A Decade Later: Dark Souls Series Retrospective
Ten years have passed since the Dark Souls trilogy concluded with the release of Dark Souls III. A decade later, what made the Souls series stand out so brightly and birth an entire subgenre?
Category: Editorials
The Surgical Narrative of Hades II
Many games can fall into the trap of spending too much time trying to get players caught up on the narrative. In Hades II, Supergiant Games trusts the player’s intelligence to understand that death is just the next chapter of the story.
Avowed Works Best When You Stop Expecting a Sandbox RPG
Avowed has been criticized for what it lacks compared to sandbox RPGs like Skyrim. But when approached on its own terms, it reveals a different kind of immersion built through dialogue, worldbuilding, and player choice.
Translating Genres: Arknights and Endfield
Arknights: Endfield took a different tack to the original strategy mobile game. It’s interesting to examine how the developers made the RPG while keeping the spirit of Arknights.
Cyberpunk 2077 Five Years On
Over five years after one of gaming’s most notorious launches, it’s worth taking a new look at Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt RED turned one of the industry’s biggest disasters into something genuinely worth RPGamer’s time.
Setting Down Roots: Housing in World of Warcraft
With the release of World of Warcraft: Midnight, the MMORPG has finally received full player housing. It’s worth looking back at everything that led up to this moment for the game.
The Evolution of Pokémon Battle Systems: What Changed Over 30 Years?
The Pokémon franchise has come a long way since its inception 30 years ago. How have battle systems and combat mechanics evolved over the years, and what direction are the games heading in?
A Special Spark: What Makes a Game Feel Alive
Certain games have an extra spark to their worlds that makes inhabiting them all the more special. Here are some of the things that help make a game feel like a living place.
A Game in Chiaroscuro: Looking Back at Expedition 33
Sandfall Interactive’s debut title Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has had a meteoric rise in its young life. It’s worth examining why it gained so much hype, and if it’s worthy of it.
Digital Impermanence and the Curious Case of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ post-launch updates make widespread changes to its story and gameplay. What ramifications does that hold for the permanence of games and our experiences in an increasingly digital landscape?
Character Creation Goes Both Ways: The Proteus Effect
Character creation is an opportunity for players to project themselves on to the playable character, but can the opposite occur? The Proteus Effect explains how physical features of a character can drastically change the attitude and behaviour of the player.
The Magic of Mayhem: The Power of Modding in Games
Mods have been a part of the gaming community for years. While there is always some risk, they can go a long way to improving a game’s longevity and fan relationship with developers.
Why Music Is the MVP of the Gaming Experience
Music has always been an integral part of gaming. But does it play an even greater role in the player’s experience than first meets the eye?
Do RPGs Need to Up the Ante on Challenges?
Trophy achievements are the bread and butter of the gaming completionist. But do the challenges set by game developers meet player expectations?
Shadow of the Erdtree Is a Microcosm of Elden Ring’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Elden Ring is an incredible game that is not without its issues. Does Shadow of the Erdtree respond to these, or is it simply more Elden Ring?
What the Atelier Series Offers That Isn’t Readily Apparent
The Atelier series is so old many JRPG fans have likely heard about it at least once. These hearsays as well as the covert art of this series’ games are hardly enough to make a right judgement on what it has to offer.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Is a Richly Deserved Second Chance
Shin Megami Tensei V, though well received, feels like the forgotten child in Atlus’ catalog of incredible RPGs. This is a shame, because there’s tons to like from its gameplay and art direction.
Thank You, Murayama-san
Yoshitaka Murayama passing on February 6, 2024, marked a sad day in the RPG community. Sam Wachter shares a special tribute about the importance of Murayama’s work and the power of finding community.
The Striking Similarities Between Xenoblade Chronicles and Kingdom Hearts
Xenoblade Chronicles and Kingdom Hearts perhaps don’t have much in common at face value. However, there are some definite similarities that have drawn players to both.
Is Hoping for the Female Protagonist in Persona 3 Reload a Lost Cause?
Although the long-awaited remake of Persona 3 is finally here, the female protagonist of Persona 3 Portable is nowhere to be seen. Is there any hope Atlus adds the young lady in Persona 3 Reload as DLC or otherwise?
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