Introduction

Kirby and the Forgotten Land, for the Nintendo Switch (model number: KirbyandtheForgottenLandSwitch-gcam), marks a significant leap for the lovable pink puffball. This isn’t your typical 2D Kirby adventure; instead, we’re treated to a fully realized 3D world brimming with charm, delightful surprises, and plenty of challenging platforming. After spending countless hours exploring this mysterious land, battling foes, and rescuing Waddle Dees, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.

Features

The game immediately captivates with its vibrant, expressive art style. The world itself is a delightful blend of familiar Kirby charm and a captivating sense of mystery, with abandoned structures hinting at a lost civilization. The core gameplay loop centers around Kirby’s ability to inhale enemies and copy their powers. This classic mechanic is enhanced here with the addition of new abilities like the Drill and Ranger, offering diverse approaches to combat and exploration. But the real highlight is Mouthful Mode, a wonderfully creative mechanic where Kirby inhales real-world objects (like vending machines!) to transform and gain unique abilities.

Beyond the single-player experience, the inclusion of a second player controlling Bandana Waddle Dee adds a significant layer of cooperative fun, making the adventure even more enjoyable. Building up Waddle Dee Town is rewarding; rescuing more Waddle Dees unlocks shops, games, and leaderboards, adding replayability and depth to the experience. The ability to use amiibo figures or present codes for in-game items adds extra incentive for collectors and those seeking extra advantages.

Performance

The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, maintaining a consistent frame rate throughout my playtime. The visuals are consistently impressive, with vibrant colors and charming character designs that perfectly capture the spirit of the Kirby series. The level design is wonderfully creative, providing a good balance of challenging platforming sequences and relaxing exploration. The control scheme is intuitive and responsive, making controlling Kirby a joy, even during the more demanding sections.

The music is also a standout feature, providing an excellent soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere. From the upbeat tunes during exploration to the more intense melodies during boss battles, the music adds significantly to the overall experience. While some puzzles can be a little straightforward, the overall gameplay remains engaging and never feels repetitive, keeping you hooked from beginning to end.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Innovative Mouthful Mode, charming visuals, engaging level design, smooth performance, cooperative multiplayer, rewarding Waddle Dee Town building.
• Cons: Some puzzles might be too easy for experienced players, the story is relatively simple.

Final Verdict

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a fantastic addition to the Kirby franchise. It successfully blends classic Kirby gameplay with innovative new mechanics, creating a 3D platforming experience that is both challenging and incredibly fun. The vibrant world, charming characters, and engaging gameplay make this a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner. While some might find the puzzles a bit simple, the overall package is undeniably compelling and provides countless hours of enjoyable gameplay. I highly recommend this game to players of all ages and skill levels.