Released on March 25, 2022, this game marks a significant departure from Kirby’s traditional side-scrolling escapades, thrusting players into the immersive landscapes of the “Forgotten Land.”
As HAL Laboratory’s daring venture into a semi-open-world setting, it raises the stakes for our spherical hero.
Now, players must guide Kirby through a perilous journey, exploring dystopian realms and confronting imposing titans. The transition to 3D promises a fresh perspective, making this installment a standout entry in the Kirby legacy.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Review: Key Game Elements
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer
- Creator: HAL Laboratory
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Player Modes: Single-player, local Co-op
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Price on Nintendo Switch: $59.99
In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, players embark on a whimsical yet daring adventure as Kirby finds himself isekai’d into a dystopian world reminiscent of Earth. The once-idyllic landscapes now bear the scars of an untold catastrophe, with urban structures overgrown by nature and factories silenced by unused lava.
The game introduces a semi-open-world format, offering segmented yet expansive areas that break away from Kirby’s traditional side-scrolling roots. This departure allows for a more explorative gameplay experience, with players unraveling the mysteries of each locale.
A notable addition is the introduction of Mouthful Mode, a quirky mechanic where Kirby can’t resist inhaling non-living objects too big for him to actually consume, leading to humorous and inventive gameplay scenarios.
The Forgotten Land promises a fusion of Kirby’s signature charm with novel elements, making it a standout entry in the series.
What makes Kirby and the Forgotten Land a cozy game?
We circle back to the age-old question we always keep coming back to here at VGT – what exactly makes a game cozy?
Kirby and the Forgotten Land breaks a lot of the typical ‘rules’. It involves combat, upgrades, abilities, everything you’d expect from a more traditional video game.
It also doesn’t pack a ton of emotion or depth of feeling. Ok, maybe at the start seeing all those cute Waddle Dees getting sucked up into the scary mean vortex in the sky is sad, but that’s mostly it.
But yet, it’s a cozy gaming favorite with so many players. There’s something so nostalgic and familiar about the pink Nintendo hero, and something so safe in the Super Mario sandbox-style gameplay, that it’s the perfect cozy game to boot up on your Switch if you’re in the mood for a challenge – but a challenge without the stress of unknown surprises round the corner.
That, and the fact that Kirby is a Nintendo classic and so a perfect game for Switch owners, solidifies Kirby and the Forgotten Land on the top list of cozy games.
Visuals and Graphics
The transition to a 3D perspective breathes new life into Kirby’s world, allowing players to explore the remnants of the Forgotten Land with a fresh and engaging viewpoint.
The post-apocalyptic setting, although tinged with just a hint of melancholy, is presented in a visually striking manner, with urban decay juxtaposed against Kirby’s adorable demeanor.
The attention to detail is commendable, with each stage telling a unique story through abandoned malls, amusement parks, and haunted houses.
The art style successfully captures the essence of Kirby’s whimsical universe, staying true to its colorful and endearing roots.
Character designs, especially Kirby himself, exhibit a level of cuteness that is quintessential to the series. The visual storytelling extends to the enemies and landscapes, creating a world that feels both familiar and novel.
Standout visual elements include the creative use of Mouthful Mode, where Kirby transforms into makeshift objects, injecting humor into the gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics
Kirby and the Forgotten Land introduces a refreshing blend of familiar mechanics and innovative additions, marking a significant stride for the Kirby series.
As stated above, the transition to a 3D environment is a standout feature, allowing players to explore the Forgotten Land with a newfound depth. The traditional stage-based format, reminiscent of iconic Nintendo platformers, maintains its nostalgic charm while embracing the newly unlocked puzzle possibilities of a three-dimensional landscape.
The game retains the iconic Copy ability but elevates its significance, introducing specialized puzzles that require specific powers for progression. This strategic incorporation enhances the overall gameplay, providing a meaningful connection between Kirby’s abilities and level design.
The Mouthful Mode, a genuinely adorable and hilarious addition, showcases Kirby’s ability to transform into inanimate objects, offering a unique perspective on puzzles and challenges.
The platforming and puzzle-solving elements are complemented by evolved Copy abilities earned through defeating bosses and exploring levels. This progression system adds depth to the gameplay, requiring thoughtful consideration of abilities for combat and exploration.
The enhanced difficulty, especially on the “Wild” setting, adds a layer of challenge, making strategic use of Copy abilities crucial during boss fights. That said, for most gamers used to platforming, even “Wild” mode will be relatively straightforward to beat.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land successfully combines its iconic mechanics with inventive gameplay elements, creating a cohesive and engaging experience.
Story and Setting
The story begins in Dream Land, with a rift tearing open the sky and snatching up Kirby’s adorable companions, the Waddle Dees. In a courageous attempt to rescue them, Kirby finds himself isekai’d (portaled) into a dystopian world reminiscent of our own, a departure from the breezy narratives of previous Kirby games.
The game contrasts moments of peril with Kirby’s signature cheerfulness, contributing to the coziness factor of the game.
The post-apocalyptic landscapes, from an overgrown urban area to a slightly haunted amusement park, add some depth to the otherwise pretty plain-sailing narrative. Each level tells a visual story of a world that has seen better days, yet Kirby’s optimism and the vibrant art style distract from this almost completely.
The narrative’s effectiveness lies in its ability to balance the gravity of the rescue mission with lighthearted elements. While the overarching goal is clear—to save the kidnapped Waddle Dees—the journey is peppered with unexpected twists and intriguing environmental details.
The foreboding soundtrack complements the setting, enhancing the overall engagement and making Kirby and the Forgotten Land a delightful adventure with a narrative that unfolds in tandem with the player’s progression.
Character and Enemy Design
Kirby and the Forgotten Land showcases some really cute character and enemy designs that contribute to the game’s overall atmosphere.
Kirby, our lovable pink puffball protagonist, retains his iconic and endearing appearance, adapting seamlessly to the 3D environment. The transition to 3D allows for more expressive animations, emphasizing Kirby’s adorable reactions to various in-game events.
Also, I have genuinely burst out laughing out loud when in Mouthful Mode and Kirby unsuccessfully swallows some truly hilarious objects (like fridges, or giant pipes) and you’re platforming with a giant pink object and two tiny little Kirby eyes swimming around in it.
The enemy designs also have a commendable variety, from classic foes to new additions, each with its own visual flair. The imaginative and whimsical approach to character and enemy design not only pays homage to the Kirby legacy but also enhances the cozy side of the experience.
Exploration and Level Design
Kirby and the Forgotten Land excels in exploration and level design, introducing players to the captivating world of the “Forgotten Land.” The game maintains a balance between linear progression and open-world exploration, offering diverse environments that unfold the mystery of the abandoned landscapes.
From an eerie abandoned shopping mall to a haunting amusement park, each level tells a unique story, creating a sense of wonder and curiosity. The level design encourages exploration, with hidden rooms, paths, and self-contained objectives waiting to be discovered.
While the game follows a stage-based format akin to Super Mario 3D World, it cleverly conceals secrets within each stage, motivating players to venture off the beaten path.
The meticulous attention to detail in the remnants of civilization within the “Forgotten Land” adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the exploration, making every stage a visually engaging and rewarding experience.
Kirby’s ability to interact with the environment and adapt to different settings further enhances the exploration aspect, ensuring that players are consistently drawn into the world crafted by the developers.
Power Mechanics
The power mechanics in Kirby and the Forgotten Land retain the classic Copy ability while introducing innovative elements like Mouthful Mode. Kirby’s Copy ability remains a central aspect, allowing him to absorb enemies and gain unique powers.
However, the game takes a more focused approach, offering a curated selection of 12 copy abilities. While some classics like Sword and Hammer make a return, the absence of certain iconic powers adds a layer of strategic decision-making, forcing players to adapt to the available abilities.
The introduction of Mouthful Mode brings a wonderful twist to the traditional Kirby formula. This mechanic allows Kirby to interact with oversized objects, turning them into temporary vehicles. Whether it’s a car or a giant lightbulb, these Mouthful moments provide a light-hearted and humorous change of pace, often used to solve environmental puzzles.
Despite the reduction in available powers, the game’s strategic depth is maintained through the unique challenges presented in each level. Players must carefully consider their chosen abilities, adding more complexity to combat and exploration.
The balance between classic Copy abilities and the new Mouthful Mode ensures that Kirby’s power mechanics contribute to both the nostalgic charm and the engaging gameplay of Forgotten Land.
Challenges and Difficulty
Kirby and the Forgotten Land strikes a balance in its difficulty, catering to both casual and more experienced players. The game maintains the approachable nature that the Kirby series is known for, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the adventure. The early levels serve as a gentle introduction, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the controls and mechanics.
However, as the game progresses, it introduces challenges that require more skill and precision, especially in optional objectives and boss fights.
While the main storyline remains accessible, completionists will find added difficulty in mastering every aspect of the game. Boss fights, in particular, demand strategic thinking and a keen understanding of Kirby’s abilities.
The optional Treasure Hunt time trials and open-world objectives provide an additional layer of difficulty for players seeking more intense challenges. Overall, Kirby and the Forgotten Land adeptly caters to a diverse audience by offering a gradually increasing level of difficulty that complements the evolving skills of the player.
Co-op and Multiplayer
Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers an engaging co-op experience, allowing players to team up for a delightful multiplayer adventure. The cooperative play enhances the overall enjoyment, enabling friends or family members to join Kirby on his journey through the Forgotten Land.
The game seamlessly adapts to multiplayer dynamics, ensuring that the cooperative mode is both accessible and entertaining. Whether working together to overcome challenges or engaging in friendly competition, the multiplayer aspect adds a social dimension to the Kirby experience, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy gaming with others.
Replay Value
Kirby and the Forgotten Land boasts commendable replay value, thanks to its diverse range of side quests and collectibles scattered throughout the Forgotten Land. It’s pretty difficult to get everything in your first playthrough, even for seasoned completionist gamers.
Engaging in Treasure Hunt time trials and completing optional objectives allows for more of a challenge for players seeking a more comprehensive gaming experience. The presence of multiple playstyles, from platforming fans reveling in time trials to collaborative play enthusiasts, ensures that each playthrough can offer a unique and enjoyable experience.
The variety of objectives, coupled with the freedom to choose your gameplay style, makes revisiting the Forgotten Land a rewarding adventure.
Technical Performance
Kirby and the Forgotten Land delivers a solid technical performance, with minimal load times and stable gameplay.
The transitions between levels are smooth, ensuring an immersive experience without disruptive pauses.
The game maintains a consistent frame rate, contributing to its overall fluidity. Whether exploring the diverse landscapes or engaging in fast-paced action sequences, players can expect a reliable and well-optimized performance.
The technical aspects of the game enhance the overall gaming experience, allowing players to focus on the adventure without being hindered by technical hiccups.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Pros
Immersive World Design: Kirby and the Forgotten Land introduces a visually stunning world, seamlessly blending post-apocalyptic settings with Kirby’s signature charm, creating a captivating environment for players to explore.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: The transition to 3D, coupled with new mechanics like Mouthful Mode, adds depth to the gameplay, offering a fresh experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
Engaging Storyline: The game’s narrative takes a darker turn, providing a refreshing departure from traditional Kirby titles, featuring a captivating rescue mission that unfolds in a surprisingly intricate world.
Creative Enemy Design: The variety and creativity in enemy design showcase the developers’ commitment to introducing new challenges, keeping players on their toes with inventive adversaries throughout the adventure.
Cozy and Adorable Aesthetics: Despite the darker undertones, Kirby’s cuteness and the game’s vibrant aesthetics create a cozy and delightful atmosphere, striking a perfect balance between adventure and comfort.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Cons
Limited Copy Abilities: Despite the charm of Kirby’s classic powers, the game’s roster feels restricted, with only 12 copy abilities and some disappearing after single use, leading to a lack of variety in combat.
Monotonous Gameplay: The simplicity of combat and a reduced toolset result in a somewhat monotonous gaming experience, lacking the dynamic engagement found in previous Kirby titles.
Sparse Multiplayer Features: The multiplayer aspect is somewhat lacking, with limited dynamics and features, offering less depth compared to the rich single-player experience.
Repetitive Challenges: Certain levels feature repetitive challenges, with occasional backtracking due to hidden objectives, impacting the overall flow and enjoyment of the game.
Underutilized Mouthful Mode: While Mouthful Mode introduces exciting possibilities, its limited appearances make it feel underutilized, leaving players wanting more of this innovative gameplay mechanic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers a delightful, albeit somewhat constrained, adventure in the Kirby universe. With a visually captivating post-apocalyptic setting, the game succeeds in creating a cozy and endearing atmosphere.
However, the limited copy abilities and occasional monotony in gameplay may leave some players yearning for more variety. The multiplayer features, while enjoyable, could benefit from further development.
Scores:
Game Design: 4/5 - The game design is solid, capturing the essence of the Kirby series but falls slightly short due to a limited set of copy abilities.
Game Narrative: 3.5/5 - The narrative effectively engages players, although it could be enhanced with a more intricate storyline.
Game Mechanics: 4/5 - While the transition to 3D is commendable, the gameplay mechanics, especially the limited copy abilities, could be more diverse.
Cozy Factor: 4/5 - The game excels in creating a cozy atmosphere, providing a heartwarming experience for fans of the genre.
Platform Availability: 3/5 - The Kirby series is a Nintendo exclusive, so we can’t really blame this edition for only being available for Nintendo Switch players, but yeah, it’s only available on Switch.
In summary, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, with its post-apocalyptic world and adorable protagonist, delivers an enjoyable gaming experience.
While the game falls short in terms of gameplay variety and narrative depth, it excels in creating a cozy and visually captivating vibe that has made it a favorite with cozy gamers.
The limited copy abilities may leave some longing for more, but the game’s overall appeal is undeniable, especially for fans of the Kirby series. With a solid foundation and room for improvement, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a worthwhile addition to the Kirby universe.
