- Review
The Séance of Blake Manor
I used to avoid horror games. This may seem like a strange thing to admit at the start of a review for a spooky mystery game, but it’s true; I wasn’t a fan of the genre. And honestly, I couldn’t tell you when or why exactly that changed. Maybe my tastes matured as I got older, or maybe I just found… Read More »- Article
- News
RPGs Coming This Week, 12/7/25
In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, we tackle a sneaky good (if small) lineup featuring two very stylish titles and ports of some crowd favorites. I’m sure the timing isn’t ideal right now with the holidays looming and disposable income being as tight as it’s ever been for most folks, so here’… Read More »- Review
Demonschool
Indie games can be difficult to review because they can ignite the imagination, get your head bobbin’, and make you fall in love with characters, but may also have a host of jarring problems. Do I love this game or do I hate it? Well, that depends on what part of the in-game week I’m in and how many… Read More »- Music Review
Blue Prince Original Soundtrack
Friends, have you spent any time in the Mount Holly mansion, centerpiece of the puzzle-adventure Blue Prince? If you haven’t, you really need to. If you have, you might have noticed some eerie, haunting music as you traversed the ever-changing halls and chambers. Without a doubt, the music fits the… Read More »- Article
- Retro Encounter
- Podcast
Retro Encounter 474 – Dragon Quest Tier List
I hope there is something really amazing on top. If we don’t find Dragon Quest V, it is all your fault. This week on Retro Encounter, we undertake a difficult endeavor yet again: making a tier list of one of the most popular RPG franchises. This time, it’s Dragon Quest! Do things get heated? Who rea… Read More »- Review
Octopath Traveler 0
Revenge is a road that never loops back to where you began. Every step pulls you further from the person you once were and closer to the one you may become. In Octopath Traveler 0, that idea shapes the entire journey. Your hometown lies in ruins, your family is gone, and the only thing pushing you f… Read More »- Review
Kingdom of Night
From Baldur’s Gate 3 to Critical Role to Stranger Things, the resurgence of fantasy-horror rooted in the 1980s Dungeons & Dragons zeitgeist continues to deliver a mix of standout hits and inevitable misfires. Drawing inspiration from the Duffer Brothers’ Netflix phenomenon, Kingdom of Night blen… Read More »- Article
- Random Encounter
- Podcast
Random Encounter 336 – Farewell, My Beloved Superheroes
On this week’s Random Encounter, we’re taking a look at two very different narrative adventures! Back in the 2010s, Telltale Games reinvented the point-and-click adventure game with The Walking Dead, introducing new multiple paths and lasting choices. Unfortunately, they spread themselves a little t… Read More »- Article
- News
RPGs Coming This Week, 11/30/25
In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, we near the end… of the year! I will say, now is a good time to catch up on games you missed if you’re invested in the zeitgeist, especially with the Keighleys just around the corner. Of course, there are almost always new games coming out, and you can tru… Read More »- Review
Shrine’s Legacy
Harken back to yesteryear with the Secret of Evermore-like Shrine’s Legacy. We’ve got 2.5D action RPG swords, staves, and spells slung about for 15 to 20 hours for your millennial enjoyment. Games’ve moved past the 16-bit era? Get off my lawn! Puzzles, exploration, collectibles, one spell in an arse… Read More »- Review
Sacred Earth – Reverie
On paper, Sacred Earth – Reverie is the type of game I’d expect to enjoy. After all, it’s a VN/RPG hybrid with point-and-click exploration mechanics, fast turn-based combat, high replayability that builds on past actions, amazing battle music, and a rich story with colorful characters: all signs of… Read More »- Article
- News
Ys X: Proud Nordics Docks on Western Shores February 20th, 2026
Developer Nihon Falcom and publisher NIS America have announced that Ys X: Proud Nordics will launch in the west for the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam on February 20th, 2026. This definitive edition will include new mechanics, a challenging new dungeon, and an added storyline. P… Read More »- Review
The Tale of Relm
Once viewed as nothing more than a disposable pawn, a young man becomes a powerful force for inspiration in a fantasy realm that is quickly losing its hope. Can he and his comrades secure lasting peace, or will their sacrifices prove too much to bear? Indie-developed The Tale of Relm is an opening s… Read More »- Review
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian
It was a dark day for the Atelier fandom when Gust announced that Project A25—the 25th Atelier entry—was a gacha game. While the franchise is no stranger to spinoffs, including Atelier Online: Alchemist of Bressisle for mobile, Atelier Resleriana: Forgotten Alchemy & the Polar Night Liberator br… Read More »- Article
- Rhythm Encounter
- Podcast
Rhythm Encounter 170 – Elements of the Rhythm Nation
In the distant past of 2021, our panel on Rhythm Encounter 74 chose songs based around eight elements of their choosing. Today we follow up on this elemental idea, but focused on four core elements of water, earth, fire, and air. With each element represented by two people, we compare and contrast e… Read More »- Review
Wild Hearts S
Since Capcom seems reluctant to bring Monster Hunter Wilds or even World to Nintendo Switch 2, Omega Force and Koei Tecmo are more than happy to pick up the slack for them with Wild Hearts S, a new version of their monster-hunting action-RPG that’s (as of right now) exclusive to the Switch 2. You mi… Read More »- Article
- News
RPGs Coming This Week, 11/23/25
In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, we again have a little something for everyone. Want a fast-paced, flashy anime action RPG? How about an open-world WRPG? Perhaps an old-school adventure game or subtly innovative JRPG? What this week lacks in quantity, well, it makes up for in diversity. Wit… Read More »- Review
Wachenröder
Glenn A. Rudy III and Yumi Makita were two students at Penn State Harrisburg who quickly became friends. Early on, they decided to write a text translation for an obscure Sega Saturn tactical RPG called Wachenröder. The project stalled early when their friendship blossomed into love. Eventually, the… Read More »Music Review
SQ Music Collections
Now here’s an exciting compilation of arranged music! SQ Music Collections combines the entire catalog of Square Enix’s “SQ” music series in one handy release! That’s eleven albums, combined as a digital-only release. This release is freely streamable and is purchasable as a digital download for abo… Read More »- Article
- News
Tales of Berseria Remastered Launches February 27th, 2026
Hot on the heels of Tales of Xillia Remastered, developer Bandai Namco has announced Tales of Berseria Remastered. This new version will feature quality-of-life enhancements and former DLC content, similar to the past releases from the Tales Remastered Project. It is scheduled to release worldwide o… Read More »- Article
- Retro Encounter
- Podcast
Retro Encounter 473 – Obsidian Encounter
Who is the greatest Western RPG developer? [Intelligence] “Obsidian” [Lie] “Not Obsidian” This week on Retro Encounter, we’re discussing the legendary history and output of Obsidian Entertainment. Four Obsidian-heads form a party and break down the developer’s different eras, from their beginnings a… Read More »- Feature
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Producer Takeshi Ichikawa Interview
As part of the Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Preview, I had the opportunity to interview the game’s producer, Takeshi Ichikawa. As always, I would like to thank him for his time in answering our questions, as well as our translator and the Square Enix team for making the event and interview possible.… Read More »- Article
- Preview
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Hands-On Preview
The ongoing wave of RPGs from yesteryear getting remasters and remakes continues with the “remake” of one of PlayStation 1’s biggest RPGs, Dragon Quest VII. We often have the debate about what constitutes a remake or a remaster, but in this case, Square Enix decided to call this remake Dra… Read More »Feature
Crowdfunding Chronicles: Delphinium
Settle into a cozy and beautiful rural sanctuary in Delphinium, a narrative focused farming game where connections are as important as crops.- Article
- News
Damon and Baby Releases Early 2026
Developer Arc System Works is cooking up a new action RPG titled Damon and Baby, a unique adventure that blends in-depth exploration, twin-stick shooting, and local co-op into one fresh experience. It is scheduled to release in early 2026 for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC… Read More »- Article
- Random Encounter
- Podcast
Random Encounter 335 – To the “Manor” Born
On this week’s Random Encounter, it’s time to uncover some mysteries in two adventure games! The Séance of Blake Manor has been making waves the last few weeks as one of the best mystery deductive games of the last few years. From the same devs that created the adventure game series, The Darkside De… Read More »- Article
- News
RPGs Coming This Week, 11/16/25
In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, some long-anticipated indie titles finally launch. These all deserve the spotlight, and we’re here to give it to them. Let’s dive in, shall we? Kingdoms of the Dump – November 18th (Windows, macOS, Linux) For my money, Kingdoms of the Dump was one of the mos… Read More »- Review
Wild ARMs 2
Once more, a western wind blows across the realm of Filgaia. Once more, developer Media.Vision has presented a flawed but brilliant gem of a JRPG title with Wild ARMs: 2nd Ignition (1999 in Japan), or, as we Westerners plainly know it, Wild ARMs 2. By the time of its English release in 2000, Wild Ar… Read More »- Review
Artis Impact
The democratization of game development tools over the last decade has ushered in a wave of single-developer titles that have influenced the industry, offering a uniquely cohesive perspective of a single artist in contrast to enormous AAA games made by teams of hundreds or thousands. There are advan… Read More »Music Review
Last SQ
Square Enix concludes their “SQ” series with Last SQ, a two-disc compilation of tracks from the eleven previous “SQ” entries. Fortunately, it does contain some new tunes as well. Four new arrangements, to be exact! As I write this, I should acknowledge that Last SQ is eclipsed in concept and in comp… Read More »- Review
Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-
Vengeance is a central theme in many stories, with otome visual novel Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight- adding another tale to an ever-growing collection. Will having her revenge fulfilled be everything protagonist Aprose Randolph wants, or will her vengeance ring hollow as truths come to light? Th… Read More »- Article
- Preview
Starbites Hands-Off Preview: An RPG That Won’t Leave you Feeling Deserted
Starbites is a science fiction game influenced by JRPGs of the past, and I’ve been eager to see more of it since it was announced for a Western release in August. Now I’ve done exactly that, thanks to an invitation from publisher NIS America and developers Ikina Games. In a fascinating sit-down with… Read More »- Review
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Marketing tells us that personal travel is a time to relax, but one of its greatest benefits is getting to break out of our comfort zones. New places, people, and experiences push us to grow; on the other hand, absolutely no familiarity will leave you lost, with no way to make the most of your time.… Read More »- Article
- News
Coffee Talk Tokyo Opens the Café on March 5th, 2026
One of the indie titles whose release date was revealed during Sony’s State of Play Japan was Coffee Talk Tokyo. Developers Chorus Worldwide Games and Toge Productions have officially set the café’s opening day for March 5th, 2026. The cozy visual novel series returns in a new setting for the PlaySt… Read More »- Article
- News
Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows DLC Releases December 4th
In the recent State of Play Japan, publisher Bandai Namco and developer FromSoftware have revealed The Forsaken Hollows, a DLC expansion for Elden Ring Nightreign. New bosses await Nightfarers to challenge when it officially drops on December 4th for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, an… Read More »- Article
- News
Octopath Traveler 0 Spotlights Villainy, Villages & More in New Trailer; Demo Available Now
Square Enix has released a new trailer for Octopath Traveler 0, the latest in the Octopath Traveler series. Shown at the latest State of Play Japan, the trailer gives players a glimpse of the songful story, trio of dastardly villains, and extensive base-building mechanics that await them. Check it o… Read More »- Article
- Preview
Octopath Traveler 0 Hands-on Preview: Stories Renewed
Thanks to the wonderful team at Square Enix, I had the privilege of playing Octopath Traveler 0 ahead of release, and it didn’t take long to realize this is far more than a side story. Built on the foundation of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent but crafted for fans craving a full tradit… Read More »- Article
- News
New Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Trailer Showcases Kiefer, Combat & More
Square Enix has released a new trailer for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, their upcoming remake of the 2000-released island-hopping JRPG. The trailer was shown at the recent State of Play Japan, giving players a look at its diorama-like aesthetic as well as new content centred around an adult version… Read More »- Article
- Rhythm Encounter
- Podcast
Rhythm Encounter 169 – Electro-Bangers Galore!
Throughout the planning for this episode, we jokingly used the term “Electro-Bangers,” with credit to panelist Rob White, knowing full well we wouldn’t use it in the end. But then we figured… why not? This episode is full of excellent electronic music and they are all bangers, so there you have it… Read More »- Article
- News
