Introduction

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is Kirby’s first big jump into full 3D platforming, and on the Nintendo Switch, it lands smoothly—though not without a few funny stumbles. Moving away from the usual style, this new take gives the series a fresh feel while keeping its quirky charm. Released on March 25, 2022, this game boldly trades Kirby’s 2D side-scrolling past for open, explorable areas full of secrets, simple puzzles, and lost Waddle Dees waiting to be rescued. What comes together is a well-balanced mix of old and new, respecting the series’ roots while welcoming more freedom in how you play. With its mix of old-school fun and updated design, this game opens a new chapter for the series and starts strong right from the first puff.

Storyline

Right from the start, Kirby crash-lands in what looks like an abandoned amusement park from another world. It feels like it was built by someone who loved fun toys but forgot to clean up. The evil Beast-Pack has taken the Waddle Dees and spread them across many areas filled with dangers and hidden paths. Kirby must copy powers, beat the bad guys, and save his friends. The story isn’t trying to be super deep, but it knows how to stay fun. Cute cutscenes, lively animations, and playful lines keep things light and lovable, while adding just enough mystery to keep players hooked.

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Copy Abilities Go 3D
    • From drilling into the ground to shooting flames, Kirby’s power-stealing is fresh and exciting in 3D. Swallowing a car engine or slurping up a fire hydrant is always fun. The 3D view makes each power more useful and exciting, opening up new ways to fight and explore. Whether digging under foes or burning through icy places, these new powers encourage players to try different things.
  • Open-Ended Exploration
    • Instead of straight paths, you’ll explore small areas full of glowing missions, extra goals, and well-hidden treasures. This change adds a welcome sense of freedom to the usual gameplay. Each area invites you to wander off the main road, rewarding curiosity with prizes, blueprints, and even secret bosses. It’s a fun new take that makes every level feel like its own little adventure.
  • Co-Op & Multiplayer
    • A second player can jump in anytime as Bandana Waddle Dee—armed with a spear and a helpful spirit. It’s perfect for couch co-op lovers who want a cheerful experience to share. The drop-in/drop-out system works smoothly, so friends or family can join easily. Even though Bandana Waddle Dee can’t copy powers like Kirby, the co-op play still adds laughs and warmth to the game.
  • Puzzles & Platforming
    • You’ll find many puzzle styles—from flipping switches to flipping gravity. Sometimes, you’ll need fast reflexes in chase scenes that are as silly as they are fun. Most puzzles use the level’s setup in clever ways, asking you to notice small details and use Kirby’s powers smartly. These parts give the game a nice flow, mixing smart thinking with exciting jumping.

Visuals

Kirby and the Forgotten Land looks like someone wrapped pastel-colored bubblegum around geometric shapes and said, “That’s my next AAA aesthetic.” It works beautifully. Textures pop, animations are buttery smooth, and each level—from the mossy ruins of Waddle Dee Town to the neon buzz of Mecha Green Greens—feels crafted with love. Sure, you may spot the occasional frame-rate hiccup in chaotic zones, but it’s never enough to spoil the molten-lava-sliding good times.

Audio

The soundtrack bounces between reimagined Kirby classics and delightful new orchestral themes. Sound effects lean into cartoonish fun—inhales sound like turbo-charged vacuums, while boss roars might send your cat scrambling. Although Kirby remains adorably silent, the supporting voice work strikes the right mix of goofy and endearing.

Impact on the Industry

This title represents a major step forward. As one of the first flagship Nintendo games to bring Kirby into full 3D, Forgotten Land feels like both a risk and a successful proof of concept. It demonstrates that the Switch can handle more ambitious, spatially complex level designs without performance breakdowns. That success may well inspire similar 3D transitions for other “flat” franchises. Mario—yes, we’re looking at you.

User Reviews & Rating

Aggregated player sentiment holds steady at an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. Here’s what fans are buzzing about:

  • Strengths
    • Players love the cute graphics, easy-to-learn controls, lots of things to collect, and a challenge level that works for both kids and longtime fans. The bright art and smooth animations make it fun for everyone. Side tasks, secrets, and upgrades give players reasons to replay and explore every level.
  • Weaknesses
    • Sometimes the camera isn’t helpful when you need perfect jumps, especially in tight spots. Hardcore fans who like fast runs or big challenges may feel the game ends too quickly. Without difficulty settings, it might not satisfy players looking for a tougher ride. The short main story also leaves some hoping for extra content later.

Despite that, many fans praise the game’s polish and replayability. Hidden masks, Time Trials, and bonus arenas keep things engaging. A few players mention a slight lull after the main credits, but that’s quickly offset once the post-game content kicks in—even if it leans a bit repetitive.

Final Thoughts

Kirby and the Forgotten Land arrives with plenty of charm and clever ideas to please both new and longtime fans. It’s not flawless—camera issues and a short main game may leave some wanting more—but the fun extras, lovable world, and cool 3D update make it easy to recommend. Grab a Joy-Con, rescue some Waddle Dees, and get ready for a playful adventure full of sweet surprises.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Add Kirby and the Forgotten Land to your Nintendo collection!