Paving the Way to Nintendo Switch 2: Exploration with Kirby in the Overlooked Realm
Get ready, the Switch 2 is right around the corner! I've been balling through my Switch legacy games in preparation, and my Road to Nintendo Switch 2 series has been a blast. We've tackled some fantastic first-party titles, like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Odyssey might just be my fave, closely followed by Mario Kart.
Next on the list is a vibrant adventure overflowing with personality – Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Instead of donning hat-like Helpers that magically grant Kirby powers, he now inhales his metamorphosis catalysts, making him a carnivorous pink balloon. Ever wonder about the identity of our gooey, pink hero? What is Kirby indeed? A living cloud of cotton candy? A plump marshmallow? An oversized gumball? So many theories swirling around, and none of them are convincing, if you ask me.
Kirby games spanning from the 1992 Game Boy days to now, making our hero a long-lasting platforming sensation. This embrace of simplicity, accessibility, and casual play is a signature trait, making Kirby games more inviting than Mario titles in my opinion.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land, with its apocalyptic twist, hews closely to this tradition. You'll find challenging moments aplenty, but they're typically hidden in bonus areas or boss battles. The game's structure mirrors a Mario game with sprawling maps and individual levels scattered within these landscapes.
Each level is filled with tiny companions called Waddle Dees. Completing challenges will help you find and rescue these adorable creatures. Beating levels takes you back to a hometown hub where you can upgrade Kirby's powers, play mini-games, buy items, and collect capsule toys. Some power-ups are a joy to use, but others can be a nuisance.
The environment in The Forgotten Land introduces an abandoned planet filled with dial-downed human settlements like empty shopping malls, crumbling amusement parks, and decimated cities. The eerie emptiness contrasts sharply with previous Kirby games, but it's undeniably unique and captivating.
Between levels, you'll discover that the game mirrors RPG elements, offering a refreshing change from the usual platformer pace. It's a fun blend, but Kirby's floaty mechanics can be less than satisfying at times.
Overall, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a solid platformer that's worth adding to your 2025 gaming calendar. It may not reach the stratospheric heights of Super Mario Odyssey, but it’s still a bucket-load of fun and offers a co-op option. Kirby might not be the most agile character to control, but his charm more than makes up for it.
A Switch 2 upgrade is on the horizon for $20, complete with improved graphics, framerate, and brand-new story content. It's a hefty price tag for an upgrade, but the extra content could be worth it, especially with the visual and performance enhancements.
It took me around 10 hours to complete the game initially, and I plan to wait for the Switch 2 upgrade before delving back into the world of The Forgotten Land. The legacy Switch version still looks lovely, but I'm eagerly anticipating the hardware leap anticipated to land in June. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures in the upcoming editions of Road to Nintendo Switch 2!
- The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which is right around the corner, will receive an upgrade for Kirby and the Forgotten Land, featuring improved graphics, framerate, and new story content, priced at $20.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land, an apocalyptic twist on the traditional Kirby game, offers a blend of platforming and RPG elements, featuring an abandoned planet filled with dialed-down human settlements.
- Some power-ups in Kirby and the Forgotten Land are enjoyable to use, but others can be a nuisance, as seen in the game's co-op option.
- On LinkedIn, you can connect with others who share your love for gaming and entertainment, discussing relevant topics such as movies-and-tv, entertainment, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
