With over a dozen games under his belt spanning all kinds of wacky genres, Kirby has quietly become one of Nintendo’s most prolific – and versatile – characters. Whether he’s hurling himself at trees as a pinball in Kirby’s Pinball Land, sucking new abilities out of quirky enemies, or racing across the slipstream on top of a star in Kirby Air Ride, Kirby’s games are always a pleasant diversion for one reason or another. In the hilariously titled Kirby: Planet Robobot, HAL Laboratory has created a new entry that blends the platforming of the main series with a grab-bag of mini-games spanning a handful of genres.
Here are some reasons you should play Kirby: Planet Robobot.
Giant Robots
Robobots are essentially mechs, which, let’s face it, make everything better. Kirby pilots these mechs throughout his adventure, and can scan enemies to learn a bunch of awesome abilities. For example, Bomb Mode allows Kirby and his mech to release tiny walking bombs, while Wheel Mode transforms the Robobot into a racecar, allowing him to zoom across the stage and leave enemies in his wake.
Game Modes Galore
Kirby: Planet Robobot features a ton of awesome game modes to keep you occupied for long after you finish its story mode. In a time attack game type called “Meta Knightmare Returns,” players assume the role of Meta Knight, racing against the clock to defeat enemies and unlocking new abilities as they progress. “The Arena” is another time attack mode that tasks players with defeating multiple bosses as quickly as possible with only a limited amount of health.
Most intriguing, perhaps, is a multiplayer mode called “Team Kirby Clash.” This mode allows you to team up with up to three friends to take on the game’s bosses, gaining experience as you progress. Up to four systems can share one Game Card, which means your friends don’t have to own the game to play it with you.
Planet Robobot even has a fast-paced puzzle mode called “Kirby 3D Rumble,” which features a series of environmental puzzles reminiscent of the highly underplayed Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
Amiibo Support
Collectors hoping to add to – and justify – their ever-growing amiibo collection have reason to rejoice. Four new figures related to the game are now available: a new Kirby, a new Meta Knight, a new King Dedede, and an adorable Waddle Dee. Tapping the statues changes the game in subtle ways – for example, tapping the new Kirby amiibo allows the player to unlock the UFO Copy ability, while tapping the King Dedede amiibo adorns Kirby with a King Dedede costume and lets him wield his nemesis’ mighty hammer.
In addition to the amiibos from the Kirby series, some of the other amiibos will unlock additional abilities. Tapping the Link amiibo, for instance, unlocks Kirby’s sword ability. And best of all – tapping the Kirby Amiibo from Super Smash Bros. unlocks Kirby’s move set from that game, allowing experienced fighters to brawl their way through the Planet Robobot.
Crazy Abilities
As is always the case with Kirby games, players can inhale enemies to take on a wide variety of awesome abilities. This game sees the return of fan favorites like Fire Kirby, the Mike, and the Parasol, while adding some great new powers to the mix. ESP, for example, gives Kirby psychic powers reminiscent of Ness, while Poison Kirby can spray noxious mists to do away with foes.
Kirby: Planet Robobot is available now for the Nintendo 3DS.