Atlus’ Persona series has exploded in popularity. This means there are not only mainline installments, but also ports, updated releases, reimaginings and spin-offs. There are all interesting games that do cool things with elements from the series, but it is also a series where you probably shouldn’t go and begin with the very first game. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to find a good starting point.
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The world of Valkyria Chronicles is more accessible than ever, making it a great time to get into the hybrid strategy franchise. But where should you start? Check out our guide for getting the most out of your time in Europa.
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The PlayStation 5 is on the horizon, but maybe you’re not ready to say goodbye to the PS4 just yet? There are some enticing imports to check out! And unlike the 3DS and Vita (and like the Switch), the platform actually makes it rather painless. Here’s a look at your best options for games you can’t get in the West!
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It is a great time for people who don’t have game development experience to begin making their own RPGs. Thanks to various localization efforts, lots of Gotcha Gotcha Games and Kadokawa Games programs designed to make RPG creation easy are available to a wide audience in multiple languages. There are so many that, well, it might be overwhelming. You have console programs, PC software and even the 3DS has a tool you can use. Which one is best for your needs? Can you actually make a full game? It is a lot to take in at once.
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We here at Michibiku have loved covering RPG Maker games in the past, so when a Switch edition was announced, we knew we had to take a look. (And talk to the team behind it.) And… then it took its sweet time actually releasing in the West! But it’s here now after a long delay, and we have to say: this one might be a hard sell.
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Dragon Quest II has a reputation, but it has nothing to do with its positive attributes. The game helped the series take a step forward, what with it having a more detailed storyline, including more playable characters, offering more enemies to fight and having additional travel options. Unfortunately, it is also known for being incredibly difficult. That difficulty has proved rather daunting. Fortunately, Dragon Quest Builders 2 feels like it redeems Dragon Quest II.
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Sometimes the world can be truly awful.
Not all the time. Often, and possibly even usually, participating in the chaos of existence that surrounds you can be rewarding and even life-affirming. Occasionally, though, it’s not, and in those moments, it’s helpful to be able to escape. To withdraw. To distract and recuperate and wait until you’re prepared to return. There’s value in this respite, and for some, it can be the difference between getting through the day and… well, not.
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As a society, we’re constantly retelling iconic love stories. Cinderella may be the most memorable poor girl to be catapulted into high society thanks to finding love with a handsome prince, but she’s not the only down-and-out person redeemed by love.
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Fifteen years ago, in 2005, the last “real” Sakura Wars game was released. Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love introduced Japan to a New York Combat Revue and the promise of new characters for the series, then five years later introduced the rest of the world to the series as a whole. It was a great game that blended visual novel elements, relationship building and thoughtful strategic endeavors into one experience. With Sakura Wars, the reboot set two years after the fifth installment, it at least gets two out of three right.
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