Kirby’s never been my favourite, but this game has two big selling points: the innovative Pikmin-like gameplay, and the robust unlockable subgames. Both delivered right around my expectations. The end.
Seriously though, this is pretty different to most Kirby games. It likes to think that there’s a strategy element to guiding 10 Kirbys around, but the Pikmin comparison I’ve heard is overstated. It is sometimes beneficial to split up the Kirbys but opportunities are limited with the small screen size. More often than not you just throw every Kirby you have at a problem before moving on to the next one. It is adorable to see them swarming over each other while running, but your wrist will be tested by the frequent required flicking motion.
The levels frequently introduce new gimmicks to keep it interesting, especially the Dedede Resort, but some levels can drag. I went for all medals, and the game requires multiple replays of some levels to cover branching paths. This is a little tedious. Overall though they had a lot of ideas for this core gameplay of indirectly controlling a bunch of little blobs, and it was explored thoroughly and for the most part entertainingly, with gradually increasing difficulty.
I’m no expert, but the main game doesn’t seem to have too many returning faces, aside from the obligatory Wispy Woods, Waddle Dees, and Dedede. No, they saved all the fan service for the subgames, which deliver in spades—even the anime is referenced. The three most fleshed out are the RPG-style timing-based battle one Kirby Quest, the fun scrolling shooter Strato Patrol EOS with its snaking line of shooting Kirbys, and Kirby Brawlball, probably the best virtual pinball game since Pokemon Pinball for GBC. And I LOVE Pokemon Pinball for GBC.
I wouldn’t say these subgames are worth the price of admission alone since they’re still a bit short (and finding a copy of this game was taxing for me… literally), but they definitely add value to the package. Experimenting with different genres as a break from the core game was a neat idea, and well realised.
So, yeah. It’s a good game. It didn’t blow me away but it does feel overlooked, coming so late on the DS and not even having its manual on Nintendo’s designated page for manual downloads!! …Ahem. It’s cute, it’s satisfying, it’s got plenty to keep you playing, and the pinball is excellent. Recommended.
