Review by Matt S. Tokyo RPG Factory has, over the span of three titles, developed a distinct voice in its approach to the JRPG. I’m not talking about the team’s commitment to retro-styled gameplay systems and aesthetics, though there’s certainly an element of that. No. The distinctive thread that links…
Read MoreReview by Matt S. It’s important that we draw a distinction between “melancholia” and “sadness”, “misery”, and other such synonyms. The dictionary definition has the terms at roughly parallel, but in literature and other art forms, they’re really very different things. My favourite quote in defining melancholia comes from an…
Read MoreReview by Matt S. After PQube games pulled the initial effort to localise Omega Labyrinth, we all thought this series was done for in the west. Having run afoul of Sony due to its rather outrageous fan service, the game and its “censorship” certainly drew opinions and debate. Thankfully all…
Read MoreNews by Matt S. Grandia and its sequel are beloved JRPGs within the fan base that have never quite got the attention that they deserve among the broader community. Perhaps the Grandia HD Collection will help, when it lands on August 16 on Nintendo Switch. There will also be a…
Read MoreVideo by Matt S. (Mild content warning with regards to a depiction of a suicide) Crystar, out soon, comes to us from FuRyu in Japan, and Spike Chunsoft in the west. It’s an action JRPG with a particular trick – it’s all about crying as a gameplay mechanic. If that…
Read MoreNews by Matt S. NISA has shared the release date for the next re-release of its headline Disgaea series. This time it’s a remaster of Disgaea 4, is called Disgaea 4 Complete+, and lands on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on October 29. We reviewed this one back on PlayStation…
Read MoreFire Emblem has traditionally been known for three things. Firstly, everyone knows the characters of Fire Emblem. Everyone has their favourites. They’re usually gorgeous and sexy, and that’s just great. Secondly, Fire Emblem is known for its expansive, epic narrative arcs. Thirdly, it’s known for a remorseless difficulty and permadeath…
Read MoreVideo by Matt S. Oninaki is the latest from Tokyo RPG Factory, published by Square Enix. As with Tokyo RPG Factory’s previous efforts, it’s a retro JRPG throwback with a modern presentation. Also, as with previous titles from the studio, it’s a beautifully melancholic game, with an almost poetic rhythm,…
Read MoreReview by Matt S. No. No. No. No. Nononononononono. No. Hit-Point is a great developer when working on cute cat and frog casual interaction games (play Neko Atsume if you haven’t before), but purveyors of utter trash when it comes to JRPGs. Kemco, meanwhile, is the publisher of the aforementioned trash.…
Read MoreNews by Matt S. Developed by Tokyo RPG Factory (I Am Setsuna, Lost Sphear), and published by Square Enix, Oninaki is one really good looking retro-themed JRPG, from one of the up-and-coming leaders in that particular aesthetic. The full game isn’t out until August 22, but you’ll be able to…
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