Best Kirby Games on the Nintendo Switch

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Key Takeaways

  • Kirby Star Allies on Switch offers co-op fun with a range of characters and challenging post-game content.
  • Super Kirby Clash is a free download with boss rush content and loot-based gameplay for a vet-level challenge.
  • Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, a 2.5D adventure with copy ability combos, lore, and significant finale in the series.

As someone who has grown up with Kirby games, I must say that revisiting these iconic titles brings back a flood of memories and nostalgia. Among all the games you’ve mentioned, there’s one that stands out as the cream of the crop for me – Kirby Super Star (Kirby’s Fun Pak).

Kirby is one of Nintendo’s longest-running series, boasting an impressive 44 mainline and spin-off games since 1992. Excitingly, this lovable character has been showered with attention on the Nintendo Switch. In fact, nearly half of the Pink Puffball’s back catalog is playable on this platform, thanks to offerings like Nintendo Switch Online.

Experience Kirby’s initial 3D escapade, timeless series beginnings, thrilling loot-based boss fights, and even a golf-themed puzzle challenge – all in a single location! For any dedicated Kirby enthusiasts seeking entertainment, here are ten outstanding Kirby games on Switch that you might find intriguing.

10. Kirby Star Allies

Experience a Kirby Adventure with Friends

In the console’s debut, Kirby Star Allies, some fans found it a blend of delight and confusion, as it delivered rich fan service and a substantial amount of new lore that added complexity to the original storyline by introducing additional characters. This Kirby game offers a fast-paced and fulfilling adventure experience. Upon finishing the game, you’ll gain the ability to play a condensed version of the campaign using one of the 40 available playable characters.

In this game, you’ll find a mix of both familiar foes and friends from previous games, each possessing unique skill sets – a diverse group I like to call Dream Friends. The multiplayer aspect is the standout feature of this series, offering a variety of characters to learn and control masterfully. For dedicated players, there’s even more content waiting in the form of ‘Soul Melter’, which offers a tough test for long-time fans.

9. Super Kirby Clash

An Action-Packed Boss Rush Mode for Kirby and Pals

Masahiro Sakurai, who is known for creating the Kirby series, also developed the popular Super Smash Bros. series, which served as inspiration for spin-off games like Kirby Fighters and Kirby Clash. The newest addition to this spin-off lineup is Super Kirby Clash, a free download on Nintendo Switch. In this game, boss rush modes are emphasized, with players earning currency to purchase stronger costume items that help them take on progressively tougher enemies in a loot-based system.

You’ll find four distinct character types to select: the agile swordsman, the heavy tank using hammers, the mage specializing in ranged magic, and the healer. Each character has a progression of unlockable costumes and weapons that span the entire series. It offers an engaging battle for experienced players who must strategize by creating a balanced party, utilizing each character’s unique abilities like blocking and dodging effectively to conquer the most formidable enemies.

8. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

The Epic and Wholesome 3D Finale

In its initial foray into three-dimensional gaming, the title Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards debuted in a delightfully pixelated 2.5D format. This game introduced mechanical advancements that enabled Kirby to merge copy abilities, swallowing enemies while already possessing another ability, resulting in potent combinations like the notorious Fridge Kirby.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that many of these new features felt cumbersome and less effective compared to their classic counterparts in the game. Regrettably, it seems these unique features won’t make a comeback in future installments, making this game our only opportunity to engage with such innovative mechanics. Additionally, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards holds significant importance from a storyline perspective as it signifies the conclusion of the initial trilogy and offers fans the chance to witness Kirby’s climactic showdown against the long-standing adversary, Dark Matter.

7. Kirby’s Dream Course

A Classic Golf Game for Kirby

In the Kirby series, one standout title that’s reminiscent of puzzles is Kirby’s Dream Course. This game essentially takes the form of a golf adventure set in a whimsical realm. Your task as a player is to steer the round Kirby character through a challenging course within a predetermined number of moves, all while dodging hazards and the absence of safety barriers.

In this game, players need to knock out adversaries by tossing Kirby at them. Some of these foes bestow a unique skill that helps in overcoming other challenges. Once almost all enemies are vanquished, the last one transforms into a hole for the player to make a putt, progressing to the next stage. Remarkably, even after 30 years, the game offers a relatively easy but engaging experience.

6. Kirby’s Adventure

The OG Adventure to Experience Kirby’s Origins

In simpler terms, “Kirby’s Adventure,” released as Kirby’s initial console game, significantly boosted the popularity of the franchise compared to its predecessor, “Kirby’s Dream Land” on the Game Boy. This first game showcased Kirby’s signature ability to copy things, and it was a highly advanced platforming game for its time.

The initial release significantly defined HAL Laboratory’s aspirations to innovate within the series, aligning with Nintendo’s goals and paving the way for the Kirby series to utilize the latest technologies in games such as “Kirby Tilt n’ Tumble” and “Kirby: Canvas Curse.” It served as a key predecessor, enabling the series to evolve into the massive franchise it is recognized as today.

5. Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe

A Refreshing Return to Kirby’s Aesthetic and Design

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, also known as Kirby Adventure Wii, was widely appreciated by fans and often hailed as the best modern effort to rekindle the charm of the earlier games. This game included one of the well-liked villains, Magolor. Due to its late release in the Wii’s lifespan, it became somewhat challenging to find a copy. Given this scarcity and its popularity, a complete remake seemed fitting, with the latest Kirby title for Nintendo Switch being the most recent example.

Refreshing the visuals while still preserving its endearing character, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe serves as a model for breathing new life into classic games. The creators additionally incorporated fresh content focusing on Magolor, shedding light on the aftermath of his confrontation with Kirby in the storyline.

4. Kirby And The Amazing Mirror

A Tough Metroidvania That Challenges Kirby and Fans

Oh, the mirror dimension – what a fascinating realm! It’s hard to imagine fiction without it, where enemies can be friends and allies can turn into adversaries. Kirby and the Amazing Mirror is undeniably one of the most challenging games in its series, though not necessarily for the reasons you might suppose. In fact, the game offers a more Metroidvania-style experience, as the entire game is structured like a single, large maze or labyrinth.

In this game, explorers must move through intertwining levels to find fragmented mirrors and conquer the guards watching over them. The layout is intriguing, but it misses a crucial element common in games of its kind – a comprehensive map. Players might unwittingly retrace their steps or repeatedly battle the same bosses because of this. However, it stands out as one of the most distinctive mainline installments and offers the thrill of solving the puzzle that is the maze.

3. Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble

A Game That Integrates with Physics

Back in the day, I was one of the lucky gamers who got their hands on Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble. This game was a revolution, a testament to HAL Laboratory’s innovative spirit, even though it was ahead of its time. You see, they weren’t just experimenting with game mechanics; they were also dabbling with peripherals. The original cartridge for this game had an accelerometer built-in, allowing the good old Game Boy to sense my movements! Now that’s something I wish more games from back then could boast about.

In this game, players control Kirby by tilting their console, much like the style seen in the Super Monkey Ball series. Remarkably, this concept was innovative even back then, but the Nintendo Switch Online edition takes advantage of modern technology, employing a system similar to shrine challenges in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for improved precision and gameplay quality, thus catering to new players.

2. Kirby And The Forgotten Land

Kirby’s Grandest Adventure

HAL Laboratory initially intended to transition the series into 3D starting from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, as this was a common move for popular franchises back then. However, a genuine 3D sequel was scheduled to launch on the GameCube, but unfortunately, the project got scrapped, resulting in that console generation lacking a new mainline Kirby game.

Approximately two more decades passed before Kirby finally ventured into 3D gaming, and the wait was worth it as Kirby and the Forgotten Land became one of the series’ most highly praised installments. This new title brought a fresh dimension to the platforming genre, particularly in its enhanced boss battles. It’s an epic, varied journey that ranks among the best platformers on Switch, but it doesn’t quite top the best Kirby game available on the console.

1. Kirby Super Star (Kirby’s Fun Pak)

An Anthology of Kirby Adventures in One Package

For countless long-term fans, Kirby Super Star still stands as the ultimate Kirby adventure, a sentiment echoed by critics during its release. One of the game’s standout features was the ‘allies’ system, where players could share their copy ability with an AI ally, making gameplay more engaging and interactive as early as 1996.

In simpler terms, Kirby Super Star is a collection of smaller games, the standout ones being The Great Cave Offensive, which is similar to Metroidvania games, where Kirby goes cave exploring for treasures that reference other Nintendo franchises. Another notable game is Revenge of Meta Knight, where Meta Knight, a well-known villain in the series, plays the antagonist. The storyline with one of the richest narratives concludes with Kirby’s thrilling escape on Wheelie from the Halberd just before it falls to the ground.

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2024-11-30 04:35