Image

About Kirk Hiner

Raised on Intellivision and Star Frontiers, I've been a gamer since I was old enough to say, "There's nothing on TV." There's still nothing on TV so I'm still playing games, and I likely will be until I'm able to retire to Wuhu Island.
Latest Posts | By Kirk Hiner
Review: Astlibra Revision (Nintendo Switch)
8
2 years ago

Review: Astlibra Revision (Nintendo Switch)

Astlibra Revision is not just another Metroidvania or side-scrolling hack-and-slash, it’s a surprisingly deep action game that will challenge even veteran players from the onset…depending upon your choice of difficulty, anyway.
Read More

Review: 9 Years of Shadows (Nintendo Switch)
7.5
2 years ago

Review: 9 Years of Shadows (Nintendo Switch)

Living in a world that’s cursed to be colorless, our heroine ventures into the Castlevania-like depths of Talos to root out the source of its corruption. But she’s not alone; she has a surprisingly handy magical teddy bear.
Read More

Hammerwatch II physical and digital editions now available
2 years ago

Hammerwatch II physical and digital editions now available

Modus Games and Crackshell announced yesterday that the co-op RPG Hammerwatch II is now available for Nintendo Switch. The game is on sale digitally for $21.24 through December 19th, and is also available physically for $39.99.
Read More

Review: Grace of Letoile (Nintendo Switch)
7
2 years ago

Review: Grace of Letoile (Nintendo Switch)

You know the look, and you’ll recognize the various story tropes, but the combat mechanic in Grace of Letoile does enough to push the game toward the top of KEMCO’s catalog…provided you’re fine with random encounters.
Read More

Review: Howl (Nintendo Switch)
7
2 years ago

Review: Howl (Nintendo Switch)

I’m a sucker for turn-based gameplay and folklore storytelling…especially if the story is a bit dark. On those fronts, Howl did not disappoint. But one peculiar gameplay choice prevented it from becoming as engaging as I’d hoped.
Read More

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration to get 12 new games
2 years ago

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration to get 12 new games

Just over a year after the release of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, Atari has announced an update that will bring 12 new games to the collection, with more to come. The first wave of free DLC will arrive December 5th.
Read More

Review: Super Crazy Rhythm Castle (Nintendo Switch)
7
2 years ago

Review: Super Crazy Rhythm Castle (Nintendo Switch)

As far as rhythm games go, Super Crazy Rhythm Castle is, indeed, one of the craziest. But is it super? That depends upon how you’re playing it.
Read More

Review: Terra Alia: The Language Discovery RPG (Nintendo Switch)
6.5
2 years ago

Review: Terra Alia: The Language Discovery RPG (Nintendo Switch)

You’re used to this, right? Something’s amiss in Terra Alia. A mischievous force is at work. Your mentor is missing (or dead). Nothing that can’t be solved by turn-based battles and…an improved foreign language vocabulary? Permettez-moi de vous expliquer.
Read More

Review: Long Gone Days (Nintendo Switch)
8
2 years ago

Review: Long Gone Days (Nintendo Switch)

In Long Gone Days, we’re presented with a soldier who realizes that maybe he’s not on the side of the “good guys.” That maybe he shouldn’t blindly accept orders from his superiors. What an optimistic take on war. Let me explain.
Read More

Konami’s Christian Spears explains Super Crazy Rhythm Castle
2 years ago

Konami’s Christian Spears explains Super Crazy Rhythm Castle

By  •  Interviews

You may not know what to expect from this rhythm/puzzle/party/action game from Konami, and that’s totally understandable. Thankfully, I was able to sit with Konami brand manager, Christian Spears, and he was kind enough to answer some questions to help us sort it all out.
Read More

Review: Easy Japanesey (Nintendo Switch)
4
2 years ago

Review: Easy Japanesey (Nintendo Switch)

Easy Japanesy is a Japanese alphabet and vocabulary game from Thalamus Digital. It’s billed in the e-shop as a “fun and family-friendly educational word game,” but I would argue it’s actually none of those things.
Read More

Review: Ebenezer and the Invisible World (Nintendo Switch)
5.5
2 years ago

Review: Ebenezer and the Invisible World (Nintendo Switch)

If you’ve played any Metroidvania before this, you know what to expect. That’s not to say Ebenezer and the Invisible World isn’t an entertaining game at parts, but the most unique thing about it is its premise and art direction.
Read More

Review: Fate/Samurai Remnant (Nintendo Switch)
8
2 years ago

Review: Fate/Samurai Remnant (Nintendo Switch)

Fate/Samurai Remnant shares some of the same mechanics as Omega Force’s other Musou games, but it differs in ways that may make it an attractive option for those put off by the typical “1 against 1,000” gameplay.
Read More

Review: Hello Kitty and Friends Happiness Parade (Nintendo Switch)
6
2 years ago

Review: Hello Kitty and Friends Happiness Parade (Nintendo Switch)

Hello Kitty and Friends Happiness Parade is an upbeat, breezy, and bouncy rhythm game that’s enjoyable enough to spend some time with. Provided you have nothing against Hello Kitty. Or parades. Or happiness.
Read More

Review: World of Horror (Nintendo Switch)
7
2 years ago

Review: World of Horror (Nintendo Switch)

I enjoy when video games don’t behave the way you expect. It doesn’t happen often in this algorithm-driven world of entertainment, and that’s why it’s refreshing to occasionally play a unique game like World of Horror.
Read More

Review: Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless (Nintendo Switch)
8.5
2 years ago

Review: Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless (Nintendo Switch)

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless will overwhelm new players at the start. But once you get over the hump (perhaps with the help of an online guide), it’ll likely become one of the most unique and inviting SRPGs you’ve played in quite some time.
Read More

Hello Kitty and Friends Happiness Parade now on Switch
2 years ago

Hello Kitty and Friends Happiness Parade now on Switch

Hello Kitty and Friends Happiness Parade takes viewers on a rhythm-based adventure involving the titular Sanrio gal and 10 of her iconic buddies like Kerokerokeroppi, Badtz-Maru, and Pompompurin.
Read More

Pure Nintendo’s favorite Nintendo Switch horror games of 2023
2 years ago

Pure Nintendo’s favorite Nintendo Switch horror games of 2023

Now that we’re into the spookiest time of the year, we thought we’d feed this fervor for fear with a roundup of the best horror games we’ve reviewed in 2023. Whether you prefer to be creeped out or completely terrified, there’s something for everyone.
Read More

Top