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.