When we wrote about the original PS4 release of Disgaea 5, we said it was a maddening mix of content that would either consume your every waking moment or bring you down trying. It had so much to do that you’d never be able to escape.
Here’s the thing, though: with Disgaea 5 Complete, that’s actually okay.
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As fans of JRPGs, sometimes it feels like we repeat ourselves. Quests feel oh-too-similar, characters say the same things and, generally speaking, we yearn to escape the loops in which we constantly find ourselves. Akiba’s Beat, the latest from Acquire and XSEED, explores that in a more literal sense: a world in which time loops keep the characters trapped in “be careful what you wish for” delusions in a world of neverending Sunday.
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The pitch for The Caligula Effect is a great one: a new Persona-like from the writer of early games in that series, but with a Social Link system that includes everyone and a battle system that relies on true synergy and teamwork. A soundtrack from accomplished artists and a theme that puts that music front and center. A tale that explores loss and trauma but gives you the tools to overcome those troubles.
It’s such a good idea on paper.
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Part-puzzle, part-sandbox, Birthdays: The Beginning is a throwback to the quirky creativity of the Dreamcast era. It looks like a cross between Wetrix and Minecraft, but it plays like neither; it has more in common with Black & White, Seventh Cross: Evolution or even mobile hit Alchemy. Together, it’s really nothing like anything we’ve played before.
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Connection. Dragon Quest Heroes II strives for a cohesive world with lands between towns and battles, for cooperative combat with friends and against large foes, and for compassionate, effusive personalities that interact with energy and wit. It doesn’t want to be a series of battle maps in menus, but rather an experience that feels complete and inseparable.
Don’t worry, though: you can still hit a bunch of monsters with oversized weapons.
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Puyo Puyo is making its proper return to the West, so it’s a great time to dig into the venerable puzzle series! But where should you start? We’re here to help.
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We’ve helped you get into Fire Emblem, but Fire Emblem Heroes? It’s a whole separate thing. It can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a bit intimidating to start! So after lots of requests, here it is: our guide to getting into Intelligent Systems’ mobile title.
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Nintendo’s 8-bit system is a great option for importers, with many cheap options and a ton of Japanese exclusives! It’s really easy to dip into, and we’re here to help you get started. Read on for our Famicom imports guide!
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To outsiders, the Touhou games may seem inscrutable, intimidating or just plain out of their usual wheelhouse. That’s understandable; the world and characters are a large part of what holds these games together and almost all of their market awareness. A new pair of releases (and we do mean pair; the two are even sometimes sold as a package) certainly will appeal to fans of the world, but their larger appeal may be in serving two cult-favorite genres that could use some more recent entries.
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