Murayama and the rest of the fine folks at Rabbit And Bear did it. They've created a masterwork. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes may have one foot firmly planted in the past, but make no mistake, its other foot is lunging forward into the future.
As a long-time TRPG fan, Unicorn Overlord is everything I wanted it to be and more. I suspect that some people will read this review and think that it sounds tedious, but that’s the thing about games that deliver such a focused experience: they aren’t going to appeal to everyone. However, by being so specific in everything it does, Unicorn Overlord ensures that those who do “get it” will be thinking of it fondly for decades to come.
If it sounds like the criticisms here are on the pedantic side, that is because Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider’s downsides are largely negligible. This is a pristinely crafted action-platformer that has a strong understanding of what it means to deliver an engaging, frenetic, action-packed experience. If Moonrider had been released on the SNES, it would be one of those legendary 16-bit-era action titles that are frequently referenced in reverent tones. Its influences aren’t hard to see, and it certainly doesn’t do anything to reimagine what a great 2D action title is, but it does everything so extraordinarily well that it never feels redundant. Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider stands shoulder to shoulder with the greats, and all fans of pristinely crafted action games owe it to themselves to give it their attention.
Nine Sols is a well-made game with great platforming, excellent combat, and a strong visual style. While I have quibbles about some elements, it nails the fundamentals. The moment-to-moment gameplay is simply fantastic, it looks great, and weaves its cutscenes into the gameplay deftly. Red Candle Games has really shown its creative range here, as its first foray into the Metroidvania genre is a triumph. There is no question that Nine Sols is entering a crowded market, but even with so much competition, I have no doubt that it will find an audience and take its place among the titans of the genre. Quality bears out.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a breath of fresh air. Its tireless commitment to its aesthetic, and enticing, varied gameplay make for a memorable experience. One that is as charming as it is enthralling. In an era where Capcom largely produces remakes and sequels, games like Kunitsu-Gami are more important than ever. Every inch of Kunitsu-Gami feels deliberate, and the passion of those who developed it bleeds through. Kunitsu-Gami is carving a path forward for Capcom, and at the end of that path is a more creative gaming landscape.
That being said, by launching with a free version, Rising has given itself a fighting chance. While I find it hard to recommend Rising to most people at full price, I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone even vaguely interested check out the free version. There is a lot to love about Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, and without risk of buyers remorse, players should jump into the free version to see if they are a good fit for Gran’s merry band of adventurers.