P is for PINK!: Ultima's Kirby 64 Review!
The Nintendo 64 has a slew of great and standout games, like Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, and more. However, Kirby 64 seems to get pushed under the rug when it comes to worthy games on the N64. Does it deserve more attention? Is it worth adding to your collection of N64 classics? Let us see as I look over Kirby 64!
Story:
Our story begins on the peaceful heart shaped planet known as Ripple Star. It is a peaceful place where fairies live, protected and watched over by the great Crystal. However, tragedy strikes when Dark Matter appears, intending to use the crystals power for dark deeds! To save the crystal, the fairy queen orders Ribbon the fairy to fly it somewhere else safe. This does not go well, as Dark Matter pursues and destroys the crystal, shattering it into dozens of shards! Poor Ribbon crashes into a nearby planet… Pop Star!
We cut to Kirby relaxing under the night sky when suddenly Ribbon crashes right near him and a crystal shard falls onto his head. Sensing trouble, Kirby offers his help to free Ripple Star from the evil that is the Dark Matter!
Simple story is simple. It’s enough to keep my interest though! The story is told through cutscenes, which are actually pretty well animated and charming. They help to tell the story quite well.
Gameplay:
Kirby games are often 2D platformers with overall simple gameplay. Kirby 64 is no exception. The objective is to reach the end of the stage. While doing so, you also collect the scattered Crystal Shards across the level! You might want to try to collect all of them.
Kirby can suck up enemies to swallow or spit them out, do a foot slide, and fly in the air for a short period of time. If he swallows certain enemies with certain abilities, he can copy said abilities! These abilities are called Copy Abilities, and give Kirby a variety of powers, like Fire, Spikes, or Ice. This is the tried and true Kirby formula when combined with its simple to understand controls, makes it extremely accessible, yet having just enough depth thanks to the varied Copy Abilities. In Kirby 64, Kirby has the special ability to combine 2 copy abilities to create a Power Combo. Power Combos can either be an upgraded version of one Copy Ability, or a completely new Copy Ability! You can obtain such combos like ice skates, fire arrows, a snowflake, exploding ninja shurikens, and more!
Use the force, Kirby... to swim.
With Power Combos alongside individual Copy Abilities, you have over a dozen ways to platform your way through this Kirby adventure. Some abilities are even necessary to obtain certain crystal shards! Sometimes, Kirby’s friends will come along and help you out on your journey. Ride with Waddle Dee, use the item Adeleine draws for you, and power through certain parts of levels with Dedede!
Level design is simple as well. It has basic platforming and enemies acting as obstacles which become more advanced as the game goes on. At the beginning of the game though, Kirby 64 can get somewhat boring due to simplicity and somewhat easy difficulty. This applies to the first bosses as well.This is no longer a case throughout the middle and end of the game, however. Sub-Bosses on the other hand, are overly simple and are always easy. While the Copy Abilities are plentiful, I feel like missing Copy Abilities from previous Kirby games could have upped the variety in Copy Abilities and Power Combos. For example, Parasol by itself would be fine, and if you combine it with let’s say Fire, you can get a hot air balloon, or combining it with cutter will make Kirby a helicopter!
The game is also quite short. Finding the crystals does prolong the game a bit though.
Outside of the main game, there are also a few minigames AKA sub-games you can play with up to 4 players. 100-Yard Hop is a 100 yard hopping race to the finish. Make sure to avoid the puddles! Bumper Crop Bump lets Kirby and friends compete to see who can obtain the most fruits in their basket. You can bump into others to push them aside. Checker Board Chase is a game where the goal is to be the last player standing. To do this, you must drop blocks in front of you to make your opponents fall! The sub-games are relatively fun to play overall.
There also exists a glossary of enemies you have encountered. Fill in the glossary by getting cards during the end stage bonus at the end of the stages!
Graphics and Sound:
Kirby 64 certainly looks like its graphics aged well. They are top notch n64 graphics. Models look crisp and well animated. Kirby himself is actually quite expressive. He’ll smile, cry, and show plenty of emotions. He’ll even change expressions if he is near losing all his HP. The levels look good too, each vastly looking different from eachother. You have a plains area, forest, beach, caves, and even a factory to explore and platform through!
The game has pretty and vibrant backgrounds...
And... is that a shopping mall?
Kirby 64 houses some of the series most iconic themes. The first level music in particular is memorable and is fondly remembered. Music ranges from happy, to upbeat, tranquil, and even intense at times. It is a good mixture. The music in each level suits it very well.
Conclusion: To be honest, Kirby 64 is a solid game. It’s definitely not perfect or as revolutionary as Mario 64, but it’s simple fun. The game won’t last you too long compared to other games, and it can be a bit too easy at times, Kirby 64 will certainly enlighten you regardless.
Score: 8/10