Kirby is my favorite iconic Nintendo character (partly because he’s the only character I know how to control in Super Smash Bros.). What’s better than a pink, puffy, arm-and-legless creature who can fly AND steal any powers he wants? That was a trick question—the answer is nothing.
Everyone’s (or at least my) favorite fierce, pink puffball is back for a new adventure on Nintendo hand-held consoles, including 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS. In the Kirby: Triple Deluxe game, developed by HAL Laboratory, players can choose between three super fun and entirely different game modes.
In story mode, players must help Kirby save King Dedede by side-scrolling through numerous colorful worlds. Players are tasked with collecting stars, recovering the Sun Stones, and battling the bosses at the end of each level. This game is immediately addicting, and easy enough for young players to grasp (but intricate enough to keep older gamers entertained). One of the coolest new features is that the screen is dual-layered, and players have the ability to jump from the foreground to the background of the game, making the 3-D experience even more enjoyable.
I’m so used to bouncing on enemies’ heads to crush them into submission, but Kirby gets to inhale his enemies and then steals their powers in the process! New copy abilities include Bell, Archer, Beetle, and Circus, which join returning favorites, including Parasol, Hammer, Sword, and Beam. He can spit fire. He can throw ninja stars. He can hold my attention for more than 10 minutes (the ultimate challenge).
In stage one, players are introduced to Miracle Fruit, which is a sprig that grows into a huge tree that Kirby can inhale. Once he eats the beautiful, egg-shaped, rainbow-colored fruit, the Hypernova ability is unleashed, which gives the character a rainbow hue and allows him to inhale and/or move massive obstacles, including trees, giant rocks, and entire sections of levels—it’s not only extremely helpful, but necessary in many cases.
Not into story-driven plot lines? Kirby: Triple Deluxe gives gamers two additional play modes to choose from. In Kirby Fighters, players can choose a copy ability and duke it out against other Kirbys. Even on easy, the battle advances from one enemy Kirby all the way up to three, and the final battle ends with a Kirby with an extended life span. Players can even challenge each other if they have additional consoles. This play mode has a very Super Smash Bros. feel, and it’s super, super entertaining.
In the mini-game mode, players can choose from a selection of games, including Dedede’s Drum Dash, a rhythm-based time trial; Dedede Tour, a time-attack mode in which gamers play through arranged stages from the main story as King Dedede; and Arena, a continuous battle mode with bosses from the main story mode.
The graphics throughout the game are bright and unique, with enemies in the form of everything from bird-like creatures to mushrooms to oversized tiki heads. Each level has something different, yet each is visually captivating and engaging, leaving players with an exciting feeling as if there is more to be discovered.
Whether you like to duke it out on an endless loop, be momentarily challenged, or swallow up the competition to save King Dedede, Kirby: Triple Deluxe has something for everyone. Perfect for upcoming summer vacations, the game has lots of play value and will keep kids entertained for hours with delightful game modes.
