Kirstin Swalley
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Hardcore Gamer Latest Reviews
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.
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.
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. The highlights end up being the investigation elements and many side quests which are the most somewhat original parts it could manage. The main story will keep players engaged, but it's a shame it's held back by outdated elements disguised as “humor” that only those stuck in an edgy school kid mindset could enjoy. It's easy to see how many will still be able to look past the flaws and enjoy the overall experience, but it's a shame they had to exist at all due to poor writing that feels as though it's from those who never consumed anything but their own creations. For those who have enjoyed Danganronpa this will likely be at least mostly enjoyable through and through, but it's a shame Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE couldn't find a good footing to stand up and feel like a truly original title.
There's no hesitation in saying that Fuga: Melodies of Steel has some of the best tactical turn-based combat ever created. Both the first and second titles create a stream of combat based on skill and strategy that keeps the player from feeling both weak or overpowered at any time. Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 manages to feel much the same while adding new abilities and changes that help combat and challenge flow without any problem. It's perfectly balanced throughout the entire journey and simply requires a lot of dedication to move forward through each fight no matter the outcome. While there are multiple endings that depend on various decisions made throughout the story, there are also helpful options for those who might not get what's considered the best one the first time around, and new game plus for those who want to challenge themselves to unlock every little last nugget of information that can be uncovered. Fuga is short enough that it feels easy to replay at any time, but long enough to keep thoroughly invested throughout. We cannot recommend Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 enough to those who played the first title and hope those who haven't consider giving...
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. It's not a perfect experience through and through, but it lends to the creative side of the franchise with some of the best puzzle-solving in any adventure title to date. While it would still be nice to see a return to form of the shorter and more linearly-focused Zelda titles, it's hard to deny the lasting impact that Tears of the Kingdom will have for many more years to come. It's hard not to smile when trying wacky and crazy new things, and seeing Link blow up when he investigates a new object that turns out to be a bomb. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a love letter to Breath of the Wild in the best kind of way and is well deserving of anyone's adventuring spirit.
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. It feels somehow fresh despite being so familiar and while it might have been nice to upgrade the combat a bit more, it's hard to complain about when it still feels so tight. The biggest downside is just that the story is lacking any sort of compelling draw. Fortunately for those who just want a light story focused on friendship and defeating the big bad at the end of the day, Fire Emblem Engage has that to offer in full. It's a charming adventure that doesn't overstay its welcome or drag the gameplay down with too much fluff in between fights and allows players who just want to get through everything quickly the opportunity while having a small handful of side activities that let those who want to take it slower the chance to take a breather between encounters. Fire Emblem Engage feels like one of the tightest experiences in the franchise since Awakening and is well worth giving a try for those looking for something with a perfect clash...
Titles like The DioField Chronicle usually falter based on whether or not they have good stories, but it's quite the opposite in this case. The boring story is disappointing, but the combat is so enjoyable it's easy to forget about. Each map feels creative and diverse so there's not too much repeat. It's truly a shame the story couldn't power through to ultimately make an impact, but there's hope here for some other title to use a similar combat style with a better focus on understanding a more engaging story. The DioField Chronicle will not be for everyone, but those who see the combat and think it looks engaging may want to give it a try.
With the inclusion of Sunbreak, Monster Hunter Rise is finally a complete package and it does not disappoint. It's the most fun and varied a Monster Hunter title has been since 4 Ultimate on the 3DS, taking some of the best elements from that title along with Generations Ultimate and the quality-of-life improvements found in Iceborne. The best part is with so much to do it's shocking to realize that even more will come through free updates and it will be exciting to see just what other monsters decide to make a crash landing in Sunbreak throughout the year and into next. Anyone looking for a fantastic Monster Hunter package who hasn't already picked it up needs to dive into Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak and begin one of the best hunts to date.
Rune Factory 5 feels exactly like what it set out to be: more Rune Factory for fans to enjoy. It doesn't add a slew of new things from a mechanical perspective, but it offers a brand new world to explore with more characters to enjoy along the way which is not too different from exactly how new Story of Seasons titles handle things. The biggest thing holding it back is the framerate, which is especially disappointing given the title has been out in Japan for nearly a year and seemingly hasn't been fixed. There's a dynamic resolution option which can be turned off for slightly improved framerate, but nothing shockingly better. There's a lot to love in the gameplay loop, characters and endearing story, and that's what ties it together for anyone who can sit through the choppy framerate. For those who have been waiting for another entry in the series, Rune Factory 5 delivers more of what fans love in the brand new fantastic world of farming, taming and romance.
Monster Hunter Stories was one of the most brilliant spin-off decisions in the series and this sequel does its best to improve upon what the original started and does it well. The story is wonderfully charming and manages to have tons of surprises to keep players invested in learning more as they adventure through. The characters are all wonderfully voice acted and enjoyable, save for one with the mistake of a surfer dude-bro accent, and they all feel as though they leave a genuine impact throughout the story. The gameplay improvements can not be understated and make for a much more balanced and strategic experience instead of the first title which often felt random at times. It is, as Navirou would say, Pawsitively Clawdacious in every way. For fans of the first title this one is a must-have to dive into so much more, while those interested for the very first time need not worry as nothing will be missed by picking up this sequel as the first entry. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an absolute joy with near endless amounts of fun to sink many hours into.