Kirk Hiner


287 games reviewed
71.6 average score
70 median score
66.2% of games recommended
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7 / 10.0 - Clumsy Rush
Dec 23, 2019

Clumsy Rush is priced to do exactly what it's meant to do. Boot this game up when you've got friends and family over for the holidays, hand them a controller, and let the hilarity ensue. Everyone is going to want a turn, but don't be surprised when they willingly give up their turn after just a few minutes.

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6 / 10.0 - Breathing Fear
Dec 16, 2019

You're not going to get much replay value out of Breathing Fear, but that's expected at its asking price of $5.00. It's best enjoyed in one prolonged gaming session, so it's more effective as a slightly unsettling way to kill a couple hours on a road trip…hopefully to an abandoned house in the middle of the woods on a very dark night. Remember to pack your batteries and alcohol.

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6 / 10.0 - Bee Simulator
Dec 5, 2019

Bee Simulator's flying mechanics will frustrate younger gamers, and its grade-school level presentation will turn away adults. If you're able to find some happy ground between the two of them, however, it's a thoughtful, educational, and fun way to live out the life of a bee.

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Nov 27, 2019

The core arcade shoot-em-up action is what carries Battle Planet – Judgement Day through. It's a little too repetitive by design to push you straight through, but it's a fun, fairly priced diversion to boot up every now and again, especially with a buddy by your side.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Zumba: Burn it Up!
Nov 22, 2019

Those who are familiar with or already participate in Zumba classes are going to love the familiarity of Zumba: Burn it Up and the distraction-free access to the routines. Those who aren't, however, will have to get past an initial period of ineptitude while you figure out the moves. I'd personally rather do that at home than at an actual Zumba class, but with nothing here beyond the energetic exercises to keep you motivated, actual classes will serve you better if you're in it for the long haul.

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The mature content and somber approach of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition may put off some gamers, but it's a can't-miss game for those seeking an RPG with more bite and consequence (not to mention playable characters above the age of 15) than we normally get on Nintendo systems.

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Nov 18, 2019

If you really like the open-world, GTA-style games and haven't grown tired of really old graphics technology, there is some fun to be had with Shakedown: Hawaii. Otherwise, you might want to look for a more robust game to squeeze some more life out of you Nintendo 3DS.

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Nov 12, 2019

The RPG element has been overblown, but it provides just enough incentive for you to get up and move. More importantly, it's engaging enough to keep you on top of it well after you'd've lost interest in other exercise apps. The Ring-Con itself is a quality accessory that's easy to use, and the whole package provides mostly accurate readings and feedback.

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Nov 4, 2019

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince may be the best of the Trine series, and it certainly deserves your consideration. If it's been a while since you've played Trine 1 or 2, by all means, dig in. But if you're just now getting into the series via any of the multiple packages available, you may start to feel burnt out before finishing this particular chapter.

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If you haven't made room in your crowded wish list for DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age, do so now. You don't need to take my word that it's one of most enjoyable Switch releases of the year, you can hit up the eShop for the demo and let the game's first 10 hours speak for themselves.

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2 / 10.0 - Fatal Fracture
Oct 22, 2019

So, yeah. Fatal Fracture is a bad game. It functions, but it has no reason to be. The process of buying it is actually more engaging than the game itself, and I think I'll just close this review with that.

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7.5 / 10.0 - BurgerTime Party
Oct 11, 2019

If I could find a $7.99 port of the BurgerTime arcade game (or, preferably, its Intellivision counterpart), that would be enough. That doesn't exist, however, so thankfully BurgerTime Party adds enough new content to justify its $19.99 asking price. The core arcade gameplay is as fun as ever, and although not all of the additions are necessary (or wanted), Marvelous got enough right to make this an entertaining diversion whether you're playing with a group or on your own.

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Oct 8, 2019

The Alliance Alive is a slightly above-average game that's dwarfed by the myriad JRPGs already available for and coming to the Switch. It can serve as a decent filler between them, but there's nothing in this HD remaster to make it a better option than its original 3DS release. Save yourself some cash and go that route if you can…just be sure to rotate those save files.

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8.5 / 10.0 - The Tiny Bang Story
Oct 4, 2019

The Tiny Bang Story is a fun, gentle, whimsical title for anyone who enjoys a good puzzle or brain teaser. It's accessible to younger gamers without talking down to them, making it fun for adults, too. The game can be finished quicker than you may like, but it's priced accordingly and doesn't waste a single moment on anything other than the joy provided by its gameplay and presentation.

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Sep 29, 2019

Honestly, if it had been released as a handheld electronic game in 1982 my brothers and I would've been all over it. But it wasn't. It's 2019, and even for $1 on a dying gaming system I expected better results from my Space Intervention.

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Sep 20, 2019

Shmup fans are going to find a passable game in here. The unique visuals and ability to choose your missions do help to set Escape From the Universe apart from the competition. The gameplay, however, doesn't, and the general repetition and need to grind for credits make this a game that most will be fine to avoid.

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Sep 19, 2019

Puzzle Quest was a highly addictive, wonderfully designed game back when it was originally released for the Nintendo 3DS and PSP back in 2007, and it’s equally addictive in this updated and expanded release for the Nintendo Switch.

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6.5 / 10.0 - Vambrace: Cold Soul
Sep 12, 2019

I liked Vambrace: Cold Soul, but it's certainly not for everyone. It requires more patience than many gamers can afford, and that's even among those who are already into roguelikes. If you can settle into its groove, however (and won't lose it when you're sucker-punched right out of that groove), there's some good, challenging fun to be had here.

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Aug 29, 2019

However you decide to play Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise, do it. The game is clever, it's funny, it's well-designed, and it's involving. It's a great game to share with others, but it's fun to play on your own, too.

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3 / 10.0 - Squarcat
Aug 27, 2019

Listen; I know I shouldn't expect much when spending $0.99 on a 3DS game, but I at least expect a full product. Squarcat feels like a group assignment in Beginners Programming, and two of the team members decided they'd rather get drunk and make Tik Tok videos than help their classmates.

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