There is a problem when you make something subversive: how do you back it up with a sequel? If the sequel is too familiar and follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, it is no longer subversive by definition. It has lost its creative identity. This is unfortunately the case with Labyrinth of Galleria, the sequel to Labyrinth of Refrain:…
Koei Tecmo is no stranger to the classic Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The entire Dynasty Warriors series is, of course, based on that classic text. In many ways, it’s what makes Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty such a captivating game, because it’s such a different creative take on…
Gosh Ryza’s gorgeous. Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the…
Odencat isn’t exactly a household name, but this Japanese studio, behind the…
This is the first time that Australians have been able to (legitimately) play Chrono Cross. So, if you’re like me and have never played it before, congratulations! It is the year 2022, and now you get to play one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. Chrono Cross is set…
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Compile Heart and EastAsiaSoft have announced a release date for what might be the most pervy game on Nintendo Switch. Seven Pirates H will release worldwide on May 12, 2022. Previously released in Japan only on the PlayStation Vita, this is a visually upgraded “ultimate” edition from Idea Factory. The…
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Relayer is God Wars, but located in space. That comparison isn’t going to help you if you were one of the many people that unfortunately overlooked God Wars (and therefore missed one of the finest tactics JRPGs ever), but if you imagine a heavily narrative-driven fantasy adventure, backed by traditional…
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I should love Dark Deity more than I do. The developers clearly have passion for what they’re doing, and the thing that they’re doing is copying one of my favourite games of all time. In its entirety, Dark Deity aims to clone the two Fire Emblem titles that were released…
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In this video (the second part of this month’s podcast, see below), Harvard, Trent and I talk about Stranger of Paradise – the new Final Fantasy game that we just can’t stop thinking about – and why it is so smart and represents such a good thing for the games…
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Final Fantasy is important to Square Enix. I know that’s stating the obvious, but sometimes Square Enix is almost shockingly willing to experiment with it. If Final Fantasy VII Remake wasn’t enough to convince you that the company is willing to greenlight some risky, near transgressive projects, Stranger of Paradise…
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It’s worth remembering that we very nearly lost Rune Factory. The developer of the series, Neverland, went bankrupt, and 2012’s Rune Factory 4 on the 3DS seemed to be the end of it. Thankfully Marvelous stepped in, hired many of the original team to keep them together, and formed an…
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With its title, Triangle Strategy takes being “on the nose” to a whole other level. While that is a weakness because it is difficult not to roll the eyes at it on first impressions alone, the ideas and concept behind it are sound and make more sense the further you…
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Babylon’s Fall is a game that has been designed to be exclusively a “live service” multiplayer game. And so, to do something different with this review, Matt R (of Shindig and regular on DDNet fame) and I buddied up to cruise through a chunk of the game, and now, to…
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I have a sneaking suspicion that Monark will be one of my favourite games of 2022. It is, of course, very early to be calling that, but the talent behind it is sublime: you’ve got the deep-thinking creator Hayashi Fuyuki, who turned a silly concept (“power-up by crying”) into a…
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