X, developer RGG Studio shared that the demo will also come to Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. It will be available for Western audiences starting on February 13th (7:00am PST). Japanese players will have access on February 14th (12:01am JST).

Regardless of where people are engaging with the demo, they will be able to experiment with two distinct battle styles — including Majima’s new “Sea Dog” style — and engage in naval battles inside the coliseum.

Below you can check out the game’s recent State of Play appearance, as well as an overview and some Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii screenshots to wet your whistle.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Overview

A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea.

Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.

PIRATE YAKUZA ADVENTURE AHOY!

Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.

GET YOUR SHIP TOGETHER

Assemble a one-of-a-kind crew while upgrading your ship as you explore the open sea and forge your legend in the cannon fire of foes, unexpected friendships, and immense riches made along the way.

When an enemy pirate ship catches you in their sights, an exhilarating real-time cannon battle breaks out. Quickly maneuver into position while avoiding fire, then deliver devastating damage to board the enemy ship and take down the captain in all-out crew vs. crew brawls. Conquer the seas, discover hidden islands and acquire loads of loot like a true yakuza pirate!

KICK ARRRSS WITH CREATIVE COMBAT

Dynamically switch between the “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog” fighting styles to mix-up attacks and deliver explosive combos, juggles, and aerial takedowns that reward your creativity with over-the-top action.

With “Mad Dog” style, utilize speed, agility, and flair to deliver precise yet powerful blows that stun your enemies into submission.

Or make enemies walk the plank with the “Sea Dog” style that has you dual-wielding short swords and deploying tricky pirate tools to kick some serious booty.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Screenshots

The demo for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on February 13th. The full game releases on February 21st, for PS5, PS4, XSX, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.

This latest spinoff in the popular Like a Dragon series is on our list of most anticipated games for 2025. If you missed episode 312 of Random Encounter (where we discuss Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and our other most anticipated games), be sure to give that a download/listen. Otherwise, you can check out our series primer to get caught up on the games, if it’s been a while since you’ve gone down the Yakuza rabbit hole.

Well, what are you waiting for you scurvy dogs!? Click on over to the RPGFan home page, where our swashbuckling news team will get you caught up on all the latest news from the most recent showcase!

Or they be walkin’ the plank!

A trailer shown at the February 2025 State of Play featured multi-dimensional locales, flashy combat, and more. Check it out below!

Lost Soul Aside – Pre-Order Trailer

About Lost Soul Aside

As seen in the trailer above, protagonist Kaser wields a shape-shifting phantasm named Arena to wield martial and magical might against myriad enemies. Players will be able to shift Arena into different styles of weapon, both confirming melee and ranged options, suited to different playstyles. There are also unique abilities interwoven with a seemingly robust system of dodges and counters.

Players will explore a multi-dimensional reality, switching between linear setpieces and opening up for vertical exploration in a setting that fuses fantasy and near-future science fiction. In that world, Kaser seeks to both save his sister and humanity from an overwhelming tide of monsters, using Arena and his might as a way to achieve that.

For more information on Lost Aside, feel free to check out an article on PlayStation Blog released in conjunction with the new trailer.

Pre-Order Details

UltiZero Games has also confirmed that players will be able to pre-order Lost Soul Aside starting February 19th, on Sony and PC storefronts. Doing so will give players access to three bonuses: Kaser’s original outfit from his reveal in 2016, a starter bundle of in-game currency, and a bundle of healing potions. The game will have standard and Digital Deluxe editions, with the latter’s pre-order bonuses detailed below:

• Ruby Necklace Health Booster
• Gemstone Badge XP Booster
• Arena ‘Golden Blaze’ Skin
• 3 x Weapon Cosmetics
• Digital Soundtrack
• Digital Artbook

Lost Soul Aside Screenshots

Lost Soul Aside was originally revealed as a solo project in 2016 by developer Yang Bing before joining the China Hero Project program — a Sony initiative intent on bringing Chinese game development teams financial, marketing and publishing support.

It’s heartening to see Lost Soul Aside‘s release confirmed. For as long as I’ve been with RPGFan as a news editor,this title has come in and out of focus over the years. It wears its inspirations of Final Fantasy XV and Devil May Cry on its sleeve, and I hope it stands on their shoulders to bring something exquisite to the equation.

Lost Soul Aside will be released on May 30th for PS5 and PC via Steam.

Stay tuned to RPGFan for all news RPG!

The standard edition will run you $24.99 USD. If you want extra goodies like costume sets and in-game credits, there’s a Hack n’ Dash Edition for $39.99 and an Ultimate Edition for $79.99. Early purchasers (until March 14th) get special outfits calling back to the original Dynasty Warriors. Through free updates, Koei Tecmo plans to add classic characters to Warriors: Abyss moving forward, with the first batch coming from Dynasty Warriors‘ Jin Kingdom.

Here’s the launch trailer, which we saw at today’s State of Play event.

Warriors: Abyss Overview

In WARRIORS: Abyss the souls of heroes have found themselves summoned to the underworld. Here, the ruler of the underworld, a boy who calls himself “Enma” informs players that the ancient evil entity “Gouma” has been released and has taken over this hellish land. At the request of “Enma,” the heroes dive into the abyss teeming with the undead!

Set in the floors of a randomly generated “hell,” players battle through waves of enemies from all directions as they delve into the abyss where the arch-villain, “Gouma,” awaits. Along the way, players meet new characters and find items to select from to strengthen their team. These selections can be combined to unleash powerful effects, allowing for a variety of strategic approaches. Since the characters and items will change with each playthrough, players will need to craft new strategies in order to find success. 

WARRIORS: Abyss introduces a new way to play a WARRIORS title by combining the exhilarating feeling of 1 vs. 1,000 action with roguelite elements – such as randomly generated stages and items, and enhancing player strength through choices – allowing for a different experience with each playthrough while also encouraging countless hours of replayability. 

In WARRIORS: Abyss, players not only control their chosen hero, but also recruit heroes they encounter along their way. Featuring over 100 unique characters, players can utilize the “Summoning Heroes” action to call upon these allies in battle. Once called upon, players will then be able to activate “Unique Tactics” that significantly enhance their entire team. Each “Summoning Heroes” action and “Unique Tactics” action has its own distinct characteristics, allowing for countless strategies based on the combinations and chosen actions. Including the character under control, players can utilize up to seven active heroes in battle. With the ability to choose seven characters from a pool of over 100, the potential battle style combinations exceed an astonishing 16 billion!

In addition, KOEI TECMO and Omega Force plan on regularly releasing new characters for free after the game’s launch. The first batch of characters will be from the Jin Kingdom of the DYNASTY WARRIORS series! From the second batch onwards, there might even be characters outside of the WARRIORS series joining the battle […]

Players who purchase WARRIORS: Abyss before March 14, 2025 will receive the early purchase bonus “DYNASTY WARRIORS Classic Costume Set,” featuring characters like Guan Yu and Zhou Yu in outfits from the original DYNASTY WARRIORS game. Additionally, the “Hack ‘n’ Dash Edition” comes with costumes from DYNASTY WARRIORS3 and SAMURAI WARRIORS. The “Hack ‘n’ Dash Ultimate Edition” includes a total of 200 costumes from both the DYNASTY WARRIORS and SAMURAI WARRIORS series.

Media

Warriors: Abyss is out now for PS5, PS4, XSX, and PC. It should also be out within the day on Switch. This latest game comes hot on the heels of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, to which we have bestowed Editor’s Choice status. It’s just that good.

Keep tuned to RPGFan for more State of Play reveals!

Finally reaching the poignant end credits and epilogue scene, I can safely say that Final Fantasy XVI is undoubtedly one of the best-written stories in a single-player mainline Final Fantasy game in a long while, and that is a sentiment I hold as a series fan who’s played some iteration of every mainline Final Fantasy game, along with several spin-offs. That said, the PC port isn’t the best version of Final Fantasy XVI if you don’t have access to a high-end PC with comparable specs to a PS5 (and you can check out Zach Wilkerson’s excellent review for more on that version). Likewise, I would not recommend playing it on a Steam Deck (even OLED) despite technically being able to do so, as it is unsupported. I also wouldn’t recommend playing this port without a controller, but even playing with bare minimum requirements doesn’t deter from the plot highlights of Clive’s moving journey.

For those not already aware of the game’s narrative, Final Fantasy XVI tells a tale set in the medieval-inspired fantasy realm of Valisthea. The land’s struck by a horrific plague known as the Blight, sucking away the ground’s very life force as well as taking the life force of any living thing that happens to be unlucky enough to be in its path. The only protection people have from the Blight are the magicks provided by the Mothercrystals, but since they are in limited supply, political control over those resources happens to be heavily disputed by Valisthea’s various regions.

Having failed to mine all the necessary crystals that provide daily comforts, the people of Valisthea rely on a slave caste called Bearers. These Bearers can wield magic without relying on crystals, but they’re viewed as less than human by most, forbidden from even learning to read and write or marry who they wish. Families turn on any offspring revealed to be a Bearer the second they display their abilities, with their lives viewed as essentially disposable, even with the knowledge that should they use their powers long enough, they fall victim to a painful “curse” that turns their bodies to stone from the inside out. I found the narrative’s plight of the Bearers an incredible societal commentary on the ills of prejudice and slavery that reminded me somewhat of the X-Men comic books, albeit with more dire consequences, seeing as how Bearers eventually die from using their abilities.

There are horrible examples of the mistreatment of Bearers throughout Final Fantasy XVI‘s runtime, yet the game never shows their situation as entirely hopeless. Clive, previously regarded as a Bearer thanks to being a Branded soldier, discovers a group of Bearers and their allies working to improve the situation and give everyone true freedom, even if they must topple society to build a better one. Valisthea is a world rife with despair and cruelty, yet in the moments where kindness and hope win out, the game’s narrative soars, making a lasting impression.

Aside from the compelling Bearer plotline, Final Fantasy XVI is a personal story focusing on Clive’s character growth. Clive Rosfield is a phenomenal main character who develops alongside the narrative. At the game’s beginning, I was worried he’d be a revenge-obsessed, brooding character. He develops incredibly after discovering certain truths and taking up the mantle of “Cid” to help Bearers freely live. The familial bond between Clive and his younger brother Joshua is exceptionally well-written and memorable. Family, chosen and biological, is an essential cornerstone in Final Fantasy XVI. This isn’t depicted only in the narratively central brotherhood of the Rosfields; I love Uncle Byron’s evident care and support for his nephews, as well as how much the original Cid means to his adopted daughter Mid.

Unfortunately, because the plot centers around Clive, the other characters tend to only get attention when they’re closer in orbit to him. This oversight is a shame, as the primary and supporting cast of Final Fantasy XVI are excellent in their own right. I’d have loved to see more of what Joshua and Jote were up to or had the chance to see more of Dion because his journey was also very emotional. Benedikta could’ve been a more compelling antagonist if her early screentime hadn’t happened so quickly. Jill also could’ve had more moments. Her storyline after what happened to Joshua and Clive is only implied and, while compelling, not as explored as it should have been, which is a missed opportunity given the information we do get, as well as how it could’ve helped develop the still well-written romance between her and Clive.

Over time and in a realistic fashion, you learn more about the Hideaway allies like Byron, Mid, Dorys, Tarja, Otto, Gav, Martha, and Quinten once Clive grows closer to them, but larger parts for them in the overall narrative would’ve been great. It’s a shame that some character moments get relegated to Vivian’s inner voices segment, such as the medical girl Kihel and Dion’s love interest Terence’s fates. Clive is a fantastic main character, and Final Fantasy XVI does a great job developing anyone he grows close to. Still, there could have been ways for the other characters to have a share in the narrative.

Truthfully, I suspect the plot’s centering around Clive stems from the game’s action RPG focus. The Final Fantasy series constantly reinvents itself with each new installment, but Final Fantasy XVI is the most drastic departure from its traditional RPG gameplay roots. Beyond having a control schematic for Torgal, the loyal hound who follows Clive on many of his adventures, any other character who “joins” the party is wholly AI-controlled. The battle component focuses solely on controlling Clive. I see where that’s off-putting for many Final Fantasy fans.

I found the combat’s action RPG elements largely enjoyable, especially after gaining several abilities in Clive’s versatile skill tree. You perform combos with button presses in real time, and quicktime events are sprinkled throughout fights so it feels like you’re playing in an interactive FMV CG movie cutscene that has become synonymous with Final Fantasy. As Clive unlocks various Eikon abilities throughout his adventure, you can choose which abilities to equip for quick access during fights. I was partial to Bahamut, Leviathan, Shiva, and Phoenix myself. Combat is fast, fluid, and entertaining if you enjoy action RPG mechanics.

Of course, the biggest draw toward combat is the larger-than-life Eikon battles once you control Ifrit. These are engaging, large-scale battles of epic proportions divided into different phases reminiscent of over-the-top fighting game rounds. I enjoyed them, though the most challenging and satisfying one is the DLC Eikon battle with Leviathan. Just be wary of how long they are, with massive HP pools that take forever to diminish.

Graphically, Final Fantasy XVI‘s visual presentation wholly depends on your PC specs. I initially played it on the PS5, and it looked fantastic. When I got this port, I had to use the lowest minimum specs even to run it on my Steam Deck OLED, which, I should note, is technically unsupported. So, while I was able to play it, doing so was far from ideal and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who has any other potential platform option available to them. Running it at 30 fps didn’t do the title any favors visually and made the game look like it was part of a much older console generation. However, it still looked nice enough in many of the FMV cutscenes if you can ignore the weird little shine that sometimes haloed around the characters. There was a lot of lag during open-world segments on a minimum spec setup, especially when initiating combat. I also found the UI text relatively small, so playing with a larger monitor would be beneficial.

From a soundscape perspective, Final Fantasy XVI is a mixed bag. The soundtrack is astounding, with emotional and powerful tracks like “My Star.” The English voice acting for the more narratively important characters is also incredible, with special mention to Ben Starr‘s passionate and dynamic performance as Clive. However, the voice-acting for random NPC villagers and the like tended to be hit-or-miss.

While the main quest is considerably shorter, it took me seventy-five hours to play Final Fantasy XVI.  Granted, I played the Complete Edition version that came bundled with the game’s two DLC expansions, Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide, but I also spent a lot of time completing all of the side quests. They’re massively important to the story because they build on one another and reveal essential plot elements and character information that help flesh out the setting, providing more emotional impact to the endgame. I wish they didn’t contain so many fetch quests, though. It could be a chore to get through the side quests, even if doing so was ultimately rewarding from a plot stance. There’s a lot of ground to cover in Final Fantasy XVI if you want to discover all the game has to offer!

Final Fantasy XVI is phenomenal if you enjoy action RPGs, especially if you appreciate well-written stories that build upon themselves, teeming with memorable characters and poignantly emotional moments. I’m glad I finally got to play it in its entirety, even if it wasn’t remotely close to its recommended specs. The final boss fight and ending scenes left me with so many feelings, and those on the fence about Final Fantasy XVI for any reason should at least give the game a chance. Like me, they might find a hidden gem underneath.

Check out a trailer for Virtual Girl @ World’s End below:

The VN will launch with four different language options: English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The Japanese version features a special “Limited Box” edition. For just ¥19,800 JPY (roughly $130 USD), the limited edition includes the following:

• Special box
• Soundtrack CD
• Body pillow cover of Ai
• Game

Learn all about the game through Gematsu’s translation of the game’s official website:

About

Shine in despair…

Tokyo, 2055. War, resource depletion, population decline.

In this place full of despair, girls host live streams. With colorful new outfits and hairstyles, today’s stream begins.

They are appraised, ranked, and drained. Only their eyes, the ones that saw the world, became dark and murky.

In a colorless, dark world, one girl awakens.

“HELLO WORLD! I’m Ai from Vstar!”

The girl sings. For the smiles of people all over the world. No matter the darkness, she continues to sing.

Until the day the world ends.

Featuring character designs by Osamu Nobusawa.

Cast

• Ai (voiced by Azusa Tachibana)
• Rinka / Rin Katase (voiced by Hina Tachibana)
• Maki / Mai (voiced by Mei Tachibana)
• Jami-tan (voiced by Aina Suzuki)
• Yayoi (voiced by Fuuka Izumi)
• Sakura (voiced by Mayu Mineda)
• Haruka (voiced by Aguri Oonishi)
• Informant (voiced by Naoya Uchida)
• Scrap Dealer (voiced by Shuuta Morishima)
• Resistance Leadership (voiced by Shuuta Morishima)

Virtual Girl @ World’s End Screenshots

Virtual Girl @ World’s End will launch for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Stay tuned to RPGFan for more visual novels and RPGs!

Source: Gematsu

Black Tabby plans to overhaul the game’s technical and visual elements, including the text box and overall UI. Players can also expect more choices in the first two episodes (four out of the planned seven have been released so far). Read on for more information and preview the latest screenshots below.

Scarlet Hollow – The Roads Untraveled Update Overview

Ahead of Episode 5’s release, return to Scarlet Hollow, North Carolina — or visit for the first time, all are welcome — and you’ll find things are…different. The married powerhouse fueling Black Tabby Games continues to mine the Hollow’s cold, dark earth, renovating the user experience, expanding the script by more than 70,000 words across four chapters, and improving the UI. Bask in even more of Abby Howard’s evocative, award-winning artistry.

One week in Scarlet Hollow, North Carolina, will change everything. Your aunt Pearlanne Scarlet, owner of the coal town’s Scarlet Mine, is dead. You return home to pay your respects, only to find that your cousin Tabitha, Pearlanne’s daughter, hates you. Weird things are afoot in the midst of this strange place in an uncertain time of change, as something otherworldly stalks you from the shadows.

It was more than the funeral that pulled you to this town. Whatever this gravity is, it’s not from here. Upon arrival, this compulsive frequency leads you beyond the veil through an episodic adventure where every decision directs the story’s cursed course. Steel yourself: your aunt may not be the only life mourned this week. Welcome home.

Combine character traits — like communicating with animals and/or being hot — to encounter unique narrative trajectories exclusive to each. Discover that romance can bloom even in a graveyard and seek out potential partners, from the town’s resident cryptid hunter, to a strange and rotting specter who stalks your every move. Make Scarlet Hollow’s tale your own by directing the story’s course in a complex web of branching paths through seven planned chapters.

“Before diving into Scarlet Hollow’s final chapters, we wanted to take the opportunity to make its opening act more reflective of the extreme agency and deep character writing that defines the later episodes,” says Tony Howard-Arias, co-founder at Black Tabby Games. “Episode 1 was the very first game we made, and while we’re so proud of the impact it’s had on people, we’ve also learned so much since its release.

We’re better game designers, better writers, and we know our characters much more intimately now than when we started. We’re so excited to give old fans an opportunity to re-explore the beginning of their journeys, and we can’t wait for a whole new crop of players to enter the Holler for the first time.” 

Key Improvements

Improved player agency in the first two episodes of the game. Over 70,000 words of new story content in Episodes 1 and 2 to explore previously unseen paths. What happens if you don’t venture into the woods in Episode 1? What happens if you do your best to stay out of any and all danger at the start of Episode 2?

A user interface and visual overhaul. We’ve also been working hard to update Scarlet Hollow’s use interface and visual presentation to be closer to our current quality standards. There’s more on that in our previous update, but a small preview is included below for those who missed it:

Screenshots

Scarlet Hollow‘s The Roads Untraveled update launches for PC, macOS, and Linux on March 3rd, the first day of Steam’s Visual Novel Fest.

Feel free to check out Dom Kim’s reviews, wherein he had a lot of positive things to say about episodes 1 and 2. Keep checking back here at RPGFan for more visual novels and all things RPG!

Beyond the explosive antics, the trailer gives players another glimpse of the English dub of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii with narration by professional wrestling legend Samoa Joe, of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) fame. He will voice the Pirate King Raymond Law, the master of money and manager of the Madlantis Pirate Coliseum, alongside a host of others as detailed below:

• Matthew Mercer as Goro Majima
• Maya Aoki Tuttle as Noah Rich
• Jeremy Brandt as Jason Rich
• Brent Mukai as Masaru Fujita
• James Kirkland as Taiga Saejima
• Debra Wilson as Queen Michele

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii stars Goro Majima half a year after the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Waking up an amnesiac, Majima must find his way across the seas surrounding Hawaii to find out exactly why he ended up in the ruins of a shipwreck far from home. Beyond its core story premise, players will be able to sail across the waters in a customisable ship known as the Goromaru recruiting over 100 crewmembers to ascend as an outlaw pirate. For more details, check out a synopsis below:

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Overview

A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea.

Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.

■ PIRATE YAKUZA ADVENTURE AHOY!

Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.

■ GET YOUR SHIP TOGETHER

Assemble a one-of-a-kind crew while upgrading your ship as you explore the open sea and forge your legend in the cannon fire of foes, unexpected friendships, and immense riches made along the way.

When an enemy pirate ship catches you in their sights, an exhilarating real-time cannon battle breaks out. Quickly maneuver into position while avoiding fire, then deliver devastating damage to board the enemy ship and take down the captain in all-out crew vs. crew brawls. Conquer the seas, discover hidden islands and acquire loads of loot like a true yakuza pirate!

■ KICK ARRRSS WITH CREATIVE COMBAT

Dynamically switch between the “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog” fighting styles to mix-up attacks and deliver explosive combos, juggles, and aerial takedowns that reward your creativity with over-the-top action.

With “Mad Dog” style, utilize speed, agility, and flair to deliver precise yet powerful blows that stun your enemies into submission.

Or make enemies walk the plank with the “Sea Dog” style that has you dual-wielding short swords and deploying tricky pirate tools to kick some serious booty.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Screenshots

For those curious about the Like a Dragon series, feel free to check out our extensive primer. It convinced me to slowly begin making my way through the Yakuza franchise in the post-pandemic world and my gaming life, when time allows, has been better for it.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will set sail on February 21st for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows and PC via Steam. Stay tuned to RPGFan for all news Like a Dragon and RPG!

Mew Game Mode is accessible at the start of a new playthrough and offers eight modifiers, including increased damage from enemies, doubled gameplay speed, and no armour and weapons. For every tweak to the default Cat Quest III experience, players can be rewarded with unique equipment. Here’s the full list of options:

Mew Game brings a variety of gameplay modifiers to keep Cat Quest III fresh and test the skills of even the toughest purrivateers. Players can also earn new equipment as a reward when taking on the challenge of Mew Game mode. Here is the complete list of modifiers:

• Nine Lives – You only get nine chances before your save file deletes itself and is lost fur-ever.
• Ruffer Enemies – Tougher, more dangerous foes prowl the Purribean.
• Naked Paws – No weapons or armor are allowed. Only trinkets can be equipped.
• Purre Magic – Spells only. But don’t worry, mana regens quickly.
• No Leveling – You stay the same level throughout the entire game.
• Fast Furwards – Everything moves at double speed, even you. Test those cat-like reflexes.
• No Upgrades – No upgrading anything, not even spells.
• Furriendly Ship – Your ship does just one damage. Good luck.

Cat Quest III Screenshots

Cat Quest III puts players in the role of a feline privateer looking for a wish-granting treasure known as the North Star. In that pursuit, they explore an oceanic archipelago known as the Purribean in real-time, contesting against other privateers, pirates, and deep-sea nasties. Players will shift between maritime and overworld exploration, traversing islands where dungeons hold equipment, spells, and power-ups. Notably, the game also features local co-op for two players to work together as privateering felines across the Purribean.

If you’re curious about what RPGFan thought of Cat Quest III, feel free to check out our review. Jerry Williams enjoyed the experience, stating that the game “…is the definitive comfy game that you can play with a spouse, friend, or child.”

Cat Quest III is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

Stay tuned to RPGFan for all news Cat Quest III and RPG!

From the outset, Shujinkou wears its Etrian Odyssey inspiration proudly. After a brief ten-minute introduction, the game throws you into the first dungeon—a forest reminiscent of the classic First Stratums from that series. Even early on, it’s clear that the genre’s best elements are completely intact in this game. Shortcuts feel just as rewarding as ever, and the incredibly dangerous FOEs (an EO acronym for powerful mini-bosses), called Yajuu here, are omnipresent. In fact, the game introduces you to them as early as the second floor. Throughout my playthrough, I found it deeply impressive how enjoyable each labyrinth is to explore. The dungeon design is a true masterclass, and if you’re craving that addictive DRPG experience, Shujinkou delivers with flying colors.

As mentioned in the trailers, Shujinkou includes an optional educational component. You can progress through the game by mastering Japanese kanji, vocabulary, and grammar, which seamlessly integrate into the gameplay. For example, the combat system incorporates Kana sets that you can use to enhance your characters in battle. As you progress, you obtain Kanakae Orbs containing hiragana and katakana characters. Using the orbs corresponding to an enemy’s Japanese name will allow you to deal additional ontological damage. 

With that said, it’s important to emphasize that the game doesn’t aim to be exclusively an educational experience. Rather, the educational component supplements—not replaces—the JRPG experience as a whole. As soon as you start the game, you receive a series of options pertaining to your Japanese knowledge, experience, and interest level. If you prefer, you can disable this system entirely and play the game as a standard JRPG.

I was also pleasantly surprised by Shujinkou’s story. The character development is solid, and I found the intermission scenes between dungeons to be far superior to those in Etrian Odyssey. Without giving away any spoilers, there are moments within the game that rival some of Atlus’s best titles. Similar to my experience in Metaphor: ReFantazio, I always found myself looking forward to visiting the next town after completing a long and treacherous dungeon.

It is all the more remarkable, then, that a single developer programmed the game. Going in, I was concerned about potential game-breaking bugs, but I walked away impressed by how polished the game is. While some bugs exist, they never hindered my experience. It includes certain quality-of-life features I usually only expect from high-budget games, such as a tutorial directory and various progress trackers. The bestiary is another excellent feature; each entry contains a substantial amount of detail and updates dynamically as you uncover more information.

Shujinkou’s art style feels like a love letter to Japan’s artistic traditions. Its visuals evoke the kind of beauty you’d find in ukiyo-e woodblock prints or the intricate designs of kimono fabrics. Picture rolling hills painted in vivid greens, cherry blossoms drifting lazily in the breeze, and skies that look like they’ve been brushed with ink by a master calligrapher. The colors are bold yet balanced—deep reds and golds sit alongside softer pastels, creating a harmony that’s both striking and soothing. The labyrinths, in particular, look absolutely phenomenal on my OLED display, and I have to give credit to the artists for such an amazing job.

The music is another highlight of Shujinkou. The official soundtrack includes a staggering 158 tracks, and just as importantly, the tracks are stylistically diverse. In my opinion, the critical aspect of DRPG music is how it fits in with the environment, and I believe Shujinkou excels in this department. I also appreciate how the tracks build in intensity as you progress through the game.

Of course, no game is perfect, and I encountered a few minor issues throughout my playthrough, notably with the menus. For example, the colors used to confirm or cancel dialogue options are inconsistent. When selecting the auto-battle option, the confirm button is green, but it’s red when upgrading your skills in the menu. This inconsistency can occasionally result in confirming an option when you don’t intend to. 

The town navigation is also a bit unwieldy at times. In the larger towns, there are often too many elements on the screen, which makes it difficult to know where you’re supposed to go. Additionally, a menu system to access shops, similar to the modern Persona games, would be a welcome feature. That said, the game deserves credit for highlighting the main story path and helping to mitigate some potential navigation issues.

Inspired by the Shin Megami Tensei series, the demon negotiation system also appears in this game. However, I found it to be a bit muted in comparison to Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. In my experience, the chance of obtaining something valuable from a negotiation feels far too low to be worthwhile. Because you cannot recruit enemies in Shujinkou, the system loses part of its reward.

Finally, I found the inventory system to be rather outdated. You can only carry a total of 99 items of one type, such as materials or resources. Your storage also maxes out at the same limit, so you cannot hold on to items that you may want to keep for the future. Personally, I did not find any old items to be worth keeping, but they may be useful for certain side quests. To be clear, these are fairly minor issues, and the fact that I’m mentioning them at all is a testament to how great the game is. 

Suffice it to say, Shujinkou is one of the most ambitious indie games I’ve ever played. It not only satisfies the DRPG craving, but also rivals the industry and genre giants in delivering a complete experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just curious to try something new, this is the one.

Two of the three are clearly intended to spotlight a pair of the games original protagonists in Marisa, a young Guardian, and Seign Kesling, a gifted youth from Galdea. Interestingly, while the third story expansion will feature the third protagonist Nowa, it will center around on one of the more mysterious plot based characters: Markus the Skeleton King.

We’ve got your full details below.

The Chapter of Marisa: February 27th

Our favorite spunky forest Guardian gets the first spotlight near the end of this month as The Chapter of Marisa releases February 27th. Per 505 and Rabbit & Bear:

In the Marisa expansion you will get to know more about her journey as a Guardian. The story revolves around her encounter with an enchanted girl who is fascinated by ancient ruins and ends up becoming Marisa’s cherished companion. However, mysterious and sinister forces [are] at play, and the duo sets out to uncover the secrets surrounding the enigmatic “Child of the Rune”.

Given the dearth of Black female protagonists in RPGs (and gaming in general) it’s fitting and appropriate that Marisa’s is the first chapter to release, as many fans in the West celebrate February as Black History Month. I’m very much looking forward to reconnecting with Marisa.

The Chapter of Seign: March 13th

Unlike his counterpart Marisa, Seign’s caricature is one that JRPG fans are intimately familiar with. A prodigious military youth to gains a leadership position ahead of his time, Seign’s story debuts about two weeks after Marisa. The Chapter of Seign releases March 13th. Per the press release:

This story extension immerses you in the saga, viewing events through Seign’s perspective and those who parted ways with Nowa’s troupe to address a certain “predicament” within the Galdean empire. What transpired inside the empire during their time apart? Moreover, what covert roles did Seign and his allies undertake, influencing the unfolding drama from the shadows?

If some in the Eiyuden community were a bit let down by Seign as a character during their time with with Hundred Heroes, I can understand. Particularly if you were a fan of the original Suikoden series and (perhaps unconsciously) spent time trying to stuff him into a Jowy-sized box.

I’ve been guilty of this myself — and have little doubt the developers and writers were intentional about trying to draw it out — but while I understand trying to tickle the Suikoden II nostalgia button, I do think it ended up being unfair to Seign as a character. I am very interested in seeing what kind of character development they can offer for the young commander.

The Chapter of Markus: April 3rd

Markus is a late addition to the party, and Nowa gets the most run during the main events of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, so it makes sense that Markus’ story is the last to debut on April 3rd.

In this story expansion, Markus, Carrie, and Nowa brace themselves for an intriguing discovery. An anomaly dubbed “Menhir’s Distortion” has unlocked a mysterious teleportation gateway. Venturing forth as a trio, they prepare to delve into the enigmatic realm beyond. What hidden truths await them there? Perhaps the revelations would shed light on Markus’s shrouded past, unearthing long-buried secrets. With bated breath, they steel themselves for the unravelling of an extraordinary tale.

There is much intrigue around the Skeleton King, and Markus is a powerful mage who ends up being crucial to late developing plot threads featuring — unsurprisingly — the undead. This is definitely one that I will be keeping an eye on as springtime approaches.

So there you have it: three story expansion episodes for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes coming out this spring. Each expansion will retail for $7.99 USD / £5.99, and all content will be available on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam, EGS, & GOG).

If you missed picking up the full game last year and you like old school JRPGs, I definitely encourage you to try Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. We have a bevy of content at RPGFan: newcomers can check out our full review of the base game as well as Audra Bowling’s excellent write-up on why we awarded Eiyuden Chronicle Best Indie Game in our Games of the Year feature, while Allraan veterans should be sure to check out the discussion from our Retro Encounter spoilercast episode.

For everything else JRPG, DLC, and any other RPG-related acronyms, click on over to the RPGFan main page. We’ve got you covered.

This new music collection features music and brand-new arrangements by five artists, including an original battle theme by SuperSweep’s Ayako Saso. Her discography is too extensive to list here, but some of her most notable work in the 80s and 90s include titles in the Ridge Racer, TEKKEN, F-Zero, Street Fighter, and Mega Man series. In addition, YIIK developer and composer Andrew Allanson contributed an original track inspired by the themes of loss and grief. The other three tracks are by Scarlet Moon’s extended family of game composers and cover a range of styles:

• coda (Read Only Memories: Neurodiver)
• Jamphibious (Kero Quest 64)
• Frank Van ‘t Ende (Clock Tower: Rewind)

Today, RPGFan is proud to present an exclusive music video for Jamphibious’ track, “Feverdream Future Fragments” – watch it below:

Big thanks to Scarlet Moon for allowing us to present this to our readers and listeners! Here’s a little more about the project from Ayako Saso and Scarlet Moon’s Jayson Napolitano:

“Congratulations to the team at Ackk Studios on the release of the YIIK content update!” notes SuperSweep composer Ayako Saso. “It’s been quite some time since I worked on the music, so listening to it now feels very fresh even for me. I was in charge of one of the boss battle tracks, and I remember crafting it in a way that preserved the original theme’s melody and atmosphere. The other arrangements also seem to carry a similar vibe, with some irregular time signatures that gives them a mysterious feel. I hope you enjoy it!”

“We’re so thrilled to have been able to bring this collection of music to fans,” notes Scarlet Moon’s Jayson Napolitano. “While we wanted to release Saso-san’s battle theme, we wanted to give fans something more to sink their teeth into, so it was a pleasure to work with composer Andrew Allanson on some original music and arrangements from our extended Scarlet Moon family to give these haunting melodies a variety of ways to express themselves. We hope fans appreciate the work that goes into these kinds of special releases!”

YIIK: Electric Soul Archives will be available on all major streaming platforms including Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify, and many others through this Scarlet Moon page. Look for our review soon!

2024 being such a great year for RPG music meant that one episode could not contain our Music of the Year celebrations, so we have split it into two back-to-back episodes. Enjoy the likes of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Arco, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and much more today. Then come back next week for three more panelists’ highlights of the year!

Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Patrick Gann; Edited by Mike Salbato

Links for this episode

• The End of Service: A NieR Re[in]carnation Postmortem Retrospective

Tracklist

Pat’s Picks
0:02:58 – The World’s Heartbeat (comp. Kenji Ito, arr. Tsutomu Narita) – SaGa Emerald Beyond
0:04:49 – Battle! (Terapagos – The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero) (comp. Toby Fox, Go Ichinose, Rei Murayama, arr. Go Ichinose) – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
0:08:16 – Lantern&End (Keiichi Okabe) – SINoALICE

Hilary’s Picks
0:39:58 – Renoir (Lorien Testard) – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
0:42:55 – Moiety Theme (Robyn Miller) – Riven (2024)
0:45:01 – Nadie Los Podrá Salvar (José Ramón “Bibiki” García) – Arco

Michael Sollosi’s Picks
1:17:52 – Impregnable Triangle (Chihiro Aoki) – Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
1:20:59 – Coral Crown (Darren Korb, feat. Erin Yvette, Ashley Barret, Judy Alice Lee) – Hades II
1:25:04 – Queen’s Blood – Prodigious Pedigree (Mitsuto Suzuki) – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Album Links

Arco Original Soundtrack

• VGMdb
• Bandcamp
• iTunes Store / Apple Music: Vol. 1 | Vol. 2 | Vol. 3
• Spotify
• Steam

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Original Soundtrack) Cast Reveal Edition – EP

• iTunes Store / Apple Music
• Spotify
• YouTube Playlist (Official)

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Original Soundtrack

• Our Review
• VGMdb
• iTunes Store / Apple Music
• Square Enix Store (NA)
• CDJapan

Hades II Original Soundtrack

• VGMdb
• YouTube Playlist (Official)
• Steam

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Original Soundtrack

• VGMdb
• iTunes Store / Apple Music
• Spotify
• YouTube Music
• CDJapan

Nintendo Switch Pokémon Scarlet・Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Super Music Collection

• Our Review
• VGMdb
• CDJapan

Riven (Original Game Soundtrack) [Remastered 2024]

• VGMdb
• Bandcamp
• iTunes Store / Apple Music
• Spotify
• YouTube Playlist (Official)

SaGa Emerald Beyond Original Soundtrack

• Our Review
• VGMdb
• iTunes Store / Apple Music
• CDJapan

SINoALICE Original Soundtrack Vol.3

• VGMdb
• iTunes Store / Apple Music
• Spotify

Listen and subscribe where you please, and leave a rating if you can! Email us your feedback: music@rpgfan.com

More: Overcast | Pocket Casts | Castro | Podbean | Podcast Addict | Player FM | View all Rhythm Encounter posts

Cloudheim Key Features

• Mastering Chaos: Mayhem is unleashed in a fully breakable world. Players can chain powerful abilities together and coordinate devastating team combos to crush their enemies. This includes tearing down pillars onto monsters, lassoing enemies into tornadoes, shooting Greebles out of cannons, or kicking exploding barrels into the fray.
• Rising Together: Players can join forces with up to three friends in online co-op, sharing every weapon and ability unlocked as they grow stronger together and discover new playable characters.
• Forging Infinite Possibilities: With visual crafting, players will never have to wait for a friend in a menu as they can craft a massive array of weapons, gear, and powerful abilities usable in battle – or sell if they don’t need them. Perhaps someday they can even craft worlds…
• Cruising the Skies: Odin Shell, a massive, ancient turtle that carries a fragment of a dead god’s power, is players’ refuge and portal to the world. They can expand their workshop, customize their space, run a thriving shop, and uncover hidden secrets as their fortress takes flight.
• Exploring an Untamed World: Players can adventure across diverse islands and explore mysterious, changing dungeons filled with challenging enemies, puzzles, crafting resources, and valuable loot waiting to be discovered.
• Teaming up with Fantastic Creatures: The resourceful Blins, the ever-hungry Gnasher, and the spiky yet loyal Swordcupine are all here to help players on their adventures.

Alongside the aforementioned CEO of Noodle Cat, David Hunt, Cloudheim is being worked on by former developers from some of the biggest companies in gaming; EA, BioWare, Codemasters, and Disney, with specific game credits including Fortnite, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Infinity Blade. Although a definite departure in many ways from those titles, from the trailer I can perceive some influence from Hunt’s most successful title, Fortnite. Most notably, the resource gathering, environmental destruction, and floaty jumps are all very reminiscent of the blockbuster battle royale. The brief segments of gameplay certainly have an understandably early feel to them, so perhaps much of this perceived influence will come out in the wash, leaving Cloudheim feeling more unique.

Cloudheim Media

Whatever its influences, Cloudheim could very well be an engaging small-scale multiplayer game. As long as it feels fun to play with a tight knit group of friends, I predict it will find some fans amongst our reader base and RPGFan staff alike when it releases for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S sometime in Q3 2025.

It’s a new week and RPGs are happening! This week, Gio is taking a well-deserved break, so I’m here to introduce some cool RPGs coming this week, from the massive adventures that await in Trails through Daybreak II, to the cutest co-op Souls-like games you’re likely to find this week. It’s also a killer week for indie games, with the minimalistic pixel goodness of Urban Myth Dissolution Center to the poignant Afterlife EP, and a promising “where did you come from?” dungeon crawler, Shujinkou. Let’s dig in!

Intro by Mike Salbato

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Shujinkou – February 12th (PS5, PS4, Windows, macOS)

Dungeon crawler Shujinkou was not on many of our team’s radars until recently, but it’s looking like one of the RPGs coming this week to keep an eye on. And if you’re a fan of Etrian Odyssey in particular (one of this game’s influences), I’d double that… so I guess, keep both eyes on it? Forced phrasing aside, Shujinkou is notable for a feature that allows you to progress by learning Japanese kanji, vocabulary, and grammar. While the level of depth and whether or not you even use this component is optional, I’m going to go out on a limb and guess it will be of particular interest to many of our readers!

by Mike Salbato

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Slime Heroes – February 13th March 6th (Windows, Switch, PS4, PS5, XSX)

Hope everyone is ready for some slimy, family-friendly Souls-like fun! Slime Heroes is an adorable but surprisingly strategic action RPG where you combine gems to grant your customizable cute little friend a wide variety of abilities. You can also team up with a friend and enjoy questing together. If you’re looking for a comfort game that doesn’t have too many repeating tasks, and one that plays like a satisfying RPG, look no further! As far as being family-friendly, it also includes loads of features that you can toggle on/off, making it particularly accessible (a Whitethorn Games staple). If you’re still unsure, take a look at our preview of it from PAX East 2024 (but watch for slime puns).

UPDATE: On February 12th, the day before Slime Heroes was intended to launch, it was “unavoidably” delayed to March 6th. Publisher Whitethorn Games said the following:

We understand that those following Slime Heroes were excited about its planned Thursday release. In the interest of ensuring that players have the best possible experience on both platforms, a decision was made to take some extra time to make sure this happens.

by Hilary Andreff

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Urban Myth Dissolution Center – February 13th (PS5, Switch, Windows)

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a “psycho-detective” visual novel adventure packed with paranormal mystery and supernatural intrigue. As young detective Azami Fukurai, a rookie detective with an aptitude for the arcane, players will investigate a series of hauntings, interdimensional incursions, and unknowable ancient artifacts.

The story of Urban Myth Dissolution Center plays out episodically, as each chapter presents an urban myth for investigation. Clues both physical and informational can be used to unravel, and perhaps dissolve, these urban legends.

With a retro pixelated look, this game may not wow some players graphically, but it certainly has a style and vibe, with colours used sparingly but to maximum effect. I’m thinking the Venn diagram for those most likely to enjoy this game would be equal parts Ace Attorney and Junji Ito.

by Claton Stevenson

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Afterlove EP – February 14th (PS5, XSX, Switch, Windows)

Afterlove EP, a love story and the final project from Mohammad Fahmi, the late developer of Coffee Talk, is hauntingly beautiful. This slice-of-life focuses particularly on loss and what comes after, from the perspective of a young musician in Jakarta, the capital of Fahmi’s native Indonesia. It’s all the more touching knowing how colleagues of Fahmi have worked so diligently and so long to make sure this final project is complete and available for all of us. What a labor of love! For fans of visual novels and stories with emotional weight, this looks to be a satisfying tale.

by Hilary Andreff

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The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II – February 14th (PS5, PS4, Switch, Windows)

Certainly the biggest of RPGs coming this week, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II continues the adventures of Van Arkride and the found family of his spriggan agency Arkride Solutions. A series of grisly and mysterious serial murders in the Republic of Calvard’s capital has the group delving into even more secrets and dark machinations. Can they uncover the truth or will the city be engulfed in a chaos that threatens the entirety of the Zemurian continent once again?

I greatly enjoyed the first The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak, and am eagerly awaiting the second installment of this new story arc in Falcom’s grand opus. Featuring both turn-based and action RPG battle systems seamlessly woven together that was already polished in its predecessor, I’m eager to see the additions and tweaks this sequel brings to the table for Van and his party!

by Audra Bowling

For an in-depth explanation, watch the three-hour live stream replay in case you missed it.

Final Fantasy XIV: Seekers of Eternity (Patch 7.2) Details:

• New Main Scenario Quests
• New Dungeon – The Underkeep
• New Raid – The Arcadion: Cruiserweight Tier
• New Trial – Recollection (Normal/Extreme)
• New Unreal Trial – Hells’ Kier (Unreal): Take on Suzaku, one of the Four Lords, at level 100
• Cosmic Exploration – Collaborate with players from your World as you explore uncharted stars in this new activity designed for crafters and gatherers!
• New Large-scale Battle-oriented Duty – Occult Crescent: In the treacherous waters of Shades’ Triangle lies the Occult Crescent, an isle shrouded in mystery. Should you wish to unveil its secrets, you must explore the unmapped terrain, and battle against the isle’s inhabitants.
• New Allied Society Quests – Players will be able to participate in new allied society quests for the Mamool Ja that are designed for gathering classes
• New Hildibrand Quests
• Duty Support Additions – Support for the Sunken Temple of Qarn will be added
• PvP Updates – The start of PvP Series 8, the addition of several new actions for large-scale PvP encounters, existing action adjustments, and Frontline (Secure) returns with map improvements

Final Fantasy XIV: Seekers of Eternity Screenshots

See some of the new features in Patch 7.2 below, including more Hildibrand quests, some of the Phantom Jobs that will be available in the Occult Crescent (including some oft-requested “main” jobs for FFXIV), fancy transportation in Cosmic Exploration, and a very familiar-looking robotic foe.

Players of Final Fantasy XIV who want to learn more about Final Fantasy XI after playing the Echoes of Vana’diel raid can take advantage of a limited time discount campaign, which gives a 30-day discount off Final Fantasy XI‘s basic service price. Head over to the official website to learn more about this campaign. It begins on February 12th at 12:00 AM PT/3:00 AM ET and ends on March 11th at 1:00 AM PT/4:00 AM ET.

Final Fantasy XIV: Seekers of Eternity is set to launch in March for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and macOS. Following the airing of the next Live Letter, stay tuned here at RPGFan for additional details, including the exact release date.

Writeup by Tim Rattray

Well, the votes are in. Aerith is better than Tifa by a margin of Barret. The shipping wars are over.

Okay, I jest (mostly). Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of the best video game characters ever written. Her show-stopping scenes are the heart of the game, like the Cosmo Canyon torch festival, where she contemplates how her Cetra ancestry has led to deep inner torture, only to conclude that the bonds she’s formed have made life worth living. Or what about that gut-wrenching flashback to her childhood as she watches her mother die in the midst of their doomed getaway attempt? And this is to mention nothing of the game’s last few hours where her moments with Cloud are nothing short of breathtaking.

We can’t talk about Aerith without mentioning Briana White’s performance. Her love for Aerith comes through in every vocal inflection, battle cry, and tender moment. Thanks for embodying Aerith with all your being, Bri.

Runner-Up: Barret Wallace (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)

Writeup by Des Miller

In the original Final Fantasy VII, Barret was often seen as comedic relief while having his own touch of tragedy. Final Fantasy VII Remake sought to expand his character while still making him an over-the-top loudmouth. Throughout Rebirth, we learn just what Shinra took from him, why he fights so hard to be a headstrong leader, and why he wants nothing more than to build a better future for the daughter he was entrusted with. The cracks in his bravado-laden mask started to show in Remake, yet they’re clearly chipping away more to reveal a man on a mission who has had to endure more loss than one should ever know.

Readers’ Choice: Best Supporting Character of 2024

Winner: Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth) (23% of votes)

Runner-Up: Heismay (Metaphor: ReFantazio) (13.5% of votes)

Writeup by Zach Wilkerson

It almost feels unfair to put Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree in this category; there’s so much meat here that it could easily be a full-blown release. It’s no surprise, though; FromSoft have always absolutely crushed it with their Soulsborne title DLC, and Shadow of the Erdtree is no exception. It builds on the fabulous existing lore, introducing a plethora of delightful new NPCs. The world looks like a shadowy reflection of the Lands Between, filled with darkness and beauty in equal measure, providing tons of new places to explore and many different ways to get to those places. FromSoft’s DLC is probably best known for providing some of the best bosses in the series, and they once again deliver; there are only one or two stinkers among the brilliant array of combat challenges. In many ways, this is Miyazaki’s magnum opus and is more than deserving of the crown for Best DLC. 

Oh, and lest we forget, Shadow of the Erdtree gave us the most memorable voice performance of the year. Curse you Bayle, indeed.

Runner-Up: Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide

Writeup by Audra Bowling

Final Fantasy XVI’s The Rising Tide returns players to the strife-stricken shores of Valisthea as Clive and company travel to the hidden realm of Mysidia, uncovering the mystery of the Eikon called Leviathan the Lost. Can they save an innocent Dominant from his painful fate, or is more tragedy destined to befall the land? The Rising Tide features a new area to explore full of interesting characters that’s rife with worldbuilding side quests and new terrain to investigate. Ifrit also partakes in a challenging new Eikon battle, adding Leviathan’s potent arsenal of abilities to Clive’s! Of the two DLC expansions for FFXVI, The Rising Tide makes the bigger splash by far.

Readers’ Choice: Best DLC of 2024

Winner: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (50.3% of votes)

Runner-Up: Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis (21.7% of votes)

Writeup by Wes Iliff

In the modern era, we are spoiled for choice with remakes, remasters, and rereleases. They range from upscaled ports to complete reimaginings, but none have towed the line of being true to the original while completely reimagining the experience quite like Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. 

The core concept and story are the same: Make a party from a variety of classes, go off on an adventure to save the world in the footsteps of your father, and engage in simple turn-based battles as you make decisions to build your party into a refined fighting machine.

But it’s so much more than that. Hidden treasures make exploration a treat, which makes grinding less of a necessity. New areas, activities, and classes give old fans new things to discover. Enriched storytelling offers exciting hooks for new players. There are few better ways to dip your toes into a beloved series.

Runner-Up: Persona 3 Reload

Writeup by Aleks Franiczek

Every videogame remake must walk a fine line between faithfulness and modernization, and which way it should ideally skew depends on the game. Change too much, and existing fans will feel the original vision they fell in love with has been compromised. Stick too close, and newer players might wonder why the game was ever considered a classic in the first place.I’ve seen some understandable criticisms of Persona 3 Reload, but ultimately, I think the changes all lead to a more enjoyable game. The presentation overhaul, rebalanced party kits, expanded character interactions, and sleek playability allow Persona 3’s unique qualities to shine stronger than ever before. This is how you both preserve and expand a design vision.

Readers’ Choice: Best Remake or Re-Release of 2024

Winner: Persona 3 Reload (28.9% of votes)

Runner-Up: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (25.4% of votes)

Writeup by Jerry Williams 

I’ve been to a few Distant Worlds concerts in my time, which is a celebration of the Final Fantasy series’ suite of outstanding compositions and arrangements played by a full orchestra near you. I get decent seats but never felt the need to splurge on premium seats. Until now. I dropped some serious cash so my family and I could get up close and personal at the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Orchestra World Tour this month. Row five! The only way something like this happens is if a soundtrack delivers, which is exactly why Rebirth won Best Music this year. Mitsuko Suzuki and Masashi Hamauzu continue to execute in both original compositions and outstanding arrangements of the legendary Nobuo Uematsu’s original work. These professionals seamlessly mesh old with new in ways no fan, enthusiast, or otherwise hired arranger has been able to in nearly thirty years. I have zero doubts they’ll astound in the third entry.

Runner-Up: Metaphor: ReFantazio

Writeup by Patrick Gann

If you’ve read this far, you can already see that Metaphor: ReFantazio is sweeping up a lot of categories, either as winner or as runner-up. In the music department, we find that a Persona mainstay is no one-trick pony. Composer Shoji Meguro, known for dance-pop grooves and collaboration with jazz and hip-hop musicians, has gone an entirely different path for much of Metaphor to fit the scenario. Featuring performers such as Glory Chorus Tokyo and the chief priest of the Myojiji Buddhist temple (Keisuke Honryo), Meguro’s soundtrack is full-on epic, bombastic, and well-suited to the game (hence its recent Rhythm Encounter appearance). While this is a 2024 winner, I have my eye on the prize: the recently released full five-disc soundtrack.

Readers’ Choice: Best Music of 2024

Winner: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (37.5% of votes)

Runner-Up: Metaphor: ReFantazio (27.5% of votes)

Writeup by Tim Rattray

This game’s localization aren’t sick.

When localization is clearly undercooked, we endlessly mock it (see above). In the original Final Fantasy VII’s case, this occurred because it was handled primarily by one man in a short timeframe. These mishaps are far less common now, thanks to large teams of seasoned localization vets with decades of the art form under their belt. Yet they don’t often receive adoration equal to past scorn because—by design—we aren’t thinking about their work.

Even among this crowd, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was an especially hard ask of localizers. These characters and their world are nuance-driven, with a story that plays with very sensitive subject matter like trauma and mental illness. Additionally, scripts had to read in English as if they were completely native, with voice direction that understood every line’s tone.

The well keeps going deeper, but the point is Rebirth never made you think about any of this. It’s a true masterclass in localization that future games should learn from.

Runner-Up: Metaphor: ReFantazio

Writeup by Zek Lu

Despite having a gargantuan script to work with in an RPG that is both character- and plot-heavy, Metaphor: ReFantazio excels brilliantly in its localization efforts. Each character has their own unique, interesting turns of phrases, from the astute and proud Heismay to the somewhat aloof Hulkenberg, who has a prim and proper speaking style littered with older-sounding English. These smaller, finer details are apparent not only among the main cast, but among the diverse tribes throughout the game’s world as well, which helps to build immersion and better elucidate the cultural and class differences rife throughout Metaphor’s society. When coupled with an all-around excellent voice cast, these writing choices make the game feel alive and dynamic throughout the entire journey.

Readers’ Choice: Best Localization of 2024

Winner: Metaphor: ReFantazio (34.1% of votes)

Runner-Up: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (31% of votes)

Writeup by Tim Rattray

I scoffed when Final Fantasy VII Remake was revealed not to be a purely turn-based game, and yet I walked away from playing it thinking it had the greatest action combat of all time. Now, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has put even that to shame. It’s so dang flashy that it puts the cliché of “playing an anime” to shame. This is more anime than anime.

The combination of real-time and menu-based combat expanded to solidify it as best-in-class for action RPGs. The wide range of synergy attacks are as fun to use as they are gameplay-elevating, be they quick commands to fill lulls in battle or massive team-up supers akin to Chrono Trigger’s dual techs. Building parties around these abilities never got old throughout my 100+ hour playthrough, as there’s so much variety that you’ll probably never even see it all.

Oh, and those boss battles? Completely nuts. If you know, you know.

Runner-Up: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Writeup by Wes Iliff

We could talk here about how good Dragon Age: The Veilguard is. The storytelling brings a massive payoff to a decades-long story, the characters are some of the most lovable misfits in BioWare history, and the visuals introduce a vibrant new view of Thedas.

But few things resonated like the combat system. Taking its cues from more action-oriented games while never throwing away the tactical pace of the games that came before, The Veilguard offers quick action, classes that feel different, and companions that function more as tools in your kit than they do individual contributors. This adds up to a simple core that amps up in complexity throughout the game, leaving players active and satisfied.

Readers’ Choice: Best Action RPG of 2024

Winner: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (45.6% of votes)

Runner-Up: Ys X: Nordics (10.9% of votes)

Writeup by Aleks Franiczek

One of 1000xRESIST’s most impressive achievements is how thoughtfully it is structured, leveraging shifts in its presentation to support its storytelling. It’s not really an adventure game. It’s not really a walking sim. And it’s certainly not an RPG. But it learns from narrative design techniques used in titles from each genre to craft one of the most stylistically cohesive and emotionally engaging games I’ve played.

The gameplay is mechanically barebones, but there’s quality throughout its dressing. A beautifully melancholic soundtrack. An expressively sterile visual style. Trippy perspective-shifting. Ambiguous dialogue choices. It all coalesces into a gameplay experience driven by various feelings over challenges. Videogames can be a good bit of fun and express some interesting ideas about the world while doing so. Games like 1000xRESIST show how much untapped potential there still is when focusing on the latter.

Runner-Up: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection

Writeup by Niki Fakhoori

It’s risky to release a new translation of a game 13 years after its original release, but the payoff can be game-changing. Ace Attorney Investigations 2 was infamous as the only remaining Ace Attorney game not to have an official translation, despite fans “in the know” generally considering it among the best entries in the series. In 2024, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection arrived, with both an HD remaster of Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and, finally, an official translation of Ace Attorney Investigations 2, now given the subtitle Prosecutor’s Gambit. At long last, more fans than ever can experience the charming heroes, dynamic rivals, and diabolical villains of this top-shelf series entry. This is one successful gambit worth celebrating.

Readers’ Choice: Best Graphic Adventure or Visual Novel of 2024

Winner: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection (28% of votes)

Runner-Up: Life is Strange: Double Exposure (16.1% of votes)

Writeup by Tyler Trosper

After Vanillaware’s phenomenal take on classic Japanese mecha anime in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, the celebrated team returned to the world of fantasy this year with Unicorn Overlord. A passion project through and through, their latest game injected the strategy RPG genre with new life. While class systems are hardly a new feature, the way units can be mixed and matched with characters of other classes makes even the smallest battle a strategy for survival. Throwing in customizable tactics reminiscent of Final Fantasy XII’s Gambit system adds a whole other layers to the battle system that keeps you on your toes. With just the right strategy, your chances of victory can improve a hundredfold! All of these elements weave together perfectly in Unicorn Overlord’s battle system, and there’s so much more to the game. Whether it’s reclaiming protagonist Alain’s lost kingdom, mining for materials, or having a bite to eat with your comrades, Unicorn Overlord is a no-brainer for the strategy RPG of 2024.

Runner-Up: Arco

Writeup by Tim Rattray

Gaming history has seen its handful of western-themed RPGs, but never (to my knowledge!) has the genre trekked to Mesoamerica. This alone makes Arco and its interlinking revenge tales a thrill. Yet it truly earns its spot in this category for outstanding strategy gameplay that mixes turn-based and real-time concepts into a wholly unique combat system.

It’s a game of countering oncoming enemy attacks and bullet patterns with party commands during time freezes, then watching all the madness play out in real time. The quick reaction times this loop simulates makes you feel like a true gunslinger. This is especially potent given the deep customizability of skill loadouts, of which every character brings their own flair. If this sounds cool, check Arco out!

Readers’ Choice: Best Strategy RPG of 2024

Winner: Unicorn Overlord (83.9% of votes)

Runner-Up: Metal Slug Tactics (7.7% of votes)

Writeup by Zek Lu

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has one of the richest combat systems I’ve ever experienced in any action RPG, period. Designed by the legendary Teruki Endo, the combat director of Monster Hunter: World, there is an unprecedented level of freedom around developing and controlling your characters. The expanded roster adds a layer of complexity and depth, and each character has different abilities that are incredibly rewarding to master. The updated materia system is also more balanced and less overpowering than the previous game, which serves to augment rather than replace the nuances between characters.

Finally, the game’s Hard mode and Brutal/Legendary VR challenges truly highlight the importance of fully utilizing these systems. There are at least a dozen optimal strategies with different character configurations for each challenge, and if you’re confident with action RPGs, you could even forgo all strategy and simply focus on your execution. This is, hands-down, the most exciting combat system of 2024.

Runner-Up: Metaphor: ReFantazio

Writeup by Zach Wilkerson

Metaphor: ReFantazio‘s Press-Turn system, where you manipulate the number of turns you or the enemy get in combat, has always been a blast in the Shin Megami Tensei series, but here it truly flourishes. With the ability to mix and match different abilities from the brilliant job system to further augment your kit, you always have the skills at hand to be successful in any battle. The hints about the skills you need to be successful in battle help mitigate the “trial and error” that the Press-Turn system often frustratingly leads to. The fact that it’s all done with such style and panache is just a nice bonus, making this the finest combat system Atlus has ever put together.

Readers’ Choice: Best Combat of 2024

Winner: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (30.3% of votes)

Runner-Up: Metaphor: ReFantazio (26.8% of votes)

Writeup by Jerry Williams

Great roguelikes have an accessibility issue that the modern era rectified with roguelites, which lean heavily on level-ups, skill progression, and unlocks. Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island capably retains the series identity, introduces several quality-of-life features, and boasts an adherence to roguelike values of olde with a couple of exceptions. Not just an accessible, fanged strategy RPG, Serpentcoil Island has atmospheric music reminiscent of feudal Japan, charming enemies to bonk on the head, and a wealth of content to challenge and teach players the intricacies of the genre. For those looking to jump into this intimidating genre, Serpentcoil Island may be the best training wheels available.

Runner-Up: 1000xRESIST

Writeup by Stephanie Sybydlo

1000xRESIST was released in May 2024, but it wouldn’t be until VERY positive word-of-mouth from fans and major outlets put the game on the map that it gained traction and suggested a narrative-heavy indie game was worth the fuss (peaking by end-of-year). I have become increasingly jaded with “save the world” plots and cookie-cutter casts. Then comes 1000xRESIST, eager to say something different where the world wasn’t saved and all that remains are a handful of clones to pick up the fight. With a cast of characters I could relate to despite their victories or mistakes, 1000xRESIST is truly one of a kind: a story of how personal traumas can often ensnare those caught up in our gravity. 

Readers’ Choice: Best Sleeper Hit of 2024

Winner: Granblue Fantasy: Relink (46.9% of votes)

Runner-Up: Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island (14.7% of votes)

Writeup by Sean Cabot

There are a few JRPGs from the past few years whose handling of prejudice and slavery never sat well with me. Cliche and underdeveloped core themes overshadow any insightful points. Metaphor: ReFantazio touches upon common elements related to these topics, but only as much as it needs to. The result is a game whose portrayal of the sheer dehumanizing horror of a racially stratified society actually carries meaningful dramatic weight. 

To get more specific, Metaphor addresses direct prejudice, the struggles that biracial individuals are met with from all sides, and how a prejudiced environment encourages even the non-prejudiced to discriminate. It is also very clear on the point that legal equality alone cannot hope to solve the problems caused by generations of institutionalized racial discrimination, especially in a society espousing competition and meritocracy as moral virtues. Many games would buckle under such thematic weight, but Metaphor does it with ease. Even without its infectiously likable cast, whose diverse backgrounds offer great arcs and exemplary worldbuilding, it would still be a contender for the year’s best story. With them? It’s hard for anything else to measure up. 

Runner-Up: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Writeup by Tim Rattray

Zack aside, my sky-high hopes for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s story after the endless speculation following Remake’s ending were met and then some.

This remix of the original game’s journey is custom-made to keep veteran players on their toes and utterly thrilled while still hitting all those classic beats. The cast is also better characterized than ever, thanks to both great localization and voice acting. I don’t think there’s a single character I don’t love, even Cait Sith. And that ending… what an emotional rollercoaster both upon first experiencing it and with all the fan theorizing that ensued after, me included. I can’t wait to see how the team (hopefully) sticks the landing in part three.

Readers’ Choice: Best Story of 2024

Winner: Metaphor: ReFantazio (41.1% of votes)

Runner-Up: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (24.9% of votes)

Writeup by Niki Fakhoori

Do you feel lucky? Rule number one of TCGs is “Don’t buy packs, buy singles,” but there’s no denying the thrill of cracking packs. It also helps when the packs have a “pity point” system to earn you singles later, as Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket does. Considering the popularity of collecting Pokémon cards, Pokémon TCG Pocket could get by as just a pack opening simulator, but it takes an extra step and incorporates its own “miniaturized” version of the traditional card game (giving players more use out of their collection than just putting their 30 Heatmor cards into a display binder). Still in its infancy, Pokémon TCG Pocket’s meta has seen its fair share of twists, turns, and teeth-clenching coin flips. And with a new that dropped in January, it’s a coin toss where the meta will go from here. But we still feel lucky to have such a solid, modernized Pokémon TCG app in our pockets.

Runner-Up: Zenless Zone Zero

Writeup by Ben Love

After the blinding success of Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, many wondered if Zenless Zone Zero could coexist with its juggernaut gacha-RPG brethren. After a pretty big release this summer and many content updates later, it’s safe to say that Zenless Zone Zero is here to stay. The flashy (if a bit shallow) character action style combat sets it apart from other mobile titles, and the game has taken a few more risks with its character designs to offer a wider array of distinct and unique playable heroes compared to other gacha games (it’s been a hit with furries in particular). While it remains to be seen if ZZZ can maintain the staying power of previous games from Mihoyo, it made a big splash in 2024 and is worth playing if you’ve enjoyed their other games.

Readers’ Choice: Best Mobile Game of 2024

Winner: Pokémon Trading Card Pocket (36.8% of votes)

Runner-Up: Zenless Zone Zero (22.5% of votes)

Writeup by Audra Bowling

If its massively successful Kickstarter is any indication, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a game that many were hyped about. A spiritual successor to the beloved Suikoden series, it shared the premise of recruiting an extensive roster of characters from different walks of life. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes might not be the game we all expected, but I still enjoyed my time with its charming world. There were moments where the potential within its story and characters shined, plus its various gameplay mechanics were largely solid, traditional RPG fundamentals. I’m still hopeful that the upcoming DLC expansions and a potential sequel will build upon its strengths. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroesmakes a valiant effort to satisfy gamers, plus it contains desert pirate sharks who sing battle shanties. That’s got to be in its favor, yes?

Runner-Up: 1000xRESIST

Writeup by Patrick Gann

Sunset Visitor, the core development team behind the breakout/outbreak adventure 1000xRESIST, is made up of only four members. Having such a small team behind major creative decisions allowed Sunset Visitor to craft cohesive elements in the final product: the game’s design, animation, voice, music, gameplay, and story feel uniquely suited to the end product that is 1000xRESIST. I’m willing to argue that such a presentation is much harder to do in the hands of a AAA studio than it is with a small but passionate independent studio. Hence, we happily bestow honor on this dark and clever indie adventure game.

Readers’ Choice: Best Indie Game of 2024

Winner: Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (52.7% of votes)

Runner-Up: 1000xRESIST (7.6% of votes)

Writeup by Aleks Franiczek

With the Shin Megami Tensei games, Atlus continually shows how masterful they are at crafting traditional RPGs. With the Persona spinoffs, they effectively redefined the conventional RPG. What do you get when you combine both these traditions? Metaphor: ReFantazio: one of the most confidently executed RPG bangers we’ve been blessed with in years.

A big part of what made Metaphor such an indisputable hit is how well-rounded it is. You have a simple yet flexible job system with which to build your party. You get to allocate time to hang out with characters without being overwhelmed with options. And there’s a healthy mix of generic dungeon crawls and exciting narrative set pieces to explore and battle through. There are quirks about the games it borrows from that might turn off some players based on their preferences. It turns out that fusing them into something new yet familiar is a winning formula for just about any RPG fan. 

Runner-Up: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Writeup by Jono Logan

Why do epic world-saving quests always seem reserved for teenagers in JRPGs?

That certainly isn’t the case with Like a Dragon. Here, it’s up to the over-40s to save the Tojo Clan, Kamurochō, or Japan from whatever world-ending hijinks the yakuza or government are up to this year. As the direct sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth builds on its predecessor with a grander scale, refined systems, and even more lovable middle-aged characters. Featuring enhanced turn-based combat that allows for additional movement, dozens of new minigames (including most of the old ones), and the fresh setting of Honolulu, Infinite Wealth offers countless hours of enjoyment to role-playing fans, making it one of the best traditional JRPGs of 2024!

Readers’ Choice: Best Traditional RPG of 2024

Winner: Metaphor: ReFantazio (44.2% of votes)

Runner-Up: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (15.6% of votes)

Writeup by Des Miller

Over the past decade, Final Fantasy XIV has gone from being a tragic tale of corporate mismanagement to one of the most beloved games in the industry. With over ten years of story building upon itself, the main storyline finally concluded with 2021’s breathtaking and jaw-dropping Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker. The stakes were so high, the tension more intense than ever, and each narrative note hit like a ton of bricks with a nigh-perfect conclusion.

So, where do we go after saving the world? Vacation.

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail serves as the start of a new story. While the narrative may not be as intense or climactic as Endwalker, Dawntrail puts gameplay first with new dungeons, raids, trials, and ultimates that feature the most fun and unique mechanics the series has had in years. Here’s to another decade of the critically acclaimed MMORPG. I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon.

Runner-Up: Genshin Impact

Writeup by Patrick Gann

It’s been four years since Genshin Impact’s global release, and there’s no question that it continues to have a bevy of content waiting each month. In August, the season-based live service title hit its 5.0 milestone with the version update Flowers Resplendent on the Sun-Scorched Sojourn (they go all out with these detailed names!). Personally, I remain impressed with the steady stream of high-quality music written by the HOYO-MiX sound team for each and every Genshin Impact update. This steady stream of music accompanies new story quests, new characters, and often new environs to explore. It would seem Genshin Impact has a lot of life left in it!

Readers’ Choice: Best Ongoing Game of 2024

Winner: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (62.4% of votes)

Runner-Up: Honkai: Star Rail (13.3% of votes)

Writeup by Des Miller

Weird. Awkward. Dorky. None of these are words I’d use to describe Cloud from 1997’s Final Fantasy VII, perhaps due to the original game’s lackluster localization. Yet in Final Fantasy VII Remake and its sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, we get a further look into Cloud’s head and get a clearer picture of who he is—or who he thinks he is. Throughout both games, Cloud has become more than just a cool guy with a big sword. He’s a tragic character with a difficult past, yet he keeps trudging forward while trying to do what he thinks is right. Despite the gloom surrounding him, he’s still a goofy weirdo with a lot of depth.

Much of the anticipation of the Remake series lies in just how the devs will handle such key moments surrounding Cloud’s mental health and identity crisis, and with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, they’ve nailed his struggle with just who and what he is.

Runner-Up: Ichiban Kasuga (Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth)

Writeup by Michael Sollosi

Ichi’s 2020 debut demonstrated his extreme optimism and empathy during severe hardship, and in 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth took it to a new extreme. Ichiban, chasing a questionable lead that his estranged mother might still be alive, is left broke, naked, and alone in Honolulu, 3,800 miles away from his home in Yokohama, but how does our boy handle it all? Ichiban’s irrepressible will and awkward charisma turn acquaintances into friends, enemies into allies, and despair into hope. Infinite Wealth’s rich tapestry of intense drama, absurd humor, and lovable characters seems like an impossible balancing act, but with Ichi at its center, it manages to be one of the most entertaining romps of an excellent year for RPGs.

Readers’ Choice: Best Protagonist of 2024

Winner: Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth) (29% of votes)

Runner-Up: Ichiban Kasuga (Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) (19% of votes)