Limited Run Games announced that it is giving Edia's Tenshi no Uta: The Angel Verse Collection an international physical release. The Nintendo Switch collection, which contains turn-based RPGs Tenshi no Uta: The Angel's Verse and Tenshi no Uta II: The Fallen Angel’s Choice, will be available to pre-order from January 2, 2026, to February 1, 2026, from Limited Run Games's online store. It is available in a $44.99 Standard Edition and a $89.99 Deluxe Edition, and expected to ship in Q3 2026. It should be noted that at the time of writing, Limited Run Games has not actually stated whether the games will be in Japanese or English, and there has been no previous announcement of an English release. Originally developed by Telenet, Tenshi no Uta: The Angel's Verse and Tenshi no Uta II: The Fallen Angel’s Choice were released for PC-Engine Super CD-ROM² in Japan in 1991 and 1993 respectively, with Edia's Nintendo Switch collection released in Japan last year. A third game in the series was released for Super Famicom in 1994. The series' creators include designer Akifumi Kaneko and composer Michiko Naruke, who later worked on the Wild ARMs series. Both games are based on Celtic mythology. Tenshi no Uta: The Angel's Verse follows protagonist Kearu, who journeys to rescue his fiancée and maiden of the celestial realm Cleia after she is kidnapped by monsters as part of a plot to resurrect Demon King Lucifel. Tenshi no Uta II: The Fallen Angel’s Choice takes place in another world 100 years after the events of the first game and follows Fate, who embarks on an adventure to help an amnesiac girl named Lianna.     (Japanese Switch release trailer) The post Tenshi no Uta: The Angel Verse Collection Getting International Physical Release appeared first on RPGamer.

There has been a lot happening in my life over the last few months, and it's been a whirlwind. I have some newfound health goals that I am working on achieving. I'm already missing hiking season (yes, I am aware you can hike in the winter, but... I hate winter). I'm looking forward to the New Year, as it means I'll have some new goals to work towards, and while I would say I was mostly successful on my personal goals for 2025, I feel short in a few areas. The main goal of 2026 is to prioritize myself, which, if anyone knows me and knows me well, I'm generally an utter failure at that. It means doing a better job of listening to my body, recognizing when I need rest, and having as many adventures as I can outdoors. [caption id="attachment_182097" align="aligncenter" width="203"] Fall hikes, fall vibes...[/caption] Despite all my lofty personal goals, I have to say I ended up with too many games in 2025, to the point where my stockpile feels very large. I had some failings when it came to sales, but I have also played a chunk of what I bought, too. If there is one thing I love about winter, it is that it becomes prime gaming time for me. I make a hot beverage, I work through a few titles, and my backlog feels like it's being tackled. I also didn't write a lot for the site these last three months because I wanted to play some of the stuff in my own collection, but with a new year upon us, I feel like you'll see more writing from me soon enough. As always for this feature, I’m only going to focus on the games I haven’t written articles or reviews about. If you would like to read more of my in-depth thoughts on those titles, check out the following: * Adventure Corner ~ Melbourne: Route 96 * The Lonesome Guild Review * Wander Stars Review --- RPGs I Played Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Usually, I tend to be the person who poops on popular games with a ton of hype. While I had been keeping my eye on Clair Obscur, and then when all the rave reviews came in (including one from our own Ryan Costa), the game became a much higher priority to play. I have to admit, the game made me cry far too many times, which is a testament to how powerful the narrative was (or if I am an easy crier, both could be true). I loved watching these characters grow and wander through such a strange yet vibrant world. I loved this game so much, I have been pushing it on my coworkers because I've wanted people to talk to about it. Also, I can't remember the last time I adored a game's soundtrack in its entirety. I'm looking forward to getting my copy back so I can tackle some of the post-game content and perhaps force my spouse and bestie to play it. Easily, Clair Obscur is probably my favourite RPG I played in 2025. Final Fantasy Tactics: Final Fantasy Tactics is the best Final Fantasy. Statement stop. This has been my favourite Final Fantasy game since I was a child, spending many of my summers as a kid replaying it with different job builds. I really loved this remaster, as the voice acting was such a fantastic touch, and it was great to finally know how to pronounce certain characters' names... like Wiegraf! I thought it was Why-graf, but no, it is Wee-graf! I won't lie, I didn't savour this replay very well and found myself completing the game and the majority of its side content in less than three weeks. I just love the story so much, and it provides all the family and political drama a person could want. If you have not played this classic, you should, because there is a reason why this game often makes Best Of lists. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak: I finally did it! I beat another Trails game. It only took me over a year of on-and-off play to finally take down Trails through Daybreak, which I did enjoy. Still, much like a lot of the games in the series, I tend to start strong, the game hits a lull where I seem to care less about what is happening in the plot and put it down, and then pick it up again, only to be addicted and needing to know how it ends. I loved the cast in this game; the combat was solid, but some parts definitely dragged in the middle, and I find this series can be a bit bloated with content to do. It's not a bad thing, it's more that I need to be in the headspace where I want to do that. I've heard the second game isn't as great, so I may end up putting it off for a bit and going back to Cold Steel III or the remake of Sky FC. I also want to know why everyone calls Van an old man -- he's twenty-four! Weird and Unfortunate Things Are Happening: At some point, I feel like I should review this game for the site, because it really deserves more attention. Weird and Unfortunate Things Are Happening is an RPGMaker game, but it has excellent writing, interesting characters and world-building, and the stakes of what is happening feel strong and unnerving. Its combat system encourages the use of status effects, which I think is a great concept given that many characters in RPGs have status effect abilities, but it's not the forefront of the game's overall battle system. Also, our heroine uses a baseball bat to slay enemies in true horror film fashion. I stan Alicia's ability to twack baddies with a bat. In all seriousness, the game is free on Steam and is absolutely worth checking out if you're looking for something budget-friendly and with a great use of horror tropes throughout. --- All the Non-RPG Goodness I played so many excellent games throughout October to December. I found a bunch of new cozy games and visual novels, and I thought I'd share some of the ones I played. I was trying so hard not to spend money on the recent Steam sales and failed, but I also ended up completing most of what I got. In terms of point-and-click games and visual novels, I played through I Have No Mouth, I Must Scream, which might be one of the most difficult and uncomfortable point-and-click games I have played in my life (and if you have played it, you know what I mean!). Bard Harder! is a cute game about trying to smooch a darklord, and Man I Just Want to Go Home is in a category of its own for strange visual novels that do a great job of making you want to explore every route possible because the story is written in such a tight and interesting way. During Extra Life, I ended up streaming on the RPGamer channel some Dream Daddy (we dated the broest of bros, Craig). Then, upon completing that, I ended up working my way through the terrible classic Night Trap... and I never want to touch it again. Then, throughout November and December, I worked through some of my cozy games like Spilled! where you play a little boat that cleans oil spills, and Is This Seat Taken?, A fantastic and smart puzzle game about seating arrangements. I also put over sixty hours into Power Wash Simulator, and I finished the Resident Evil 2 Remake because my coworker demanded I play it, because he didn't understand why I played the RE3 Remake first. The answer was that I owned that one first, duh. Overall, I completed nine non-RPGs, and most of them were pretty fabulous. --- Whatcha Playing Now, Sam? I don't think I will be finishing anything new before we all move into 2026, which is okay given I finished 46 games this year! That being said, I started Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, which I got on a deep discount. I am deep into Chapter 7 and have just met Cosmos, who, of course, I love, because he is a talking Labrador Retriever. The game itself is surprisingly a lot of fun, as is the banter that happens between the cast of characters. I'm looking forward to diving into it more as I have time. That's a wrap on Backloggin' the Year 2025! I hope 2026 is happy, healthy, and full of some great new games for everyone to enjoy! Happy New Year! --- 2025 Final Game Tally Games Completed: 46 # of RPGs Completed: 21 # of Non-RPGs Completed: 24 # of Games Purchased: 13 The post Backloggin’ the Year – Sam’s Sojourn, Year End Wrap-Up appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher CubeGame announced a remake of 2007 Chinese-language turn-based RPG Sword and Fairy 4, part of the long-running series created by Softstar Entertainment. The remake is being developed by Up Software in Unreal Engine 5 and is planned to release on PC and unspecified consoles. A Chinese trailer can be viewed below, with the publisher stating that an English version is set to follow in the coming days. Like other titles in the series, Sword and Fairy 4 is inspired by Chinese mythology. The game takes place prior to the events of Sword and Fairy 3, and follows Yun Tianhe and his allies as they investigate his past and set out in search of the immortals.   The post Sword and Fairy 4 Remake Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

As we approach the end of 2025, it's time for RPGamer to look ahead at what awaits us in the next year. Our team has picked out nearly thirty titles that are on the horizon.

G-Mode released a port of Hopemoon's 2007 flip phone action RPG Monstre Waltz for Nintendo Switch via the Japenese eShop. The port will launch for PC via Steam, though it has no release date as of yet. It includes only a Japanese language option. Monstre Waltz is inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos and follows Professor Norman Atkins, a magician who specialises in exploring otherworldly realms. Following a request brining him out retirement, he is tasked with rescuing individuals stranded in a mysterious ruin accidentally uncovered during resort development. The game sees players explore a labyrinth and face off against monstrous creatures with magic circles and waltz. Source: RPG Site   [foogallery id="182154"]   The post Monstre Waltz Switch Port Available in Japan, Releasing on PC Later appeared first on RPGamer.

Marvelous has released new updates for mech action title Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion. The latest patches, versions 1.2.1 and v1.2.2, come with three new bosses, quality-of-life improvements, and bug fixes. The three bosses are Insania Rex RT: Ω, Immortal Void RT: Ω, and Chaldia’s Effigy, each with their own challenges and rewards. They are available to fight through the in-game Rematch Simulator. Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a sequel to 2019 title Daemon X Machina and is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. It features a dark sci-fi story and an explorable open world, with players able to team up with up to two others to take on their foes. Like its predecessor, the game features mech designs from Shoji Kawamori (Macross, The Vision of Escaflowne, Aquarion, Eureka Seven, and more).   [foogallery id="182156"] The post Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Update Adds New Bosses appeared first on RPGamer.

As we approach the end of 2025, it's time for RPGamer to look ahead at what awaits us in the next year. Our team has picked out nearly thirty titles that are on the horizon.

Welcome to Adventure Corner, a column where members of the RPGamer staff can give their thoughts, impressions, and pseudo-reviews for various adventure titles that don't come under our usual coverage. Adventure Corner is aimed at delivering opinions on a wide range of titles including visual novels, point-and-click adventures, investigative mysteries, and so forth. In this edition of the column we take a look at AdHoc Studio's superhero narrative adventure title, Dispatch. --- Dispatch Platform: PC (also available on PS5 and coming soon to Switch, Switch 2) Release Date: 11.12.2025 (final episode) Publisher: AdHoc Studio Developer: AdHoc Studio Official Site   Telltale Games rose to prominence in the early 2010s with a series of adventure titles built on popular franchises that combined player decision making and quick-time events to great effect, though its rapid rate of production ended up seeing it fall by the wayside almost just as quickly. Founded by veterans of the studio, AdHoc Studios very much appears to be looking to capture the appeal of those titles with its superhero title Dispatch. Created in conjunction with Critical Role, the game excellently combines a strong original cast of characters, great comedy, and engaging action and gameplay to create a delightful episodic romp. Taking place in a version of Los Angeles where superheroes and villains are commonplace, including aliens and human hybrids, Dispatch follows third-generation hero Robert Robertson III, aka Mecha Man. After an encounter with supervillain Shroud -- who killed his father, the previous Mecha Man -- puts him out of action, Robert winds up working as a dispatcher for the Superhero Dispatch Network (SDN), leading the Z-team, a group of former villains aiming to become heroes, under the promise that the SDN will use its resources to build him a new mecha suit. [caption id="attachment_182021" align="aligncenter" width="640"] While not on the front lines, Robert at least gets to remain in the superhero world.[/caption] Dispatch takes place across eight episodes, each one-to-two hours long. Each episode features a number of animated event scenes that include player decisions or (fully optional) quick-time button presses, alongside a gameplay sequence where the player must dispatch their heroes to deal with various calls that come in from the local populace. These sequences require that players select the correct heroes for each job based on their five attributes and descriptions of the job, keeping in mind that additional calls may come in while the heroes are out or resting from their previous excursion. The actual dispatching gameplay is a surprising amount of fun, though it can be a bit stressful at times; some failure is to be expected, which helps make it immensely satisfying when a successful shift is put together and all incoming calls are efficiently handled. Certain jobs come with their own disruptions that can potentially block success depending on the player's choice in how to handle them, with certain heroes' presence sometimes unlocking extra options. Some calls will feature competing decisions on how to handle them, which usually amounts to either a less risky task or greater rewards, or allow Robert to get directly involved through a hacking mini-game. [caption id="attachment_182022" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The dispatch sections prove to be surprisingly engaging.[/caption] There's a good amount of depth to the system, and though players don't need to devote their full attention to get everything out of it, it's very pleasing when those deeper elements kick in. As players complete jobs, their heroes will level up, allowing the player to increase one of their attributes each time. Heroes with the ability to fly will get to places quicker, and heroes can also undergo training to unlock often very useful passive abilities and effects that kick in when their prerequisites are met. In addition, the way the missions tie into the plot or the heroes' characters keeps players engaged in the setting and story. Both the narrative and dispatching sections are strong on their own, but the unity between them really helps make Dispatch such a memorable experience. Dispatch's story is a solid superhero tale heavily featuring subjects of redemption, trust, and revenge. It might not pack any major surprises, but it's made all the stronger by its entertaining cast of characters. There is plenty of comedy throughout, but it's well balanced with its dramatic moments and interpersonal conflicts that get resolved in one way or another, depending on player choices. There aren't any big divergences in how the story plays out up until its final moments, but there are a good number of important decisions throughout the game that majorly impact different characters. The two romance options would definitely be HR disasters in the real world, though would hardly be the most unrealistic thing in the game and offer good emotional payoffs. [caption id="attachment_182023" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Great writing is aided by fantastic presentation and performances throughout.[/caption] The game's presentation and pacing are fantastic, and a huge part of why the game is so enjoyable. The animation is stellar throughout, making the game a joy to watch from start to finish, and the game is always looking to move its story forward. Things are further helped by its stellar voice cast, led by Aaron Paul as Robert and joined by powerful performances from others such as Jeffrey Wright, Laura Bailey, additional experienced actors, and a selection of internet personalities who don't feel out of place at all. All of the cast put in delightful performances that help solidify their characters and work hand in hand with the writing. All in all, Dispatch is a delight. It uses an entertaining cast, superb presentation, and quick pacing to provide a thoroughly engaging story that is further backed up by highly enjoyable gameplay elements. Much like the best TV shows, it also works very well as a game to experience communally, although one should be aware that its mature rating is well earned when choosing who to enjoy it with. For those looking for a fun narrative adventure, Dispatch easily rockets up to the top of the recommendation list. The post Adventure Corner ~ Dispatch appeared first on RPGamer.

Being a fan of RPGs in recent years has been both a blessing and a challenge. A blessing, as there's such a varied collection of superb games to choose from. A challenge, because there's absolutely not enough time to play all the ones deserving of attention. The same looks set to apply to 2026, with a veritable host of excellent-looking titles on the horizon. With so many games, it can be easy for some to slip notice, so we have the return of our Most Anticipated Feature to highlight many games worthy of keeping an eye out for in the near future. Our volunteers were invited to select some of the games they are most looking forward to and tell us why, and you can read up on all of our choices below, with varying degrees of likelihood of releasing in the next twelve months. We hope you enjoy reading about our most anticipated games. This list certainly isn't an exhaustive one and there will be great titles we've missed, so please also let us know what games you are looking forward to in the coming year! --- Code Vein II Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 01.30.2026 Publisher: Bandai Namco Developer: Bandai Namco, Shift Official Website   Code Vein II initially caught my attention for its visuals; I’m somewhat of a sucker for post-apocalyptic settings and dark, gritty worlds filled with demons, ghouls, or -- in the case of Code Vein II -- Revenants, which blend vampiric and undead elements… even better! Some of the architecture, world, and enemy designs in the game are certainly eye-catching, but even better is that this is a standalone title from the first game. Featuring Soulslike combat, Code Vein II seeks to pit players against horrifying imposing bosses, and some of the designs shown off are terrifyingly intriguing. The biggest question is how well the computer-controlled companion will function, especially considering that this game aims to be bigger and more complex than its predecessor. -- Jordan McClain   --- CONTROL Resonant Platform: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Remedy Entertainment Developer: Remedy Entertainment Official Site   CONTROL Resonant was the only demonstration at The Game Awards that both caught me totally off guard and captured my attention. I played the game’s 2019 predecessor, CONTROL, not long after it released, and liked it quite a bit. Its story was intriguing, the visual concept of the dimensional-distorting “Hiss” was executed fantastically, and the gameplay was quite engaging, even as somebody who is generally not a fan of (or just not the best at) shooters. It was a bit too short for my taste, though, and despite its graphical fidelity and stellar art direction, I wanted more out of the setting’s scope and gameplay depth, as the original felt a bit too reductive at times in combat. Color me surprised, then, when the sequel was announced, showing off a significantly larger world: a discombobulated, warped, and bizarre Hiss-corrupted Manhattan, while still maintaining the atmosphere and look that made CONTROL work so well. Further, CONTROL: Resonant appears to utilize some sort of shapeshifting melee weapon and multiple fighting styles, with the game reportedly set to incorporate significant RPG elements and more aggressive combat. Such a drastic change in gameplay is certainly an eyebrow raiser, but a welcome one; the game’s creative director, Mikael Kasurinen, is on record stating “this is not a safe sequel.” By all accounts so far, that seems to be true, and I’m super excited to see just how different CONTROL: Resonant will be and how well it ends up working. -- Jordan McClain     Crimson Desert Platform: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 03.19.2026 Publisher: Pearl Abyss Developer: Pearl Abyss Official Site   After Dragon’s Dogma II ended up being a slightly disappointing retread for me, my sights were set on the frequently shown, but always seemingly far away Crimson Desert, a multiplayer-turned-single-player open world action RPG from the makers of Black Desert. Eerily reminiscent of Capcom’s franchise, Crimson Desert’s primary goal seems to be to throw everything at the wall to see what sticks. Wrestling moves, a Spider-Man-esque grappling hook, fantasy power armor, mechanical dragons, and floating islands punctuate what would otherwise be a traditional European-inspired fantasy setting. There's a danger this kitchen sink approach could leave everything as shallow as a puddle or a muddled mess of conflicting themes and mechanics. I’m also not expecting a late twist that throws the whole game for a loop in the vein of Dragon’s Dogma, and the set protagonist also implies a certain level of commitment to a plot that I’m not sure developer Pearl Abyss will be able to fully back up. However, all Crimson Desert needs to do is deliver on solid action and let the goofier elements take hold and it should provide a very fun experience. -- Zack Webster   --- Dosa Divas Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Outerloop Games Developer: Outerloop Games Steam Page   Food and family were big themes in Outerloop Games's previous title Thirsty Suitors, and the developer has stuck with them for Dosa Divas. The game follows sisters Samara and Amani, who, after years apart, set out with their ancient spirit-mech to defeat a rotten fast food empire. Combining turn-based combat with a strong emphasis on cooking and lots of character to its art style, there's plenty to get RPGamer's mouths watering at the prospect. The studio showed great ability at balancing humour and heavier subjects in its previous title, and it looks like the studio is aiming to do much the same here. With culinary culture playing such an important role in family, but also allowing for different people to come together in a shared passion for food, Dosa Divas will hopefully be able to send an important message, but providing a ton of fun while doing so. -- Alex Fuller   --- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 02.06.2026 Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix Official Site   Dragon Quest VII is the reason I joined RPGamer. Many moons ago, my love of the series shined bright enough that I was invited to join the staff and podcast about the game. I’ve spent multiple hundreds of hours on PlayStation and Nintendo 3DS playthroughs and will defend its greatness to the ends of the Earth. However, it’s a lengthy beast of a game that I’m not always willing to commit to playing through as I grow older. Thus, this seemingly shorter Dragon Quest VII Reimagined version interests me greatly! Even though I’m not at all a fan of the new doll-like graphics for the reimagining, I’m excited to get more time with my friends Keifer, Ruff, Sir Mervyn, and Aishe. The thrill of Dragon Quest VII has always been the intimate episodic storytelling from its multiple lands opened as the story progresses, and I cannot wait to see these locations in their newer 3D glory. Having recently just experienced the previously pretty boring Dragon Quest II being remade into a near S-tier DQ title, I’m excited to see what improvements might be in store for a game I already hold in high esteem. -- Matt Masem   --- Dream Channel Zero Platform: PC, Mac, Linux Release Date: TBA Publisher: Odencat Developer: Odencat, Fuming Official Site   Odencat’s Dream Channel Zero is one of my top picks based on their record of sweet, quirky experiences. Like Meg’s Monster, Dream Channel Zero appears to be using an inviting character design and charming world in service of a novel emotional experience. The surreal, apocalyptic imagery in the trailer has me excited to learn more, and to meet Mac Tonight’s cravat-wearing cousin. Beyond Odencat’s bona fides, Dream Channel Zero takes place in one of my favorite RPG settings: a game world free from the pesky influence of the player. Like Kid Radd, The Magic Circle, and Wreck-It Ralph before it, Dream Channel Zero explores a world that exists past its sell-by date. Familiar systems have revealed themselves as mere artifice, survivors struggle to find new strategies, and the bones of the old world loom over it all. -- Zach Welhouse   --- Doloc Town Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 (currently available in Early Access) Publisher: Logoi Games Developer: RedSaw Games Studios Steam Page   Farming games dominated my playing time in 2025. Though I've always loved the genre, recently it's been going through something of a Cambrian explosion, with old favorites such as Story of Seasons and Rune Factory receiving standout entries, as well as indie greats breathing fresh air into the space. One such promising indie title — currently available in Early Access — is RedSaw Games and Logoi Games's Doloc Town. This game sets itself apart from its peers in a number of ways; it's a side-scroller, the scenario takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, and there's a heavy emphasis on science. Players have already praised this quirky and cute title to the high heavens, but I prefer to wait for developers to get their full visions out there with a 1.0 release before diving in myself, which is easier said than done sometimes. I've been sneaking wistful peeks at Doloc Town livestreams on occasion, trying to get a bite-sized taste of it without spoiling too much of the main course. Thankfully, it looks like I won't have to wait much longer, since Doloc Town should be released in the first half of 2026 according to its development road map. See you there, fellow doomsday ranchers. -- Casey Pritt   --- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Platform: Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Bandai Namco Developer: FromSoftware Official Site   Since I played my first FromSoftware game in 2024 with Dark Souls Remastered, I've become a fanatic, and The Lands Between have been calling out to me in every waking moment and every hazy dream. Determined to wait it out for a Switch release for the boon of portability, I binged everything from FromSoftware that I could, and then started a replay binge because I still hadn't had enough. When a bundle of Elden Ring and its DLC was initially revealed for a Switch 2 release in 2025, I was happy with my decision to wait for a complete and portable edition of the game, but as fate would have it, it would be delayed to 2026 to improve its performance. Elden Ring had poor performance on PC and consoles during its original release, so it’s not surprising that it continues to be an issue. As long as it reaches a consistent thirty frames per second, it'll be superior to the PS4 version for me and worth the wait. What I'll be interested in seeing is if it dethrones The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as my favorite open-world game, and if its difficulty is absurd and cheap, or just really hard. Even with many new and exciting games coming out in 2026, including The Duskbloods from FromSoftware itself, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition seems highly likely to be my most-played game of the year. -- Amaan Bhimani   --- Fields of Mistria Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 (currently available in Early Access) Publisher: NPC Studio Developer: NPC Studio Official Site   NPC Studio's Fields of Mistria is a farming sim that hearkens back to the genre's roots, but then adds a magical twist the likes of which wouldn't feel out of place in the Sailor Moon universe. Its gorgeous aesthetics clearly draw inspiration from retro shoujo anime and manga, with soft colors and precious pink cows. Moreover, the diverse cast of characters, as well as the broad array of player character customization options -- including tons of freedom to change outfits -- are well appreciated. A great deal of what I said about my excitement for Doloc Town likewise applies to Fields of Mistria. It's already getting rave reviews in Early Access; I'm just waiting for version 1.0 to drop later in 2026. But 1.0 is not the end, as NPC Studio has promised some post-launch updates for players to look forward to further down the line. We farming game fans are slated to have another excellent year. -- Casey Pritt   --- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Platform: Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Intelligent Systems   The latest entry in Nintendo and Intelligent Systems’s long-running tactical RPG series is on the horizon, and it takes players back to the world of Fire Emblem: Three Houses for a mix of the old and new. We currently know very little about Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, except that the crest system will return and that Sothis will make an appearance under a different form. The reveal trailer also shows a tournament underway and a character wielding what looks like a gun, while the environment and character designs suggest it takes place on a different continent and/or at a different time than Three Houses. Fire Emblem: Engage broadly improved upon the gameplay of Three Houses, but it fell flat with its writing and tone. The ideal result for Fortune's Weave will be that it takes the better maps and combat from Engage; combines them with Three Houses’ tight writing, grounded themes, and established universe; and retains enough of its own identity to make it greater than the sum of its parts. Though faced with high expectations, it's shaping up to be another excellent entry that, if it succeeds in taking the best from its predecessors, could become the series’ best and become an RPG worth getting a Switch 2 for. -- Amaan Bhimani   --- Menace Platform: PC Release Date: 02.05.2026 Publisher: Hooded Horse Developer: Overhype Studios Official Site   One thing I've been hoping for is a brand-new follow up to XCOM 2. It's a game that I've spent a long time on and modded everything I could to extend my time with it and add new challenges as well as new items, weapons, and abilities. Unfortunately, XCOM: Chimera Squad didn't provide the experience I was looking for, and another intended spiritual successor, Phoenix Point, proved to be its own disappointment. Thankfully, Menace looks like it will be the spiritual successor that I've been waiting for. Menace comes from the developer behind Battle Brothers, which I haven't had a chance to play, but I have heard positive things about. Combat in Menace takes place on large maps that are fully destructible. This adds a great new dimension to combat, since players can block sight lines and even create new cover or approach points mid-mission. Menace also seems to mix in more of the combined forces that haven't been a major part of tactical squad-based RPGs for a good while. I look forward to using an array of tanks, emplacements, mechs, and soldiers in missions. More options in strategy games usually lead to a greater amount of skill and player expression, which as I get older, I have found to become my main desire in a strategy game. -- Jahwon Corbett   --- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 Release Date: 03.13.2026 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Official Site   Capcom has done a great job building on the popularity of its Monster Hunter franchise with its Monster Hunter Stories spin-offs. The first two games helped establish their own place and fan base with a more colourful graphical style and by mixing monster-raising with a turn-based combat system. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection looks set to build upon its previous entries and provide another engaging experience with much to entice RPGamers. The Monster Hunter series is largely not known for its story, though Capcom has certainly made improvements in this area in both the mainline entries and its Stories offerings. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection has a strong story premise, as players are put into a world with two major competing nations and a crystal encroachment threatening the environment, which is pushed further by the arrival of a supposed portent of destruction. The game also offers plenty of interesting gameplay elements, such as habitat restoration, joining the ever-popular monster raising and battling, to ensure that Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection has plenty of people looking forward to it. -- Alex Fuller   --- My Time at Evershine Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: TBA Publisher: Pathea Games Developer: Pathea Games Official Site   Pathea Games has done a solid job with the first two entries in its My Time life sim series, establishing a good base with My Time at Portia before building upon in My Time at Sandrock. However, the series's third title, My Time at Evershine, will need to take some significant steps to help it stand out among a genre that has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The developer has proven itself adept at creating strong gameplay loops and fun story moments, but, based on the previous entries, its greatest challenge will be ensuring that it keeps player interest and engagment up right through to the end. It looks like the studio is not resting on its laurels in Evershine, at least in the graphics department. It is moving on from its original cartoon visual style, which worked at the time but did feel a bit dated in the second game, to a new style with more realistic character model proportions that looks promising at first glance. Promoted into the role of Governor rather than a Builder for Evershine should give players many more options to influence their towns rather than simply filling requests, which promises some exciting decision making or designing opportunities. Meanwhile, the ability to have followers will hopefully allow for plenty more interactions with and chances to shine for the series' fun cast of characters. -- Alex Fuller   --- Nexomon 3 Platform: PC Release Date: TBA Publisher: VEWO Interactive Developer: VEWO Interactive Official Site   The Nexomon titles are 2D monster-collecting masterpieces that really snuck up on me in recent years. I reviewed both, enjoying them for what they offered, and got at least a couple more staff members to join in the fun as well. We covered the games on RPG Backtrack and had a great time doing so. I remember my trepidation when Pokémon was ready to let go of its 2D roots and go 3D, but I’ve remained a big fan of that series for decades, so as Nexomon prepares to make the same leap, I’m definitely excited. It’s hard to say what makes me such a Nexomon fan, but the hilarious writing and the transparency about catching rates are most definitely at the top of the list for me. I like knowing what my odds are! There’s not a whole lot to go on yet for Nexomon 3, but all the tiny little changes the developer has made that set it slightly apart from Pokémon have been changes I’ve really appreciated, so I’m anxiously awaiting what little new twists arrive with this new generation of Nexomon. -- Matt Masem   --- Nioh 3 Platform: PC, PS5 Release Date: 02.06.2026 Publisher: Koei Tecmo Developer: Team NINJA Official Site   Nioh is a series that has only increased in quality over time. While the first game had excellent combat, awesome enemies, and gorgeous aesthetics, Nioh 2 upped the ante even further. Featuring deeper combat and fascinating yokai-inspired themes, Nioh 2’s Burst Counters and Soul Cores increased the depth of combat significantly, combining with the three stances to produce some of the most riveting combat and boss fights around. Nioh 3, based on its demo and mechanics, adds even more layers, including offering two different modes of combat: the Samurai style, which plays similarly to the previous games, and the Ninja style, which is focused on evasion, quickness, and aerial attacks, while also being able to use specialized tools in place of the three combat stances. I’m so excited to see how Team NINJA manifests these additions, and I’m hoping to face even more insane bosses and figures from Japanese mythology and history. -- Jordan McClain   --- Onimusha: Way of the Sword Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Official Site   Occasionally, comedic banter in big budget titles just clicks. In Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny, this banter broke up the tense atmosphere with some laughs. I am hopeful this tradition continues with Onimusha: Way of the Sword's new protagonist Miyamoto Mushashi. His everyman vibe, bravado to back it up, flashy swordplay, and sense of charm have thoroughly endeared him to me. Stylistically, I've always enjoyed demons and zombies, but tend to avoid horror games overall, which is what makes one that doesn't entirely take itself seriously so interesting. Beyond that, seeing how Capcom updates the battle system for a new generation is something I'm very excited about. Combo slashing through demons and collecting souls never grew old in the previous entries, and I hope that the game does well enough to not only reinvigorate its own series, but also perhaps encourage revivals for others. -- Ryan Costa   --- People of Note Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Annapurna Interactive Developer: Iridium Studios Official Site   One of the more fun ideas to have come out in recent years is that of the musical RPG. People of Note follows in the footsteps of titles such as Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, though it puts plenty of focus into keeping the RPG parts fully intact with its turn-based combat. Following Cadence as she looks to assemble a genre-blending band to help progress her career, players should be treated to a full suite of musical experiences in the game. The trailers for the game have been encouraging; there's a great sense of style to the game, and given it's a musical, one readily assumes that there will be some great music and performances front and centre. Its screenshots also promise plenty of variety in the locations players will visit as well. With its turn-based combat and some of the traditional puzzles that have sadly gone by the wayside in recent times, I'm very much looking forward to see how its innovative presentation meshes with RPG staples. -- Alex Fuller   --- Phantom Blade Zero Platform: PC, PS5 Release Date: 09.09.2026 Publisher: S-Game Developer: S-Game Official Site   When I first saw Phantom Blade Zero, I registered it as yet another Soulslike in a gaming landscape where, right now, they’re a dime a dozen. While its wuxia-style combat was definitely a hook, especially as a huge fan of wuxia film and martial arts movies growing up (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of my favorite movies of all time!), I wanted to actually see it play out a bit more before allowing myself to become fully excited. Now, after closer inspection and reading developer interviews, Phantom Blade Zero surely looks to be quite a bit different than I initially expected, with a blistering combat pace that rivals more of a Ninja Gaiden or Devil May Cry, properly befitting of a wuxia game. What stood out to me the most in its gameplay demonstration at The Game Awards was the intricate way the enemies seemed to operate and move around the player. Given the relentless pace of combat, this will be a crucial factor as to whether fights feel fair and for it to nail the chaotic wuxia style it’s going for. Further, some of the martial techniques shown off seemed to be reminiscent of drunken boxing style, which appears to indicate that there are a lot of different and fun styles both enemies and players will be able to adopt. Beyond its gameplay, Phantom Blade Zero looks visually spectacular, and I’m always excited to see more games set in China; with such a long and rich history, it’s a setting that is historically underrepresented in games and is bound to offer a lot of surprises, especially to those in the West. -- Jordan McClain   --- SacriFire Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Pixelated Milk Developer: Pixelated Milk Steam Page   SacriFire is a beautiful title. The camera angles, the sharp designs on the character models, and the detailed backgrounds all easily catch the eye. That alone has put this on my radar for a few years now, but each successive trailer that releases ends up showcasing a new gameplay element that hypes it up even more. Gameplay looks smooth and exciting. It blends real-time with turn-based in a side-viewed battlefield, where the enemies only move when the player does. The strategic possibilities at play hearken back to the nostalgia of the original PlayStation, but it also just looks so fun to engage with. Beyond that, there are side-scrolling segments that evoke Metroidvania-style dungeon exploration. With interesting gameplay and a great-looking visual style, I look forward to more information on the game that will hopefully only end up increasing my hype for playing it in 2026. -- Ryan Costa   --- Star Wars Zero Company Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: TBA Publisher: Electronic Arts, Lucasfilm Games Developer: Bit Reactor Official Site   I grew up on the Star Wars prequels. Obviously, they have plenty of detractors, but there are still plenty of good ideas and story elements within them, most notably the Clone Wars and the fall of the Jedi Order. Those ideas are why I look forward to Star Wars Zero Company. Set during the initial outbreaks of the Clone Wars, Zero Company is a turn-based strategy RPG, a sub-genre I have huge fondness for, with what looks to be a set cast. We have yet to get much gameplay, but the little I saw was at least intriguing. The best thing to know is that former Firaxis Games developers are part of the team at Lucasfilm Games, so hopes are high that combat will flow well. -- Jahwon Corbett   --- Starfinder: Afterlight Platform: PC Release Date: TBA Publisher: Epictellers Entertainment Developer: Epictellers Entertainment Official Site   I've had strong success with Kickstarter-funded cRPGs. Almost all of the ones I've enjoyed over the recent years have been crowdfunded, and when I saw the Kickstarter for Starfinder: Afterlight, based on the sci-fi tabletop game Starfinder and using its second edition ruleset, I knew it was one I had to check out. I have always enjoyed sci-fi more than fantasy, and I think the number of sci-fi cRPGs out there is lacking. The game has plenty of things that just intrigue me beyond its premise. Its art style is one of them, and I feel its overall look could transition to all types of stories given the chance. Starfinder: Afterlight oozes an enjoyable lighter-hearted style that I feel gets lost in many western RPGs. -- Jahwon Corbett   --- The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix, Asano Team Official Site   The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an upcoming original title from Team Asano, the same team behind the Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler series, Triangle Strategy, and the recent Dragon Quest remakes. Like several of the above, this game features Square Enix's distinct HD-2D graphics style. Unlike the above, The Adventures of Elliot will feature real-time combat. With players using Elliot and his fairy companion Faie's abilities to solve puzzles and get through platforming segments, the game seems to be in the same vein as the 2D Legend of Zelda games and the Mana series. While I haven't finished many of Team Asano's previous games, I did enjoy what I have played from The Adventures of Elliot's demo. I like the HD-2D art style, and from what I've seen so far the game looks positively gorgeous. If the gameplay is as fun and engaging as it looks, and if the story is half as good as Bravely Second or Octopath Traveler II, then The Adventures of Elliot could easily become one of my favorite Team Asano games. -- Cassandra Ramos   --- The Duskbloods Platform: Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: FromSoftware Official Site   We know so little about FromSoftware’s new title that it’s difficult to go into detail about what’s interesting about it without leaning on the company’s pedigree. While anticipation for its new single-player title is obvious, the recent turn toward making multiplayer-focused games seems to have let the company spread its wings a bit. Despite numerous flaws, Elden Ring Nightreign is a largely enjoyable experience, and if The Duskbloods is an even bigger swing creatively, then it is primed to be one of the more interesting major titles next year. Being an explicitly PvP game with PvE elements is an entirely new arena for FromSoftware and one that hopefully brings with it a wealth of new ideas for the company to explore. What is obvious from what we have seen is FromSoftware’s signature style is still top notch. The characters are all distinct and interesting-looking. The company’s sense of humor is present, with T-posing jetpackers and random dinosaur transformations abound. Visually, the game picks up where Bloodborne seems to have left off, mixing in more technology with the still top-of-the-line dark fantasy aesthetic. My only real fear for the project is that as a Switch 2 exclusive; it is both the console I least want to play online with and the one where I think it will have the most trouble finding an audience. However, one hopes this means that Nintendo has given FromSoftware free reign to tinker to its heart’s content and that there is something truly special on the horizon. -- Zack Webster   --- The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 01.15.2026 Publisher: NIS America Developer: Nihon Falcom Official Site   The Trails series is a recent favorite of mine. I played through the Cold Steel tetralogy in 2020, and then marathoned the entire series in 2023 (thank you, turbo mode!). The Daybreak duology has been a bit hit-or-miss for me in comparison. The series feels a bit like it’s crumbling under the weight of the size of its cast and some of the game systems, though updated, still feel dated at times, especially outside of combat. I say all of this as someone who is incredibly excited for The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon. The promised return of not just some key characters from the Cold Steel subseries, but Kevin Graham, who to this point has been missing from the series altogether after a stellar showing in Trails in the Sky the 3rd, is wildly exciting. Furthermore, I’m excited to see how the franchise tackles the space race and the implications going “beyond the horizon” has for the lore of the franchise. And, as always, watching everyone barely tolerate Campanella’s chaotic whimsy is always a fun time. -- Ezra Kinnell   --- The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Platform: PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: Q4.2026 Publisher: GungHo Online Entertainment Developer: Nihon Falcom Official Site   The Trails series has always felt like this massive behemoth of exposition and terrific worldbuilding. When I was younger, I played the first two The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel titles and was hooked, then I found out that the earlier games took place in another part of this world, granting further exciting characters and interesting situations. Flash forward, and the first Trails in the Sky was remade with modern graphics, voice acting, and a combat system more attuned to the latest entries of the franchise. This felt like the perfect situation to get reacquainted with these games. It worked superbly, and learning that the sequel is quickly following is wonderful news. Having Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter coming out so soon only heightens excitement. With more character interactions, mini stories, and various plot threads to carry on, 2nd Chapter will allow players to explore the deeper connections between everything, while Estelle's experience in becoming a Bracer during the first game will go hand-in-hand with the greater stakes coming into play. This is a franchise where I feel bigger is better, and will continue to build in unexpected ways that keep me glued to the screen. -- Ryan Costa   --- The Secret of Weepstone Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 Publisher: DreadXP Developer: Talesworth Game Studio Steam Page   One of the first books I picked up as a child was the player's handbook for the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons, and immediately, I was taken by fantasy worlds and hand-drawn art thereof. The Secret of Weepstone is a turn-based dungeon crawler that takes a party of characters through a punishing nostalgic run of combat and puzzles that's only heightened by the monochrome art style. This combination fully commits to feeling entirely like walking through an old module published in the '80s, but with enough details in the presentation to make it more of an endearing reflection of that era for modern eyes. The party that enters this dungeon in search of fame and fortune isn't experienced at all. This makes for a curiously harrowing and potentially comically tragic experience, as players can send a tavern waitress to inspect an area with a glittering light at the bottom of a tunnel, only for them to fall in and immediately drop hundreds of feet to their death. It's a system that rewards players for acting intelligently and also causes a bit of laughter in a "bet you won't try that again" way when encountering difficult obstacles that will pop in the player's paths. Being able to dive into a mysterious dungeon and mixing a dice-based system with dry humour, horror, and a detailed old-school aesthetic tick all the boxes for me. -- Ryan Costa   --- Witchbrook Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Chucklefish Games Developer: Chucklefish Games Official Site   The Super Nintendo's Harvest Moon began my interest in life sims, but it wasn’t until Rune Factory launched on the DS that I found the perfect blend of RPG and cozy game features. The indie scene has launched plenty of life sims with sides of combat, but something about the charming pixel art of Witchbrook has had me following the development of the game since Chucklefish hinted at it in 2016. Finally appearing on a Nintendo Direct this March, Witchbrook was initially slated to release this winter, but a slight delay places it squarely on top of the list of games I cannot wait to play next year. Witchbrook is going to allow me to finally attend the magical college I’m sure many fantasy fans have always wished they could’ve gone to. From attending classes to crafting products to sell at market to pay my tuition to battling monsters in the forests using the spells my professors are teaching, I’m anxiously waiting for a new release date for a game I’ve already waited nearly a decade to play. With just a few short trailers to glean information from, I’m excited to see and experience all the other gameplay elements that haven’t been revealed yet. If just half the fun features hinted and teased about for years are in the final build of the game, I’ll be one happy warlock. -- Matt Masem   --- WiZmans World Re;Try Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch Release Date: 2026 Publisher: City Connection, Clear River Games Developer: City Connection Official Site   It's always interesting when a game that was Japan only for a long time gets an opportunity to come west. In this case, we have WiZmans World, a 2009 Nintendo DS title from Jaleco Entertainment. City Connection's remaster on PC and consoles, released in Japan last year, finally gives the game the chance for an English release. Part of the allure of WiZmans World Re;Try is that not a huge amount is known about it. It has a simple but interesting enough premise as players control a wizard from a city that has been cut off from the outside world, trying to get through the thus-far-impenetrable set of dungeons surrounding it while accompanied by three homunculi. The game's turn-based combat promises some interesting options as the homunculi can gain the stats, skills, and appearances of defeated monsters. It will be interesting to find out if the game is a hidden gem deserving of its new chance at popularity. -- Alex Fuller   --- Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 02.12.2026 Publisher: Sega Developer: Ryū ga Gotoku Studio Official Site   Yakuza 3 was the first game I purchased when I got my PlayStation 3, and the first game in the series I reviewed for RPGamer. Having played all the other Yakuza games, Yakuza 3, in retrospect, is one of the weaker games story-wise, yet I have such a soft spot for it because it was my first. Yakuza 3 focuses primarily on Kazuma Kiryu’s desire to get out of organized crime and settle into a life running the Morning Glory Orphanage. When the orphanage gets an eviction notice, and a friend explains that his adoptive daughter has gone missing, Kiryu is forced back to Tokyo to investigate these swift changes and to uncover who is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Yakuza Kiwami 3 + Dark Ties promises a fresh update on the game’s combat, a new localization, restored content, and even a new storyline focused on the villain, Yoshitaka Mine, which will be available from the start. There’s a great story here, though if one is not a fan of the orphanage plotline, your mileage may vary. I am excited for Yakuza Kiwami 3’s glow-up, as I think of all the titles that released on PlayStation 3, it is the one that is the most rough around the edges. Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings this story to newcomers with a much more modern battle system, and I’m beyond curious what we as players will learn about our villain in the Dark Ties story. -- Sam Wachter   --- We hope you enjoyed reading about our most anticipated games. Please let us know what games you are looking forward to in the year (or further) ahead either through the comments, social media, or our dedicated Discord server! The post RPGamer’s Most Anticipated Games: 2026 Edition appeared first on RPGamer.

Sting released its version 0.3.0 update, and a subsequent version 0.3.1 hotfix, for Steam Early Access title VIractal: World of Viractalia. The update adds the new Hell Grave stage, where players assault the Demon Lord's castle and need to account for its unique mechanics, where enemy condition change between the Crimson Night and the Azure Night. It also adds a new playable character, Sniper Gray, who is able to read enemy actions and inflict bonus damage or status effects, as well as the ability to skip gaining new cards or reroll the new card options when levelling up. The full update notes are available here. VIractal is a board game-style RPG and sees players controlling heroes journeying through the miniature world of Viractalia. Players build up their own deck of cards to use in the game’s turn-based combat. Players roll dice to determine their movement, with unneeded movement points able to be saved up for future use in events and combat. During events, players can make decisions that may lead to gaining powerful abilities or changing the course of the adventure. The Early Access version is currently available for $24.99, with a full release planned for 2026.   [foogallery id="182130"] The post VIractal: World of Viractalia Receives New Early Access Update appeared first on RPGamer.

Cygames announced that it will be releasing free-to-play RPG Granblue Fantasy for PC on Steam on March 10, 2025. The Steam release will be separate to the current versions of the game -- those with existing account will not be able to link them to the Steam version -- and be available in English and Japanese, though will not be available in Japan and other selected regions. Granblue Fantasy is currently available in English and Japanese on PC (via browser), iOS, and Android, though its iOS and Android versions are not officially available on the western app stores. It originally released in Japan on March 10, 2014. Players control a male or female protagonist in a world of floating islands, recruiting other characters to fight with them in turn-based battles. It has received anime and manga adaptations, as well as fighting game Granblue Fantasy Versus and action RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink.   The post Granblue Fantasy Steam Release Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

ConcernedApe has released its recently-announced dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 version of farming sim Stardew Valley in North America. The Switch 2 version is available for $14.99, or as a free upgrade for those who already own its Nintendo Switch version. The Switch 2 version include support for mouse controls, four-player split-screen co-op, and GameShare support for up to four consoles; however, ConcernedApe has noted that there are currently unspecified issues with the Switch 2 version, and that fixes will be applied as soon as possible. At the time of writing, the Nintendo Switch 2 version is not yet available in other regions. Stardew Valley is a sandbox farming sim that sees players taking over their grandfather’s old farm, spending their time interacting with NPCs, planting crops, exploring caves, fishing, etc. The game originally released for PC in 2016, before later releasing on Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Android.   The post Stardew Valley Dedicated Switch 2 Version Released in North America appeared first on RPGamer.

Spike Chunsoft announced that it is delisting Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky in Japan. The game, developed by tri-Ace, and its DLC will be removed from digital stores for PlayStation 4 on January 1, 2026, and for PlayStation Vita on January 5, 2026, with production of its physical versions also ending. Western publisher Aksys Games has not mentioned anything about the status of its western releases. Exist Archive follows twelve people caught in an explosion in modern-day Tokyo. Upon their apparent deaths, they wake up on the fantastical planet of Protolexa having become immortal vessels with part of the dark god Yamatoga's soul residing in them. Exploration takes place in a side-on view with players exploring various 2D dungeons. The game released in Japan in 2015, with Aksys Games releasing it in North America and Europe in 2016. Those looking to read more about Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky can check out RPGamer's reviews of its PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita versions. Source: Gematsu The post Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky Being Delisted in Japan appeared first on RPGamer.

Square Enix announced a new expansion for MMORPG Dragon Quest X Online. The game's seventh expansion and "version 8.0" release, it will be available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on June 26, 2026. More details about the expansion, which is titled Stray Children of Space and Time, will be revealed during the Dragon Quest X Spring Festival 2026 on March 20-21, 2026. Dragon Quest X was originally released in Japan in August 2012 for Wii. At various times it has also been available on Nintendo Wii U, PC, Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, though currently only PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch versions are currently active. A single-player version, Dragon Quest X Offline, was released in Japan for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in 2022. There has been no announcement regarding a western release for either the online or single-player games. Source: Gematsu   The post Latest Dragon Quest X Expansion Announced for Japan appeared first on RPGamer.

Forever Entertainment announced Front Mission 3: Remake will release on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S worldwide on January 30, 2025. A free demo for the mecha tactical RPG, which released on Nintendo Switch in June 2025, is currently available on all of the upcoming platforms. Following on from Forever Entertainment's previous releases of Front Mission 1st: Remake and Front Mission 2: Remake, Front Mission 3: Remake is a remake of the third entry in the Square mecha tactical RPG series, which originally released for PlayStation in Japan in 1999 and in North America and Europe in 2000. The game is set in Southeast Asia in the year 2112, during a cold war between the Oceania Cooperative Union (OCU) and the People’s Republic of Da Han Zhong (DHZ), with the United States of the New Continent (UNC) sending in peacekeeping forces to resolve separatist conflicts. Its story follows Japanese wanzer test pilot Kazuki Takemura after a mysterious explosion occurs at a base, with the game splitting into two different scenarios — one for the DHZ and one for the UNC — depending on a choice made at the start of the game.   [foogallery id="182041"]   The post Front Mission 3: Remake Releasing on PC, PlayStation, Xbox in January appeared first on RPGamer.

Level-5 has released its free DLC for Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. The DLC, titled The Sinister Broker Bazario’s Schemes, is available as a free update on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The full patch notes are available on the game's official website. The Sinister Broker Bazario’s Schemes sees players lured by a mysterious bear into a tent that pops up in their base camp. After they lie down on the bed, players wake up a new enigmatic world called Snoozaland, which blends open world and roguelike elements, with enemies and the map shifting every time players enter it. Players always start at level one, with no items and having to find everything they need themselves. New Lives are unlocked by finding new items, with players aiming to complete missions in each area before moving on to try and unlock the Gate so they can defeat its mastermind. A follow-up to Nintendo 3DS title Fantasy Life, Fantasy Life i sees players drifting onto an island that was previously home to a prosperous civilisation. Players develop the island through quests and crafting, before being able to time travel back into the past, where they can learn secrets about the island and potentially rewrite history. The game will include fourteen different roles, or Lives, for players to freely change between as they build up their town. It includes online co-op for up to four players along with multiplatform Cross-Play and Cross-Save.   The post Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time’s Free DLC Out Now appeared first on RPGamer.

Gettin' Cozy with Chemistry Potions: A Curious Tale originally launched for PC via Steam in March 2024 after nearly a decade of development. However, when Electronic Arts shadow-dropped several titles onto the platform the same day, it was immediately pushed out of its new and trending sections, derailing developer Stumbling Cat's plans. The indie team's leader went on to share her story of setback, which brought much attention to the game after being picked up by mainstream news outlets, saving the Kickstarter-funded project from its unfortunate release timing. Over a year later, it has been updated with a new post-game quest and ported to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Unlike the larger-than-life road it has traveled, however, Potions: A Curious Tale is a low-key puzzle-adventure game that may satisfy a certain craving for simplicity and coziness, but doesn't amount to much more than that. Luna is a young witch following in the footsteps of her grandmother, who teaches her the basics of potion-brewing before letting her take on various requests across the land. There's no problem a potion can't solve, and soon enough, Luna picks up a broom to fly around on, and a fussy feline named Helios to keep her company. As she uses her cauldron to cook up a concoction for every conundrum, darkness begins to fester, and a crisis emerges that only she can put an end to. Armed with alchemy and aided by allies made along the way, she takes on a grand trial to prove her mastery of the craft and save the world. [caption id="attachment_181860" align="alignnone" width="640"] Helios isn't fond of humans, but Luna is an exception.[/caption] The land's inhabitants are taken out of myths, legends, and fairy tales, with Rumpelstiltskin, the Sphinx, Sun Wukong, and many others sharing a home under the same sun. They all offer Luna many quests, which culminate in a final quest line to explore hidden temples and dispel the rising darkness. The story and writing are extremely straightforward, with even its finale and post-game failing to impress, though given its genre and design philosophy, it can be accepted for what it is. However, more than a few plot lines and character arcs are noticeably and distractingly rushed, which detracts from the experience. Luna's primary method of dealing with monsters in the overworld is by throwing offensive potions at them in real-time, but as potions are needed for puzzles, using them on enemies feels like a waste. Leading enemies into environmental hazards like fire or spikes is a more active and fun way to dispatch foes, and it fits with the game design, as most enemies can be taken out this way. Bosses and a handful of stronger enemies do usually need to be bathed in brews to be defeated, but even then, there is little strategy or difficulty to it, which begs the question if the game would be improved by removing combat entirely. Once the flying broom is obtained about an hour into the game, most enemies can be slipped past without consequences. [caption id="attachment_181861" align="alignnone" width="640"] Don't forget the safety goggles.[/caption] The meat of the game is gathering ingredients, crafting potions, and solving puzzles. Ingredients have a mana type that defines their properties, and Luna can combine any three ingredients of any mana type to brew potions that fulfill various purposes. The most fundamental is the Minor Explosion Potion, which can clear up debris and do decent damage to foes, but other potions have different properties needed for exploration and quests, such as a Cure-All Potion that cures any ailment or a Magical Cleanser that can clean any object. Once brewed, the recipe for a potion is added to Luna's recipe book, but there are many more recipes than one would think, and there is a strange allure to throwing together many seemingly incongruent ingredients and seeing what comes from it. Other aspects of the game are less exciting, with fetch quests making up most of the objectives and exploration feeling empty and unrewarding most of the time. They may keep players engaged by always offering them something to do, but that is the extent of it. The six biomes of the map are basic, and their open fields can be easy to get lost in because of a lack of identifiable geography. Caves, underground ruins, and the endgame's temples are better, but they're limited in number. These sheltered areas are also where most of the puzzles are found, and though they are neither challenging nor creative, they may scratch an itch for players seeking out simpler, less-challenging gameplay. [caption id="attachment_181862" align="alignnone" width="640"] Gather ingredients through combat and exploration.[/caption] Progressing through areas rewards players with new ingredients, but most ingredients and potions are optional. When a certain potion is needed for an objective, the game either provides the ingredients and recipe, or makes it very easy to obtain. If players want to get more out of the roughly six-hour story, they can accept nondescript side quests, though these are even more limited than the main quest. There are also collectible cards scattered around that can open secret areas hiding an upgrade for Luna's health bar. Players can satisfy their curiosity and mess around with the collecting, crafting, and questing if they wish to, but much of it is not required. The soundtrack is appropriately cozy and serene, though sound effects could use some pizzazz. The same can be said for the visual design, where a bit more creativity would help its case greatly. Character portraits have a distinct art style, but enemies and areas look bland and forgettable. High-grade potions sometimes have extravagant animations when thrown, but the majority of animations are lacking. The user interface does its job for the most part, but a small and hard-to-read font may be a constant issue for players with vision issues. If players take on too many quests at once, the right side of the screen also becomes overcrowded and pushes one of the objective reminders halfway off the screen, which can be distracting. [caption id="attachment_181863" align="alignnone" width="640"] Collect cards to open up secret areas around the world.[/caption] Between the soothing soundtrack and the basic tasks, there is some comfort to the game's humble offerings. Some may find the game to act well as a palate cleanser after a particularly challenging or big game, or as a way to calm the mind by throwing together random ingredients, checking objectives off the quest list, and working through simple puzzles. However, players looking for something more substantial are likely to get bored quickly, as the game is held up entirely by its coziness and relaxing vibes. Potions: A Curious Tale is a classic case of "what you see is what you get," and while it may be met favorably by players captivated by its concoction of comfort, others are likely to feel side effects of disappointment and boredom after taking enough swigs.   Disclosure: This review is based on a free copy of the game provided by the publisher. The post Potions: A Curious Tale Review appeared first on RPGamer.

Perfect World and Hotta Studio announced an upcoming "Co-Ex Test" for free-to-play RPG Neverness to Everness. While the dates for the test have not yet been released, it will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, and Android in Japanese, English, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options. Those interested in participating in the Co-Ex Test can sign up on the game's official website until January 24, 2026. Its announcement comes with a new six-minute trailer, viewable below. Neverness to Everness is set in a world where humanity exists alongside supernatural anomalies. Players use characters’ powerful Esper abilities to navigate and tackle unexpected anomalies. In addition to exploration and combat, players can also modify sports cars, manage businesses, and more. The game includes a day-night cycle with dynamic weather that can impact vehicle handling, with players also able to traverse the city using their character’s Esper abilities.   [foogallery id="181998"]   The post Neverness to Everness Co-Ex Test Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio posted a new Direct trailer for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. The six-minute video showcases some of the side content including daily life elements at orphanage and the Bad Boy Dragon mode, where Kiryu joins up with a female biker gang, as well as the two different combat styles he can switch between. It also highlights the side content of the new Dark Ties storyline that follows Yoshitaka Mine, including helping Tsuyoshi Kanda rebuild his image and the Hell's Arena underground fight club. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a remake of PlayStation 3 title Yakuza 3, and follows Kazuma Kiryu as he attempts to run an orphanage in Okinawa despite attempts to convert the land it is on into a seaside resort. Dark Ties is a new story following Yoshitaka Mine, who falls in with the yakuza after losing his successful startup company. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is planned to release worldwide on February 12, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.   The post Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct Trailer Showcases Game Content appeared first on RPGamer.

Following the release of its latest trailer for Exodus, developer Archetype Studios released a developer deep dive video. The nine-minute video features Co-founder and General Manager Chad Robertson as well as Game Director Chris King and Cinematic Director Tal Peleg, who discuss the trailer and its creation, noting various details within it. Exodus is set in a universe where humanity has fled the dying Earth and is looking for a new home while fighting for survival. The game sees players attempt to steal alien weapons and technology from the Celestials, humanity’s powerful foe. However, the effects of these interstellar missions are not straightforward thanks to time dilation, meaning that a days-long mission for players can see decades pass back home. The game is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S and is currently planned to release in early 2027.   The post Exodus Developer Video Examines Latest Trailer appeared first on RPGamer.

Welcome to Adventure Corner, a column where members of the RPGamer staff can give their thoughts, impressions, and pseudo-reviews for various adventure titles that don't come under our usual coverage. Adventure Corner is aimed at delivering opinions on a wide range of titles including visual novels, point-and-click adventures, investigative mysteries, and so forth. In this edition of the column, we take a look at 1000xRESIST, a narrative-based sci-fi adventure game on PlayStation 5. --- 1000xRESIST Platform: PS5 (also available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) Release Date: 11.05.2025 (PS5 version) Publisher: Fellow Traveler Games Developer: Sunset Visitor Official Page   Science fiction often focuses on elements of the world – technology or the environment – and critiques or examines them, while casting a mirror on humanity and our struggles to adapt to the changes around us. 1000xRESIST captures the essence of great sci-fi perfectly, and deals with a wide multitude of topics: cloning, plague, identity, trauma and cycles of abuse, assimilation, memory and information, and what it means to belong. It does so masterfully on every front, with an air of mystery throughout the entire experience, bolstered by outstanding presentation. Taking place around 1000 years in the future, 1000xRESIST’s prologue, titled Chapter [REDACTED], opens with the main character, a woman in blue named Watcher, menacingly approaching a praying woman named Iris in the halls of a futuristic train station. Based on the player’s choice, Watcher then recites a mysterious slogan before running up and assassinating Iris. At this point, the game flashes back, with Watcher promising to explain the events that led up to this moment. This opening sets 1000xRESIST's tone perfectly; it's an enigmatic game that slowly reveals its hand, gradually drip-feeding players information about its world, while also being filled to the brim with cryptic poems, terminology, and backstory. Flashing back to the past, players will quickly learn a few things about Watcher’s world – namely that she exists among a society of identical female clones, all birthed from the DNA of a single progenitor known to their society as the ALLMOTHER. Each of these clones is assigned a function and an accordant color, with one sister of each color becoming a head sister. Watcher, whose job is to observe, is blue; Bang Bang Fire, orange, is responsible for defense; Healer, who is pink, leads cloning and health, and so on. Together, all the sisters exist inside a sterile dome, sheltered from the outside world and wearing permanent masks to protect themselves from a virus that wiped out humanity in the distant past. [caption id="attachment_181923" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The expanse of The Orchard, with its fake sky and Principal's red-tinted office towering over it.[/caption] Inside this dome, known as The Orchard, the sisters collectively worship the ALLMOTHER, and it quickly becomes apparent that reverence is extremely dogmatic. The sisters frequently recite phrases from a poem written by the ALLMOTHER – “red to blue,” “six to one,” “sphere to square,” and “hair to hair” – each with some longstanding philosophical meaning. Punishment for improper veneration results in live incineration, leaving an overwhelming sense of tension, fear, and oppression that characterizes not only this section of the game but the whole experience. With the basic setting and premise established, Watcher is tasked by one of the six head sisters, the red-colored Principal and leader of The Orchard, to investigate the memories of the ALLMOTHER through a process called “Communion” with her fellow head sisters. In these Communions, Watcher discovers the ALLMOTHER's origins, who was the daughter of immigrant parents. In the year 2047, the ALLMOTHER finds herself ready to graduate high school, but is alienated, struggling to relate to her parents, and lashing out at her peers around her, including a female exchange student from Hong Kong named Jiao, who is enamored with her. On the night of the final school dance, an alien-based pandemic breaks out, with headless, red creatures known as Occupants rapidly spreading a deadly disease that causes people to violently cry their bodily fluids out of their eyes until they die. However, the ALLMOTHER finds herself immune, and it is this immunity and the events of the past that set the stage for the bizarre future Watcher finds herself in. [caption id="attachment_181927" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A brutal representation of the virus’s effects on a giant version of Jiao.[/caption] Saying anything more about 1000xRESIST’s plot is not only difficult, but risks spoiling the numerous twists, turns, and surprises that make it such a daring and engaging story – one that bears a striking resemblance to many recent, real-world challenges. The omnipresence of masks and the Occupant-originated pandemic is scarily evocative of the paranoia, fear, and death that gripped the world with the COVID-19 pandemic just a few years ago. Further, the ALLMOTHER and her parent’s backstories vividly explore themes of cultural assimilation, political persecution, and economic anxiety in a way that is surprisingly nuanced. At its highest points, 1000xRESIST is a shining beacon of storytelling, and it’s one of the boldest and most remarkably written stories in a video game, with profound, mature writing full of both depth and intrigue. While the central plot later loses just a little bit of steam in its final chapters due to the complexity of its narrative and the difficulty of following all the various factions, 1000xRESIST never loses its razor-sharp focus on its themes of inheritance, memory, and cycles of abuse. Despite being a society of identical clones, the sisters of The Orchard still find themselves experiencing longstanding legacies of conflict, with some harrowing parallels to the past existing even a millennium later. As one character puts it, “we do not get to choose what we inherit.” In navigating its outstanding story, 1000xRESIST is a hybrid experience. At some points, mainly in The Orchard, it’s more of a classic adventure game, with dialogue choices and free exploration. While The Orchard is breathtaking in its design, it can be somewhat difficult to navigate, especially because the in-game map is designed like a child's drawing. This difficulty of navigation sometimes extends to the Communions, and in later chapters, the in-game map for The Orchard becomes inaccessible, which makes it especially tough to get around if players are spacing out playthroughs and forget one of the hub's numerous twists and turns. Some of the Communion events have an interesting time travel mechanic, which integrates enjoyable light puzzle solving, while a few levels see Watcher jumping between floating anchored points around visually bizarre levels. At other times, it plays a little more like a visual novel, with a heavier focus on sequences of dialogue. Both modes do their job very well, though players should be ready for a lot of reading, as 1000xRESIST is a game that both demands and rewards attention. [caption id="attachment_181928" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Occupants loom large over the wreckage of the outside world.[/caption] Presentation-wise, 1000xRESIST excels in a way that can best be described as doing a lot more with less, in a way that is quite evocative of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne’s environments. While it’s not going to win any awards for graphical fidelity, 1000xRESIST more than makes up for these shortcomings in its artistic and cinematographic direction. The Orchard is a splendidly creative and imposing piece of architecture, with its design oozing sterility, hostility, grandiosity, and even an odd sense of comfort at times. Along with the costume design of the sisters, some of the flashbacks in the Communion sections contain some truly striking uses of camera angles and color to keep players engaged and to amplify the intended emotion of the moment, be it tension, anxiety, or fear. The imposing designs of the Occupants and harrowing scenes of cities ruined by their reign of terror stand out as particularly gripping. Of all its elements, the music of 1000xRESIST is the most surprising. The soundtrack is superb not only in terms of quality, but in its breadth as well. For a game that spans anywhere between ten to fifteen hours, it has nearly four hours of unique tracks, which blend a wide variety of warped, futuristic synthesizers, break beats, and pianos to craft a sound that varies from oppressive to melancholic. Frequent and smart use of dissonance punctuates its music, and even Communions that take players through dozens of different scenes are peppered with almost as many unique tracks. While the English voice acting isn’t quite up to the same level of quality as the music, it does its job adequately and sometimes is quite good, though a few key performances are a bit weak. Luckily, the strength of 1000xRESIST’s writing makes up for any deficiencies in its voice acting, and none of the weaker performances ever hold back its narrative impact. [caption id="attachment_181929" align="aligncenter" width="640"] 1000xRESIST cuts no corners with its striking camera angles and use of color.[/caption] All in all, this is an experience that is clearly crafted with love, care, and attention to detail. Its writing, use of visual devices, and its narrative execution are some of the best in gaming. It brilliantly evokes and prudently comments on so many of the anxieties our modern world deals with and utilizes its setting and presentation to elevate its narrative elements to a stratospheric level. Along the way, there are multitudes of surprises, unexpected twists and turns, and some really outstanding characterization. While it requires a lot of attention and is quite layered in its writing, players who love a great story with a relatively short run time should definitely check out 1000xRESIST. The post Adventure Corner ~ 1000xRESIST appeared first on RPGamer.

Com2uS announced that it is developing an action RPG based on the Gachiakuta manga and anime series. Currently under a working title of Gachiakuta: The Game, it is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A release window has not yet been announced. The game is said to feature "a unique narrative that captures the essence" of the original series. Created by Kei Urana, Gachiakuta is set in a dystopian world where a floating upper-class city is surrounded by slums, and all things considered trash, including criminals, are tossed into the Pit. It follows a young boy named Rudo, who is thrown into the Pit after being falsely accused of murdering his foster father. After being rescued from trash monsters in the Pit, he joins a group called the Cleaners, who wield special powers to take on the monsters, while seeking revenge against the populace above.   The post Gachiakuta: The Game Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

Bandai Namco announced that the second Season Pass DLC for Digimon Story Time Stranger will release in January 2026. The Additional Digimon & Episode Pack 2: GAKU-RAN DLC will add new Digivolution routes for Mega Digimon including BanchoLillymon, BanchoStingmon, BanchoGolemon, and BanchoMamemon, as well as include a new quest line centering around major character Hiroko Sagisaka. The DLC is part of the game’s Season Pass, included in the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions of the game, and will also be available to purchase individually. Digimon Story Time Stranger is currently available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game begins in a version of Tokyo, where the protagonist is an agent of ADAMAS, which investigates various phenomena. Entering a sealed-off Shinjuku, they encounter a Digimon before being caught up in an explosion. They find themself awakening eight years in the past and must prevent the upcoming collapse. Those looking to read more about Digimon Story Time Stranger can check out Ezra Kinnell’s review of its PC version.   The post Digimon Story Time Stranger’s Second Season Pass DLC Arriving Next Month appeared first on RPGamer.

THQ Nordic and Grimlore Games provided details on the next major Early Access update for action RPG Titan Quest II. The update will add the third chapter to the game's story, which takes players to the Arkadian Plains. It sees players heading to the human city of Tegea, which is being subjugated by the centaurs, as they search for a way to defeat Nemesis. The chapter also sees players allowed to set foot on Mount Olympos, speak to an Olympian, and learn about the origins of the centaurs. A release date for the update has not yet been announced. Titan Quest II is currently available on Early Access through Steam and the Epic Games Store, priced at $29.99/€29.99 (currently with a 20% discount). The game is a follow-up to 2006 title Titan Quest and is inspired by Greek mythology. It sees Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution, corrupting the Threads of Fate and condemning all those who oppose her to eternal punishment. Players control a hero fighting alongside the gods aiming to change fate, with the game including online co-op multiplayer. A full release is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S by the end of 2026.   [foogallery id="181954"] The post Next Titan Quest II Update Takes on the Centaurs appeared first on RPGamer.