The Last Story (Nintendo Wii, 2012)

Directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, famed creator of the Final Fantasy franchise, The Last Story aims to combine the mood and character development of traditional Japanese RPGs with the more streamlined gameplay of the stealth, strategy, and shooting genres. Players join the sword-wielding mercenary Zael, the noble magician Calista, and a handful of companions as they help the humans of Lazulis Island battle the malevolent Gurak race. Skirmishes come in various forms, with Zael capable of performing stealth attacks or snapping to cover and firing crossbow projectiles.

Gamers can issue attack or heal commands to their companions, or use the "gathering" ability to attract all foes in the vicinity so they can be more easily dispatched, and all characters gain experience and level up as they battle. The Last Story includes an online multiplayer component, offering as many as six people the chance to team up and battle monsters and enemy bosses, as well as competitive modes in which gamers can fight each other in one-one one, deathmatch, or team deathmatch action.