Kirby and the Forgotten Land Reviews
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a charming platformer filled with intuitive puzzles, a genuinely intriguing world, and hysterical transformations that always made me smile.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an excellent marriage between gameplay innovation and accessibility.
The predictable formula of Kirby games accounts for part of their appeal. Think of it as comfort food. Case in point: My first Kirby game was 2000’s “Kirby and the Crystal Shards” for the Nintendo 64. Now, 22 years later, I’m fighting the same enemies with many of the same abilities I did back then. “Kirby and the Forgotten Land” throws in some new elements to keep things fresh, and it executes them well for the most part. But it still feels like coming back to a familiar place and feeling like you never left, which is exactly what I, like many others, find endearing about the series.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the series' first real step into 3D action, and the game deftly makes the transition with its many challenges and secrets. However, there's less ambition on display than you might expect.
Kirby makes a furious 3D debut, which inspires above all with its loving charm and funny stuffing abilities.
Review in German | Read full review
The pace of the new Kirby is a bit mechanical, and its relaxing linearity could even almost come to boredom - also because we are not at all faced with the emulation of Mario Odyssey that many already foretasted. On the contrary, it will be difficult at the same time to retain the sincere enthusiasm of a range of less experienced and demanding players, who will have the opportunity to experience a memorable journey in the company of an adult, discovering all the magic of a great Nintendo brand production.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a dream to all Kirby fans. Easily, the best game of the series and a perfect way to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Going for a full 3D game, was the right choice.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an important step forward for the franchise, even if it may still be a bit too linear. The Mouthful ability and the full transition to 3D are two features that should be here to stay, as they open up the gameplay possibilities considerably.
With new gameplay features and a welcome shift to 3D, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a short and sweet experience with a ton of replayability.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land does pretty much everything it needs to as the pink puffball's first 3D adventure. Clever level design and the appropriately named Mouthful Mode show that Kirby's floating, sucking ways can work in a 3D space. Forgotten Land might not reach the highest heights of Nintendo's other first-party adventures, but it definitely shows that Kirby can hold his own in a three-dimensional arena.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land shakes up the traditional Kirby formula by fully bringing it into the third dimension while adding some fun new mechanics into the mix. Despite the switch to 3D — pun so totally intended — it still feels like a Kirby game for longtime fans. The length is a bit short and the game could also be more challenging. Those are minor gripes, however, as the game adds some much-needed freshness to the franchise while maintaining the charm that Kirby fans know and love.
The Forgotten Land may not nail the world-building or plotting, but it’s not snoozing when it comes to Kirby’s transformations. In fact, the new optional Treasure Road activities highlight his absorptive arsenal better than in any previous game. These short stages help players learn how to maximize the various functions of each copy ability, whether that’s for light environmental puzzles—such as the Drill ability to burrow under barriers—or to do battle armed with chakrams, axes, flames, and more. Between the Road and the relatively lengthy main quest—six zones with five stages each and a post-game area that remixes harder versions of earlier levels—The Forgotten Land really gives Kirby’s powers a workout.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a joyous, colourful adventure that bursting with invention at the seams. It’s a magically daft time, perfect for those nights when the world just looks a little too bleak. With its gorgeous level design and inventive approach to gameplay, a waltz through the Forgotten Lands is a charming way to spend your evenings. The only issues I found were that some of the mini bosses felt slightly repetitive, and the co-op limitations. But, despite this, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a triumph that Nintendo should not forget so easily.
Living in a time particularly stricken with conflict, it was a real comfort to have a bright world with easier gameplay to return to. It’s by and largely solidified itself as one of my absolute favorite Kirby games to date, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to just have some pure fun. If 3D platformers are the future of Kirby, then I’m in for the ride.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land takes the Kirby franchise to new heights in new and interesting ways. Whilst it's not the full step forward that I was hoping for, it's still super enjoyable and excites me for what could be next in the Kirby series.
Enter Kirby and the Forgotten Lands with reasonable expectations and you’ll soon see one of the best refinements of a long-standing Nintendo formula yet. Cooperative play may waver in quality but does not diminish the wondrous experience ahead of you. On offer is plenty of platforming fun to sink your teeth into. Exploration, combat and the completionist itch that comes with a Kirby title are all present and strong here, and it also serves to be one of the longer adventures yet, with more to do than ever before. If you’re looking for the bright and joyous game to cosy up with on the couch this year, Kirby and the Forgotten Lands is without a doubt the one. Just maybe keep a suspicious eye on that beast pack.
While it’s on the shorter side, the collection of well-designed stages are perfect for pick-up-and-play short burst gaming, and that’s exactly what I need right now.
If you like 3D platformers from Nintendo, give Forgotten Land a chance. It will keep you entertained for a few nights, even if not everything works as it should. The basic concept and mechanics are there, but the sequel needs to expand and improve them.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a triumph and a new direction for Kirby games as a whole. While not everything they throw in works, this is a game you'll enjoy playing, and then trying to get 100% completion on.