Kirby and the Forgotten Land: A Triumphant Evolution for Nintendo Switch

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: A Triumphant Evolution for Nintendo Switch As Kirby celebrates his 30th anniversary, HAL Laboratory delivers "Kirby and the Forgotten Land," a bold step forward for the beloved franchise.

Released exclusively for Nintendo Switch on March 25, 2022, the game draws players into a vibrant, mysterious world that showcases the pink puffball’s classic charm while embracing major gameplay evolution.

A New World and Familiar Face The adventure begins when a mysterious vortex appears above Planet Popstar, transporting Kirby to the remnants of a forgotten civilization.

Here, Kirby discovers that the mischievous Beast Pack is capturing Waddle Dees and robbing them of food, compelling him to set off on a rescue mission.

Kirby is joined by a new companion, Elfilin, as they unravel the secrets of this unknown land and search for a way home.

In a statement reflecting the game’s ambition, HAL Laboratory noted that after decades of success in 2D platformers, the studio aimed to reimagine Kirby’s core formula for a fully 3D environment.

The transition not only brings fresh energy but also retains Kirby's signature gameplay: running, jumping, floating, inhaling enemies, and using Copy Abilities.

Innovative Gameplay and Memorable Moments While series veterans will find the fundamentals comfortably familiar, "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" introduces meaningful innovations.

Chief among these is Mouthful Mode, a new ability Kirby gains after traversing the vortex.

This mechanic allows Kirby to envelop real-world objects—like cars, traffic cones, and water tanks—leading to both humorous visuals and creative puzzle-solving.

HAL Laboratory’s design team has expressed their excitement about this feature, which stands as a centerpiece of the game's joyful personality.

The game also supports local co-op play, letting a second player join as Bandana Waddle Dee—expanding the series’ tradition of accessibility and communal fun.

Exploration is highly encouraged, with players scouring intricate stages to rescue hidden Waddle Dees and complete side missions that vary from quirky challenges like helping ducklings to reuniting mothers or watering flowers to trigger new secrets. Abilities, Upgrades, and Side Activities Two new Copy Abilities—Drill and Ranger—debut in this title.

Drill lets players burrow underground, while Ranger introduces shooting mechanics for ranged attacks and target puzzles.

Notably, each Copy Ability can be upgraded at Waddle Dee’s Weapons Shop in Waddle Dee Town, after collecting blueprints from stages.

Upgrades require Star Coins and Rare Stones, the latter earned primarily from Treasure Road’s time-based challenges, striking a balance between player progression and challenge.

Waddle Dee Town serves as a hub, expanding with new shops and mini-games as more Waddle Dees are rescued.

Players can visit Waddle Dee Cinema to replay cutscenes, challenge bosses in the Colosseum, or collect capsule toys from Gotcha Machine Alley, enriching the game’s replayability. Visuals, Sound, and Technical Details Graphically, "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" shines, especially on the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, where vivid colors and smooth animations bring HAL Laboratory’s artistic vision to life.

The soundtrack is energetic and memorable, underscoring the sense of adventure at every turn.

However, some technical compromises—such as reduced frame rates for distant objects—are evident, a solution Nintendo and other developers have increasingly adopted for ambitious Switch titles.

Although minor, these issues are noticeable in busier moments, particularly as Waddle Dee Town grows. Critical and Commercial Success Upon release, "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" quickly became the best-selling title in the series, receiving both player and critical acclaim and solidifying HAL Laboratory’s achievement.

By September 2023, Nintendo reported over 6 million copies sold worldwide, making it one of the standout platformers not just for the franchise but also for the Nintendo Switch platform.

A Celebratory Leap Forward With its blend of classic mechanics and inventive 3D design, "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" represents a milestone for the iconic hero.

It stands as a testament to HAL Laboratory’s creativity and Nintendo’s enduring appeal, delivering a joyous, accessible experience that appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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