Atlus

In my book, the only thing worse than a mediocre RPG is a mediocre RPG that could have been great. This game is the perfect example of solid ideas that should have come together in an above-average experience, but got tripped up on its own misguided intentions. In this case, I blame the tragedy on an irrational devotion to its "dramatic" elements and an insane desire to tell an uninspired, undercooked tale regardless of the impact on the game as a whole.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Suggestive Themes, Language, and Mild Fantasy Violence

Game Description: Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner is thrilling role-playing adventure. There was a time when mankind and monsters coexisted in peace -- until The Great Disaster. The monsters disappeared, leaving behind only jewels that radiated tremendous energy. This "jewel power" helped the survivors & allowed them to rebuild civilization. An elite class of warriors arose who could tap directly into the jewels to summon monsters and build their powers. These Jewel Summoners are the world's last, best hope for peace.

Game Description: Yggdra Union is a strategy/RPG card-based game which allows you to engage in fantasy styled tactical battles. Ruled by a royal family said to be descendants of the gods themselves, Fantasinia is a prosperous and peaceful land—until the peace is shattered by the invading forces of the Empire of Bronkia. Bronkia's Imperial Army cuts a bloody swath through the people of Fantasinia and the Royal Armies of King Ordeene. Amidst the chaos, a young woman escapes from the besieged capital of Partina—a woman with innocence in her face, and a sword in her hand. The girl's name is Princess Yggdra, the last surviving member of the royal family. Character design by manga artist Satoko Kiyuzuki and card design by Sunaho Tobe, character designer of Riviera: The Promised Land!

Yggdra Union from superb developer Sting could be described as the lovechild of the Saturn's seminal and the super-popular series, but to leave it at that would be doing both game and developers a disservice. Not only has Sting captured the essence of what makes those two games great, they've added their own unique spin to create something freshly original while being familiar enough for fans of the genre to jump right in.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Alcohol References, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, and Partial Nudity

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood, Sexual Themes, Violence

Although it clearly takes the series in several brand-new directions, there's no doubt that Devil Summoner is a worthy addition to the series and excellent in its own right.

Game Description: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner guides you through thrilling episodes of action and intrigue, as you learn the incredible secrets of the Soulless Army! Raidou Kuzunoha is a private detective in Japan's Taishou Period of the 1910s and 1920s, but he's much more than just a well-dressed crime scene investigator; he also has the power to capture and conjure demons to do his bidding. Take control of Raidou and his otherworldly companions, guide them all through!

According to ESRB, this game contains: Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language, Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes