Sting is known for unusual and unorthodox RPGs. Dokapon Kingdom (PS2, Wii, DS), Knights in the Nightmare (DS, PSP), Yggdra Union (GBA, PSP), Riviera: The Promised Land (GBA, PSP) and Baroque (Sega Saturn, PS1, PS2, Wii) are among them. Hexyz Force is a deviation, as it’s a return to traditional Japanese RPG hallmarks and gameplay mechanics. It’s most unusual aspect is it’s dual storylines, where players can experience two separate stories which intertwine to illuminate the whole truth…

When you think niche title, Knights in the Nightmare is the kind of game that comes to mind. There hasn’t been a game like it on the DS, or any other video game platform. In fact, it couldn’t work on any platform other than the DS. The required touch screen controls and somewhat complicated actions of the game could only be accomplished on the DS. This is a game that requires full attention, a DS with an immaculate touchscreen and the patience to navigate multiple tutorials.

Knights in the Nightmare is also a title that should look familiar to those who played Atlus’ Game Boy Advance and PSP games Riviera: The Promised Land and Yggdra Union. All three games are part of Sting’s Dept. Heaven series. While Knights in the Nightmare is the third game released, it is technically fourth in the series. Keep your eyes open for references to the earlier games…