Kirstin Swalley


130 games reviewed
81.8 average score
80 median score
82.3% of games recommended
Are you Kirstin Swalley? If so, email [email protected] to claim this critic page.

While every other Ace Attorney title released to modern systems before this did see a good number of improvements, Investigations by far surpasses them and even gives fans a welcome inclusion as well.

Read full review

Jun 13, 2024

With the original Monster Hunter Stories title, Capcom created an entirely new style of gameplay in a familiar world that fans could come to grow and love. It was an attempt at something they weren't sure would take off, but ultimately paid off in creating a beloved spin-off franchise. It's not just lovely to see this first title now available for new and old players alike to re-experience, but it goes back to the series' humble beginning before it blasted off and expanded more than people could have expected. This series is one of Capcom's greatest and we're thrilled to see it now made available for brand new audiences to experience on modern systems. It's well worth picking up for fans of the sequel or those who haven't checked it out yet. Players don't need any familiarity with the core Monster Hunter franchise to enjoy this absolutely wonderful RPG adventure.

Read full review

Feb 23, 2024

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is what sheer simple fun Mario vs. Donkey Kong really is. It's so simple in concept, but never really gets old or tiresome as they keep building up new ideas along the way. It's hard not to keep obsessively going to see what challenge is coming next. There might be moments where it's easy to get stumped, but it's easily fixed simply by looking around and re-examining the options to come to the proper solution. If there's anything that's a downside about the title, it's that we only wish there was even more to play. Hopefully this entry puts it back on the map for Nintendo and they consider expanding upon it even more in the future, as it's a delight and well worth picking up for all those who love charming, puzzling adventures that won't overwork the mind too much.

Read full review

Jan 22, 2024

While to many the Apollo Justice Trilogy may not be as strong as the original three entries, we strongly believe they're just as good in a variety of ways and often lean better in some stories and writing. It has all the makings of what is so utterly fantastic about Ace Attorney from an outstanding memorable cast, iconic antagonists and charming soundtrack combined with engaging puzzle gameplay to test memory and attention. It's easy to highly recommend this outstanding Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy to fans new and returning alike, and we can't wait to see what comes next from the ever-beloved Ace Attorney franchise.

Read full review

4 / 5.0 - Fashion Dreamer
Nov 6, 2023

Fashion Dreamer is not necessarily a title that someone is going to sit down and play for hours on end, but it's impressive how addictive the simple gameplay loop quickly becomes.

Read full review

Oct 23, 2023

It's no exaggeration to say that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is one of the greatest Mario titles to come out in the last fifteen years, likely since New Super Mario Bros. DS itself. The only real complaint to be had is that we wish there were even more beautiful and fantastic levels to play after the ones that are there have all been beaten. What Nintendo has crafted here is a title with over 38 years of love for their most-iconic platforming series. It's been a long time since we've had a Mario platformer so reminiscent of the much older titles, but also so full of the magic that modern inclusions can bring to the table. This is not a title that any Mario or platforming fan should be missing out on as Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a must-have for fans of the genre and anyone looking for one of the most utterly charming adventures in franchise history.

Read full review

Sep 5, 2023

While it may not have all the whistles and bells of Rune Factory 4 or 5, this delightful remaster of 3 is a welcome addition to the continued trend of bringing back older enjoyable titles for more to get their hands on.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0 - Pikmin 4
Jul 25, 2023

It's easy to say without hesitation that Pikmin 4 is the strongest the series has ever been.

Read full review

Jul 18, 2023

In truth the hardest thing about LISA is talking about it because it's just one of those titles that's really better experienced.

Read full review

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE feels a bit like another entry into the Danganronpa series simply without the school approach, leaving it feeling like it's not really standing on its own two legs.

Read full review

May 27, 2023

There's no hesitation in saying that Fuga: Melodies of Steel has some of the best tactical turn-based combat ever created.

Read full review

It's easy to say without hesitation that Tears of the Kingdom is better than Breath of the Wild. It improves and adds to what was already a great title.

Read full review

May 8, 2023

Super Dungeon Maker is an wonderful but flawed creation experience so far.

Read full review

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a wonderful remaster with a good amount of love put into it.

Read full review

Feb 15, 2023

Tales of Symphonia is still one of the biggest highlights in the series with a fantastic assortment of characters, some simple but enjoyable combat and great story to keep players invested throughout.

Read full review

Jan 23, 2023

As far as the two mainline Fire Emblem titles go on Switch, Engage knocks it out of the park when it comes to general flow of gameplay and combat itself.

Read full review

Nov 23, 2022

While Pokémon Scarlet and Violet may not be a perfect experience, it's still an absolute delight in almost every way.

Read full review

3 / 5.0 - RWBY: Arrowfell
Nov 14, 2022

RWBY: Arrowfell is not a title we would necessarily call wholly bad, but it feels lacking especially when considering that the teams behind it have such a great track record for platformers and fighting titles.

Read full review

While some elements such as the lack of a romantic goal may be a turn off for some players, Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom is an absolute charmer much like the first title.

Read full review

Oct 26, 2022

Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is a pleasant surprise that was extremely unexpected.

Read full review