There's little doubt that when Nintendo announced Kirby and the Forgotten Land last year, the reveal trailer caught the eye and imagination. It needed to, as well, with the franchise very much in danger of becoming overly predictable and safe. There had been some experimentation in recent-ish times, such as Kirby and the Rainbow Curse on Wii U, but across 3DS and Switch in particular we'd been fed a hearty diet of charming and relatively easy 2D platformers. Lovely games, for sure (Planet Robobot was a particular highlight), but after a slightly uninspired effort with Kirby Star Allies it was time for a change.
To give HAL Laboratories and Nintendo credit, they can't be accused of playing it safe with Kirby and the Forgotten Land, certainly not based on what we've seen so far. Launching on Switch at the end of March, Kirby is finally going back into a 3D world, and the setting and gameplay have created a real buzz online, well beyond anything related to a Kirby game for quite some time. For one thing, hat-tips are due for the visuals, which appear to be making the best of the Switch hardware with some gorgeous art design.
The release date is rather close, too, adding to the sense that Nintendo has — through planning and no doubt readjusted schedules on games that couldn't hit 2021 — set itself up for an excellent start to the year. Its 25th March release brings it onto our systems just a few weeks after Triangle Strategy, and of course at the end of this month we have Pokémon Legends: Arceus on the way.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land looks to be capable of going toe-to-toe with those other big releases, at the very least, and the latest trailer (at the top of this page) gives us more of a sense of its structure. It brings to mind Super Mario 3D World, perhaps, as we see distinct worlds and stage select areas, with each level being a decent-sized space to explore and clear. We're getting Odyssey and even Bowser's Fury vibes from the visuals and world design.
In addition, there'll be Waddle Dee Town as a hub, which will grow as you progress through stages; this will seemingly be the home of minigames and that standard Kirby cute charm. Nintendo's own description emphasizes these features.
In this sweeping adventure, you’ll make use of a range of Kirby’s abilities to combat foes and navigate vibrant 3D environments. Progress through a world in which nature and a past civilization have fused in a series of areas packed with platforming challenges. When you set out to free the Waddle Dees being held captive at the goal point at the end of each stage, you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny to rescue as many Waddle Dees along the way, too!
The Beast Pack will put up a challenge, so along with Kirby’s iconic copy abilities there are new additions to Kirby’s repertoire – the Drill and Ranger copy abilities! Submerge into the ground with the Drill copy ability and attack enemies from below with a massive blow. Your foes will soon be seeing stars when Kirby unleashes the Ranger copy ability, which also lets you set your sights on a faraway enemy.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land also introduces Waddle Dee Town, which will be the central hub of your adventure. The town will develop more and more based on the number of Waddle Dees you rescue as you progress. You will notice different shops opening and be able to enjoy some of the townsfolk’s favorite games. Kirby can even help out in the Waddle Dee Café. You’ll need to quickly prepare customers’ orders to keep them satisfied and aim for a high score. You’ll also encounter Wise Waddle Dee in Waddle Dee Town, who will pass along helpful hints. By connecting to the internet, you can learn details based on global player data, such as the total number of Waddle Dees rescued around the world and the current most popular copy ability.
It seems to us that, based on footage and details so far, this looks all set to retain key Kirby features while also offering something more imaginative and grand than recent entries. It perhaps reflects a bit of patience shown, too, with HAL Laboratories bringing this to the Switch a little over four years after Kirby Star Allies; it seems like time well spent.
We want to know whether you share our optimism and excitement for Kirby and the Forgotten Land — share your thoughts in the polls and comments below!
- Further reading: Best Kirby Games Of All Time
Comments 118
It looks great. Day one!
Ive already tossed out the wife and kids so my body, mind and soul, can be solely devoted to this
I'm going to get yelled at for buying this day one and it will be worth it.
It looks so good, finally getting that step into 3D. Likely gonna be a very quick purchase for me, might not be day one but I intend to get it ASAP. Just looks like pure fun and thats all I need. Hopefully this is the start to a great lineup of 2022 releases after the drought of the last couple of years (mainly my taste in what was released more than anything), its great to be excited for game releases again.
@patbacknitro18
Ahhh, I see you are a man of culture
@westman98 family comes and goes. But that cute pink puffball is forever.
Ya I'm most likely going to get this bad boi day one, It just looks too good to pass up!
@patbacknitro18 Did you keep the dog?
I have reservations but it does look gorgeous. But so did the last Kirby game.
Wait for reviews, people
@Snatcher ofcourse. Only for the hope that the animal ability will finally return to us after nearly 2 decades.
I'm not sure, I've never played a Kirby game before/been into Kirby, and I bet this game will cost something like $59.99, and I'm trying to save up for pokemon areus (idk if I spelled that right) and super smash bros so if I do get this game my wallet will be crying 😿
More hyped than Whispy Woods on Miracle-Gro.
@Mattock1987 that's probably a good idea, I have done that with every game I have bought (besides great ace attorney)
Where’s the option for super hyped but I stopped buying games day one?
Can’t justify the price of game pre orders anymore sadly.
It’s going to be hard convincing my wife to play Kirby just so I can play Bandanna Waddle Dee.
I'll probably be pre-ordering it. Definitely wouldn't miss out on Kirby's first 3D outing.
You have to realize when some franchises aren’t for you. That’s the case for me and this one.
#1 on my Gamefly list
Whenever I feel the itch to snack during this quarantine, I'll play Kirby and have him inhale food instead. That will work...right?
I've been a Kirby fangirl since Kirby's Dream Land 2. Played almost every Kirby game since, and even the "worst" Kirby game I've played (Star Allies) was still kinda okay.
I was initially skeptical about a transition to 3D, but after seeing trailer footage that runs smooth as silk and looks so natural... I'm stoked.
Day 1 purchase 💓
@Mauzuri good point. I always get physical copies of new games for that reason
Waiting for those reviews.
Looks great. Day one buy. Nice to have a game to look forward to again.
The game looks pretty good but I'm still personally going to have to be convinced to buy it. Maybe something will be shown to sway me later down the line, but as it currently stands my full attention is on Sunbreak for Rise.
I am going to be that person, but it's just depressing to witness Gamefreak not being able to create something so beautiful and vibrant. I am impressed by most 1st party game by Nintendo, but Gamefreak is still figuring out how to develop a game for Wii. Gameplay looks fun, but the world is painful to look at.
Sorry everyone, I had to put it out there lol!
Seems like the real forgotten land is the other 3D one in the Pokemon game. This advert hasn’t as much promoted Kirby, but destroyed the hype for Pokemon Arceus.
Preordered
It has the potential to be as good as Mario Odyssey was.
If I have a job and income then it'll be day one. It looks great. =D
I have low standards, even if this game is bad it can’t be that bad. I think the only way it would be bad is if it’s way too easy and short
This wasn’t on my radar at all, but after watching that trailer I’m definitely getting it! This looks like it will be really awesome.
Easy day one buy for me, the game looks absolutely incredible! This is the first Nintendo game I can think of in years where I literally have zero issues with how the game looks pre-release, it's honestly amazing how perfect of a conversion to 3D this game looks when this is the first time the company has really dipped their toes into making a 3d Kirby game.
Probably the first Kirby game I'm legitimately excited for since "The Amazing Mirror."
Day 1 wahoooooooooooooii
Kirby's epic yarn on wii was one of my favourite childhood games and I haven't played a kirby game since triple deluxe so I have to play this. Meanwhile, I've been playing paper mario origami king and it's the best game I played on switch so far these past 3 months.
Day 1 for me. Always wanted a Kirby game like this since the 64.
I've never played a Kirby before because Its always looked too simplistic and samey, I am interested in this though and if it reviews well I'll probably get it
This is going to be my first Kirby game and I am so excited!
Y'all made the page layout pink. That's cute.
This is the first Kirby game I’ve been genuinely hyped to play ever. I’ve always enjoyed the games but they’ve always been very… by the books? Not in a bad way, but always kinda like comfort food games. Like a pack of Oreos lol. This is the evolution the series needed. I’m still expecting it to be easy (as Kirby games naturally are) but the 3D gameplay, areas, music, and visuals look terrific. Hopefully there are a lot of collectibles to boot!
@Mattock1987 Agreed. Thankfully Nintendo is pretty good about getting review copies out in time for journalists to post impressions before the games actually release.
Never been this hyped for Kirby. A few years ago, Super Mario Odyssey gave me one of the best gaming experiences of my adult gaming life. The sheer joy of discovery and the cleverness of the puzzles, generously scattered around a massive world, excited me like no game has in a long time. This looks like it has a generous helping of that spirit. Hoping it lives up to my seriously lofty expectations.
I've no interest myself, but I'll probably get it for my kids at some point.
@patbacknitro18 you should have inhaled them and stolen their abilities!
For me, the only way this will fail is if it’s too easy and just feels like going through the motions.
If it blends the difficulty of Adventure with the 3D world of Mario Odyssey, I’ll be pleased.
Hyped for this. Will wait for reviews on this but I hope it’s good
No part of me's ever remotely wanted a Kirby 3D platformer and nothing they're showing's done anything to change my mind. Would rather the series just stay in its lane.
Love the pink page theme. Imagine if Nintendo release a special edition Kirby Switch, with pink dock (Kirby eyes, mouth and blush on the front) and pink joy-cons.
Take my platinum points.
Kirby isn't one of those games I ever really get hyped for but I guess on the other hand I have never really been disappointed by a Kirby game either.
I'm probably going to get it at some point, if only for the soundtrack, I'm always looking for some new stuff to add to my playlist and that's something where Kirby almost always provides.
kirby first 3D mainline Kirby game look amazing, i can't wait to finaly play this amazing game in my extended battery Switch.
It looks solid but I am definitely going to wait for reviews because Kirby games tend to be hit or miss, though it probably doesn't help that I am not a huge Kirby fan.
I am excited for the return of 3D Kirby though, and it's actually a 3D platformer this go around, so there is definitely potential. All I want is Mario Odyssey with Kirby gameplay.
It looks interesting, but the only Kirby games I've played are Epic Yarn, Star Allies, & a bit of Super Star Ultra as a kid. And Star Allies was... not impressive. I'll consider it after reviews, then again they seem more willing to put Kirby games on sale than other Nintendo IPs, so maybe waiting would be better?
I mean I think we all know how hyped I am! 🥰🥳
@Arisen Thought you'd got that wrong and it was Yoshi's Epic Yarn. But looking it up I can see that Nintendo have released not one but TWO knitting themed games. LOL! Only Nintendo.
@IronMan30 buying DAY ONE always got a lot of enjoyment from Kirby games. Even did a lot of power runs in Star Allies soul melter ex recently with a friend.
Have it preordered. Big Kirby fans my kids are. Really excited for this game.
Have we had "Wish GameFreak would put as much effort in a this" yet.
I love Kirby games. Day one.
I hate Kirby so a big no from me
I've never played through a Kirby game before and even I'm excited for this game. Unless it somehowreviews terribly I'll definitely be picking this up
I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Kirby games have always been a clever way to reuse Mario game engines
Kirbex.
What is is called when you make a portmanteau from a portmanteau?
Will wait for reviews ( except the one from nintendolife) and will buy it if it’s good ,to play coop with my daughter .
This looks good and much more imaginative than previous Kirbys but we all know it’ll be way too easy and I like a challenge to my games so I’ll probably pass unless … I could get it for my kids … hmmm
It only took Nintendo 30 years to green light HAL Laboratory to develop a true 3D game in the Kirby franchise. The possibilities are endless now.
i was optimistic about this game. but now i'm really interested of getting the game after seeing that trailer.
Is it my eyesight? Or did they really polish the graphics by tenfold? Looks great!
@patbacknitro18 You're a good man
Kirby is basically an entire chunk of my so I'm totally gonna get it as soon as possible
@Marianne
(replying to #14)
I like to imagine this being a reply to comment #2 from @patbacknitro18 instead.
Never payed a Kirby game before, this will be my first, what a time to start eh.
@johnvboy If you can play Rainbow Curse or Epic Yarn, do yourself a favor and play them. They're both amazing. Mass Attack is another one I'd recommend, if possible.
Contrary to my mixed feelings for it prior, the latest trailer is an automatic D1B for me. Though Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is another March game for me, Forgotten Land is the feature presentation of the month for me.
I hope there's an option for AI-controlled helpers in the game, as well as four-player support.
This is the game I look forward to the most this year. Yes I know botw2 will be fantastic most likely but Idk. I love 3d platformers more than anything else on earth lol. I am so happy its only a couple months away!
Day one for me. I’ve wanted a game like this for years so it’s a dream come true.
Dunno bout day 1 but I’m STILL gonna get it!
(And people wonder why I like mobile games it’s because games are friggin expensive nowadays!)
If Meta-Knight isn't playable then I ain't buyin'.
@IronMan30,
Thanks, I will have a look at them.
It feels like all of the hype for this game is that it's gonna be the first kirby game in 3D. Honestly that should have happened in the N64 or NGC era already.
The trailer looks okay but not amazing to me. I will probably give it a try if it scores a 9+ average on various reviews.
I'll wait for reviews to make sure we don't have a Balan Wonderland situation, but I'm pretty hyped.
I can't wait to play this game. It looks really nice. I was definitely surprised when it was announced, and knew that day that I was buying it.
Already pre-ordered, so hyped for this game!
It's a very, very good trailer. Went from just being generally excited as a Kirby fan to thinking that the game may be legit amazing.
Game looks awesome, but I don't buy many games at launch or for full MSRP. Making an exception for Elden Ring, and that might be it for $60 games this year.
@Ooyah yes, that is who I replied to (I'm pretty sure)
@FishyS Nintendo/Hal Laboratory would never make a Balan Wonderworld kinda of game, Kirby games are always excelent.
There is no such thing as a bad Kirby game, so this will be enjoyable.
First trailer made me excited about a 3D Kirby game, latest trailer makes it look like a flat out great game, regardless of it being Kirby or not. Extremely excited
I haven't loved a Kirby game since the GBA era so I'm not too excited.
It's looking exciting!! I wish the structure was more open, it's actually looking like that in fact.
It has far more detail than any "linear" 3D Mario outing (not just graphics, but overall level detail), which hints that stages could be more than just "reach the end".
I was so desperate for a 3D-ish Kirby that I imagined Smash Ultimate's story mode as a Kirby game. It was actually very fun to play it that way! So yes, very very hyped!!
But the clincher for me is the Waddle Dee Cafe; that's just an instant day one buy for me since I'm such a fan of Kirby Cafe merchandise, and can never import it locally I'm so so happy they included a mini game as a nod to that spinoff! I really wish they would make a cozy Kirby Cafe cooking game, but Forgotten Land will more than suffice.
Looks like happiness.
I've been a long time Kirby fan and the 2D games were getting a bit stale so this looks great to me. So colorful and lovely, interesting to see what reviews will say.
Its look great. Though I never got into Kirby, I always felt it too easy (the few games I tried)so I got bored fast, never finished any.
Which one (from the online service NES or SNES) would you recommend me to try again?
When I saw the trailer for the first time, I always had this feeling that the levels-worlds were unused Mario Odyssey levels just repurposed for Kirby.
@Giancarlothomaz
Even if they did make a Balan-styled game, they would do it really well, as they did with pretty much every genre of games.
I’m most excited for the fact that it looks like it’s coming from the same team that made my favorite spin-offs, Mass Attack and Rainbow Curse. It looks incredibly similar to Kirby Battle Royale in several ways, which fits my hypothesis.
Makes me wonder if the recent re-release of 3D World was to test the waters, to see if the general public still enjoyed this genre?
I need this game injected into my veins!
I always though Kirby was a concept better suited to 3D than to 2D, because his ability to suck up enemies makes the 2D games too easy, whereas in a 3D game that ability will make the game less hard because enemies can attack from all directions, including places that are invisible to the player, which balances the difficulty.
My main problem is that Rune Factory 5 releases March 22 and Kirby releases March 25. My birthday is the 26th.
I'm getting both, as I've been a very good little old lady the past year. May have to sell a kidney, but I'm doing it.
I will say day one but probably forget for six months. Kinda like origami king.
Gonna wait on reviews. I'm still trepidatious regarding how the game will play in 3D, but I have faith that they found a way to make it work.
This looks like a game that started out as something else and then became a Kirby title later in development.
@Crono1973 I thought exactly the same thing, I thought it looked like they had a load of enviroments and stuff left over from mario odyssey.
Looks pretty sweet! Not really free-roaming 3D, but more like Mario 3D World. Its a move in the right direction though, and the game looks sweet nonetheless.
2022 is already looking stacked!
@dew12333 this was developed by HAL and not in house Nintendo so I doubt that. Different developers. Nintendo just publishes
I think I'll cry if this game ends up being bad.
Edit: Oh thank god
Yes! Looks so good! I'm excited about Kirby being in 3D, and the graphics are so sweet looking!
BUT, my co-host and I will be playing this on the Games Conversation Channel over on YouTube, so I'm really excited about the 2-player co-op! Looks like it'll be a ton of fun!
Hm, looks alright, but people are setting themselves up for disappointment by getting overly hyped. Looks like Star Allies with a new dimension. (Very restricted movement.) Hoping it turns out good though.
Im not a Kirby fan at all so Ill be passing.
I'll purchase this whenever I can. I don't think I've been this impressed with a Kirby game since Star Allies.
Still have to get my other 3DS Kirby and current Switch Kirby to be finished....
Damn, that last screenshot, right above the polls.. That could be what a future kirby game looks like if Nintendo does a nice hardware upgrade next system.
Can't wait!! I love Kirby games and have been waiting ages for a 3D Kirby game and I am surprised they didn't make one for the Nintendo 64 when they were making 3D games of a lot of the other Nintendo series. 2022 is looking to be a very exciting year for video games and aside from this I am looking forward to 'Pokémon Legends: Arceus', 'Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2', Gotham Knights', 'Sonic Frontiers', 'Yooka Laylee 2', 'Ghostbusters' (Sequel to the 2009 game) and the rumoured new 'Donkey Kong' game.
Now, if only we could get new games of Rayman, Mario Kart, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and Monster Boy too.
I dunno, how excited can one be for a videogame?
@patbacknitro18 Crackin'...me...up!
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