When Kirby Star Allies for the Nintendo Switch was revealed, fans from around the world were ecstatic to finally have a HD game on a console. The past few main Kirby games were released on the Nintendo 3DS systems, so having a main title Kirby game released on a brand new console was a big step for the Kirby series. The game itself has a nice, clean crisp feel to it and is definitely a major improvement for Kirby’s Adventure Wii for the Nintendo Wii. Having not being able to play local multiplayer, I haven’t been able to experience the joys of playing with friends, but I’m sure it’s just as fun like every other Kirby game.
When you start the game, you’re shown the main cut-scene that was released on YouTube (link here), and put straight into the game. At the start, it feels like any other Kirby game by sticking to the normal Kirby-formula, but as soon as the little tutorial signs come up, you experience something different. You are shown how to make enemies your helpers as you come across them throughout the game.
As I was going through the first few levels of the first world, the background scenery is definitely something to appreciate. You can tell that the developers have put a lot of effort into this game and it shouldn’t go unnoticed. The vibrant colours in the game will make you feel like you’re in some sort of candy land. In most levels that I have gone through, you’re going to need to pay attention to what ‘Helpers’ you have on your team as you’ll need them for specific activities to help you find secret doors and ‘picture pieces’ so you’re able to complete a special piece of artwork.
The levels in World 1 have many different level themes so each stage is completely different from the next. It can go from green grass and blue sky, to absolute fiery death that makes you question “Why is this in a Kirby game?” But the scenery fits; as you’ll be able to see in the screenshots below.
One of the first bosses you will come across is Whispy Woods, the most iconic and rememberable boss/villain in the Kirby series. His fight starts off like every Kirby game. Starting off on the right hand side and you continue to hit him until you get to his second phase, and then it gets a little more interesting. As Whispy becomes more agitated, his combat comes a little harder to miss. Multiple apples start falling from his leaves and branches, making Kirby and his friends lose health without even noticing. Once you have killed Whispy, you move on to the level to figure out what has happened to Dream Land.
As you progress through the story more, you'll come across more bosses such as King Dedede, and his fantastic "buff" mode. This boss fight was a lot of fun and I can definitely see myself going through just to play it again. It's totally different from other DDD fights, and when you see how fun it is, you'll be wanting more.
Kirby Star Allies is everything you could ever want in a Kirby game. You’ll see plenty of familiar faces that haven’t been seen in years, comfortable controls, stunning game play, a killer soundtrack which features old and new music and many more hidden features you’ll just have to find out when you play. You’ll want to spend hours going through every single small space to find out what hidden adventure lies ahead.
In my opinion, I’d give it a solid 9/10. Kirby Star Allies is the perfect game for kids, teens and adults who love the Kirby series. It’s one of the best Nintendo Switch games that has been released and we can’t wait to see how Nintendo and HAL top this one.