New Release Round-Up (December 9, 2021)

Welcome to RPGamer’s new release round-up. In this column we look to provide our readers with details on all of the RPGs released over the week. Please note we do not currently include Early Access releases where the game is still in development.

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is the fourth expansion for the MMORPG. It increases the level cap to 90 and takes players to multiple new locations including Old Sharlayan, Radz-at-Han, Labyrinthos, Thavnair, Garlemald, and Mare Lamentorum. It also adds two new playable Jobs: Sage and Reaper.

Legend of Mana Remastered

Legend of Mana Remastered is a remaster of the fourth game in the Mana series that was released for PlayStation in Japan in 1999 and in North America in 2000. The game sees players setting off into the world of Fa’Diel to find the Mana Tree, only to discover the world is empty. Players find special artifacts that can be placed down, adding new towns and dungeons, with the story changing based on player decisions. Those looking to read more about Legend of Mana Remastered can check out Luis Mauricio’s review of its PlayStation 4 release as well as RPGamer’s interview with Mana series producer Masaru Oyamada.

Loop Hero

Loop Hero is a retro-styled, card-based RPG where an evil lich has trapped the world in an endless loop. Players assemble a deck of cards and can place enemies, buildings, and terrain on the map to help keep the hero alive while also powering them up with smart placements. Those interested in learning more about the game can check out Zack Webster’s Deep Look of the PC version.

Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX

Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a bundle containing remastered versions of Monster Rancher and Monster Rancher 2. The games see players generating and training monsters for use in fighting tournaments against other monsters. The remastered versions of the games include new features such as additional save slots, Freeze slots, and Monster Hall of Fame slots. The monster-generating feature, where players used physical CDs to spawn different monsters, has also been reworked so that players can search a database to find CDs.

Rune Factory 4 Special

Rune Factory 4 Special is a remastered version of Nintendo 3DS title Rune Factory 4. The game is part of a spin-off series to the Bokujō Monogatari (aka Story of Seasons) farming sim series and focuses more on dungeon-crawling and defeating monsters over raising livestock. Improvements in Special include upgraded graphics, additional event scenes, and a new “Newlywed Mode”. The “Another Episode Pack” DLC will be available to download for free for the first four weeks following the launch. Those looking to read more about the game can check out Matt Masem’s review of the Nintendo Switch version.

Vaporum: Lockdown

Dungeon-crawling RPG Vaporum: Lockdown is a prequel to Vaporum and follows scientist Ellie Teller as the teleportation project she is working on in a hidden facility located in the middle of the ocean goes wrong. The game features grid-based movement with real-time combat, along with a stop-time mode where time only passes while players act. Those looking to read more about Vaporum: Lockdown can check out Gabriele Malacasa’s review of the PC version.

Wolfstride

Black-and-white mecha RPG Wolfstride tells the story of Dominique Shade, a former yakuza member who enters the Ultimate Mech Tournament taking place in Rain City. In battles, players will need to utilize movement points to outmaneuver opponents and action points to attack. Mechs can be upgraded, and battle scars will carry over from previous fights, but they can be fixed in the mech hangar. Those looking to read more about Wolfstride can check out Ryan Costa’s impression of the game from E3.

Wytchwood

Crafting adventure RPG Wytchwood is set in a gothic world of fables and fariytales. Players control a mysterious old witch, exploring the countryside to find ingredients with which they can create enchantments and cast judgment upon various characters and creatures.

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