It’s been a couple of years since the last mainline Kirby release, though the popular pink character has made appearances in other Nintendo titles. The newly released Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Switch demonstrates why HAL Laboratory and Nintendo excel in this particular genre.
Kirby is enjoying a peaceful walk when a storm transports him to a mysterious, forgotten land. There, he must rescue the Waddles – small, endearing creatures – from the adversaries inhabiting this strange world.
While the story is a familiar catalyst, reminiscent of classic Mario and Zelda adventures, the execution is what sets this game apart. Kirby and the Forgotten Land can be described as a streamlined 3D Mario-esque experience, tailored for Kirby and his unique abilities. HAL Laboratory effectively leverages its character, providing imaginative and engaging levels. Kirby’s core abilities – inhaling enemies and utilizing their powers, as well as his limited flight – are creatively implemented, offering both strategic options and accessibility for younger players.
Kirby’s abilities extend beyond consuming enemies; he can also inhale objects, ranging from cars (allowing for vehicular control) to traffic cones (for breaking obstacles) and even vending machines and staircases. This opens up opportunities for both humorous moments and novel gameplay mechanics. With its charming enemies and accessible gameplay, this title is well-suited for families and younger players (around 4-5 years old, depending on experience). While experienced gamers may find the overall difficulty relatively low, even in Wild Mode, the game offers challenges in the form of hidden secrets and demanding bonus levels.
Technically, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also impressive. The graphics are vibrant and playful, with cleverly designed levels and engaging details. With no time constraints, players are encouraged to explore and experiment. The frame rate is generally stable, with occasional dips during particularly action-packed sequences. This title benefits significantly from the mClassic, which enhances image quality with smoother edges, reduced noise, and more vibrant colors, approaching a next-gen visual experience. The music provides the familiar catchy, upbeat Japanese-inspired tunes expected from this type of game, and the opening music video is particularly noteworthy.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers a joyful and engaging gameplay experience, especially when shared with children. While experienced players may find it relatively easy, the series’ hallmark playfulness and accessibility remain intact. A second player can join in a co-op mode, though with less independent control than Cappie in Mario Odyssey or the multiplayer in Super Mario 3D World. In terms of layout and mechanics, this game shares similarities with Mario Odyssey, satisfying the desire for a new 3D Mario adventure.
As previously stated, Nintendo excels at creating titles within this genre, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a prime example. Nintendo effectively captures the magic and joy of childhood gaming, appealing to both children and adults. We thoroughly enjoyed this title and highly recommend it to those with game-enthusiastic children or anyone seeking an imaginative and creative experience, offering a contrast to more demanding titles.
Footnote: A demo is available on eShop for those wishing to try the game before purchasing.
Nintendo provided the review code. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial evaluations.
