Nintendo’s recent Direct event gave gamers a lot of pleasant surprises on the future of the company and what’s coming to the Nintendo Switch. Announcements likeBayonetta 3and a futureSuper Smash Bros. UltimateDirecthave given a lot of gamers confirmation on big rumors, and there was one reveal that was truly unexpected to many viewers. Nintendo treated fans to the announcement ofKirby and the Forgotten Land, the newest installment in one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises.
Kirby and the Forgotten Landlooks like one of the franchise’s most unique installments in a very long time. The first trailer showed off a world that’s a far cry from the vibrant environments that the series is known for. While everything is certainly beautiful, it all has a post-apocalyptic tone that seems pretty dark for a pink puffball to run around through. The game’s most significant feature, however, is undoubtedly its 3D platforming gameplay. This may seem commonplace for Nintendo’s biggest mascots today, but forKirby, it’s a move that has been long overdue.
RELATED:Kirby and the Forgotten Land Announced With Gameplay Trailer
Finally Bringing Kirby Into The Third Dimension
TheKirbyseries has always been one of the more accessible of Nintendo’s tentpole properties. Aside from experimental installments likeKirby and the Rainbow Curse,Kirbyhas more or less followed the same exact format for over 30 years. Kirby goes through a series of 2D levels, sucking up enemies and copying their abilities for his own use. It’s a formula that’s proven to work, but it’s also one that’s seen little innovation.Kirby and the Forgotten Landwill be the franchise’s first major foray into 3D platforming, and it’s an excellent opportunity to modernize its core game mechanics and give fans a fresh experience.
Showing Kirby The Same Love As Super Mario, Legend of Zelda
If there’s two names that have thrived the most on the Nintendo Switch, it’sSuper MarioandThe Legend of Zelda. Both franchises have received landmark titles on the Switch that have not only defined the console, but revolutionized what each series is capable of.Super Mario Odysseyserves as the culmination of every 3DMariobefore it, andBreath of the Wildstill maintains a massive popularity that has made its impending sequel one of the most anticipated games of the last decade. It’s a level of success that’s rarely been seen in gaming, and it can all be traced back to Nintendo’s unparalleled ability to innovate.
WhileKirbyhas received a mainline Switch game in the form ofKirby Star Allies, it still follows the same general formula that the franchise has always relied on.Kirby and the Forgotten Landis an opportunity for the franchise to rise to the same heights as Nintendo’s mascots, and share the wealth of success between more than two properties. Many fans have already drawn comparisons toForgotten LandandBreath of the Wildbased on its art style and setting, and the game’s 3D platforming looks very similar toSuper Mario Odyssey. As one of Nintendo’s most essential franchises,Kirbydeserves the same treatment as the company’s other big names, and Nintendo appears to be realizing that.
Kirby and the Forgotten Landadds yet another game to a stacked spring 2022 release window, and it should be very interesting to see more of what the game has in store leading up to its release. It already looks like a great way to celebrateKirby’s 30th anniversary, and hopefully Nintendo will have even more surprises in store for fans of the round hero. BringingKirbyinto the third dimension after all of this time is certainly a great place to start.
Kirby and the Forgotten Landis scheduled to release spring 2022 on the Nintendo Switch.
