Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario 3D Land, and Super Mario 3D World. It represents a condensing and focusing of 3D Mario, ridding the baggage of the open 3D platformer, returning to the timeless linearity of 2D platformers. For Kirby and the Forgotten Land, HAL Laboratory clearly studied 3D World’s streamlined design. Rather than Kirby’s riff on Mario 64 or Ocarina of Time, Forgotten Land feels like Super Mario 3D World from Retro Studios.
Like Retro Studios’ Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers new ideas wrapped in pseudorealism. Floating blocks aren’t here. With its electrified rides and malfunctioning animatronics plus an inventive house of (mild) horrors, Wondaria Remains in Forgotten Land is an artistically lush theme park. It’s Kirby’s turn to take on the real world, although a bit more post-apocalyptic than Station Square or New Donk City. Kirby is forced to rescue the Waddle Dees after being absorbed into a vortex and transported to the titular Forgotten Land.
Forgotten Land is almost perfect in terms of difficulty level for someone who abandoned the series with Kirby’s Epic Yarn. The game feels like it’s for everyone. HAL has spiced up this Kirby game with just a little bit of difficulty. Wild Mode gives Kirby’s usually mellow, comforting gameplay an engaging bite. Especially the last levels and boss are tough. Kirby and the Forgotten Land features a dodge that activates a Bayonetta-style “Witch Time” slowdown when timed correctly. A successful dodge makes the game – and especially the bosses – a lot more replayable. Take part in the generous, punchy post-game content by familiarising yourself with it.
Content-wise, there’s a lot to do in the Forgotten Land. Aside from Waddle Dees, there are toy capsule figures, blueprints, and side objectives. You can destroy posters, find ducklings to return to their mothers, complete battles without getting hit, or even eat hidden treats on each level. The fun of each level is figuring out what these are. In addition, you will face numerous Treasure Road challenges after finishing a level. The challenge rooms are wildly inventive and quite challenging. I’m really impressed with the way they use Mouthful Mode (like Mario Odyssey’s capture abilities) in this game.
It’s not perfect, though. Even at 30fps, it would benefit from smoother boss fights. It could also benefit from faster movement and more depth in some of Kirby’s copy abilities. Nintendo hired musicians for Mario Kart, Paper Mario, and nearly every 3D Mario game. Where are they here? This is a great first foray into 3D for HAL. You will definitely say “wow” again when you see the game’s ending, one that would impress Hideki Kamiya. The 3D platforming genre was never meant to be reinvented with Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Forgotten Land excels when it comes to Kirby. This is another Nintendo Switch exclusive that’s cosy, warm and special. I’m looking forward to BoxBoy!
