RPGs Coming This Week, 7/27/25

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In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, we’re serving up the Western debut of an old series of dungeon crawlers, an adventure game with a distinctive art style, and two sophisticated tactics games — three, if you count an upcoming mobile port. No blockbusters in sight, but I think most will be more than satisfied with what’s coming. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Day of the Shell – July 29th (PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, Switch, Windows)

Lone Protagonist stand amongst a desolate environment . A grid-pattern shows the possible movement zone.

Day of the Shell is a “one-click, one-turn” tactical roguelite and debut title for Duper Games. The movement and cover system takes obvious inspiration from the later XCOM games, but in this title we are only responsible for one combatant. Gameplay footage taken from the free demo exhibits a fairly unique aesthetic from comparable titles and a potentially more dynamic cover system as well. Environmental features from trees to whole buildings are fragile to a high degree, offering momentary and uncertain reprieve from the barrage of projectiles from a horde of interesting and diverse enemies.

The purported “one-click, one-turn” quality of the game along with a snappy and responsive UI, replete with heads-up percentages and turn counters, seemingly offers two distinct approaches to combat and progression. Some players will approach the game as a measured chess-like tactical puzzle, whilst other more hasty players could easily turn the game into a frenetic run-and-gun gauntlet. Day of the Shell appears interesting and fun, if not derivative, in a market flooded with roguelite experiences. Will it be “one more run” or a mere moment in the sun for Day of the Shell?

by Claton Stevenson

Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy – July 29th (PS5, PS4, Switch)

Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy makes its way to PlayStation consoles and Nintendo Switch this week. The game is a new IP from Japanese developer Idea Factory, known for its niche JRPGs such as Mary Skelter and Hyperdimension Neptunia. In Mado Monogatari, players will step into the shoes of Fia, a young sorceress-in-training at the fittingly named Wondrous Academy. The game promises a balanced blend of turn-based dungeon crawling alongside a robust crafting system.

Exploration is key in Mado Monogatari, as Fia uncovers both ancient lore and delightful mini-games along the way. With customizable character growth and intricate crafting mechanics, fans of the genre will find plenty to love as they tailor Fia’s abilities to suit their playstyle. Mado’s style and story are not as dark as some of Idea Factory’s other franchises, and the game has no shortage of humor and quirky characters. The game’s theme and setting evoke a blend of Harry Potter and the Atelier series; a magical school where students explore, battle monsters, and craft items sounds like an enjoyable time. Fans of JRPGs with crafting elements can check out Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy on July 29th.

by Jimmy Turner

Dear me, I was… – July 31st (Switch 2)

Screenshot of Dear me, I was..., one of the RPGs coming this week

Dear me, I was… is described as a short interactive adventure that depicts a woman’s life in a simple yet heartfelt way. You witness her development from a unique narrative perspective by seeing her interact and form connections with those around her. Featuring gorgeous art design by Taisuke Kanasaki of Hotel Dusk: Room 215 and Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories fame, the game’s style blends watercolor effects and rotoscoping techniques to result in a title that clearly catches the eye. Dear me, I was… has the potential to be a soulful and moving interactive experience when it releases later this week on the Nintendo Switch 2.

by Audra Bowling

Frosthaven (Entering Early Access) – July 31st (Windows)

Frosthaven, based on the board game of the same name, is a follow-up to the 2021 video game adaptation of the Kickstarter-funded Gloomhaven. Designer Isaac Childres managed to raise around $386,000 USD for Gloomhaven in 2020. As a follow-up, Childres put up another Kickstarter for Frosthaven and managed to raise $13 million. Placed in the hands of new developers, Snapshot Games has a lot to live up to with such a prolific and popular property.

This Early Access release, on July 31st for PC, marks a big milestone in the game’s development. Snapshot Games hopes to stay in early access for one full year before the full release. Frosthaven is a big turn-based tactical RPG with light city-building mechanics, promising over 200 hours of gameplay on release. It’s expected to have two- to four-player co-op — what’s a board game without friends?

by Nick Mangiaracina

Also Coming This Week

Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition – July 30th (iOS, Android)

Strategy RPG Wargroove 2 is getting ported to iOS and Android this week. This Pocket Edition is basically the same as the original release on Xbox, Switch, and PC, with the added benefit of crossplay with those platforms. This game has a very good multiplayer component, as our own Ben Love details in his review.

by Gio Castillo