I have had a mixed experience when it comes to demos of 3D platformers on the Switch. My experiences with Balan Wonderworld’s demo led me to cancel my preorder of the game, after previously declaring it a game to watch in 2021. After putting Kirby and the Forgotten Land on the list of games to watch in 2022, I was nervous history would repeat with this demo, but am pleased to say that this is not the case.
Kirby and The Forgotten Land is the series transition to full 3D platforming, but do not go into this expecting to have an open world along the lines of Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Odyssey, but rather a linear style 3D platformer like Super Mario 3D World. This is not a knock on the game though, as Kirby and the Forgotten Land is one of the examples of a game making the full 3D leap. Kirby may be going in a new direction, but at the same time, he is remaining true to his roots.
Many have been concerned that the game is too easy, especially for kids, but this is not something to worry about. There are two modes, an easier mode, and a harder mode that will provide a decent challenge to anyone playing. This way, Kirby and the Forgotten Land ends up being for everybody and gamers of all skillsets will find themselves able to enjoy what is on offer.
The demo allows players to try three levels including a boss fight and get a feel for how the game plays and its mechanics work. Kirby’s copy abilities all work like most would expect, but now are adjusted for the 3D perspective, such as Sword Fighter Kirby and Bomb Kirby even with a brief need to get used to Kirby’s abilities this way. The amazing thing about Kirby and the Forgotten Land though, is that it all seems to work perfectly once you get used to 3D Kirby.
The new addition here is mouthful mode, where Kirby will inhale objects like cars, vending machines and traffic cones, and gain new abilities from them. For instance, Car Kirby can ram into enemies, make leaps of ramps, and crash through walls, while Vending Machine Kirby can shoot out cans and other items to attacks enemies and breakthrough obstacles. Though the demo is brief, it manages to give a great example of what the new ability is and how it will play into the game.
Indeed, the demo just gives a very short taste of what Kirby and The Forgotten Land has to offer, but it manages to whet the appetite for the full game. The boss fight especially gives a good introduction to the new approach to boss battles this game has to offer. I am now more excited than before to play the full game and cannot wait to see what other surprises are in store.