This is the first Kirby game thrown out by HAL that's enthralled me since Kirby's Canvas Curse. Not to say I didn't have fun with Return to Dreamland, Triple Deluxe, or any of the other titles released in-between, but during my 10 hour playthrough of Forgotten Land, not once did it get stale! In 2003, Kirby Air Ride gave us a tease of a three-dimensional Kirby game. It took almost 20 years to finally get it, and though this is honestly the farthest thing from what was implied, the results are still fantastic.
Less Super Mario 64, and more Crash Bandicoot, this is a pretty linear fare. That said, something about the usual Kirby gameplay adds so much flavor to an otherwise simple formula. There's also a dash of Character-Action game in here. It's no Bayonetta, but there's a surprising amount of depth. Despite the small pool of copy abilities, each has some fairly thought out potential in combat, especially with the upgrades. You're rewarded for perfect dodges with a small increase to attack charging speed. I also have to mention Mouthful Mode, which grants new abilities for Kirby, though not their typical ones. Most seem silly, but their practically is extended through challenge rooms on the world map. In regards gameplay, Forgotten Land is no slouch.
This is a kid's game, but I do love that, alongside Robobot, some of these recent Kirby games are giving the younger crowd something to chew on. Denizens on an abandoned planet from an alternate universe kidnap citizens from Dreamland, forcing most into free labor, while collaborating with a select few familiar faces. Kirby travels through ruins of a once-thriving society, raptured by hubris and greed. It takes me back to playing through Shiver Star for the first time, in Kirby 64, and slowly putting dots together in my head. I don't want to make it sound like it's more than it is, it's an incredibly simple story. Not really any different than what, say, the original Sonic trilogy was doing back in the 90's, but it adds a lot to the entire experience.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land blew me away with its incredible gameplay, fun story, and absolutely gorgeous visuals. Back to the Crash comparison, it honestly stands toe to toe with It's About Time as a modern extension of that sort of gameplay! I don't say this lightly; this is one of the must-buy Switch exclusives. Honestly, one of the greatest games on the platform, and one of the best platformers ever made in this style. I'd go as far as to say I enjoyed it as much as I did playing Super Star or Adventure for the first time. Much as I love the series, couldn't say the same for any other game in the franchise. Whether you're a returning fan, or this is your first Kirby game, this is an absolute must play.
Less Super Mario 64, and more Crash Bandicoot, this is a pretty linear fare. That said, something about the usual Kirby gameplay adds so much flavor to an otherwise simple formula. There's also a dash of Character-Action game in here. It's no Bayonetta, but there's a surprising amount of depth. Despite the small pool of copy abilities, each has some fairly thought out potential in combat, especially with the upgrades. You're rewarded for perfect dodges with a small increase to attack charging speed. I also have to mention Mouthful Mode, which grants new abilities for Kirby, though not their typical ones. Most seem silly, but their practically is extended through challenge rooms on the world map. In regards gameplay, Forgotten Land is no slouch.
This is a kid's game, but I do love that, alongside Robobot, some of these recent Kirby games are giving the younger crowd something to chew on. Denizens on an abandoned planet from an alternate universe kidnap citizens from Dreamland, forcing most into free labor, while collaborating with a select few familiar faces. Kirby travels through ruins of a once-thriving society, raptured by hubris and greed. It takes me back to playing through Shiver Star for the first time, in Kirby 64, and slowly putting dots together in my head. I don't want to make it sound like it's more than it is, it's an incredibly simple story. Not really any different than what, say, the original Sonic trilogy was doing back in the 90's, but it adds a lot to the entire experience.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land blew me away with its incredible gameplay, fun story, and absolutely gorgeous visuals. Back to the Crash comparison, it honestly stands toe to toe with It's About Time as a modern extension of that sort of gameplay! I don't say this lightly; this is one of the must-buy Switch exclusives. Honestly, one of the greatest games on the platform, and one of the best platformers ever made in this style. I'd go as far as to say I enjoyed it as much as I did playing Super Star or Adventure for the first time. Much as I love the series, couldn't say the same for any other game in the franchise. Whether you're a returning fan, or this is your first Kirby game, this is an absolute must play.