Fairy Tail

Hopefully, you've seen the TV show -- otherwise, you'll likely feel as though you've been thrown straight into the deep end. Fairy Tail introduces more than two dozen characters in the first half-hour, and buries players waist-deep in preexisting franchise lore by making allusions to previous events and complex character histories. Players can access key story details in the game's handy encyclopedia and character guide, but that's asking a lot from anyone jumping in fresh without having watched the show. That said, if you can get past this hurdle, you'll be in for a treat. From its beautiful anime aesthetic, which basically makes you feel like you're playing a TV cartoon, to its sophisticated yet accessible character growth and combat systems (which borrow liberally from some of the very best Japanese role-playing games around, including the Persona, Fire Emblem, and Bravely Default games), Fairy Tail is clearly a cut above most TV show spin-offs.

Much of the game has clearly been designed with user experience in mind. Players will never be at a loss for what to do next, since objectives are always clearly marked on the mini-map. Once you complete a task, you'll have the option of being immediately whisked to headquarters rather than needing to waste time hoofing it back or looking for a fast travel point. And loading screens last just a few seconds, so it almost never feels like you're being pulled out of the action. The end result is a rare kind of role-playing game in which progress feels constant, fast, and satisfying. Toss in simple instructions and the ability to bump difficulty down to avoid frustration, and you have a surprisingly accessible role-playing game experience that shouldn't turn off fans new to this notoriously imposing genre. If you count yourself a fan of Fairy Tail, you're unlikely to be disappointed with this interactive interpretation.