Kirby and the Forgotten Landis now less than a month away from release, which is a big deal. This title looks like it could be formative for the next generation ofKirbygames in a lot of ways.Kirby and the Forgotten LandtakesKirbyinto full 3D for the first time, for instance, potentially revolutionizing the way that the franchise plays forever. It also introduces Copy Ability evolutions to the game, which allow players to permanently modify Kirby’s skills. Players can now test out some of these features in theKirby and the Forgotten Landdemo, but notably, the demo reveals another new feature: Wild Mode.
According toKirby and the Forgotten Land’s demo, Wild Mode is a more difficult version of the game that’ll reward players with more Coins than usual if they canovercomeForgotten Land’s challenges. Introducing a hard more toForgotten Landmay not sound revolutionary at first, but forKirby, it’s a huge deal. Among critics and fans alike, theKirbyfranchise has consistently received criticism for its low difficulty, which can consequently make eachKirbygame’s unique design elements less interesting.Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Wild Mode provides the franchise with a permanent way to circumvent that without overwhelming players who likeKirby’s traditional low difficulty.
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The Importance of Forgotten Land’s Wild Mode
From its earliest days, theKirbyfranchise has had a reputation for low difficulty. Masahiro Sakurai designedthe originalKirby’s Dream Landto be easy for anyone to pick up and play, and that low difficulty has become a core part of the franchise. Not everyone is fond of that design, however; many players have demandedKirbygames that are more challenging overall, rather than games that can be completed handily in an afternoon or only a couple sittings.Kirbygames frequently offer side challenges that feature more difficult content for hardcore players, but these are rarely enough for fans.
That’s whyKirby and the Forgotten Land’s new Wild Mode is so valuable. From the very start of the game,Kirbyfans can turn up the heat, tackling daunting enemies and bosses throughout the game, rather than having to hunt down bonus challenges orsecretForgotten Landbossesthat offer a true test of skill. At the same time,Kirby and the Forgotten Landstill feature Spring-Breeze Mode, which sounds like it’ll provide the traditionally easyKirbyexperience that franchise newcomers or casual players might prefer.Forgotten Land’s two difficulties offer players the best of both worlds.
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Evolving Kirby Difficulty
It’s worth noting thatKirbyhas featured a type of “hard mode” before. Players who completedKirby’s Dream Landwould unlock Extra Game, a more difficult playthrough of the game starring new enemies and more dangerous bosses. OtherKirbytitles likeKirby’s AdventureandKirby’s Return to Dream Landhave featured similar post-game modes. However, Wild Mode stands apart from these modes by being available from the very beginning. Rather than having to play through the entirety ofForgotten Landbefore getting a hard mode, players can increase the difficulty at the start of the game, which will undoubtedly makeKirby and the Forgotten Landmore fun overall for some players.
If there’s oneKirby and the Forgotten Landfeature that should persist through the rest of the franchise, it’s Wild Mode. Difficulty options are a perfect answer to a problem that has persisted in theKirbyfranchise for decades, so it’s great to see HAL Laboratory give it a try. There’s no tellingwhat the future holds forKirbyafterForgotten Land,but hopefully, the game’s new approach to difficulty is a sign of things to come. Whether it’s a remake of an old game or a new installation in the series, the nextKirbygame really ought to borrow Wild Mode.
Kirby and the Forgotten Landreleases June 08, 2025, for Nintendo Switch.
