Kirby and the Forgotten Land: A Vibrant Leap for the Series on Nintendo Switch

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: A Vibrant Leap for the Series on Nintendo Switch Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks a milestone for HAL Laboratory and Nintendo, bringing the beloved pink hero into a new dimension—both figuratively and literally—on the Nintendo Switch.

Since its release on March 25, 2022, this imaginative 3D platformer has captivated long-time fans and newcomers with its inventive mechanics, vibrant environments, and characteristically playful spirit.

As the first mainline Kirby title to go fully 3D, Forgotten Land encapsulates the innovative design and whimsical charm that define Nintendo's most memorable releases. From the outset, Kirby and the Forgotten Land immerses players in a gorgeously rendered world brimming with color and creativity.

The transition to linear 3D stages evokes comparisons to Super Mario 3D World, yet the experience remains distinctly Kirby, offering signature copy abilities, a new Mouthful Mode, and the kind of feel-good adventure that only HAL Laboratory can deliver.

Whether exploring with Kirby solo or teaming up in local co-op mode as Bandana Waddle Dee, players are treated to a journey filled with heartwarming moments and clever gameplay twists. In an official statement, HAL Laboratory emphasized their intent to evolve Kirby’s traditional moveset, stating that bringing these favorite abilities into a 3D environment was a priority for development.

Players have praised how seamlessly inhaling, hovering, jumping, and sliding translate to the expanded playground of Forgotten Land, making even simple actions like running and jumping a tactile delight, enhanced by the HD Rumble of the Nintendo Switch. Each themed world in Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers a distinct visual identity and introduces platforming challenges, engaging puzzles, and formidable bosses.

The gameplay loop is strengthened by the task of rescuing captured Waddle Dees, whose safe return expands and enlivens the central hub: Waddle Dee Town.

This lively settlement grows with every rescued neighbor, unlocking new minigames, locations, and opportunities to upgrade copy abilities through a blueprint-based evolution system—all while maintaining the series’ approachable, family-friendly difficulty. A significant innovation comes in the form of Mouthful Mode, allowing Kirby to inhale and control inanimate objects such as cars, vending machines, and traffic cones.

While transformations are not as numerous as some might expect, each provides a distinct twist on both puzzle-solving and exploration, adding another layer to the already rich gameplay.

Copy Abilities, a core element of the franchise, return with the exciting addition of evolutions, offering fresh variations and tactical enhancements for every ability as players uncover hidden blueprints and invest their hard-earned star coins and rare stones. Beyond the main stages, Treasure Road time trials challenge players to beat levels quickly using specific abilities or mouthful transformations.

These brief, creative challenges inject variety and replay value for those seeking to master every nuance of Kirby’s toolkit, all in service to enhancing the central Waddle Dee Town experience. Despite its lush visuals, Kirby and the Forgotten Land targets a consistent 30 frames-per-second on Nintendo Switch.

Some minor performance concessions, such as lower frame rates for distant models, are present, but the game's detailed art direction and vibrant color palette more than compensate.

Notably, Forgotten Land is the largest Kirby game by file size to date—totalling 5.7 GB on launch—which underscores its expanded ambition in both content and scope. Players can expect approximately 10 hours to reach the end credits, with full completion extending playtime past 20 hours.

While relatively brief compared to sprawling open-world counterparts, the expertly crafted levels ensure a thoroughly engaging journey that values quality over filler.

With co-op play, high-score chasing, and abundant secrets to discover, the game rewards both casual play and dedicated exploration. Kirby and the Forgotten Land isn’t just an incremental step—it’s a bold evolution, proving that HAL Laboratory’s creativity is alive and well on Nintendo Switch.

Equal parts nostalgic and forward-thinking, it sets a high bar for 3D platformers while retaining everything fans love about Nintendo’s most endearing characters.

A free demo is currently available on the Nintendo eShop for those eager to sample Kirby’s latest adventure.

For both veteran fans and 3D platformer enthusiasts, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a must-play addition to the Switch library.

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