Reviews by Paige Chamberlain

Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story Review
Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story Review

Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story is something most would now term a “cozy game”, being a light simulation game that’s largely relaxing and not too stressful. Its gameplay and story can feel pretty mediocre, reminding me of childhood favorites but never as entertaining.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 19 February, 2024

Eastward Octopia  Review
Eastward Octopia Review

Eastward Octopia is a fun little distraction, that doesn't stray too far from the usual farming sim formula. Changes to certain important side jobs like fishing and mining help to elevate it, but the lack of constant progress mid-way really drags the experience down.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 31 January, 2024

Small Saga Review
Small Saga Review

I really enjoyed my short but sweet time with Small Saga, of about seven hours, with my only disappointment being the lack of any difficulty without having to intentionally handicap myself. It’s a great little game filled with nice visuals, and mostly funny writing.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 30 November, 2023

Detective Pikachu Returns Review
Detective Pikachu Returns Review

The case of Detective Pikachu has never been fully closed, but now Detective Pikachu Returns, this time to the Nintendo Switch. I enjoyed my time with Detective Pikachu Returns, nonetheless, Detective Pikachu Returns just isn’t a very good game.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 18 October, 2023

Long Gone Days Review
Long Gone Days Review

Long Gone Days is a project that’s been in the works for many years. With grating hand holding, but a decent story and grounded characters, Long Gone Days is a good choice for those interested in a narrative-focused RPG.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 11 October, 2023

Everhood Eternity Edition Review
Everhood Eternity Edition Review

Everhood just wasn’t as thought-provoking as the subtitle “An Ineffable Tale of the Inexpressible Divine Moments of Truth” might suggest. While I found some enjoyment in the later part of the game, it didn’t hit all the right notes for me.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 27 September, 2023

Virgo Vs The Zodiac Review
Virgo Vs The Zodiac Review

Virgo Vs The Zodiac is quite unique, and for the most part is better for it. Personally, I don’t see how a game that lets you ride an alpaca and purge heretics could’ve gone wrong. But the combat and systems don't shake up much over time.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 29 August, 2023

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical Review
Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical Review

While Stray Gods is subtitled The “Roleplaying” Musical, it plays much more akin to a visual novel or adventure game than what one might call an RPG, though the musical part still applies. The music is especially fun and some tracks definitely would have a place in theatre.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 09 August, 2023

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg Review
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg Review

This remake of the very first game, now titled Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, is both an opportunity for new fans and old to see where it all began. Like the original, it has a pretty small scope, however, it is a mostly relaxing experience.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 12 July, 2023

One Piece Odyssey Review
One Piece Odyssey Review

One Piece Odyssey unfortunately fits the “it takes twenty hours to get good” shoe. I find it difficult to recommend it to those who aren’t already fans of the series, and not just because it’s a mostly bland RPG.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 26 January, 2023

Dragon Quest Treasures Review
Dragon Quest Treasures Review

Dragon Quest Treasures touts itself as a treasure-hunting RPG, though I’d safely say it fits into the action RPG and monster-collecting genre. While there are performance issues and lackluster bosses, I always treasure a game that encourages exploration and gives me plenty to do.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 13 December, 2022

Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden Review
Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden Review

Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden is an overall more streamlined experience than other entries. With the frequency of releases in the series compared to the number of improvements made, the cards are starting to wear a bit thin.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 27 September, 2022

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright Review
RPG Time: The Legend of Wright Review

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright is a game made by an aspiring designer who's currently a school-kid, or at least that’s the game’s premise. The focus of this game is largely on style, but it’s not entirely devoid of substance. It is however held back a little by some annoying controls and Kenta’s railroading.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 16 August, 2022

Live A Live Review
Live A Live Review

Although it is more than 25 years old, Live A Live delights with charming narratives, solid gameplay, and a well-remastered presentation.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 21 July, 2022

Coromon Review
Coromon Review

Coromon is a game filled with potential but past sinking sands and perplexing puzzles it starts to fall flat. The shake-ups do let Coromon stand on its own and create an enjoyable experience, but it could’ve evolved to be something a little more.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 07 June, 2022

Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden Review
Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden Review

The Forsaken Maiden is too similar to its predecessor to declare it as being significantly improved, with the greater difference lying largely in its narrative. It is a complementary experience that fans of the first are likely to enjoy just as much.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 14 May, 2022

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream Review
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream Review

Atelier Sophie 2 manages to synthesise old and new in a way befitting improvements to the franchise while leaving it comfortably with the rest of the Mysterious games. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Atelier Ryza 2, but will still definitely keep most Atelier fans quite happy.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 18 March, 2022

Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars Review
Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars Review

More experienced gamers might bemoan the straightforward gameplay or lack of difficulty, but those who are interested in the charm and humour only need bring their cards to the table in Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 04 January, 2022

Eastward Review
Eastward Review

Eastward has been in the works for a while. Finally, it’s time to head eastbound across the train tracks to an action adventure game filled with stunning visuals and an endearingly quirky cast.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 16 September, 2021

Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny Review
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny Review

Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny is the latest entry in the long-lived strategy RPG series and there have been quite a few changes and not just the leap from 2D sprites to 3D models. Using the Super Reincarnation spell, Zed reincarnates into different worlds taking the most optimal path to success until he achieves his wish of defeating the God of Destruction.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 25 June, 2021

Miitopia Nintendo Switch Review
Miitopia Nintendo Switch Review

This enhanced Switch port of Miitopia brings new hope for Miikind but fails to tune some of the annoyances.

review by Paige Chamberlain on 19 June, 2021