The Shin Megami Tensei brand has spread over a great number of platforms, and two recent entries on the 3DS are the subject this time. One finds the series counting to four, and the other brings a title originally on the Saturn out in English at last, showing that newer isn’t always better. (Shin Megami Tensei IV, Soul Hackers)

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Back in the day, first person shooters didn’t come with RPG elements very often. System Shock and its sequel bucked the trend of 90s FPS titles by having some, and now they can both be played without resorting to shadowy tricks.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 152: “Shock to the System” appeared first on RPGamer.

In the shift from Demon’s to Dark Souls, many subtle things changed. The location, mechanics, platform, and feel all experienced some alteration, but the fundamental essence of moving through a cruel world eager to kill the foolhardy trekking through it remained intact.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 151: “Darkness in the Soul” appeared first on RPGamer.

The Wanzer is a human-piloted mech with enormous versatility. People piloting these devices are central to a series that spans many years and console generations, with an unfortunately high number that never crossed the Pacific, but something linking almost all the Front Mission games is that they provide a good dose of tactical action.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 150: “Say Hello to My Little Wanzer” appeared first on RPGamer.

Once upon a time, the idea of melding RPG mechanics with objects dropping out of the sky in matchable shapes and colors would have seemed absurd. After multiple Puzzle Quests, the idea can still seem absurd, but that’s no longer the automatic reaction.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 149: “It’s A Puzzle” appeared first on RPGamer.

Among the annals of NES action RPGs, Crystalis stands tall. It may not be the best game in the system’s library, but it deserves some attention, and finally gets some on this episode.

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Following up Deus Ex has proved a difficult task, but developers went ahead anyway. The results have been greatly varied, and we tackle all the ones currently extant.

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The PlayStation 3 hosted a short-lived series that does not feature Level 5 firing on all cylinders. Talking about this interesting experiment nevertheless makes for an entertaining episode.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 146: “The White Knight on His Chronicles” appeared first on RPGamer.

It’s time to talk about a Final Fantasy. Which one? Well, it’s got improbable returns from death, monsters on the moon, a spoony bard, a jumping Dragoon, and too many versions to count using the fingers of just one hand. Those things should narrow it down.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 145: “A Whale in Space” appeared first on RPGamer.

In the future envisioned by Deus Ex, law enforcement is encroaching on the freedom of citizens around the world and corporations are pursuing a complementary agenda in the name of making sure the right people stay on top. Any similarity to modern day headlines is coincidental – probably.

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