Kirby is a powerful pink fluff ball that has been active in the action-platforming genre since 1992. His main power is that he can devour enemies which then copy some of their abilities to aid in his endeavours. But for 2022, his abilities have been upgraded and he now runs around in a fully 3D post-apocalyptic world to help his abducted friends.
Kirby can now suck in and absorb a sword-wielding Chibi Knight and use the weapon against opponents. These absorbed abilities can be upgraded later in the game as well giving them even more oomph.
This game has an added "Mouthful Mode" that let's Kirby suck in big objects like cars, trucks and ladders to traverse the game's stages. This mode wowed me many times and can be used into solve puzzles in very creative ways -- like ramming cars into walls to break them. I've played nearly every Kirby game in the past, but this is pretty much the first time Kirby stretches so much (something like 10 times his size). It's hilarious.
Just like previous games, Kirby And the Forgotten Land is a world brimful with eye-pleasing colours. But this time, you will be moving around in a fully 3D environment, from lush green forest to deserted cities and amusement parks, for instance. There is plenty of platforming, puzzle solving and treasure hunting in all the stages. The enemies, in general, are a push over but are fun to fight and act as stage obstacles more than a threat. The game has great 3D effect that blurs things that are further away from Kirby giving it a nice depth of field that most Nintendo Switch games do not offer. And during the entire time I played the game, it didn't slow down or stutter even once. The music is also very upbeat and pleasant to listen to, which goes well with the light-hearted environment the game presents.
This game is nowhere near hard to play, very pleasant to pick up at your leisure, has plenty of secrets and unlockables, and is a breath of fresh air in the current 2022 game line-ups with their dark and dreary worlds that test your patience.
There are eight areas and a total of 40 stages, and you can finish the game in around nine hours, but with plenty of side missions, secrets and collectables, it will keep completionists occupied for double that time.
The game also has co-op mode that lets you play with a friend near you and online option for people who prefer multiplayer gaming.
During my review period, my 12-year-old daughter snatched the game from me for three days and was not willing to give it back. This is a great sign the game is good for young teens as well.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land is suitable for kids and the young-at-heart due to the cute and colourful graphics, lack of gore and nudity, and relatively straightforward game play. If you're looking for something for your kids or a game that will give you carefree fun, this game is a perfect pick.
