Kirk Hiner


322 games reviewed
72.0 average score
70 median score
68.6% of games recommended
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Dec 26, 2020

Space Invaders Forever is a solid but overpriced collection that presents three unique spins on the classic Space Invaders formula. It's by no means complete, but whether you're looking for a quick party game or some solitary nostalgia, there's a variation or two here for you.

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7 / 10.0 - BIT.TRIP CORE
Dec 21, 2020

BIT.TRIP CORE is not for the easily frustrated. It's difficult, and the repetitive gameplay does not reward those who aren't immediately interested. That said, fans of challenging rhythm games may find themselves put into an early '80s-style arcade trance from which they won't want to escape.

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8 / 10.0 - BIT.TRIP FLUX
Dec 21, 2020

BIT.TRIP FLUX is the game Pong would have become if better parents had raised it. This challenging arcade action rhythm game should be one of the first you get in the BIT.TRIP series, although there's no real point in going back to BEAT if you do.

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Dec 17, 2020

Bus Driver Simulator deserves some appreciation for its attention to detail, but the details are pretty boring in this case. It doesn't help that the gameplay is cumbersome and glitchy, and the visuals are dated and drab. Unless you're really into slow drives through PS2-era depictions of European cities, take the Desert Bus instead. At least then it's for charity.

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Dec 10, 2020

Commandos 2 – HD Remaster takes a fun but difficult real-time tactics PC game and makes it less fun but more difficult on the Nintendo Switch. The celebrated core gameplay remains, but clunky controls and some annoying bugs will make you wish you'd gone with the computer version.

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If you've never played Sam & Max Save the World, this remaster is certainly worth investigating. It's kind of clever, kind of funny, and appropriately priced. It doesn't warrant a second playthrough, but few adventure games ever do.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Touhou Spell Bubble
Dec 2, 2020

Touhou Spell Bubble is a clever and challenging game that combines bubble popping mechanics with rhythm elements and surprisingly intricate strategies. The price may be high, but it'll pay off if you're able to stick with it-especially if you can squeeze extra life out of local multiplayer instead of having to rely on the DLC purchases.

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6 / 10.0 - Galacide
Nov 27, 2020

Either a shoot 'em up with bubble popper elements or a match-four game with shmup tendences, Galacide is an interesting, visually appealing mash-up. It's something you're likely not used to seeing, but whether you find it successful will depend mostly upon what you like and dislike about each genre.

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7 / 10.0 - Chicken Police
Nov 20, 2020

Chicken Police – Paint it RED! combines the storytelling of a visual novel with the puzzle-solving of a point-and-click adventure to create a decidedly different gaming experience. The slick, cinema noir style and distinctive anthropomorphic presentation do enough to cover up any shortcomings that would otherwise dissuade you from seeing this case through to its exciting end.

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Nov 12, 2020

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a combination 2D side-scrolling combat game and 3D farming sim, and both elements are strong enough to stand on their own. You'll need to master each to be successful, and you'll have a fun time on both sides once you figure them out.

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Nov 10, 2020

Re:Turn – One Way Trip isn't a terribly long or frightening excursion, but those seeking a good puzzle adventure with an emotionally-rich story and a take-charge female protagonist will be happy they bought the ticket.

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9 / 10.0 - Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Nov 4, 2020

Talk of double-dipping aside, Pikmin 3: Deluxe is one of the best games available for the Nintendo Switch. Local co-op play in story mode, however, is the only addition that helps it stand out from the original Wii U version. If you're not playing with a partner, view this only as an expensive stopgap as we await the ever-elusive Pikmin 4.

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9.5 / 10.0 - Horace
Oct 31, 2020

Horace is a pitch-perfect puzzle platformer that expertly balances addictive gameplay with its moving tale of a robot trying to discover himself in a world that makes no sense. It knows why we love video games, and it confirms we're right to do so.

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7 / 10.0 - Kirby Fighters 2
Oct 26, 2020

Kirby Fighters 2 will certainly appeal to fans of the franchise, as will anyone who enjoys playing as the Kirby characters in Super Smash Bros. It's not a game to which you'll likely return, however, once the initial charm wears off.

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8 / 10.0 - Alwa's Legacy
Oct 16, 2020

Whether or not you fancy yourself a platformer aficionado, Alwa's Legacy should be on your playlist. It combines retro graphics with modern precision to create a wonderfully engaging experience that strikes a fun balance between platforming and puzzle solving.

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7 / 10.0 - Ellipsis
Oct 9, 2020

With its minimalist presentation and gameplay variations, Ellipsis accurately captures the positives and negatives of classic arcade games. There's not enough here to warrant lengthy gameplay sessions, but it's fun in short bursts and looks great all the while.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Unrailed!
Oct 7, 2020

Unrailed! has the personality of games like Minecraft and Terraria, but it provides its own unique experience. Try out a quick gaming session with some friends, and you're likely to end up working on the railroad all the livelong day.

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Oct 5, 2020

WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a decent fighting game marred by multiple bad campaign and transactional decisions. Like the real WWE, it's best enjoyed when you focus on what's happening in the ring and ignore everything that surrounds it.

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7 / 10.0 - Paradise Killer
Sep 24, 2020

Paradise Killer offers more style than substance, but that's not necessarily a fault. It's a choice. The game's unique characters and story are open throughout gameplay and beyond completion, tasking you with solving a gory murder through low-pressure investigations and…well, hoping you were right.

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6 / 10.0 - We Are Doomed
Sep 18, 2020

Those seeking an instantly accessible arcade-action thrill are going to find it with We Are Doomed. Like many arcade games before it, however, that thrill does wear off quickly.

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