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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Kirby: Triple Deluxe Review

Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Publisher: Nintendo Developer: HAL Laboratory Platform: 3DS Release: 2014 Players: 1 (Story Mode, Dedede's Drum Dash, Dedede Tour), 1-4 (Kirby Fighters) Genre: 2D Platformer / Action Rating: 8.8 \ 10.0: Fantastic

Above is Kirby using Hypernova to knock over a tree with a wrecking ball

When Kirby's Return to Dream Land was released in late 2011, longtime fans were thrilled to see the series return to its traditional platforming roots for the first time in years. It was the second Kirby game I ever played, and has remained my favorite entry in the franchise. After a somewhat lengthy wait comes the 3DS-excelusive sequel that is this game. The opens with a beautifully rendered cut-scene that begins with Kirby sleeping in his house when, suddenly, a massive beanstalk, pardon me, "Dreamstalk", erupts from the ground. This lifts Kirby's house into Floraria, a land located high above Dream Land. Kirby wakes up and spots King Dedede's castle entangled in the Dreamstalk. He enters the castle and discovers that the insect-like Taranza, who created the Dreamstalk, has captured his the gluttonous tyrant. Kirby decides that a perilous journey through Floraria is worth rescuing his nemesis and pursues Taranza. Triple Deluxe presents many new features, most of which you will notice in the first few stages. It's hard not to notice the game's colorful and gorgeous graphics, but that's not all. There are now Warp Stars that take you from the foreground to the background, and vice versa. This leads to creative moments. Also, the game features collectible keychains that come in the form of sprites from other Kirby games. If you don't want to collect them yourself, you can purchase them for three Play Coins apiece. Additionally, Triple Deluxe presents several new copy abilities. These include Bell, which allows you to fling deadly music notes at your foes; Beetle, which grants you the power to skewer and fling enemies with a horn and fly by holding the A button when in midair; Circus, which lets you bounce around like an acrobat and juggle flaming torches; and Archer, which grants you a bow that allows you to shoot targets from afar. Plus, Wheel is back for the first time in years! In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, inhaling was taken to the next level when the ability to Super Inhale. That feature is no longer present, but inhaling is getting taken even further with the Hypernova power-up. Found in some stages, Hypernova is used to inhale and move very large objects, as well as unravel tapestries depicting memorable classic Kirby scenes. In some stages, Bandana Waddle Dee, one of the playable characters from KRTDR will stand in the background and toss you food that you can consume when you're health bar is near-empty. This game takes great advantage of the 3DS's gyroscopic capabilities, with many scenes that require tilting the system. When viewing your keychain collection, titling your 3DS move your keychains as well. For players seeking a challenge, there are several Sun Stones hidden in each stage. Although Story mode isn't a cakewalk, it's somewhat brief. If you want to take a break from Story Mode, there are several other modes to keep you occupied. There's Theater, which allows you to view any cut-scenes you've witnessed throughout story mode; Kirby Fighters, in which you can pick a Copy Ability and face off with up to three of your friends via Download Play or play a series of seven increasingly difficult battles against CPU opponents. Some of the series' best classic tunes play in this mode; Dedede's Drum Dash, a mode in which you, playing as King Dedede, press A in tune with the music to bounce of drums and collect coins; and Dedede Tour. This mode enables you to replay story mode as Dedede after you beat it. Now come the flaws. The game lacks co-op, lowering the level of fun (although co-op in the previous game did have some issues). Furthermore, Super Inhaling and fun mini games are no longer present. Kirby: Triple Deluxe, is a great platformer that no series fan should miss out on, but I recommend the game's predecessor more highly.

Ups
New copy abilities
Hypernova power-up
Collectible keychains
Takes advantage of system's gyroscopic capabilities
New modes

Downs
Story mode is somewhat brief
Lacks co-op
Super Inhaling and minigames are gone

ESRB: E Content: Cartoon Violence Price: $39.99 (Retail / Download)


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