Ember Vanguard

Ember Vanguard drops you into a fractured kingdom with a ragtag party and a slow-burning revenge plot. Combat is turn-based, built around timing your special moves and reading enemy patterns rather than just mashing attack. It clicks after the first couple of hours.

The writing is the real draw. Side characters get actual arcs, choices nudge dialogue in small but noticeable ways, and the localisation reads like someone cared. Progression is generous without being brainless — you can respec cheaply if a build isn't working.

It leans a bit long on tutorials early, and the world map could be clearer. But once you're free to roam, it's one of the more satisfying pocket RPGs we've played this year.

What we liked

• Tactical turn-based battles that reward planning
• Characters worth caring about
• Flexible builds and cheap respecs