New Release Round-Up (June 13, 2024)

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 last two weeks. Please note we do not currently include Early Access releases where the game is still in development.

Though not included in this article, this week also includes the Steam release of the Kingdom Hearts series.

Backpack Hero

Roguelike Backpack Hero puts players in the role of an adventurer taking on dungeons and foes with only what they can fit in their backpack. Inventory management is crucial, with items potentially having different effects when placed into different areas in the backpack. Players can also upgrade their base town and rescue animals, unlocking new overworld content. Those looking to read more about the game can check out Ryan Costa’s review of its PC release.

Monster Hunter Stories

Turn-based Monster Hunter spin-off Monster Hunter Stories sees players controlling a Rider, someone who partners up with and raises monsters, and features a turn-based combat system with players able to ride on their monsters. The new release includes refined graphics, full English and Japanese voice acting, a new Museum mode, and title updates that were previously released only in Japan. Those looking to read more about Monster Hunter Stories can check out Pascal Tekaia’s review of its Nintendo 3DS release.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

A follow-up to Nintendo 3DS title Monster Hunter Stories, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a turn-based spin-off to the Monster Hunter series. The game puts players in the role of a young Monster Rider able to form bonds with monsters using a Kinship Stone. They encounter returning characters Lilia and Reverto, who are attempting to capture the player’s Razewing Ratha companion before it awakens a prophecised destructive power called the Wings of Ruin.

Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler II

Turn-based RPGs Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II both utilise Square Enix’s HD-2D graphics system and follow the intertwined stories of their eight protagonists, each with their own class, though feature independent characters, settings, and stories. Players select one of the protagonists to start their journey, eventually crossing paths with the other heroes and recruiting them to the party, after which they can play through the new recruits’ stories.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Turn-based RPG Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an enhanced re-release of 2021 Nintendo Switch title Shin Megami Tensei V. It features two scenarios that can be selected at the beginning of the game. The “Canon of Creation” is the full story of the original Shin Megami Tensei V, while the “Canon of Vengeance” is a new story created for this release. Both scenarios start with the same premise, however, the Canon of Vengeance’s plotline changes drastically during the second half of the game with a completely different outcome.

SunnySide

Farming sim SunnySide blends farming sim, social sim, combat, and exploration elements. Players start with a plot of land in an aging Japanese countryside town. They develop their homestead, utilising new technologies to help grow crops and care for livestock, while becoming involved in the community and developing relationships with others. A demo, which lets players play through the first ten in-game days, is currently available on Steam. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S releases are planned for release on August 16, 2024.

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