At EVO 2023, there were 8,049 individual competitors who registered to compete across eight ‘FGC’ (Fighting Game Community) titles. If you only caught some of the multiple Twitch streams running across the three days, or if you were there competing in Las Vegas, chances are you did not get to see all the different match ups.

I have curated below a list of my personal ‘Top 6’ Top 6 finals matches from EVO 2023. Each of these matches are extremely well fought, show off the game’s complexity and the individual competitor’s skills, and are maybe a match you would not have seen otherwise.

And if you’re new to the FGC scene? EVO Japan is returning on April 27-29, 2024 and EVO on July 26-28, 2024, so you better start practicing now…

You can find out more about EVO on their official website, on Twitch, on X (formerly known as Twitter), and on Facebook.

You can see all of EVO 2023’s Top 6 Matches on YouTube.

1) MORTAL KOMBAT 11 Grand Finals
(Nicholas vs. Ninjakilla_212)

Everyone loves a good comeback story, and MORTAL KOMBAT 11 delivered it at EVO 2023. In the Winner’s Semifinals, Nicholas faced down Ninjakilla_212, and Nicolas knocked Ninjakilla_212 into the Loser’s Bracket with a 3-1 victory. Ninjakilla_212 then had to crawl his way back up through the Loser’s Quarterfinals, the Loser’s Semifinals, and the Loser’s Finals to face Nicholas once again for the winner-takes-all Grand Finals.

With MORTAL KOMBAT 1 being readied to come out in September, this will most likely be the last time MORTAL KOMBAT 11 will appear at EVO. The resulting match is easily the best of the entire Top 6 MORTAL KOMBAT 11 tournament, and one that you should not miss watching as the FGC world turns its attention to the latest entry to this storied franchise.

2) MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA Loser Semifinals
(JimmyJTran vs. Jing)

If you are going to watch one match from the MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA Top 6, make it the Loser’s Semifinals match between JimmyJTran and Jing, the defending EVO 2022 champion. Instantly a classic Ciel and Hisui match, these two competitors showcase the amazing movement that MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA is known for while also being able to take advantage of even the smallest error to set up amazing combos. As I was rewatching this fight while writing the column, I was struck by how evenly matched JimmyJTran and Jing are as control of the rounds flow back and forth between them.

This was the match that made me realize how simply amazing a fighting game MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA is, and it more than earned its spot in this list.

3) DRAGON BALL FighterZ Grand Finals
(Hikari vs. Yasha)

Out of all the DRAGON BALL FighterZ matches in the Top 6, the Grand Finals showdown between Hikari and Yasha easily was the most hype Grand Finals from the first two days of EVO 2023. The rare mirror match that was thrilling to watch (most likely due to the 3 vs. 3 format), you could tell that both Hikari and Yasha wanted the ‘W’ so bad, and they were leaving it all out on the EVO main stage floor. It also doesn’t hurt at all that the audience powered up alongside Gogeta (SSGSS) during every opening sequence, as no one in the Top 6 played Cell at this year’s EVO.

If you love the DRAGON BALL franchise and if you love fighting video games, then you will love this match up.

4) ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3 Winner Semifinals
(Kane Blueriver vs. Liberal Terminator)

ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3 has not been part of the EVO fighting scene since 2017. To put that in proper FGC perspective: 2017 was the year that Tekken 7 was released on home consoles, and UMVC3‘s last EVO competition was the year after STREET FIGHTER V was published worldwide. That means there is almost a full FGC generation that has never seen what UMVC3 is all about on the biggest FGC stage of them all: EVO.

Naturally, such a momentous return to EVO needed an equally exciting match to kick off the game’s Top 6, and Kaneblueriver and Liberal Terminator did NOT disappoint. In a 3 vs. 3 format that is anything but a mirror match, you get to see two players slug it out back and forth with the X-Factor coming into play at crucial moments to constantly level the battlefield. This fight was my favorite of the entire ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3 Top 6, and it is one that you should see if you’re curious about why so many people wanted UMVC3 back at EVO.

5) TEKKEN 7 Loser’s Semifinal
(Genghis DoN vs. Ulsan)

One of the best things about TEKKEN 7 is that any character has the potential to become an EVO Champion in the hands of the right competitor. That is: if that person knows how to wield said character. This Loser’s Semifinal match masterfully showcases this TEKKEN 7 mantra with the unlikely match up between Katarina and…Bob. Yes, Bob. In a best-of-three match, you have two players showcasing skills and competitor reads that prove they both earned their spot in the TEKKEN 7 Top 6 with two unlikely fighters.

While we do not know when TEKKEN 8 will be released, EVO 2023 may very well be the last time TEKKEN 7 appears on the EVO main stage at the Michelob ULTRA ARENA. While we do not know the full roster yet, hopefully Katarina and Bob will earn their place in TEKKEN 8 after this amazing match up.

6) STREET FIGHTER 6 Winner’s Semifinal
(Kakeru vs. AngryBird)

Out of all the games to be fought on the EVO 2023 main stage, STREET FIGHTER 6 was the newest by far. With the game being only two months old, CAPCOM and EVO set a $20,000 prize out for whoever could win it all at EVO 2023, and they guaranteed the Top 16 a cut of the remaining $50,000 in the prize pool. This led to the record-breaking largest single open-bracket fighting game tournament in history for EVO, and it helped to lift the entire tournament to the largest number of competitor brackets overall in EVO’s history.

STREET FIGHTER 6 was also the final competition of the three-day weekend in Las Vegas, and the match between Kakeru and AngryBird was the Top 6 match on the schedule, and it did not disappoint! Ken and JP threw down hard, both with different combat styles, and you could not tell who was going to win and who was going to lose at any point until the very, very END of the final round. And even when you think it is over, it most assuredly is not. There are a lot of great battles that occurred in STREET FIGHTER 6‘s debut at EVO, and I had a hard time only picking one match. But if you are at all worried about the future of this game on the competitive scene, you will come away both thrilled at the level of play after only two months…and dying to know how this FGC scene will evolve in the coming years.

STREET FIGHTER 6 could not have planned a better debut fight than this match up to launch off the game and the CAPCOM Pro Cup 2023.

And there you have it!

This is our Top 6, ‘Top 6 EVO 2023″ Matches! Of course, there is so many more matches that you can watch over on the official EVO YouTube channel, complete with commentary.

While I did not include any matches from GUILTY GEAR -Strive- or KING OF FIGHTERS XV, that does not mean there weren’t also great fighters there to see as well, and I would urge you to check out all the Top 6 matches across all the games if nothing else.

What matches did I miss? Should I have included the STREET FIGHTER 6 Loser’s Semifinal between MenaRD and Tokido?

Let us know in the comments below!

The post Oprainfall’s Top 6 ‘Top 6 EVO 2023’ Must-Watch Matches appeared first on oprainfall.

Gore Screaming Show

I have to say I was very surprised at just how great this title was. I fully expected with this being a Black Cyc title just to be full of crazy Guro and not much else, but boy was I very wrong. The story here begins with a young man named Kyouji returning to his hometown. He meets a mysterious young girl on the way to school. She tells him her name is Yuka and to remember it. He feels like he knows this girl from somewhere but cannot place her. Soon he will encounter Yuka again, but this time she is accompanied by a huge figure known as the Gore Screaming Show. This entity seems to be able to bend the very reality around them. Kyouji must solve the mystery of who Yuka really is if he wants to escape this crazy town with the girl he loves!

Each of the girls had a very interesting backstory, so each route had you hooked from the start. I will warn folks there is a bit of extreme content here, but there is one of the best horror stories ever written here as well. There are also in game options to turn the gore down a bit if you so choose to.

Evenicle 2

After the successful release of the first game, Evenicle 2 finally made its way West last year. Being a big an of Alicesoft titles, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one, and it didn’t disappoint. The story follows a doctor named Alex that discovered he could use the forgotten skill “Medica.” This sexy skill is the only one that could cure the variety of diseases plaguing the heroines of this land as they use their skills to defeat evil monsters.

This one just as much of an RPG as it is Visual Novel with its vast overworld map to explore and fantastic combat system. I had a blast using all the different skills dispatching the various monsters and exploring each area as this grand quest unfolded. The localization team did a great job capturing the over-the-top nature and humor of this one, making it a pure joy to play.

Erovoice

I’ve always been a big fan of CLOCKUP releases so when Erovoice released earlier this year from MangaGamer I was very excited to check it out . The story of Erovoice follows a young man named Daiki. He is just about to graduate from college and doesn’t really know where his life is headed, but one thing he knows for sure is he loves erotic voices. He decides to look for work until he can figure out what to do with himself, when he comes across a job that fits him perfectly. It’s a General Affairs position at a nearby placed called Cuckoo Clock. He will soon discover this is not only his calling, but there are some amazing gals working there as well.

The story here isn’t very deep, but that doesn’t mean the characters here are not great. Sekai was by far my favorite, not only because she is adorable but you really get to see how her personality changed as you grew closer to her. The other girls here are all amazing as well, so if you like great Nukige titles with amazing art and fantastic characters, this is a must play. – Steve

Here are some great Visual Novel picks for 2022 from our editor, Leah

So this year I actually played quite a few Visual Novels, which is a feat for me since I so rarely dip my toes in this genre. But I got bit by the otome bug hardcore after doing my Birushana review and ended up playing several titles before the year was out. Two of them really stood out to me and ended up being some of my favorite gaming experiences of 2022.

First was Birushana, which is an historical otome set during the Heiji Rebellion of 1159. Shanao is the youngest child of Yoshitomo Minamoto, and was raised as a boy in a temple after her father died. It’s her destiny to overthrow the Heike and avenge the Genji, but is that what she really wants? I love historical dramas, so this was already right up my alley, but the artwork, music, and voice acting really gave it a leg up. Koji Haneda’s character art work is just gorgeous, but then tossing on the voice talents of Jun Fukuyama, Yuichiro Umehara and Soma Saito on top of it? It’s like it was designed just for me. I found each character incredibly likeable, and the way they interacted with Shanao gave each route a very distinct feel. The Love Catch system made it easy to track my progress with each love interest so I could tailor my playthrough to whomever I wanted, which made replaying the common route slightly less tedious. The game did suffer from some questionable localization and was littered with the usual typos and grammatical issues I’ve (unfortunately) come to expect in otome brought to the West, but it wasn’t enough to sour the experience, and I overall had a fantastic time with this game.

I also played both Amnesia: Memories and the two-part fandisk Amnesia: Later x Crowd, the latter of which came to the West for the first time in 2022. While I very much enjoyed my playthrough of Amnesia, it’s actually Crowd that swept me off my feet. Building off the events of the first Amnesia – in which the MC accidentally gets possessed by a spirit named Orion and loses all her memories – both Later and Crowd expand the relationships from that strange August. But where Later felt lackluster and boring, Crowd grabbed the baton and ran with it, exploring each love interest’s character in interesting ways while also giving the MC a sense of purpose. It helped that, unlike Later, Crowd also included a Suspense route that brought back a lot of the mystery and danger from Memories, while also having the most satisfying emotional payoff I’ve read in years in its Love route. I am not ashamed to say that I cried. It was just that cathartic. Crowd had so much to offer, and getting to hear my boys again was wonderful. I will never not love Akira Ishida, Kouki Miyata and Hiromi Igarashi, and they were superb here. Like Birushana, there were more typos and grammatical issues than I would like, but that didn’t stop Crowd from being the single most emotionally impactful game I played in 2022, and it deserves all the kudos for that.

2022 was a great year for Visual Novels, and with Venus Blood, Rance, Jack Jeanne and other great releases on horizon, this year is looking good as well!

The post Staff Picks: Best Visual Novels of 2022 appeared first on oprainfall.

GAME OF THE YEAR (GOTY)

Previous Winners
2012: Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
2013: Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)
2014: Super Smash Bros. (Wii U)
2015: Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)
2016: Hyperdimension Neptunia V-II (Multi)
2017: Persona 5 (PS4)
2018: Valkyria Chronicles 4 (Multi)
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Switch)
2021: Shin Megami Tensei V (Switch)

It’s finally time to crown the oprainfall Awards 2022 Game of the Year! We narrowed the field down to three finalists who won in the previous categories we’ve posted throughout the week. Now, it’s time to show off the best of the best!

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

Best Story

NA Release Date: September 27th, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4
Review

The long awaited start of the Crossbell Arc, the official release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero finally happened last year. Everyone was really pleased with how it turned out, and Lloyd and the other members of the SSS finally got their time to shine. As with other games in the series, the solid gameplay, amazing story, and the top tier soundtrack made this a gimme as one our top games of last year.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

 Best Music

NA Release Date: July 29th, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review

The Xenoblade franchise is near and dear to us here at oprainfall, and even though this entry gave some of the staff mixed feelings, it’s still one of our top picks of 2022. The fantastic story, stellar graphics, and simply amazing soundtrack will leave you wanting more after the final credits roll, and looking forward to what the team has coming next. If you haven’t had a chance to play this, you should do so, might even get it done before the upcoming DLC story expansion launches.

Stray

Best Action / Adventure, Best Atmosphere

NA Release Date: July 19th, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Review

Stray is one of the most unique titles we’ve seen in a long time. I mean, games like this don’t come around very often. When is the last time you heard about a third-person cat adventure game set in the alleys of a decaying cyberpunk style city? The setting and tight gameplay really impressed some folks here, and helped it earn a spot in our top games of 2022.

And the winner is…

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero!

In the end, Lloyd and the SSS crew stood tall above the rest. This series is known for its powerful storytelling and amazing music, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is no exception to this. It’s no wonder it beat all the other amazing entries and became the 2022 oprainfall awards: Game of the Year. All fans of JRPGs owe it to themselves to check out this game and all the other games in the franchise, you won’t be disappointed!

That’s it for this year’s oprainfall awards! But, there is plenty of good gaming to look forward to this year. Be sure to check here for the latest coverage on all your favorite niche titles and visual novels!

A special thanks to Brandon Rose for creating the featured images for these Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter.

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BEST ATMOSPHERE

Previous Winners
2021: Shin Megami Tensei V

How well does a game’s environment immerse you in its world? How well crafted is the feeling of existing in a wholly artificial space? Best Atmosphere is awarded to the game that exemplifies these traits, and our three contenders all manage to create impactful, memorable worlds, but only one of them can be our 2022 Best Atmosphere winner. Let’s read on to see who takes the crown.

Elden Ring

NA Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

The Lands Between are a gorgeous, mysterious and dangerous world filled with both beauty and horror. Deep caves where no light penetrates give way to high plains bathed in the golden glow of the Erdtree that towers over almost every inch of the world. Very rarely does it ever leave the player’s sight, and when it does, it usually bodes ill. There are snow-covered fields, arid deserts, and thick forests dense with fauna. If you can think of an ecosystem, Elden Ring likely boasts it. Despite the game’s dark themes and generally oppressive atmosphere, the Lands Between are anything but dreary. I haven’t seen a skybox as gorgeous as Nokron’s in any game ever, and the first time I descended into the subterrane, it took my breath away. The Moonlight Altar, as well, is stunningly beautiful, while Caelid’s crimson tones and diseased flora are unsettling and grotesque. Traversing the Lands Between can be breathtakingly beautiful, and the scarred remains of towns and cities speak to the horrors that have befallen this world in ways words can’t quite convey. It is a world that is easy to get lost in, but is it enough for it to win our 2022 Best Atmosphere award?

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

NA Release Date: July 29, 2022
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Review

My sister once again graced me with her knowledge of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 to give me her thoughts on what makes the game’s atmosphere so memorable. Here’s what she had to say:

“Aionios is like a beautiful blend of familiar but different landscapes. The very first area you’re in is a desecrated battlefield that opens up into Colony 9. You traverse from valleys to plateaus and at all times you can see the broken shadow of Uraya and the distant shadow of the Sword. Everything feels nostalgic, but it’s also wrong, so you get this sense of ‘I know this, but it’s not quite right.’ Xenoblade 3 doesn’t have Elden Ring’s oppressive atmosphere, but it does carry a lot of mystery and intrigue, and the way the world always sits on the cusp of familiarity lends itself to the themes of the game and the sense that ‘something’ is wrong with the world. It makes for an incredibly melancholic but memorable atmosphere. I stumbled on one spot and had to actually stop, struck by the realization that ‘I know this place!’ because of the way the game so perfectly blends areas from previous games to create something new, but nostalgic.”

Can Xenoblade Chronicles 3‘s blend of old and new give it the win in our 2022 Best Atmosphere Award, though?

Stray

NA Release Date: July 19, 2022
Platform(s): PS4, PS5, PC
Review

The end of civilization comes in many flavors, but I found Stray‘s version particularly poignant. It isn’t the overgrown, reclaimed world of The Last of Us; it isn’t barren wastelands and deserts like Fist of the North Star; is isn’t even the charred out husks of cities like with Terminator. It’s just a quiet, dirty city inhabited by robots mimicking the daily lives of humans they’ve never known, but still somehow remember, and it gives the game a melancholic but mundane sense of familiarity. The Abandoned City feels lived in and alive without a single living creature in it. You feel like you can walk its alleys and visit its businesses and nothing would be out of the ordinary from your life now. The neon lights, random music blaring from a robot’s boombox, and even kids playing pranks just feels comfortable. But, just beyond the boundaries of this dead city are roiling hives of gluttonous, nightmarish creatures that will stop at nothing to literally eat you alive. I love the juxtaposition of both, and it made my time playing Stray particularly memorable. But is it enough for this game to cinch the win for our 2022 Best Atmosphere Award?

And the Best Atmosphere winner is…

Stray!

All three of our contenders are honestly fantastic at building memorable worlds for players to explore and live in, but Stray just narrowly beat out the competition. Considering the time you spend in the Abandoned City, it needed to leave its mark early and strong, and that’s exactly what it did.

I owe Brandon Rose a special thanks for creating the featured image for these Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter. 

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BEST MUSIC

Previous Winners
2016: Final Fantasy XV
2017: Persona 5
2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
2021: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…

We always love a good tune, and the games mentioned here in oprainfall Awards 2022 Best Music category are the best of the best when it comes to their amazing soundtracks. I have to say, the competition was fierce this year, and picking a winner was a near impossible task. But, without further ado, let’s get into this award presentation.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

NA Release Date: July 29th, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review

The Xenoblade franchise is well known for its amazing soundtracks, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was no exception. The overworld themes are a bit more somber this time around, but still amazing, and having a flute be prominently featured in the soundtrack gave this entry a lot of flavor. The vocal tracks were next level here, if you aren’t completely broken during the scene “A Step Away” plays, you should probably feel your chest to make sure there is still a heart in there.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

NA Release Date: September 27th, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
Review

The Falcom Sound Team always knocks it out of the park when it come the Trails franchise, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is no exception. The soundtrack has those hard rocking battle themes we’ve come to expect, as well as some somber themes for the more emotional moments. Throw in some great vocal tracks and it’s no wonder this was at the top of our list this year.

Live A Live 

NA Release Date: July 22, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

Square Enix games have some of the most iconic soundtracks in gaming history, so it’s no wonder the Live A Live Remake had an amazing OST. This edition came with a brand new arranged version of the soundtrack, or you could use the outstanding SNES version as well. A wide variety of tracks are featured here that fit the style of each of the different play styles the game has to offer, and every one of them is pure gold, making this a very strong contender for this award.

And the winner of oprainfall Awards 2022 Best Music Award is……

Xenoblade Chronicles 3!

While some of us here may be torn on the ending or some of the other gameplay aspects of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, one thing we all agree on is this soundtrack is amazing. I personally think “Weight of Life” is not only one of the best insert tracks in the series, it might be one of the greatest pieces of game music of all time. Not to mention all of the other amazing tracks the game has to offer, making it our well deserving winner of this year’s award.

Once again, a special thanks to Brandon Rose for the featured image.

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BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE

Previous Winners:
2018: God of War
2019: Devil May Cry 5
2021: Metroid Dread

This is a pretty large category, and there are a lot of titles that could fit into it. That being said, this is one category which there are never really a shortage of titles. The last winner of this award was the return of a well known bounty hunter. This year, we got to choose between fighting some monsters and an adventure with a cat.

Stray

NA Release Date: July 19, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5
Review

Stray has us in the control of a cat in a city filled with robots. While exploring and navigating the city, there will also be puzzles and enemies that stand in your way. The world is atmospheric, and you can of course do what cats can do, such as meowing, scratching, and knocking things over. Evading the dangers in an underground city is one thing, doing it as a cat just adds something else to it.

Dusk Diver 2

NA Release Date: August 30, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch
Review

Here, we have a follow up which brings us back to Yumo and her friends taking on the chaos beasts. This 3D beat-em-up might not reinvent the genre, but it is an absolutely solid action game. The fighting, for the most part, is fun with some variety with the different characters. The return to Ximending is a welcome one.

Infernax

NA Release Date: February 14, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Review

While a throwback Metroidvania style game might not be that uncommon, Infernax is worth the attention. In addition to the look of the 8-bit graphics, the soundtrack wouldn’t be out of place of the era. The games offers some nice comedic moments and a couple different endings for you to unlock. If you were looking for an older style adventure, this is a great choice.

This Year’s Winner is…

Stray!

If you ever wanted to be able to play as a cat, this is the experience for you. Exploring the city with the nimbleness of a cat gives a unique feeling compared to some other adventure games. While it starts off simply with your character trying to find a way out, the story grows as you learn more about the abandoned city. The atmosphere of the setting helps make it a journey that will be remembered. It is also nice that you have a button to meow with too.

I owe Brandon Rose a special thanks for creating the featured images for these Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter.

The post 2022 oprainfall Awards: Best Action / Adventure appeared first on oprainfall.

BEST STORY

Previous Winners
2016: Muv-Luv
2017: Persona 5
2018: Yakuza 6
2019: Fire Emblem: Three House
2021: Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

Depending on the game, the story might be one of the most important elements to have. The hours put into a game can be more than justified when you become attached to the characters or journey. Our last winner of this award was an MMO which brought in a lot of narrative. That being said, let’s take a look at our newest competitors.

Atelier Sophie 2

NA Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platform: PC, PS4, Switch
Review

Picking up right after the previous game, we once again follow Sophie on a new adventure. However, things go awry as Sophie is sucked into a strange tree and awakens in the strange city of Roytale. Here, she meets both new friends and some familiar faces, with some differences. While it is somewhat of a self contained story in regards to the series, it’s strengths are in the character interactions and themes. The comforting and hopefulness of the story are things that will draw you in.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

NA Release Date: September 27, 2022
Platform: PC, PS4, Switch
Review

As an entry from The Legend of Heroes series, it probably isn’t that much of a surprise to see this title in this competition. That being said, Trails from Zero has a lot going on in it’s story. It follows Lloyd and the other members of the SSS, a branch of the police in the city of Crossbell which doesn’t exactly have a high reputation. Here, the SSS faces criminal elements and political unease, along with a more dangerous hidden threat. The captivating story and characters are highlights that deserve some attention.

Triangle Strategy

NA Release Date: March 4, 2022 (Switch), October 13, 2022 (PC)
Platform(s): PC, Switch
Impressions (2021 Demo)

Set on the continent of Norzelia, we follow Serenoa as he is pulled into the affairs of three nations. There is quite a back story regarding the kingdoms and groups that inhabit the world. Serenoa is forced to make a number of choices during his journey as war begins once again. The choices made lead to a number of different consequences in the end, something that definitely gives impact to the story.

This Year’s Winner is…

Trails from Zero!

The Trails series has always had some great stories and characters, and this one is no different. The political intrigue of the city of Crossbell and the different characters met along the way are memorable. The growth of the characters during the story, and the SSS working its way up from the bottom is a journey that’s a joy to follow. It took a while for this game to make it to the West, but the story is something that more than holds up.

I owe Brandon Rose a special thanks for creating the featured images for these Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter.

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BEST DESIGN

Previous Winners
2017: Cuphead
2018: Octopath Traveler
2019: Death end re;Quest

Video games come in all shapes and sizes, and that includes their design philosophies. What aspects of a game do developers want to stress? Where do games shine the most? Is it graphics, gameplay, story? All of the above? The following three games all had excellent design choices from environment to storytelling, but only one can win our 2022 Best Design award.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

NA Release Date: July 29, 2022
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Review

I reached out to my sister to help me explain why Xenoblade Chronicle 3’s design is worthy of winning our award. Here’s what she had to say:

“If you have ever played a Xenoblade game, many areas of Aionios will be instantly familiar, from the towering Keves Castle to the beautiful Erythia Sea. If you’ve ever played any of Takahashi’s Xeno games, the themes of mortality, divinity and fate will also be instantly familiar. A beautiful marriage of everything that has come before it, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 shines most where it takes the concepts and familiarity of its setting and reimagines them, breathing new life into a story that has been literal decades in the making.

The character designs, as well, are all gorgeous, and with a glance one can instantly ping Keves from Agnus from the mysterious third party the main characters meet early on. Each hero has a unique, fun design that gives insight into their personalities without painting them as one-dimensional.

The battle system is also a wonderful blend of Xenoblade 1 and 2, with its own distinct flair that makes it the most fun for this writer to play. Each party member has a unique feel, and finding that perfect match of classes that can break the most difficult fight makes for fun and creative strategies.”

Can all of these elements add up to make it our 2022 Best Design winner, though?

Elden Ring

NA Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Souls games are known for their difficulty. It’s one of their defining traits, even to those of us who haven’t played them. Elden Ring continues this tradition while also being incredibly accessible to newcomers to the genre (like myself), with a sprawling open world that lets players explore the Lands Between at their own pace. The nature of the world allows you to decide for yourself what difficulty you’re comfortable with, as there are distinct differences in enemy strength and type as you explore the various kingdoms and regions. Feel like a challenge? You can trek to Caelid right out the gate if you’re so inclined (and likely get curb stomped). Exploration is encouraged and led to some of my personal favorite moments, such as taking an elevator to the Siofra River.

That’s not to say there aren’t clear signposts for those who want the most smooth experience. Sites of Grace conveniently dot the landscape, with story-specific ones literally pointing the way to where you should go next to experience Elden Ring’s narrative. The story itself is surprisingly straightforward, but with enough wiggle room to keep the Lands Between as mysterious as they are beautiful, and the little hints and lore you can find by reading item descriptions, or buying notes from merchants, only add to the history and depth of this world.

Elden Ring also boasts some of the most imaginative characters and bosses I’ve seen in recent memory. Personal favorites are Alexander the Warrior Pot (seriously, I do not understand why there are living pots, and I also don’t care because they’re cool) and Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, which has to be one of the most gorgeous boss monsters I’ve ever seen. The way the game blends beauty and grotesquerie is just fantastic. Fighting them is equally fulfilling, with a plethora of combat configurations and weapons to fit any play style. Do you want to be a long range bow user? What about stack up your INT and become an unstoppable laser-firing mage? Feel like jumping into the fray with axe in hand? Or dual-wielding great swords just because? You can do that. Hell, you can just bash things with your shield and that’s A-OK. Elden Ring is just an expertly crafted game through and through. Is it enough to earn this Soulsborne our 2022 Best Design award?

Stray

NA Release Date: July 19, 2022
Platform(s): PS4, PS5, PC
Review

Post-apocalyptic worlds are a dime a dozen in video games, but when one comes along with a distinct, focused design, it’s worth paying attention to, and I’m hard-pressed to think of one more unique than having the perspective of a cat. BlueTwelve Studio went above and beyond to make sure players embodied the feel of playing as a furry feline, building their world around a cat’s ability to climb and crawl into all sorts of nooks and crannies. The Abandoned City feels huge despite its actual small locations, thanks in part to the way the camera stays at cat level, forcing you to almost always look up at everything around you. The interactivity of the environment, as well, lends itself to being a mischievous feline, swatting and batting things off edges, or clawing at walls and carpets with abandon. Movement is fluid and light. You can also meow on command, which I found delightful.

The robots that inhabit the Abandoned City are also fantastic, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources to be both instantly recognizable as homages to sci-fi properties of the past, as well as their own distinct characters in the world of Stray. I found them incredibly charming, especially in the ways they reacted to the cat. The cat’s interactions with them, as well, were very cute and again captured the essence of being a feline, from being able to sit on their laps, to rubbing their legs, and even tripping them as they walk. Along with the robots, I found the design of the enemies to be particularly striking, as they are also unassumingly cute in the same way small mammals are, and yet terrifying in the ways they swarm. Using them as sparingly as they did, BlueTwelve was able to really craft some tense moments to break up what is, overwhelmingly, a game about exploration.

I would be remiss to not discuss B12 when talking about design, though. In terms of gaming, companion characters are often rife with controversy, either because they are frustrating escort-types that you must protect, or because they are annoying or distracting. As a cat, you cannot talk or interact with others in any way that would further the game’s narrative, nor can you read the assortment of graffiti and notes scattered throughout the Abandoned City. B12 works as both an in-game translator for the cat (and by extension, the player), as well as a steadfast companion who I found genuinely interesting and likeable. You want to help B12 in his mission, just as he wants to keep the cat safe as you traverse the dangers of this post-apocalyptic world. There are few games that design companions as well as B12, and those games are all designed by Fumito Ueda, so for me, what BlueTwelve achieved with their little robot companion is high praise indeed. Does this cat game have what it takes to be crowned our 2022 Best Design winner?

And the winner of Best Design is…

Elden Ring!

This was honestly a difficult decision! Each game was designed to lean into the strengths of its genre, but Elden Ring‘s impeccable worldbuilding, difficulty, and combat ultimately gave it the edge to win our 2022 Best Design award!

I owe Brandon Rose a special thanks for creating the featured image for these Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter. 

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Previous Winners
2018: Kazuma Kiryu (Yakuza 6)
2019: Byleth (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)
2021: Takayuki Yagami (Lost Judgement)

This year’s Best Hero category contains three nominees who all have their own challenges to overcome; however, being a hero doesn’t necessarily mean being perfect and having no faults. Two of these nominees are definitely stand-up guys. But another one of the nominees can go down a number of paths and has to regularly decide what the right thing to do is during a long ongoing war. Nonetheless, all three of these heroes do what they can to make their homes a better place and are the kind of guys you would definitely want on your side.

Denam Pavel (Tactics Ogre: Reborn)

NA Release Date: November 11, 2022

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, PC

Denam gets wrapped up in a civil war along with his sister Catiua and his friend Vyce. All three of them lost people in an attack on their hometown, Golyat, and end up on a long journey wrapped up in the war. Denam can go down one of three paths based on the player’s decisions during the game. He’s not a flawless hero who always does what’s right, but he does his best to navigate a long and complicated war, with hopes of making The Valerian Isles a better place to live. Denam is on this list for having the courage to fight for what he believes is right during an arduous time in history.

Lloyd Bannings (Trails from Zero)

NA Release Date: September 27, 2022

Platform(s): PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC

Review

Being our resident Trails fan, Patrick has written this part on Lloyd. I haven’t gotten around to the Crossbell games just yet myself.

“Bravery, kindness, and always looking out for others, these are some traits that are associated with heroes. Lloyd Bannings, the leader of the SSS, truly lives up to these traits and what it means to be a hero. He is willing to sacrifice himself to protect others, constantly looks to better himself and crawl out of his older brother’s shadow, and looks to put Crossbell State back on the right and just path. Not many people can handle the criticism, hardships, and responsibility that come with being in the SSS, but Lloyd is able to take them in stride. The SSS wouldn’t be the same without Lloyd; he truly is the heart and soul of that group. It isn’t even a stretch to say that he’s the heart of Crossbell State itself. Was this hero able to take the top crown, or did he hit a barrier and come up short?”

Noah (Xenoblade Chronicles 3)

NA Release Date: July 29th, 2022

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

Review

Noah is a Kevesi off-seer who at the start of the game, is quite loyal to his people. But ultimately, he doesn’t actually want to fight and continue the seemingly never-ending war with Agnus. Noah is fortunate in ending up a part of Ouroboros. He makes new friends and gets the opportunity to fight against the true enemy, the ones pulling the strings, who have ensured the people of Aionios continue to fight each other. Noah is a kind soul who continues fighting as a part of Ouroboros, not to win a war, but to see Aionios free of war and for both sides, Keves and Agnus, to find peace. Noah is nominated for the Best Hero award for being an honorable person and true friend who wants nothing more than peace and happiness for everyone.

And the winner is…

Lloyd Bannings!

Ultimately one of the more stand-up guys has been chosen as 2022’s Best Hero here at oprainfall. We’ve chosen Lloyd for being a truly brave and honorable leader, who rarely falters and always does his best to protect Crossbell’s citizens. He’s a true hero who is very deserving of the award this year.

Once again, a special thanks to Brandon Rose for the featured image.

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Previous Winners
2018: Dead Cells
2019: Luminous Avenger iX
2021: Metallic Child

Not every video game released is created by a 100-strong development team owned by one of the ‘big three’ video game console companies that is only matched by the massive PR push in every major sporting event and form of media out there. Some games are developed by a handful of talented individuals who just want to make a small game that tells a personal story, shows off a cool and innovative gameplay mechanic, or has a unique art style that has yet to be matched anywhere else.

This year’s contest for Best Indie was a tough one to decide, but ultimately only one game had to prevail.

This Way Madness Lies

NA Release Date: November 10, 2022
Platform(s): PC
Review

This Way Madness Lies, at first glance, is a game that does not seem like it would work. After all, there are magical girls who love putting on school performances of Shakespeare plays. In a game that clearly drew inspiration from Sailor Moon, the students at the Stratford-Upon-Avon High Drama Society speak in Olde English, have gorgeously illustrated transformation sequences, and turn-based combat that is unique enough to keep anyone playing hooked.  Developed by Zeboyd Digital Entertainment LLC, This Way Madness Lies was an excellent title to close out 2022 with, and a game that really should not be missed.

Sifu

NA Release Date: February 8, 2022 (PC, PS4, PS5), November 8, 2022 (Switch)
Platform(s):  PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
Review

Imagine a world where you are a nameless protagonist who is hunting down the five assassins who murdered your family in five different locales with nothing more than your kung fu skills. In a unique twist, Sifu permits you to use the experience points you gain while playing and fighting enemies only when you die. As you die, your character also gets older and stronger, but loses just a little bit more health. Sloclap’s indie title is set in a gorgeous world with a gorgeous soundtrack to match, and it was an easy inclusion for this year’s Best Indie award.

Infernax

NA Release Date: February 14, 2022
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Review

Infernax is a 2D Metroidvania title developed by Berzerk Studio that follows a knight who discovers that his home village has been overrun by monsters, after he returns home from the Crusades. Crowdfunded through a Kickstarter campaign and inspired by 1) the heavy music genre, 2) the NES Castlevania and Legend of Zelda sequels, and 3) historical events, Infernax builds something special upon all of these influences. With gorgeous pixel art, humor, and weapons/skills/magic upgrades that fit in perfectly with the numerous puzzles that the game will throw at you, Infernax handedly earned its spot in this year’s awards.

And oprainfall‘s

2022 Best Indie Award

Goes To… Infernax!

This was a category that was fairly easy to determine among the staff at oprainfall. For all the reasons listed above, Infernax easily took the pole position early on, and never let it up. This is simply a game that could not, and should not, be missed from 2022 and is an easy winner for Best Indie!

Congratulations Infernax for winning this year’s Best Indie Award!

Have you picked up Infernax? Do you agree or disagree with our choice?

Let us know in the comments below!

Thank you to Brandon Rose for the cover image. You can find his Twitter here.

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Previous Winners
2018: Valkyria Chronicles 4
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses

What makes a good strategy game? Is a real-time strategy game equal to a strategy RPG, or is one better than the other? Well, I suppose the answer to that depends on your own personal taste. Here at oprainfall, we were big fans of two SRPGs in particular that released in 2022. One, a brand new game with a never before experienced story. The other, an old title with a fresh coat of paint. I personally had a hard time deciding between these two, but let’s take a look at the nominees.

Triangle Strategy

NA Release Date: March 4th, 2022 (Switch), October 13th, 2022 (PC)
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC
Impressions (2021 Demo)

Triangle Strategy is a brand new title which is a bit of a unique SRPG. I think what makes it unique is how you equip and raise your army. There is no buying and equipping new weapons, every character has a set weapon which you can upgrade via various passive skills in each unit’s skill tree. Not only that, but there aren’t any generic units you can create to fill out your army, which isn’t the case with every SRPG. Every single character recruited has story relevance and as you use a character, you’ll eventually unlock new little story scenes and learn more about them. Triangle Strategy‘s story is very engaging. When you have to pull out the Scales of Conviction and make a choice, you really question every decision you make. There is no easy answer, any choice you go with can have major consequences. In my opinion, it truly pulls you into the story and makes you think about things, and question both the characters’ intentions and whether or not you’ve made the correct choice.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn

NA Release Date: November 11th, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, PC

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is an old classic, which has yet again been released with a fresh coat of paint. Nowadays you often see people reference Final Fantasy Tactics as the epitome of what an SRPG should be, and they often proclaim it as their favorite of all time. But Tactics Ogre is a classic in its own right, which released just a little bit earlier and was also worked on by Yasumi Matsuno. I actually picked up a copy myself and have been playing it for the very first time. Honestly, Tactics Ogre didn’t pull me into its story to the extent that Triangle Strategy did, but what I love about it, is that it has a better balance between battle gameplay and story. Triangle Strategy sometimes can be overwhelming with constant story interruptions. The story is fantastic, but sometimes you just want to get to the next battle already. Meanwhile, Tactics Ogre, more effortlessly blends story with gameplay, and you don’t find yourself as overwhelmed. And let’s not forget that fresh coat of paint. Various updates were made to the game. One of the biggest changes is the ability to level individual units and change them to another class while keeping their level. You no longer level specific classes as a whole. The second big update made to the game is the party wide level cap, which is gradually raised throughout the story. This level cap prevents you from grinding too high above enemies and makes every battle a decent challenge. But, it also keeps you from unintentionally ranking up enemies too high. These are only two changes among various updates made to the the game. Nonetheless, it’s a fun time for both old fans and new.

And the winner is…

Tactics Ogre: Reborn!

If it were only up to me, I wouldn’t know which of these two to choose as my absolute favorite. As I mentioned earlier, Triangle Strategy has a fantastic and extremely engaging story that sucks you right in. Yet, sometimes the story can seem too much and get in the way of enjoying some quality strategy gameplay. Then there’s Tactics Ogre: Reborn, which maybe doesn’t have quite as engaging of a story, but it still has its own depth, and you truly get to enjoy strategizing throughout a wide variety of challenging stages. Ultimately, as a whole, we here at oprainfall have chosen Tactics Ogre: Reborn as our favorite 2022 strategy game. Sometimes, an old classic with some much needed updates thrown in is simply the best.

The featured image was done by Brandon Rose, who you can find on Twitter.

The post 2022 oprainfall Awards: Best Strategy appeared first on oprainfall.

Previous Winners
2018: Jade (Dragon Quest XI)
2019: Reisalin Stout (Atelier Ryza)
2021: Samus Aran (Metroid Dread)

Competition this year was fierce for Best Heroine. There were so many fantastic candidates from the plethora of games we all played here at oprainfall that it ended up being a four-way tie right until the very end. Who came out victorious from this grueling battle between our favorite leading ladies? Read on to find out.

Mio (Xenoblade Chronicles 3)

NA Release Date: July 29, 2022
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Review

Just as with Best Boy, I reached out to my sister to give me the ins and outs of what makes Mio a great heroine, and here’s what she had to say:

“How does one continue when they know death is inevitable? What legacy will you leave behind? With the end of her life looming literal months away from the moment we meet her, Mio already presents as an interesting, complex character. As an offseer, one of the few in Aionios who deals actively with grief and the nature of life on more than a “kill or be killed” level, her impending death and the revelations she is given early on color the story going forward. A caring, smart and strong woman, Mio will do whatever she can to see her convictions through, and will fight to save those she loves until the bitter end.” Mio more than earns her spot on the 2022 oprainfall Best Heroine list, but does she have what it takes to win it all?

Sophie Neuenmuller (Atelier Sophie 2)

NA Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Review

Some of the best heroines are gentle, friendly, easy-going types like Sophie, who dedicates her life to helping others with alchemy, just like her grandmother once did. Don’t let her carefree attitude fool you, though: Sophie is dedicated and tenacious, determined to make sure those around her are at their best, including her best friend and mentor, Plachta, for whom she won’t stop until she can construct a body to host the woman’s spirit after she was turned into a book. Even being stuck in a dream world can’t stop Sophie, who can still make friends in uncertain circumstances – including ones involving younger versions of her dear mentor and grandmother. Can Sophie’s pure heart and dedication pull her through this four-way battle to win the 2022 oprainfall Best Heroine prize?

Tio Plato (Trails from Zero)

NA Release Date: September 27, 2022
Platforms: PS4. Nintendo Switch, PC
Review

Seeing as fellow editor Patrick is my go-to source for all things Legend of Heroes, I asked him what makes Tio a fantastic candidate for heroine, and here’s what he had to say:

“When it comes to heroines, a little mystery can go a long way, and Tio fits this to a tee. Tio was, to put it simply, an enigma to the rest of the SSS when she first joined. She had a cool demeanor, was an Orbal Technology genius, wielded an experimental weapon like a pro, and had heightened senses no normal human should have. Tio is capable and a prodigy, but she is much more than that. She is a survivor, she has a strong will, and lived through many hardships to get where she is today. Seeing her gradually open up to the rest of her squadmates and talk about her life before the SSS was heartwarming to see. Blasting foes with her Orbal Arts was super satisfying too. Cool, cute, capable, strong-willed, and an essential member to the SSS, Tio makes the short list for our 2022 Best Heroine Award. Did she do enough to claim the top spot?”

Laeticia Aucerius (Star Ocean: The Divine Force)

NA Release Date: October 27, 2022
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Review

As crown princess of Aucerius, Laeticia is a serious, devoted, and capable leader who takes matters into her own hands in order to save her home from the brink of war. She’s a knight princess who can handle dual blades with ease, but she’s also driven to find peaceful solutions whenever possible. She’s insatiably curious and makes friends easily, and is resolute in the face of danger, especially when it comes to protecting those she loves. Her courage and quick thinking have saved the team from several binds, but she’s not so proud as to turn away a helping hand. Laeticia is a fantastic protagonist and acts as a great foil to co-lead Raymond in Star Ocean: The Divine Force, and that’s why she deserves to be 2022 oprainfall Best Heroine.

And this year’s heroine is…

Laeticia!

Narrowly winning this four-way battle, Laeticia earns her award for being a charismatic, adorable and fierce warrior who is willing to save everyone she can, even if it means going to the ends of the universe! Her competitors were all worthy opponents, but in this year’s sea of stars, Letty was just too divine to beat!

I owe Brandon Rose a special thanks for creating the featured images for these Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter.

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Previous Winners
2019: Astolfo (Fate/EXTELLA Link)
2021: Goro Majima (Yakuza series)

What makes a Best Boy? Is it his good looks? His charming personality? His skills in battle? Or is it a certain je ne sais quoi? Whatever it is, this year, we here at oprainfall were able to narrow down our 2022 Best Boy candidates to three, and they are all more than deserving of this most illustrious title. But who will take home the prize and have bragging rights for the next year?

Noah (Xenoblade Chronicles 3)

NA Release date: July 29, 2022
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Review

I am a bad oprainfall staff writer who hasn’t played Xenoblade 3 yet, so I asked my sister to give me the low-down on what makes Noah the Best Boy and here’s what she had to say:

“As part of the Keves special forces squad we meet right at the outset, Noah already comes across as strong, smart, and kind. But it’s the strength of his bonds with his friends that really lets him shine. From his banter with his Keves crew, to the quiet moments he shares with his newfound allies, Noah stands out. His role as offseer has given him a sense of compassion few in his world hold, and an emotional maturity not often seen in the heroic teenage protagonist. His design is also quite pleasing, and has callbacks to previous Xeno protagonists while still being his own wholy unique character. Whether in JP or ENG, he’s quite enjoyable to listen to, as well.” Will Noah’s compassion and maturity be enough to win him the title of Best Boy?

Lloyd Bannings (Trails from Zero)

NA Release Date: September 27, 2022
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Review

Fellow editor Patrick was kind enough to give me the what’s what regarding the ever-charming Lloyd, and here’s what he had to say about the SSS member:

“From old to young, none can withstand the charms of the baby faced detective, Lloyd Bannings. The heart and soul of the SSS, Lloyd has proven time and again he’s ready to step up when needed, is always there for his squadmates, and is able to make sound decisions in the most dire of circumstances. He has good morals, good intuition, a strong body, and puts the needs of others over himself at all times. Not only is he a good person, he knows how to make a good, motivating, cheesy speech too. And who doesn’t love a cheesy speech? A quality leader, and a good lad, Lloyd is ready to fight for the crown of Best Boy. Was the SSS leader able to get over the barrier and take out his competitors?”

Albaird Bergholm (Star Ocean: The Divine Force)

NA Release Date: October 27, 2022
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Review

Who doesn’t love a knight wholly dedicated to his princess? Albaird is staunchly protective of Laeticia Aucerius, his childhood best friend and current crown princess of the kingdom that bears her name. He’s testy and quick to anger, but don’t let his prickliness fool you: this tsundere has a heart of gold and a sweet tooth to match. A member of the kingsguard, Albaird is skilled at both his chakram and semiomancy, but he’s also a tactician and knows his way around a camp to survive the perilous journeys he, and the rest of his companions, face as they try to save not only his homeland, but even those who live among the stars. He’s rough around the edges and takes some time to build trust with, but once you have it, Albaird is a loyal and dedicated friend who will absolutely still argue with you, but at least he’ll do it lovingly. Can he win the hearts of our judges to be oprainfall’s 2022 Best Boy, though?

And this year’s best boy is…

Lloyd!

Despite strong competition from one compassionate offseer and one tsundere kingsguard, Lloyd’s boyish charms were able to win the day to become oprainfall’s 2022 Best Boy. His cheesy speech skills were clearly too much for our judges to dismiss, and this natural-born leader easily swept to victory!

I owe Brandon Rose a special thanks for creating the featured image for these Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter.

The post 2022 oprainfall Awards: Best Boy appeared first on oprainfall.

BEST GIRL

Previous Winner
2019: Marnie (Pokémon Sword and Shield)
2021: Reisalin Stout (Atelier Ryza 2)

The Best Girl category is always one of the most contested ones during our award voting, the 2022 oprainfall Awards are no exception. Everyone here has their favorite girl and they will defend them to the death!! Well, maybe not that far, but these girls have certainly left an impact on us during our time with them, and now it’s time to honor them.  Now, let’s see which girls of 2022 made our list, and which one came out on top.

Sophie Neuenmuller (Atelier Sophie 2)

NA Release Date: February 25th, 2022
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Review

Sophie Neuenmuller has always been one of my favorite alchemists in the Atelier franchise. Her upbeat personality and positive attitude are contagious. She is always willing to help her friends, since she wants to use alchemy to put smiles on people’s faces. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother with her best friend and mentor, Plachta, by her side, Sophie always puts her best foot forward in order to make her dreams, and those of her friends, a reality.

Tio Plato (Trails from Zero)

NA Release Date: September 27th, 2022
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Review

Since I’ve not gotten to Trails from Zero yet and I don’t want to be spoiled, I asked our editor Patrick for some help on this one. This is what he had to say about Tio:

“Cool, cute, and mysterious, the SSS’ resident genius, Tio Plato, takes a crack at the crown. She provides essential support to the SSS with her Orbal Arts expertise and knowledge of Orbal Technology. While she usually acts mature and keeps a cool demeanor, she goes bananas at anything Mishy related, showing that she can act her age from time to time. We loved watching her gradually come out of her shell as the story progressed, and when she finally opened up to the SSS, it was very heartwarming. She keeps moving forward no matter how tough life has been, and that is an admirable trait to have. She’s so cute that you want to protect her, but she’s capable enough to hold her own, Tio stakes her claim to the Best Girl title. Did she do enough to capture our hearts and take out the other competitors?”

Laeticia Aucerius (Star Ocean: The Divine Force)

NA Release Date: October 27th, 2022
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Review

Laeticia is a dedicated Knight Princess who goes on a quest to save her kingdom from the brink of war. She can seem a little naïve at times, but she thinks very carefully about any big decisions she makes. A very selfless girl, she is willing to give up her desires if it means protecting her friends or subjects against any odds. A very curious girl that accepts others and their strange ways without question, she is the genuine article, upbeat and an amazing gal through and through.

And this year’s queen is…

Sophie!

Sophie has beat out all of the other girls this to become oprainfall’s Best Girl of 2022. It was a very hard decision, but Sophie’s unwavering conviction and joyful personality pushed her over the top for the staff. If ever we needed someone that wanted to help our dreams come true and the world a better place, now is the time!

Special thanks to Brandon Rose for creating the featured images for the 2022 oprainfall Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter.

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Previous Winners
2018: Valkyria Chronicles 4
2019: Code Vein
2021: Lost Judgment

When it comes to playing video games, it should never be do you have the console to play it on, but what platform do you want to play that particular game on. Everyone loves their console exclusives like The Last of Us or Super Mario Odyssey, sure. But, it is the ability to play a particular title, no matter what console you own, that helps video games get the largest possible reach in society.

This year, there were three titles that really stood out for the Best Multiplatform Award, and all three are worthy contenders.

TRIANGLE STRATEGY

NA Release Date: March 4, 2022
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
Impressions

TRIANGLE STRATEGY is a tactical RPG co-developed by SQUARE ENIX and Artdink where you control characters on a grid-based battlefield. As the characters fight enemies throughout the story, they will level up and unlock new skills and abilities. Set on the continent of Norzelia, thirty years after the last great war, TRIANGLE STRATEGY contains a complex story with easily accessible gameplay mechanics to both veterans of, and newcomers to, the tactical RPG genre. What sets TRIANGLE STRATEGY apart from other tactical RPGs is the fact that the practical and moral choices you make in the story affect the game in both minor – and major – ways, and those decisions will carry out through the remainder of the playthrough. TRIANGLE STRATEGY is a game that makes you feel like what you pick matters, and it just isn’t shades of the same end result, and that is how this game earned its spot for this year’s Best Multiplatform Awards.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

NA Release Date: September 27, 2022
Platform(s):  PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Review

Set three months after Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd, The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero takes place in Crossbell and stars a rookie police detective named Lloyd Bannings who is assigned to a law enforcement branch that investigates the city’s criminal syndicates. This game was originally released in 2010 in Japan for the PlayStation Portable, and only came to North American shores over a decade later. With a great story, standout characters, and solid turn-based combat that is backed up by an amazing soundtrack, this game deserved to be on the shortlist for 2022’s Best Multiplatform Award.

Elden Ring

NA Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Elden Ring was directed and written by Hidetaka Miyazaki in a world built by George R. R. Martin, and it is one of those games that actually lived up to the massive hype generated before release. Available on pretty much every platform you can imagine, Elden Ring is a multiplatform game that blew away everyone who picked it up in 2022 who started their own journey to the Lands Between and saw all the beautiful locations and obscure lore points that this massive, but difficult, world had to offer. It quickly locked in its place on this list.

And oprainfall‘s

2022 Best Multiplatform Award

Goes To… Elden Ring!

Fresh off from winning the Best RPG award, Elden Ring returns for a victory lap for Best Multiplatform. If you’ve picked up this game, or even if you haven’t, then you already know how great this game is and how it has cleaned up awards everywhere for 2022. This is an irreplaceable adventure that just shows how much FromSoftware has grown over their last several games, and that is why Elden Ring has won oprainfall’s 2022 Best Multiplatform Award!

Congratulations Elden Ring for winning this year’s Best Multiplatform Award!

Do you agree or disagree with our choice?

Let us know in the comments below!

Thank you to Brandon Rose for the cover image. You can find his Twitter here.

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Previous Winners
2018: Super Smash Bros: Ultimate
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
2022: Shin Megami Tensei V

It’s time once again for our yearly oprainfall Awards. This year in the best exclusive category Nintendo dominated, with our staff picking their titles for all three of the top spots. Though in fairness, Nintendo did drop a bunch of great first party titles this year, so let’s see which three the staff thought were the very best.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

NA Release Date: July 29th, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review

Xenoblade has a very special place in our hearts here at oprainfall, so it’s no wonder Xenoblade Chronicles 3 would be in the running for our top exclusive of 2022. The memorable cast, amazing music, and epic story make this one of the best RPGS of last year, and a must play for Nintendo Switch owners. The upcoming story DLC looks like it will be pure fanservice for series fans, adding icing on this already delicious cake.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

NA Release Date: June 24, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is not only a great Musou game, it’s a fantastic entry into the Fire Emblem franchise as well. The game takes an alternate telling of what happened during the time skip of Fire Emblem: Three Houses in which you control a young warrior named Shez, who seeks revenge on Byleth for killing their mercenary friends. They too are aided by an otherworldly being named Arval, but is this being helping Shaz out of kindness, or are there other motives to consider? It’s great to see all of our favorites again while playing through each of the game’s routes, so Musou and Three Houses fans alike shouldn’t pass this one up.

Splatoon 3

NA Release Date: September 8, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Impressions

Splatoon 3 is the latest entry in a still relatively new Nintendo franchise. Some fans thought it should be a DLC add-on to Splatoon 2 rather than its own game, but there’s a ton going on that made it worthy of a whole new game. You have a brand new mode with Tableturf Battles, brand new customizable Splashtags and even a whole new Splatfest mode with Tricolor. We’ve nominated Splatoon 3 for being a fantastically fun new entry in Nintendo’s extremely aesthetically pleasing shooter series. It certainly has earned its spot among the other nominees.

And this year’s best console exclusive is…

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes!

I felt like this one was a bit of an upset, since I figured the staff would go with Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Though, I feel like Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a very solid pick for this award, as well. The gameplay is solid, and the Three Houses cast are just a pure joy, so spending more time with them is always a win.

Special thanks to Brandon Rose for creating the featured images for the Awards on short notice. You should check him and his works out over on Twitter.

Also thank you to Jenae for writing a new blurb for the Splatoon 3 section of the article. Something likely went wrong with WordPress when it was scheduled and somehow the Three Hopes nomination blurb got doubled and Splatoon’s vanished.

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Previous Winners
2018: Dragon Quest XI
2019: Death End re;Quest
2021: Bravely Default II

Video games are the only form of storytelling that has a barrier to the ending: if you are not good enough at the game, then you will not see the end of the tale. The Role-Playing Game (‘RPG’) genre places worldbuilding, characters, and a plot at the heart of a video game, and the gameplay mechanics frequently work as hard as possible to make the true ending feel earned.

This year, there are three games nominated for the Best RPG Award, and I am sure you can already guess the winner.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

NA Release Date: July 29, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the fourth game in the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise from Monolift Soft and is the series that arguably helped to found this site as part of the Wii RPG campaign over a decade ago. This entry tells the story of two warring countries, Keves and Agnus, as characters from both nations must join together to discover the secret behind the war that has been going on for longer than anyone remembers.

With DLC for this game still being announced even in February 2023 and a combat system inspired by previous entries in the franchise while allowing seven party members to fight at once, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a game that was an easy inclusion in this year’s shortlist for Best RPG Award.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream

NA Release Date: February 24, 2022
Platform(s):  PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Review

The alchemist Sophie Neuenmuller returns for her second adventure as she searches for a dear friend in a dream world called Erde Wiege as the plot starts to spiral into something much bigger than she could imagine.

With six playable characters in turn-based combat, Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream focuses upon telling a story about well-defined characters who have their own motivations with the Atelier series staple of alchemy as a crafting backdrop. All of this, put together, makes this title an easy inclusion for the Best RPG Award.

Elden Ring

NA Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Directed and written by Hidetaka Miyazaki for a world built by George R. R. Martin, Elden Ring is one of those games that actually lived upon to the massive hype generated before release. Set in the Lands Between, a realm ruled by demigods, the player must explore six different areas while trying to repair the Elden Ring.

Elden Ring is an action/adventure RPG set in an open world that sought to be more accessible plotwise to fans of the Dark Souls franchise while still retaining a level of difficulty to the gameplay that FromSoftware is known for. I said at the start of this Awards column that a lot of video games will make the ending feel earned through gameplay and combat, and Elden Ring certainly fits both that and its spot on this RPG Awards shortlist.

And oprainfall‘s

2022 Best RPG Award

Goes To… Elden Ring!

If there is one RPG from 2022 that you should play, it is Elden Ring. Come on. You knew what it was as soon as you clicked open the link, didn’t you? Everything from the world’s lore to the combat to the leveling and crafting system is a masterpiece in the RPG genre.

If you have not picked up oprainfall‘s 2022 RPG Award winner yet, then you absolutely should. You will love it.

Congratulations Elden Ring for winning this year’s Best RPG Award!

Do you agree or disagree with our choice?

Let us know in the comments below!

Thank you to Brandon Rose for the cover image. You can find his Twitter here.

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Triangle Strategy

First up, is Triangle Strategy. This game came out at the very beginning of last year and I picked up a copy after my birthday, at the end of March. Seeing as it’s been quite a while, it’s not as fresh in my memory anymore. I do remember immensely enjoying Triangle Strategy though. What I love about Triangle Strategy is the deep story and really getting you to care about these people and worry about the choices you’ve made. I found myself desperately wanting to get to a point where citizens of the realm respect my party and no longer buy the lies of my enemies. However, it’s not a perfect SRPG. While I am absolutely absorbed into the story, there are a lot of characters and everyone is a unique story character. So between stopping for story content in between each main story stage, watching little scenes for every single character who’s filled up my army and grinding the mere one or two at level, side leveling stages that are provided, the game can get tiring after so many hours. I love what I’ve experienced so far, but I definitely had to put this one down and take a break after… I don’t know, maybe around 40 hours at least.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn

Next, I wanna discuss yet another SRPG I got into. This one I played a lot more recently and again, I’m still working my way through the game. I’ve never played any of the prior versions of Tactics Ogre. The Switch copy I pre-ordered of Tactics Ogre: Reborn is my first time playing. Now, I have played a smidgen of Final Fantasy Tactics before, which is a later game Yasumi Matsuno also worked on. However, FF Tactics was definitely more of a dated SRPG, with some mechanics that made the game a lot harder for me at least, and I never got very far into it. I do love various strategy RPGs, though, and with all the latest quality of life features added to Tactics Ogre, I decided it was worth trying out. I’m really glad I picked it up. The story and battle flow balance is a lot better than in Triangle Strategy, my first 2022 SRPG. Although, because of this, I wouldn’t say I’ve been quite as absorbed into the story. It’s still a decent story, I just don’t think it really pulls me in to the extent of other RPGs. Currently I’m in the final chapter, which I’ve read is supposedly the longest one with a lot to do. I’m looking forward to continuing the adventure later this year.

Atelier

I’m gonna cheat a little here and make Atelier its own category. I enjoyed a lot of Atelier in 2022. At the end of 2021 I had just completed Atelier Sophie, having received the whole Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack in a Koei Tecmo giveaway. Thus, at the end of that year, beginning of 2022, I got into Atelier Firis. Firis I didn’t play as carefree and blind as I did Sophie, the time limit entries in the series always stress me out a bit. I still enjoyed a good bit of the game, though, and I’m really glad I finished it, because Atelier Lydie and Suelle so far is another really fun, more carefree title, much like Sophie. I believe I’m no more than halfway through Lydie and Suelle at the moment, I might not even be halfway yet, I’m not sure. What I love about Lydie and Suelle in particular, are the battles. The battle UI in Atelier L and S is fantastic. Even though I haven’t finished Lydie and Suelle yet, after how much I loved Sophie, I was dying to get my hands on Atelier Sophie 2. In late September I started my Sophie 2 adventure. In Atelier Sophie 2, I’ve gotten a kick out of putting Sophie in Ryza’s original outfit. Sophie is cute as hell in the outfit and I much prefer it to her usual, oversized dress coat thing she normally has going on; though I do kinda miss the little whale necklace she usually wears. I spent a good number of hours on the Atelier franchise in 2022, and that’s why it’s made this list. It’s typically a wonderful and relaxing time well spent.

Stardew Valley

Fourth, I’d like to discuss Stardew Valley. This is one of my additions to the list that isn’t something I was playing for the first time. Regardless, it’s another charming and fun game, and I love periodically going back to it. I actually got myself a digital Switch copy in the summer of 2021. I hadn’t played on PS4 since before all the larger update stuff finally came out on consoles, and I thought playing on my Switch with an 8BitDo controller would be a great time. Turns out I was right. I returned to my main/original Switch path and made a lot of progress. I started a new beach farm which is going to be my very first Joja path and I even did a bit of multiplayer farming. Sadly, my 8BitDo’s battery decided to kick the bucket recently, at only two and a half years old. Fortunately, however, I’ve just received a new 8BitDo controller as a late Christmas gift, so I’ll eventually be going back to enjoy more Stardew Valley and get to continue playing it how I intended to.

Mahjong Soul

The fifth game I most enjoyed in 2022, is another older title I’ve played before, Mahjong Soul. Mahjong Soul is a mobile game where you play Riichi Mahjong in various ranked rooms with a bunch of other real people around the world. In my opinion, it’s the best way to play Riichi Mahjong. I love having a character who voices the things I call: Pon, Riichi, Tsumo, etc. And being able to get different tablecloths and tile backs and whatnot is pretty nice. I don’t have much of the cosmetic extras unlocked myself since I don’t spend money on mobile games, but I did unlock my very first non starter character in 2022. Overall, I’ve been having a blast slowly ranking up in Mahjong Soul and becoming more knowledgeable about the game of Riichi Mahjong in general. Feel free to check out my clip from Christmas Eve on Twitter of my latest Yakuman win, just pay no attention to the sound going out of sync, Twitter tends to do that nowadays.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Okay I know I said this list wasn’t in any particular order, but this last entry is by far the best thing I played all of 2022. If you want to read a more in depth review of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, you can find the review I wrote over here. Like I said in my review, it wasn’t what I expected. I expected a somewhat grander game considering it’s the latest Xenoblade title. It simply didn’t feel complete in the end. And with how they advertised it as the conclusion to the arc, which they started in the first title, I expected more. Still, with how simply burnt out and not in the mood for so many things I’ve been since 2021 and after all the games I didn’t finish last year, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was the breath of fresh air I needed. It might not have been what I expected and wanted in the latest Xenoblade, but I had loads of fun playing it anyways and it’s one game I had no problem finishing. Monolith Soft never fails to give us a good time that’s worth every minute played and every penny spent.

Well that’s it, that’s my 2022 in Review. These are the games I most enjoyed and spent the most time on last year. I hope maybe in 2023 I can possibly return to, and actually finish, some of the games I started this decade that I’ve left unfinished. We’ll see how things go though. I also hope to have many more fun new experiences. Right now I’m anticipating Harvestella which I wasn’t able to get at launch and is scheduled to arrive on the 20th, I adored the demo. I also look forward to playing at least a little bit of Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden which as far as I know, I will be buying for the fifth and fourth time. I’ve been sitting on some cash waiting for the chance to buy them again. What about all of you reading this? What games are you hoping to enjoy in 2023?

The post 2022 in Review: Jenae’s Favorite Games appeared first on oprainfall.

GOTY (GAME OF THE YEAR)

Previous Winners
2012: Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
2013: Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)
2014: Super Smash Bros. (Wii U)
2015: Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)
2016: Hyperdimension Neptunia V-II (Multi)
2017: Persona 5 (PS4)
2018: Valkyria Chronicles 4 (Multi)
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Switch)

It’s finally time to crown the oprainfall Awards 2021 Game of the Year! We narrowed the field down to three finalists who won in the previous categories we’ve posted throughout the week. Now its time to show off the best of the best!

Shin Megami Tensei V

Best Console Exclusive, Best Atmosphere

NA Release Date: November 12, 2021
Platform(s): Switch
Review

Everyone here was very excited when Shin Megami Tensei V finally launched this year. This was one of the few times we were all in agreement that this title had met our expectations. Its amazing gameplay, music, and atmosphere make it a must-have title on the Switch. We don’t know how long we will have to wait for another mainline entry in this franchise, but it will likely be worth it.

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

 Best Story

NA Release Date: Dec 3, 2021
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Review

Final Fantasy XIV fans eagerly awaited the release of the game’s latest expansion, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, just a little while back. They were blown away by its emotional story, so much so that it won our award for Best Story this year. There were also a slew of features including: Sage and Reaper jobs, male Viera, new cities, new dungeons, and much more. There really is no wonder why this is the one of the biggest MMOs on the planet, and it just keeps growing.

Bravely Default II

Best RPG

NA Release Date: February 26th, 2021
Platform(s): Switch, PC
Review

Bravely Default II is a return to form for this fantastic franchise. It improved the Brave and Default combat system we all know and love, and had a fantastic cast of characters. REVO stepped in for some of the battle music this time around, and did an amazing job as always. Throw in a great story, and there is no wonder why Bravely Default II not only won our award for Best RPG of 2021, but is a great contender for Game of the Year.

And the winner is…

Shin Megami Tensei V!

There is always something great about when a new mainline Shin Megami Tensei title releases. I guess it’s because we don’t get these very often, so we appreciate them more when they finally arrive, but it’s not just that. Atlus always delivers an amazing experience with each of these titles, and Shin Megami Tensei V is no exception. This is a stellar experience any franchise fan, or RPG fan in general, should seek out and play as soon as possible. It is also our pick for 2021 Game of the Year!

That’s it for this year’s oprainfall awards, but there is plenty of good gaming to look forward to this year. Be sure to check here for the latest coverage on all your favorite niche titles and visual novels!

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BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE

Previous Winners:
2018: God of War
2019: Devil May Cry 5

There’s never really too much of a drought of games of this category, which for all of us is a good thing since we get more to choose from. In our last awards, a certain stylish demon killing series got our pick. This year we definitely got some good choices between following a private detective, the hunting of Others, and the return of a well known bounty hunter.

Metroid Dread

NA Release Date: October 8th, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Review

It’s been a bit since we’ve last seen Samus. While Metroid Prime 4 has been anticipated for a while, Metroid Dread is quite far from being a disappointment. A sequel set after Metroid Fusion, Dread is also a side-scroller like many of its predecessors. Some new additions have been added, such as a new type of formidable enemy which tries to hunt you down. That being said, it is a classic style Metroid game, and that’s never a bad thing.

Lost Judgment

NA Release Date: September 21st, 2021
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Review

A spin-off from the Yakuza series, Lost Judgment also is quite an impressive game. Building off the strengths of the previous game, it makes some improvements such as in its combat system along with some new gameplay additions. The story, side quests/activities, and lively locations make it an adventure that won’t be easy to forget.

Scarlet Nexus

NA Release Date: June 25th, 2021
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Impressions

Scarlet Nexus offers quite a stylish looking action-RPG. With two different characters to choose from, it branches off with different characters who will assist you later on. In addition to fighting creatures called The Others with melee weapons, you also have access to psychokinesis to bring another element to the combat. Battling creatures in a visually appealing adventure like this is not a bad choice.

This Year’s Winner is…

Metroid Dread!

This year we’re going with Metroid Dread for our winner. After a few rough games before it, the series came back to its roots more with Metroid: Samus Returns, and Dread follows it and doesn’t disappoint. Being one of the biggest game series in this genre, it’s not much of a surprise to see another classic styled adventure as Samus being quite the contender. Some new changes into gameplay come into account with the E.M.M.I. enemies filling in the role of a predator, similar to what happened in Metroid Fusion. While a new addition to the Prime series has eagerly been awaited for, you cannot go wrong with a new side-scrolling adventure with one of our favorite bounty hunters.

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