The Persona series has been in the news a lot lately, but enthusiasm for the first entry seems relatively lacking. An analysis of both the original PlayStation and the PSP renditions seems warranted to determine why, and it can be found right here.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 106: “Ingmar Bergman’s Persona” appeared first on RPGamer.

Was it really necessary to extend the Shining series into the action RPG realm? Regardless of how little clamor there was for such a thing, Sega kept at it for years. Analyzing the mostly-misbegotten results is on our agenda this time. (Shining Wisdom, Shining Soul, Shining Tears, Shining Force Neo, Shining Force EXA, Shining Wind)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 105: “All That Glitters Is Not Shining” appeared first on RPGamer.

When it comes to licensed games, the X-Men have been stuck in some real stinkers over the years. A few broke the curse of adapting a famous Marvel property though, and the thrill of smashing the scenery with mutant powers is enough to make them worth investigating. (X-Men Legends)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 104: “I’m the Juggernaut, Bitch!” appeared first on RPGamer.

Konami and tactical RPGs may not go together much, but one series managed it for a little while. It’s bloody good fun to dissect in spurts, too. (Vandal Hearts)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 103: “Violent Vandalism” appeared first on RPGamer.

There once was a title on the PS1 that involved saving the world from nasty things lurking in the mist. Doing so was mostly accomplished through martial arts prowess, a mechanic that carried over to its sequel, and was then abandoned in the years afterward. (Legend of Legaia)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 102: “Leeartha… Leterra… Legaia!” appeared first on RPGamer.

Much was promised by Peter Molyneux when it came to a series that took huge quantities of money and time to create. His promises were definitely worth their weight in gold, as this discussion makes clear. (Fable)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 101: “Aesop’s Something or Other” appeared first on RPGamer.

When tactical RPGs were almost unheard of on consoles, the Sega Genesis saw a couple that attracted fans with fond memories many years later. Other Sega consoles saw the series too, including its finest hour, though not without unnecessary difficulties courtesy of the company’s localization choices. Celebrate Camelot’s premiere series with us on this very special episode! (Shining Force)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 100: “A Light to Brighten the Darkness” appeared first on RPGamer.

Word of mouth built about a tactical title Sega released, enough to justify two sequels so far. The company’s handling of the new franchise has spawned many strong feelings, and a lot of them come forth in this episode. (Valkyria Chronicles)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 99: “Flight of the Valkyria” appeared first on RPGamer.

Square could have let roll with sequels to a certain tremendously successful game promptly, but years passed before they came to fruition. The number of purchases the public made once more products became available demonstrates the financial wisdom of the move. (Final Fantasy VII Compendium)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 98: “Rolling a 7” appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega revived a venerable series with the Dreamcast, but was determined to promote multiplayer over the internet with this incarnation. From the era of dial-up to the present, it’s turned into one of the company’s biggest franchises. (Phantasy Star Online)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 97: “Another Day, Another Meseta” appeared first on RPGamer.