RPGs Coming This Week, 3/9/25

Beyond the Ice Palace 2 – March 10th (Windows)

It’s not every day that a game from the Amiga and Commodore 64 gets a sequel, but here we are. Beyond the Ice Palace 2 follows up on the original 1988 platformer as a full-fledged Metroidvania, and it’s a sight to behold. There’ve been a ton of good-looking games in the genre lately (Animal Well, Nine Sols, Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth… the list goes on), and everything I’ve seen tells me this game stacks up right alongside them.

In terms of gameplay, Beyond the Ice Palace 2‘s got all the Metroidvania hallmarks. Explore the map and find your MacGuffins (celestial arrow fragments, in this case) to unlock your latent powers, all the while quelling foes with your Belmont-esque whip. I haven’t played it myself, but the footage out there tells me this won’t exactly be a cakewalk.

by Gio Castillo

Wanderstop – March 11th (PS5, Windows)

The idea of a cozy game by one-half of the duo behind The Stanley Parable is… intriguing, to say the least. From the initial reveal, it’s been clear that Wanderstop isn’t your ordinary farming/business management sim; the humor and charm are on another level, and it’s definitely climbed its way up my wishlist based on that aspect alone.

I also love the fact that the protagonist doesn’t even want to be there. In her mind, she’s a fighter, not a shopkeeper, and this puts her at odds with the tea shop owner who rescued her. This premise puts Wanderstop on sturdier narrative ground than a solid 90% of cozy fare nowadays. I haven’t played this so I’ll withhold my endorsement, but I can say I’ll definitely be checking it out come release day. Or if I really can’t wait, I may as well dive into the demo.

by Gio Castillo

Fate: Reawakened – March 12th (PS5, XSX, PS4, XB1, Switch, Windows)

Fate: Reawakened is set to launch this week, inviting players to revisit the classic action RPG series in an exciting new form. With a fresh modern look, this upgraded collection includes all four games — Fate, Fate: Undiscovered Realms, Fate: The Traitor Soul, and Fate: The Cursed King — complete with enhanced graphics and fully localized voice acting. Players can dive into the quaint town of Grove and explore challenging procedurally generated dungeons, ensuring that each adventure offers a unique experience filled with unpredictable encounters and loot.

The Fate games harken back to the golden years of the genre, before season passes and microtransactions crept into ARPGs. The game boasts action-packed real-time combat with a flexible skill point system. Players can customize their characters to match their preferred playstyles, gaining experience and unlocking powerful gear along the way. Adding to the adventure, players can choose from seven pets to accompany them, making their journey more dynamic. And lest I forget one of the most essential features: fishing. Players can fish to their heart’s content for valuable items.

Fate: Reawakened could be a great time for fans of the series or newcomers to jump into the dungeon-crawling classics.

by Jimmy Turner

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Myth – Fullland of Water and Light – March 13th (Switch, Windows)

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Myth – Fullland of Water and Light is a side-scrolling action RPG based on the popular anime and light novel series Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, or DanMachi as it is also commonly referred to. (By the way, the answer to the question posed by the series’ title would totally depend on the circumstances behind the attempted picking up, I would think!)

The scenario for Fullland of Water and Light is based on original ideas by series creator Fujino Ōmori. It places players in the role of either Bell Cranel or Ais Wallenstein as they and their allies defeat monsters while further exploring the recently transformed Orario. To turn the tide of battle, they use a combination of magic, sword skills, and powerful special abilities. I must admit to not being readily familiar with DanMachi, but action RPGs are right up my alley, and I love the vibrant look of this one! Hopefully, this will be a game that will appease newcomers and especially thrill fans when it releases soon!

by Audra Bowling

Kamitsubaki City Regenerate – March 13th (Switch, Windows)

Kamitsubaki City Regenerate is a visual novel with dark fantasy and sci-fi undertones. I’d be lying if I said that the premise, which has you stepping into the role of an “Observer” and entering Kamitsubaki, a city in a world somehow connected to our own, wasn’t already quite curiosity-piquing. There, you encounter Kafu and help her to hopefully save the entire city from a looming threat.

The visuals and art for Kamitsubaki City Regenerate warrant a closer look, as I love how detailed and gorgeous they are. The cast of characters are fully voiced, and the VN has a vocal musical hook tying into the lore of the world that also sounds quite intriguing. Your choices while playing promise to have lasting impact on how things play out. While part of a series, the story is touted as being standalone enough to be newcomer-friendly too. I love a good VN with an interesting hook, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Kamitsubaki City Regenerate when it gets closer to its release date! 

by Audra Bowling

The New Denpa Men – March 10th (iOS, Android)

The free-to-play RPG The New Denpa Men is coming this week to smartphones. You may have played earlier Denpa Men games on Nintendo 3DS. If so, then you’ll know iOS and Android are probably a great fit for this odd little series.

by Gio Castillo

Rise of the Ronin – March 10th (Windows)

Rise of the Ronin makes its way to PC this week. Until now, Team Ninja’s open-world ARPG was exclusive to the PS5. Ronin was a sleeper hit for me when it was released last year. Set in 1800s Japan, the game follows the story of the Blade Twins, sibling assassins sent on a mission gone wrong. The game features an excellent score by Inon Zur (Dragon Age: Origins, Fallout 4) and the tight, challenging combat that Team Ninja is known for. PC players looking for an open-world adventure that blends brutal action and fantasy elements within a historical narrative should be pleasantly surprised.

by Jimmy Turner