Overview
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a 3D platformer developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, released in 2022. I played it on Nintendo Switch.
It's a pretty fun entry that changes things up a little from the older ones: you play as Kirby in a brand-new 3D world, which is a real plus.
Story and world
Kirby gets sucked into a vortex that carries him to an unknown world, a mix of nature and the remains of a lost civilisation. There he discovers that this world's Waddle Dees have been kidnapped by a pack of wild creatures.
With the help of Elfilin, a small creature he meets along the way, he sets out to rescue them.
Gameplay
There are lots of new transformations, and they are fun. Kirby can now swallow large objects from the environment, like a car or a vending machine, to take their shape and use their abilities in Mouthful Mode. The classic copy abilities are still there and can be upgraded as the adventure goes on.
A village serves as the central hub, with a few activities. It grows as you free more Waddle Dees.
The game can also be played in two-player co-op: the second player controls Bandana Waddle Dee.
Graphics and music
The game is beautiful and refreshing. The environments blend lush nature with the ruins of abandoned cities.
Verdict
It's not a game that transcends the series, but it's a good game. The move to 3D and the new transformations make it refreshing. I recommend it for a good time.