Nintendo is the master of being unpredictable, and they showed that with the surprise release of Kirby Fighters 2 on Switch. For those not familiar, the game is a platform fighter that sees multiple versions of Kirby, each with their own copy ability that sets themselves apart. This entry offers some new changes and a new copy ability making its debut with wrestling Kirby and as well as Gooey, Magalore, King Dedede, Meta Knight and Bandanna Dee making their debuts as well. The game is a fun platform fighter, but is it worth the twenty dollar (26.99 Canadian) asking price?
The game relies on fast paced battles with simplified controls even when compared to Super Smash Bros, which this game is based on to an extent. Items and stage hazards appear as well, and using them is a major key to winning fights here. The various copy ability Kirby options all play differently and wrestler Kirby is a great addition that offers some new variety and is perfect for a fighting game. The non Kirby characters help add even more variety and depth to the roster, so there will always be someone to choose from. The issues for me come in the gameplay style, but even then the situation is odd.
Teams play a major role in the game and 2 v 2 battles are the norm. This works well if done with strategy, such as teaming up to use certain items or move health items to recover. There is no friendly fire, but the game does require a lot more thought than you might expect. There is also the ghost mechanic that sees you able to keep fighting after being knocked out, and the enemies can do this as well. As such, you will need to be on your feet at all times. There is a story mode here, but it is a very basic one that acts a lot more like a gauntlet than anything else. The chapters have different gimmicks and bosses, and this can be done with a second player as well. I would have liked a more thought out story mode, but the game instead goes for the minimalist approach. You can also go at it solo, with no buddy at all, for more of a challenge.
There are plenty of unlockable content, both cosmetic and major including stages and the stages themselves have a lot of characters. Some are brilliant recreations of classic Kirby stages, but many have stage hazards to consider as well. For all they look amazing, some of the stages prove more frustrating than anything else. They get in the way of the fight too much and throw everything off. The biggest issue however is the online. I did not have the best experience online, dealing with lag constantly and a difficult time finding matches on my first three outings. My fourth and fifth attempts however, I found matches right away and had a buttery smooth experience better than Super Smash Bros Ultimate. I am confused by the mention of in game purchases as well, since I could not find any unless they are coming later or are referring to future DLC perhaps. As it stands however, the game has a lot to find and unlock and this will keep players busy for days.
Kirby Fighters 2 is something of a mixed bag. Its a decent experience in terms of fighting, but the online is inconsistent. When it is not the best, it is very awkward and annoying to play, but when it is good though, it is very good. I love that there is an abundance of content to unlock and explore, and leaves us with many hours of gameplay.. We were not expecting this game before it released, and for what is here, I do feel the asking price is worth it. Local play is well done here and I feel that will be a draw for many. I do recommend this.