Let’s get it out of the way off the bat - Kirby is not in my favorite Nintendo characters list at all. He has always come across as a character for younger fans. I would put Kirby in the ‘Hello Kitty’, sickeningly cute category of mascots. Imagine Pac-Man was pink and had arms - that’s Kirby. Now, before you think I am just here to put the pink ball of fun on blast, think again. Kirby is back with a vengeance on the Switch 2 with the release of (deep breath) Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World.
As much as I hate the crazy length of the names of these Switch 2 upgrades, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is one that I did pick up on the original Switch, yet did not revisit after playing the first level. Now that the enhanced version is with us, it’s time to give the little pink guy a fair shake.
Will Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World be as great as Donkey Kong Bananza and turn me into a fan, or will it get placed back on the shelf to gather more dust?
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (don’t worry, I’ll shorten this going forward) is a new version of the 3D platformer first released last gen. This time around, we get enhanced framerates, improved graphics, and a whole new story with the Star-Crossed World DLC. This new story DLC adds to the base game's story, giving players much more Kirby goodness to soak up.
Now, most Nintendo games aren’t known for their complex stories, and Kirby is very much the same. The blurb on Nintendo’s official website for the new version says, “After the world is struck by a powerful meteor, Kirby must use his amazing abilities, including some all-new Mouthful Modes, to clear a trail through uncharted territory in this exciting adventure.” Essentially, defeating the bad guys and consuming things to utilize their powers is what this comes down to.
And that’s the gimmick in this game: Mario may have had Cappy to possess things and use them as powers, but Kirby swallows them. Yep, ol’ vacuum mouth is back at it again, sucking up anything that he can to gain the edge in the battle to save the world. It is pretty fun to do, suck up smaller enemies to use swords to attack, or even suck up things as big as a car to take on their form and gain the ability to drive around. It’s incredibly satisfying to use on things around the world. Half the time I played the game was spent seeing what I could suck up to try new powers out.
You have a few other abilities outside of your transform/suck. Kirby can somehow fly for a small amount of time; he will get tired, so be careful using this to cross gaps, and he has a slide kick move that can be used in a pinch to knock away enemies (providing they aren’t covered in spikes).
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And what about the game itself? Well, the core gameplay loop of Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a familiar one. You'll progress through vibrant, linear 3D levels, sucking up enemies and objects, and finding hidden collectibles. The level design is clever, featuring numerous satisfying platforming challenges and secrets to uncover. The "Mouthful Mode" is a fantastic addition and a constant source of joy. Transforming into a vending machine to shoot cans at foes or a car to speed through a level is as fun as it sounds and remains the game's highlight.
The Switch 2 upgrades do make a noticeable difference, with the 60fps framerate making the action feel smooth and responsive. The improved graphics are a welcome touch, adding a little extra sparkle to an already visually appealing game. The new Star-Crossed World DLC, which adds a new story and 12 remixed levels, is a nice bonus. It introduces some new Mouthful Modes and a handful of new enemy types, offering more of the same well-designed gameplay.
However, this is where the game, and especially this new edition, falls short for me. While the DLC is a good addition, it feels more like a level pack than a true expansion. It's a rehash of existing areas, even if they're cleverly re-imagined with new mechanics. It doesn't break new ground or push the series in a new direction. It's safe. It's a testament to the core game's strength that this doesn't feel like a complete waste. However, for those who have already played the original, the new content might not be enough to justify the price.
The biggest issue with Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a lack of real challenge. The game is both beautiful and fun to play, yet incredibly easy to master. While there are some challenging optional levels and a harder post-game mode, the main campaign rarely pushes you. The bosses, although visually impressive, are defeated with little effort. For a series that has always been aimed at a younger audience, this is no surprise, but it means that for a seasoned gamer, the game lacks a certain punch. It's a bit like a Sunday drive on a well-paved, scenic road. It’s pleasant, but you'll never feel the thrill of a sharp turn or the rush of pushing the engine to its limits.
In the end, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World is the definitive version of a great game. The visual and performance upgrades are a big plus, and the DLC provides more of the fun platforming you'd expect. However, it's a bit too simplistic and safe despite having initial promise in the opening levels. The new DLC adds some cool new features, but ultimately is more of the same. It looks great, but doesn't break the mold.
