Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a 3D platformer developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It was released worldwide on March 25, 2022. The game is the first 3D platformer in the Kirby franchise, and it received critical acclaim, with praise for its visuals, gameplay, and level design.
Moreover, The game is packed with content, with over 30 levels to explore, a variety of collectibles to find, and a number of different challenges to overcome. The visuals are also stunning, with a vibrant and colorful world that is a joy to explore.
But why is it that seemingly no one is talking about it already? If it truly succeeded in what it aspired to do, then why does it feel that everyone is sleeping on Kirby and the Forgotten Land? Read on as we share with you the reasons why we think things ended up this way.
What is Kirby and the Forgotten Land All About?
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the thirteenth mainline installment in the Kirby franchise. On top of that, it is also the first game in the series to go full 3D, excluding spin-offs. The player controls the titular character, Kirby, in an adventure through the titular forgotten land called the New World to rescue Waddle Dees kidnapped by the ferocious Beast Pack. To complete each stage to save the Waddle Dees, Kirby can use a wide range of copy abilities to help battle enemies and progress.
True to the Kirby franchise, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a colorful game that will easily appeal to all ages. It received wide praise for its visuals, gameplay, and music. It was also a commercial success, selling over 3 million copies worldwide.
Here are some of the key features of Kirby and the Forgotten Land:
- Full 3D gameplay. Kirby can now explore the world in three dimensions. This gives players a new level of freedom to explore and interact with the environment.
- Wide range of copy abilities. Kirby can inhale enemies and objects to gain a variety of copy abilities, each with its own unique moveset.
- Mouthful Mode. Kirby can inhale large objects and transform into different shapes, giving him new ways to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
- Co-operative multiplayer. Play with a friend as Bandana Waddle Dee and help each other explore the world and save the Waddle Dees.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a fun and engaging platformer that offers a great mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. It’s a must-play for fans of the Kirby series and anyone looking for a fun and family-friendly game to play on the Nintendo Switch.
The Praises Kirby and the Forgotten Land Received
Here are some of the opinions and reviews of Kirby and the Forgotten Land:
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a colorful, charming, and fun 3D platformer that’s perfect for all ages. It’s a great entry point for newcomers to the series, and it’s sure to please longtime fans as well.
- While not without its flaws, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delightful 3D platformer that’s full of charm, personality, and fun. It’s a great game for all ages, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face.
- The future of the Kirby franchise cannot be any brighter thanks to the good work done on Kirby and the Forgotten Land. It will capture your heart immediately with its inherent charm. You won’t see a more joyous 3D platformer than this for a long while.
So, Why is Everyone Overlooking it?
Despite its critical acclaim, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is often overlooked by gamers. This is likely due to a number of factors. This includes the fact that it is a Kirby game, which many do not see as high-profile as other Nintendo franchises, such as Mario and Zelda. Furthermore, it is a 3D platformer. And 3D platformers are not as popular as they used to be.
While Kirby undoubtedly connects well with kids, especially because of its beautiful, family-friendly art style and approaches, older gamers may not be too fond of it. They may see it as too cutesy for their taste. This can easily discourage some, thus, refraining to give the game a try at the very least.
Additionally, the game released in a crowded year for gaming. Intended or not, it joined other major releases such as Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Many of which are immediately regarded as among the best games in the current generation, and even of all time. It is possible that gamers forgot about Kirby and the Forgotten Land because of these games in 2022.
Some of the other major releases that were available close to Kirby and the Forbidden Island include:
- Elden Ring (that year’s game-of-the-year winner)
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Gran Turismo 7
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
All of these games were critically acclaimed and received a lot of attention from gamers. It is possible that Kirby and the Forgotten Land, while still a good game, was simply not as flashy or groundbreaking as these other titles. Elden Ring, in its lonesome, definitely dominated the market back then, leaving other competitive titles in its dust.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it is also possible that Kirby and the Forgotten Land was not at all overshadowed. After all, it sold over 3 million copies in its first month of release, which is a very strong showing. On top of that, it also brought the whole Kirby franchise a much brighter future. Fans of the franchise should definitely be excited about what’s next for this amazing Nintendo game series.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a truly excellent game that is well worth playing. It is a fun, family-friendly platformer with a lot to offer players of all ages. If you are looking for a colorful 3D platformer that is capable of bringing sunshine directly to your living room, then Kirby and the Forgotten Land is definitely worth checking out.
