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don’t make any E.T. jokes about Elliot, no person goes to get it, simply keep it up and— Oh, hi there! Right here we’re with a brand new version of RPGs Coming This Week as a result of whereas we simply spent the final week reveling in roughly 100 new sport bulletins (an exaggeration, however it positive felt like loads!), it’s possible you’ll be eager to know what you possibly can play now. And by “now,” I imply “inside the subsequent 4 days.” We’ve a really thrilling new HD-2D title from Sq. Enix within the vein of some all-time nice motion/journey titles, maybe the primary point out of the R-Kind sequence on the pages of RPGFan, and a few notable DLC all taking place this week.
Fortunately, I had nice assist with this week’s column courtesy of Ben and Hilary, so that is all you get from me. Take it means, you two!
Intro by Mike Salbato
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales – June 18th (PS5, Swap 2, XBX, Home windows)
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is the following HD-2D title from Sq. Enix’s acclaimed Crew Asano (the artistic management group behind titles like Triangle Technique, Octopath Traveler, and Bravely Default). This time round, they’ve partnered with frequent collaborator Claytechworks (the studio that co-developed Bravely Default II and the superb LIVE A LIVE remake) to deliver RPG followers worldwide an motion RPG that melds the puzzle-solving of basic Zelda titles with the platforming and fast-paced fight of the Ys sequence, and slightly little bit of Mana sequence affect sprinkled on high for good measure. A recipe for achievement, if I’ve ever heard one, and our personal Scott Clay agreed when he had the prospect to preview the sport final month.
Sq. Enix is so assured on this title that they launched a meaty free demo on Steam, Swap 2, and PlayStation 5. Higher but, any progress made within the demo will carry over to the total launch! Each Zelda and Ys have principally deserted their basic, top-down, dungeon-and-puzzle-focused design in favor of larger-scale, extra expansive worlds. The Adventures of Elliot appears to scratch an identical itch to the classics whereas sustaining the excessive manufacturing worth and polish gamers anticipate from Sq. Enix titles, and that’s why it’s considered one of my most anticipated releases this 12 months.
by Ben Love
R-Kind Ways I • II Cosmos – June 18th (PS4, PS5, Swap, Swap 2, XBX, Home windows)
R-Kind Ways I • II Cosmos is a remake of each R-Kind Ways and R-Kind Ways II: Operation Bitter Chocolate, a pair of ways RPGs initially developed by Irem for the PSP. Though the R-Kind franchise is primarily identified for brutally troublesome horizontal shmups, these video games adapt the horizontal presentation, ships, and enemy sorts from the primary sequence of shooters to a tactical, turn-based technique framework.
Developer Granzella (made up of former Irem employees and led by Tsuyoshi Nagura, creator of the Catastrophe Report sequence) has spent the final decade reviving basic Irem properties for the fashionable period. Right here within the west, the primary R-Kind Ways got here out for the PSP, however the sequel by no means obtained an official Western launch till now (although there’s a fan translation accessible). Cosmos consists of not solely the total branching campaigns of each authentic titles, but additionally a wholly new set of missions set after the top of the second sport. I respect that Granzella noticed match to revisit these basic (however undoubtedly area of interest) technique video games, and that is positively the very best place to leap in for followers of the R-Kind franchise and newcomers alike.
by Ben Love
Additionally Coming This Week
Dave the Diver: Within the Jungle DLC – June seventeenth (PS4, PS5, Swap, Swap 2, XB1, XBX, Home windows, macOS)
I suppose one ecosystem the Blue Gap doesn’t actually emulate effectively is a freshwater lake, so when mysterious phenomena begin close to the jungle village of Utara, Dave and his crew are off to analyze. This newest DLC for Dave the Diver guarantees not solely this new ecosystem, however new missions, methods, and areas. The knowledge on the Steam web page additionally suggests it’s one other ~10 hours of content material, so this can be a hefty portion of recent adventures. We’re getting a full, multi-course meal right here! And should you’ve ever thought, “I ponder if Mintrocket would do one thing bizarre like movie a reside motion trailer with the assistance of indie movie manufacturing firm The Asylum (Sharknado, Meth Gator),” do we have now excellent news for you:
by Hilary Andreff
Observer: System Redux – June 18th (Swap 2)
Subsequent on this week’s menu are some goals, as a result of dream-eating neural detective Daniel Lazarski (portrayed by the late Rutger Hauer) is making an look when Observer: System Redux arrives on Nintendo’s newest platform. We reviewed the authentic model in 2017, so be at liberty to make use of that as a reference in deciding whether or not it’s worthwhile to seize this darkish cyberpunk thriller in 2026. Although understand that that is the up to date 2020 model, System Redux, which incorporates visible and system enhancements, in addition to some additional content material.
by Hilary Andreff
Till Then: Afterimages DLC – June seventeenth (Swap, PS5, XBX, Home windows, Linux)
We missed out on reviewing Till Then when it launched in 2024, however it appears like there’s alternative to dive on this week with the Afterimages DLC. This DLC entails two chapters—titled Homecoming and Sparks—with one for every major character. Sofia contends together with her homecoming, and Mark evaluates the spark of a brand new relationship alongside every thing he’s constructed. Whether or not you’re beginning with the bottom sport or getting a second course with the DLC, don’t wait to play this pleasant mixture of slice-of-life conditions, minigames, and thriller, all uniquely impressed by tradition and settings in The Philippines.
by Hilary Andreff
