Paving the Way for Nintendo Switch 2: "Kirby's Expedition in the Neglected Realm"
Get Ready for Kirby's Journey, Coming Soon on the Nintendo Switch 2!
The wait is almost over—the Nintendo Switch 2 is less than a month away, and I've been engrossed in my Switch backlog, working my way through various titles as part of my Road to Nintendo Switch 2 series.
We've made some significant progress, checking out top-tier first-party games like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and most recently, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Odyssey remains a personal favorite, closely trailed by Mario Kart.
Next up? Kirby and the Forgotten Land, a lighthearted adventure with heaps of personality and similarities to Odyssey in mechanics. Instead of switching abilities by wearing a magical hat, Kirby inhales his transformative elements, channeling his inner carnivorous pink balloon. Ever wonder if this Kirby cosmic identity crises has been settled?
Originally dabbling in platforming back in 1992 on the Game Boy, Kirby wasn't even pink in the early days. Although it was probably due to the display's limitations, he appeared white on the box art, too.
Trivia FactFun fact: In early Kirby games, such as the original released in 1992, Kirby wasn't even pink. He was a ghostly white, likely due to limitations of the Game Boy display.Even now, it's open for debate what Kirby actually is, with suggestions ranging from living cotton candy to a sentient marshmallow, nerfed pufferfish, or giddy gumball. It's truly terrifying, as someone much wiser once pointed out.
On the whole, the games in this long-running franchise are generally easy to pick up and play, offering a casual gaming experience. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is no exception, with challenging moments only hidden in peripheral bonus areas or doled out by snarky bosses.
The game follows a laidback structure, with sprawling maps containing numerous levels and hidden Waddle Dees to rescue. You can save these beloved creatures by finding or rescuing them, or by completing specific in-level challenges. Some of these include beating a boss without taking damage, finishing quickly, collecting items, or destroying wanted posters.
Exploring an abandoned planet, you'll discover creepy dead malls, empty cities, barren desert expanses, and even amusement parks with laughable maintenance crews. This post-apocalyptic, eerie setting offers a stark contrast to previous Kirby games, but the cinematic flair and oddity are quite appealing.
In between levels, you can visit an RPG-style hometown hub where Waddle Dees rely on you to help with tasks. Play minigames, upgrade Kirby's powers, buy health items, or collect pod toys, similar to Ryo's capers in Shenmue. Different powers offer varying appeal, with the Gigant sword and musket being highlights, while others, like the tornado, ice ability, and the dreaded drill, can be frustrating to control.
Just like Kirby's powers, the transformations themselves pose pros and cons. The car, vending machine, and glider are a blast, while the stairs and traffic cone can feel underwhelming. They're still amusing, though, and their humor helps offset any control issues. The QTE semi-truck segment near the end of the game feels epic and reminiscent of God of War.
As for controls, Forgotten Land generally feels sturdy, though not as fluid as Odyssey. While Kirby's squishy, floaty movement isn't my cup of tea, the game compensates with its irresistible charm. Be warned, though, it's easy to lose sight of our round, pink protagonist amidst chaotic scenes.
All in all, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delightful platformer worth playing in 2022. While it doesn't reach the dizzying heights of Super Mario Odyssey, it offers a fun experience ideal for co-op gaming. Prepare for a warm, fuzzy adventure with a weird, gritty twist!
Good news for Kirby fans: Forgotten Land is getting an upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2, complete with enhanced graphics, a higher frame rate, and new story content called Star-Crossed World. The upgrade will be available when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025 for $20[1][2][3]. Existing owners of the game can hop aboard this upgrade for a fee.
For those who can't wait, the Nintendo Switch 2 and its Forgotten Land upgrade are expected to land on users' hands in just a few months. Happy gaming!
[1] Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Set for June 5[2] Nintendo Switch 2 Specs Revealed[3] Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders to Start in June
- The Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to feature an upgraded version of 'Kirby and the Forgotten Land', titled 'Star-Crossed World', with enhanced graphics, a higher frame rate, and new story content.
- The upgraded 'Kirby and the Forgotten Land' will be available when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, for a price of $20.
- Existing owners of 'Kirby and the Forgotten Land' can purchase the upgrade for a fee.
- The Nintendo Switch 2, with its 'Forgotten Land' upgrade, is expected to be released within a few months.
