Author: Vincent Mahoney

Vincent is a game reviewer, graphic designer, illustrator and insurance agent: He wears many hats, but none of them properly cover his bald spot. His long-term goal is to publish a comic of the story he and his wife created together. He grew up playing action-platform games such as Super Mario, Metroid, Mega Man, Contra and Castlevania, but discovered his love for RPGs through Super Mario RPG and Final Fantasy VI, then embarking upon a quest to play every RPG he possibly can. At over 200 RPGs and counting the quest is not going so well, and there are buster swords, giant cats, eight virtues and personae appearing to him in his sleep. Please send help.

Tales of Symphonia Remastered Regenerates a Great Classic

Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney enjoys classic RPGs, and he goes back and plays them regularly. But what is even better? When they get remade, like with Tales of Symphonia Remastered that he takes a look at this week.

Engage Brings New Energy to the Fire Emblem Series

Fire Emblem Engage brings new life to the 30-year-old Fire Emblem series while also managing to include mechanics from the GBA and SNES era titles, some features introduced in the 3DS games, and even elements from Three Houses. It’s the best of all worlds in Fire Emblem Engage.

Save State Checks Out the Wandering Sword Demo

Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney enjoyed checking out the Wandering Sword demo, a Chinese martial-arts RPG with great pixelated graphics and impressively unique gameplay.

Genealogy of the Holy War Is a High Point in the Fire Emblem Franchise

While anxiously waiting for Fire Emblem Engage’s release, Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney went on a quest to obtain Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War, a title that was only ever released in Japan. He somehow found one and enjoyed its deep customization in a series that was way ahead of its time.

Building Towers of Power in Dwarven Skykeep

Dwarven Skykeep combines a lot of different genres including real time strategy into a unique title filled with both excitement and cheeky fun. Prepare for tactical deck creation, RTS combat, puzzle solving and a lot of smart base building over a variety of challenging stages.

Brilliant Platforming Perfection in Rogue Legacy 2

The three most popular genres right now for indie games are survival, roguelites and metroidvanias. But sometimes, developers find a mysterious way to mix all three genres and come up with something brilliant. In this week’s Save State column, Vincent Mahoney plays with a perfect example of that in Rogue Legacy 2.

Save State Ponders the Ys Series Origin

This week, Save State features the action RPG franchise known as Ys series by Nihon Falcom. Vincent Mahoney takes a close look at a title in the series from 2006 called Ys Origin. It’s a prequel to the previous nine titles, all with action, puzzles, platforming elements and movement that is both agile and responsive.

Escape Room Strategy Combines With Survival Horror in Do Not Open

Those who like escape rooms will find a lot to enjoy about Do Not Open, which presents an entire mansion to explore and multiple escape room like scenarios. But there is one big twist. When you take too long to open the exit, a monster starts stalking around the halls to add one scary additional challenge.

Save State Dives Into the Rapids of Rampage in River City Girls 2

River City Girls 2 continues the tradition of being a wonderful beat ‘em up series. As funny and irreverent as it is a solid combatant, this is one title that no self-respecting brawler will want to miss. It also has four player co-op for even more punch.

Save State Leaps Into the Sonic Inspired Series Spark the Electric Jester

Fresh off his review of Sonic Frontiers, Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney goes racing off again with an indie game series called Spark the Electric Jester, which is inspired by all things Sonic the Hedgehog. Let’s see how well this new game flies around its electrified tracks.