- Kirby's Adventure
- Available on: Wii (Virtual Console)
- More information: wikipedia
- Cover scans: mobygames
- FAQ's/cheats: gamefaqs
- Press reviews: vc-reviews
Content review for this game:
Pertaining to content listed in the upper left corner of this site.
Comic mischief: This game was released quite late on the original Nintendo system in 1993, and because of this, the graphics and gameplay are more akin to a Super Nintendo game. And, like all old games, the violence isn't offensive in the least, and mostly involves Kirby sucking up and absorbing enemies powers in a very cartoony way, and then using these abilities against other enemies. It's nothing compared to today's games. Very mild stuff.
Content-wise: This is perfectly suitable for kids 6- to watch and in some early levels, even play. Of course, many of the later levels get much harder, and the overall difficulty (and complexity) could frustrate and stump them. And anyway, they'll probably get bored in a few minutes, and go back to their preferred interest.
Difficulty-wise: The core gameplay involves a main hub, with doors representing the levels. You then enter these doors and beat the levels. After completing a level, more of the hub opens up, revealing more doors and side levels. These side levels include places to obtain certain powers, fight in one-on-one arena battles, and even participate in the classic crane game, where you try to use a crane to pickup and retrieve a stuffed animal (which will award you more lives).
Once you're in one of the main levels, they play out like the sidescrolling levels in Super Mario, but with a few unique differences. For one, Kirby can suck up enemies and use their specific powers, like becoming a fireball, using a sword, shooting electricity, etc. If Kirby is hit, he'll lose his power and have to find another. In later levels, Kirby will have to use these specific abilties to solve puzzles before being able to move on. After reaching the end of the level, Kirby will face a boss (or sometimes two), who will start to toss things at him. You must then suck these thing into your mouth, and use them against the boss by spitting them at it.
The controls are simple, but pretty deep for a Nintendo game that's so old. You use one button to make Kirby suck in air through his mouth, which will draw any enemies nearby into his mouth. You then have the choice to either press this button again (which will make him shoot them out), or you can press down on the directional pad, which will result in him absorbing its special ability. You can then use the same button to attack with the ability. Another button is used to make Kirby jump. Last but not least, if you press up on the directional pad, Kirby will start to fill his mouth with air. If you continue to press this button, Kirby will float in the air indefinitely. To get back down to earth, you use the first button mentioned to expel the air from his mouth, resulting in him landing.
Difficulty-wise, kids 7+ won't have too many problems with the early levels, and the game is pretty forgiving when it comes to the lives you are given. Also, unlike most old platformers, you can backtrack without dying, and there's no time limit.
Fun for: This is a great game for kids and adults (if you're into old games), and if you want to get a platformer on Virtual Console (other than Super Mario), this is a great choice. The gameplay and controls are very well conceived, and the overall difficulty is balanced for kids 7+ to adults.
Closing comment: This game is surprisingly fun for such an old platformer, and has some clever ideas, pretty deep gameplay mechanics, and graphics near Super Nintendo quality. Content-wise, it's suitable for all ages, but there are so many new platform games out there that play much better, which are simply easier for younger kids. Difficulty-wise, I think this just makes the seven year old mark, and I can see them completing a good chunk of it (if they're interested in the first place). So, I recommend this game for ages 7+.
