Celebrating summer festivals in games

By Jenni Lada // 7.1.197.1.19

Every year, summer is accompanied by festivals. Maybe they are local affairs, where communities gather for food and fun. Perhaps, if people are in the United States, it can mean fireworks and getting together for the Fourth of July. In Japan, July and August tend to be the main summer festival months, with people getting together for Bon festivals to celebrate their ancestors, enjoy fun with family and friends, dress up in yutaka and special clothing, have good food and perhaps even dance. While most people might not get a chance to experience this sort of thing firsthand, they can go through them virtually in games. Lots of Japanese games pay tribute to these events, giving you a taste of what that kind of life might be like.

3DS DC Guide PS2 SAT Wii

The Westerner’s guide to getting into Sakura Wars

By Graham Russell // 6.27.198.3.20

The Sakura Wars franchise is making its way to the West once again next year after a less-than-successful attempt nearly a decade ago, and it’s a great time to get caught up on it to be ready for the new release. Unfortunately, Sakura Wars doesn’t make it easy on you if you don’t know Japanese. Here’s our guide for, well, doing the best you can!

3DS PC PSP Vita

Yoshiki Kishinuma is one of Corpse Party’s most important characters

By Jenni Lada // 4.16.194.14.19

The Corpse Party series is one with a massive cast. Considering the original game, sequels and spin-offs, there are lots of characters people might want to root for. However, there is one person who can often stand out: Yoshiki Kishinuma. This member of the supporting cast has the distinction of being a survivor and recurring hero who starts out as just another person, but goes on to become one of the most important and prominent people there. As a result, people might find themselves constantly rooting for him and realizing all the good he does.

3DS DS GBA Guide Mobile PC PS4 Switch Wii

What do you need to know about Ace Attorney?

By Jenni Lada // 4.8.193.25.19

It is a good time to be an Ace Attorney fan. Capcom’s series of courtroom simulations has a whole new audience, as Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is bringing the first three games in HD to the PS4, Switch, Xbox One and PC. But, what if someone isn’t familiar with Phoenix Wright? What if people don’t know the first thing about being a virtual attorney? Let’s go through a debriefing before heading to court.

3DS DS PS3 Wii

Rune Factory has always offered interesting romantic partners

By Jenni Lada // 3.14.193.10.19

Given that it is a spin-off of Harvest Moon, it isn’t surprising that romance is a part of Rune Factory. But what may catch someone off guard is how much the games offer. These titles offer lots of people they can spend time with, some of them showing how many different kinds of species live in this fantasy world. They are people who are capable at performing certain jobs and surviving against monsters. Their storylines also can be quite engaging and fun. Essentially, they can go above and beyond.

3DS DS GB GBA Guide NES SNES Wii

A beginner’s guide to Kirby platformers

By Graham Russell // 3.12.193.12.19

Kirby’s been on a lot of extracurricular outings, but at heart, the pink puffball is still most at home in the side-scrolling world of running and jumping. So which should you play? Read on for our recommendations!

3DS DS Guide

A beginner’s guide to Etrian Odyssey

By Jenni Lada // 2.25.194.25.19

Back in 2007, Atlus decided to use the Nintendo DS to do something ambitious. It brought back the days of first-person RPGs with original party members you had to customize and dungeons you needed to map. Thanks to the handheld’s design, the bottom screen allowed people to practice cartography as they played. Since then, 10 games have been released, each bringing something new to adventurers. Which should you try? What might be right for you?

3DS Review

Review: Worlds converge in Etrian Odyssey Nexus

By Graham Russell // 2.4.199.2.19

As the lifespan of the 3DS nears its end, it’s an ideal time for two things: to celebrate the achievements of its era and to deliver the sort of long-lasting experience that can sustain those who don’t yet want to let go of the venerable handheld. Atlus’ Etrian Odyssey Nexus seeks to deliver on both fronts, bundling its 3DS-era ideas into one game that offers dozens of hours of careful decision-making.

3DS Preview Video

Etrian Odyssey Nexus video preview, part 2: Fighting to survive!

By Graham Russell // 1.30.192.3.19

Etrian Odyssey Nexus releases next week, closing out the series’ 3DS era and, in many ways, the 3DS era in general! We’re taking a look at what the game has to offer in this two-part video preview. Here’s part two!