A brand new Kirby game is upon us, and thankfully Kirby has returned to both the consoles and his sucking roots (Sucking in a good way). Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is the first true Kirby game on the consoles since the Nintendo 64 title Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards released way back in 2000. So how has the game been so far? Read on, my good friends, read on.
First things first: this is a Kibry game. By that I mean a few things:
1. The game is high on aesthetic charm and colorful worlds
2. The game presents a challenge that can be overcome by novice players, so don’t expect repeated deaths
3. Kirby has his copy ability in tact
I made a quick video of my play through of the first world (Complete with a very familiar/iconic boss for the Kirby franchise). Watch:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuzgEv6uNLE&w=420&h=315]
The time I’ve spent with the game so far has been good. This is Kirby as you remember him: platform hopping, enemy swallowing, ability copying Kirby. You really can’t argue anything with that. And the return of classic abilities like Fire and Sword are complimented with new and exciting powers like Shock and Whip (Cowboy Kirby = F’ing awesome).
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt_bHftKAas&w=420&h=315]
I was expecting the same sort of Kirby feeling and the game delivers, for better and for worse. You can expect the same easy gameplay, nonchalant story, and fun that you’ve had in other titles in the series. But that holds some stigmas as well: The game is incredibly easy. Just watch in the video above about halfway through as I just stand there wailing on a boss, taking damage, but still defeating it. The game is targeting for younger, beginning players, and gamers looking for a challenge won’t find it. Also, the graphics are what you’d expect from a Kirby title, but after the truly unique Kirby’s Epic Yarn you may feel there’s a missing sparkle to the graphics.
One cool addition that I haven’t been able to try out yet is the addition of multiplayer. So much like Nintendo did with New Super Mario Bros. Wii, friends can drop in and out of the game in any level with the push of a button. Extra characters can play as a different colored Kirby, or choose to play as King Dedede or Meta Knight! That’s a pretty sweet addition to the series. Meta Knight and Dedede can’t inhale like Kirby, but they do carry a sword and hammer respectively at all times, lending Kirby help when needed. I can’t wait to try that feature out.
If you’re looking at Kirby’s Return to Dream Land and wondering if you should fork over the $50 to buy it, you have to ask yourself a few questions:
1. Do I want the same Kirby experience I’ve had for the last 10 years, just in a new package?
2. Can I live with a somewhat easy, short, but sweet Kirby experience for my $50?
If you say yes, then by all means you should pick it up. Otherwise I’d say just rent the game if you can, or better yet, buy it for a younger relative that plays games. I can see this title being perfect for my nine year old nephew who loves the aforementioned New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
And need I say again, that Whip Kirby is awesome?
Laters,
Jsick
