RPG Backtrack

The 3DS saw some later Etrian Odyssey games that changed the core principles a bit.  Two of them added significant narratives, and another mixed in Mystery Dungeon mechanics.  One of these stratagems was more successful. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 196 – Map It Out appeared first on RPGamer .

Developers were once consumed by the need to push technological prowess as much as possible, but in recent years a smorgasbord of titles that evoke earlier generations has been created.  We here tackle a hefty helping of this sort of RPG, using a lineup that varies wildly in style and quality. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 195: Old Wave appeared first on RPGamer .

Just when it seemed safe to talk about the seventh Dragon Quest, it was remade for the 3DS.  Now that a little time has passed and the official Backtrack Statute of Limitations has expired, we can discuss this sizable title. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 194: Chasing the Dragon appeared first on RPGamer .

The time has come to delve further into the twisty world of Pokémon in its fifth and sixth generations.  Unexpectedly, since he never played a game in the series, we also pay tribute to Macstorm with this episode. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 193: In Soviet Russia, Pokémon Catch You appeared first on RPGamer .

The Saturn received a number of exclusive titles that have yet to be ported elsewhere, and among them were several Working Designs gems.  One that is very fondly remembered by those fortunate enough to have played it is Dragon Force, and there is quite a bit to say in its favor. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 192: Harpies, Dragons and Cavalry, Oh My appeared first on RPGamer .

Three-dimensional visuals are used by most developers now.  Vanillaware is an important exception to that trend, and its Dragon's Crown, Odin Sphere and Muramasa demonstrate just how nice two-dimensional things can look. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 191: Just Plain Vanillaware appeared first on RPGamer .

Arc Rise Fantasia is a game that received something of a bad deal when it was localized, and even now hasn't been experienced by many.  Perhaps a few converts will be made after listening to this episode. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 190: A Wii ARF appeared first on RPGamer .

Previous Fire Emblem titles were self-contained, but Fates is a different experience in its structure.  Nintendo and Intelligent Systems made some interesting decisions here, and we delve into them at length. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 189: No Fates but What We Make appeared first on RPGamer .

Once upon a time we managed to sustain an episode of the Backtrack that talked about Disgaea for an astoundingly long time.  Even more games in the series have been released since then, but this time our ruminations aren't quite so sprawling. The post RPG Backtrack Episode 188: D2 The Mighty Prinnies appeared first on RPGamer .

The Langrisser series has only come across the Pacific legitimately on two occasions in different centuries, and neither is the high point of a venerable tactical franchise. Join us for a talk about its multifaceted components that includes extensive artwork discussion. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 187: “We’re Going to War” appeared first on RPGamer .

Radiant Historia was a fairly late release for the DS, and garnered quite a devoted following from those who were able to obtain it. Now that the game has received a 3DS remake, the task of unraveling its complex structure has fallen onto us. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 186: “You Can Make History Young Again” appeared first on RPGamer .

A massive series from Capcom called Monster Hunter involves exactly what the title implies. Once the thrill of Monster Hunter gets into someone's blood it seems to supplant all other desires, as this episode amply demonstrates. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 185: “The Hunt Is On” appeared first on RPGamer .

In a world with little life left and lots of clues about what went wrong, a young man must puzzle a way to survive. This is a story of Fragile Dreams, and here we talk about one of the Wii's unconventional highlights. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 184: “Fragile, It Must be Italian” appeared first on RPGamer .

Completing the localization of Trails in the Sky's Second Chapter was not a task for the lighthearted, but XSEED eventually persevered. This episode details why that was a good thing for the growing ranks of Falcom fans outside Japan. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 183: “Estelle Is Swell” appeared first on RPGamer .

Tales games just keep coming, and a couple of more recent ones come under the microscope today. One was embraced by almost everyone while the other comes with many more reservations. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 182: “Hearts of Graces” appeared first on RPGamer .

It was looking as if a highly-regarded title for the Wii wasn't going to make its way to North America, but Operation Rainfall eventually produced Xenoblade for more of the world. Describing why that was definitely a good thing takes some time, but much less than the game itself. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 181: “Xenomorphing” appeared first on RPGamer .

A few years ago, it looked as if Fire Emblem was on its last legs. Intelligent Systems threw everything it could think of into a game called Awakening, and it worked the necessary magic to get the series a new lease on life. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 180: “Awakening the Fire” appeared first on RPGamer .

It's been a long time since a completely new Lunar game was released, and an even longer time since a completely new Lunar game that is also good came to pass. So let's look back at the Eternal Blue and DS parts of the series. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 179: “Lunar 2: Eternal Boogaloo” appeared first on RPGamer .

Square-Enix heard the cries of several people who needed to have more Final Fantasy XIII, and brought forth XIII-2. Whether this particular sequel is one the world needed to experience is another question entirely. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 178: “Monday the Thirteenth” appeared first on RPGamer .

After Arena, post-Daggerfall, following Morrowind and past Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls reached Skyrim. Since its horses are more aggressive in a fight, the inability to get armored protection for them is a bit troubling. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 177: “Rim the Sky” appeared first on RPGamer .

Long-running manga and anime often involve characters seeking to get stronger, so turning them into RPGs isn't a completely inexplicable move. The results don't always justify the effort that went into their creation, at least not in the case of most of the fodder for this episode. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 176: “As Seen on TV” appeared first on RPGamer .

Through new episodes, remakes, prequels and some combination of the above the adventures of Adol Christin continue. On the PSP, Vita and PC he goes, and we're here to chronicle some further stories in the world of Ys. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 175: “The Ys Have It” appeared first on RPGamer .

Instead of moving on to the number 3, the Borderlands series went down under with a Pre-Sequel to see what happened between the first two games. The result is not quite as addictive as what came before, but it's still entertaining. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 174: “Watch Out for Claptrap” appeared first on RPGamer .

For years, the Persona series' last proper entry has been 4. To help understand the high level of anticipation the release of a fifth game in this series commands, detailing some of the things done right by one of the last big PS2 games seemed like a good idea. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 173: “You Meddling Kids!” appeared first on RPGamer .

It may not be a Final Fantasy in name, but Bravely Default would have been a worthy entry in that varied series if a new title hadn't been bestowed upon it. Its many laudable aspects, along with a few that are aggravating, come under the microscope. The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 172: “Courageous Finances” appeared first on RPGamer .