Pokemon Legends Z-A returns to the Kalos region with a bold new direction, trading turn-based battles for real-time combat and setting the entire adventure inside a massively expanded Lumiose City. Legends Z-A stands out as one of developer Game Freak’s most confident and polished releases in years.
The mechanics may be lighter and the world smaller this time around, but Bloodlines 2 still captures the seductive danger of the Masquerade, delivering a gripping story full of manipulation, hunger and wonderfully written monsters. It proves that The World of Darkness still has life.
With its focus on relationships, village building and a smooth combat system, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a natural evolution for the series. The Switch 2 version has strong characters, an emotional story and welcome streamlining without losing what makes the franchise special.
Prison adventure Back to the Dawn blends noir drama and Lovecraftian weirdness into one of the most entertaining indie RPGs of the year. It includes over one hundred quests and several endings. Prison life has never been this strange, strategic or hilarious.
In a refreshing change from the usual action-packed Middle Earth fare, Tales of the Shire focuses on gardening, cooking and forging friendships. Cozy, charming and surprisingly deep, it’s the perfect title for anyone who’s ever dreamed of settling down in the Shire.
A fantasy MMO’s heroes of Azerim vanish, leaving one low-level NPC fisherman to deal with the monsters, world-ending quests and annoying story NPCs. It’s a ridiculous premise that somehow works for Nice Day for Fishing, sore thumbs and all.
From survival mechanics to guild-run spice wars, Funcom’s Dune: Awakening is more than just another licensed MMO. It’s an ambitious reinvention of Arrakis that we think would have even made Frank Herbert proud.
The Wicked Isle Story Expansion Pack for Atomfall brings players across the leach-infested waters to its new location called Midsummer Isle with its dark secrets, new enemies and killer mead. In a lot of ways, it’s like Far Harbor was for Fallout 4.
Tense combat, haunting Arthurian myth and meaningful choices make Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon a must-play for fans of bleak fantasy and Elder Scrolls-style exploration. And yes, you can also turn your enemies into cheese.
At times both gritty and goofy, The Precinct challenges players to take on the tough job of a beat cop in the crime infested city of Averno. It’s every bit as good as any 1980s television police drama show, just with players dropped into the center of the action.
