PixlBit

A simple, yet sadly overlooked game in the Kirby series

The full title for this N64 game is Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. It was developed by HAL Laboratory, published by Nintendo, and released in 2000. This is the only Kirby game to appear on the N64, which is surprising considering Kirby's success on the SNES and Game Boy. This is one of the few 2.5D platformers on the N64, and is also one of the few to use the controller's D-pad instead of the analog stick. Up to this point, we had not seen a Kirby game in 3D, and Kirby 64 certainly uses 3D to great effect in the game.

The story for the game goes something like this: the evil Dark Matter is out to get the Crystal from Ripple Star (which is inhabited by fairies), but when his minions try to snatch the crystal, one of the fairies grabs it and flies out into space. They give chase, and knock down the fairy, shattering the crystal into several shards. The fairy falls down to Pop Star, where she meets Kirby, who agrees to help her gather up the shards (because he has nothing else to do, no no, because he's a hero!). Over the course of the game, you'll fly around to six different planets before facing Dark Matter in a final showdown.

The game certainly looks and feels like a Kirby game. Kirby can suck in enemies and use their abilities as usual, but Kirby 64 adds a new gameplay element: by sucking in two enemies at once or by throwing one ability into another, you can combine abilities to form stronger attacks. For example, if you combine Flame with Cutter, you get the fire sword. If you combine two of the same abilities, you'll get a super version of that ability. This combination system certainly was innovative for the time and makes the game more interesting and fun. Also, the abilities don't change Kirby's appearance (as in previous games), but affect him directly. Instead of Kirby using weapons, he IS the weapon. For example, Cutter Kirby throws his face like a boomerang, Rock Kirby turns into a rock, and Flame Kirby charges forward as a fireball.

But that's not all. Along the way, Kirby is joined by Waddle Dee, the painter girl (the game doesn't tell us her name), and even King Dedede. These allies will help out Kirby in certain levels, giving us some great variety. For example, Waddle Dee will join Kirby as they travel down a river stream, jumping over obstacles, and King Dedede will have the pink puffball jump on his back and proceed to break walls with his hammer. As for the painter girl, she'll show up from time to time to paint a health item, which will come to life and help you health-wise. Sadly, these characters cannot be used by a second player in the quest, but we'll get to multiplayer a little later.

Kirby 64 actually has cutscenes throughout the main quest. These are short, cute little videos which show Kirby and the gang doing something before they head off to the next planet. They're adorable, and not a single word is spoken, making them more endearing. The maps for the planets are done in the style of a kid's crayon drawing, which is something you would expect in a Kirby game. When you choose a level, Kirby and the fairy run off while the others watch them go. It's these small details which really add to the charm of the game.

Level design in Kirby 64 is very simple. Levels are very linear, with not many extra places for you to explore. Each level has three shards to find, so some of them are hidden, but most the time they're not hard to find. Yet the levels are full of charm. The game makes good use of 3D, often zooming out far enough to show you a wide background. The camera will also move to different angles while Kirby traverses the levels, which gives the game more depth. Each planet, and each level in each planet, is distinct in its setting. No two levels look or feel the same. Plus the game is really colorful, and the colors pop out at you. Kirby 64 is also very easy, as are most Kirby games, and is obviously geared toward kids. 

The boss fights are easy and fun. The bosses have simple patterns which will take you just a short amount of time to figure out. Many of the boss fights have Kirby walking around in a circle around the boss, once again using 3D to good effect. You'll face familiar bosses, such as Wispy Woods, as well as new bosses. The final boss fight is a real stand-out as the game transforms into a shooter so Kirby can shoot down the imposing Dark Matter.

Kirby 64 has a lot more to offer than just the main quest. If you go to Options, these modes are also available: Mini-games (which are multiplayer), Enemy Info (you can view cards you've collected), Theater (you can view cutscenes you've seen), and Settings (adjust sound and displays). After you beat the main quest, you unlock these modes: Sound Check (in which you can listen to the game's awesome music), and Boss Battles (fight all the bosses in order). So there's plenty to do in Kirby 64.

The mini-games are very fun and can be played against friends or AI opponents. There are three mini-games to play: 100 Yard Hop (hop 1 or 2 spots and get to the finish first), Bumper Crop Bump (catch falling fruit in your basket), and Checkerboard Chase (shoot the ground to make your opponents fall). You can play these games using the four characters of Kirby 64. These can be so fun and intense, especially with friends. Checkerboard Chase is by far the best of the bunch.

Finally, the music of Kirby 64 is great. These are classic upbeat Kirby tunes, and many of the songs get stuck in my head all the time. These great tunes make the game even more charming. Love 'em! Check below for a few of my favorites and check out the ost if you enjoy upbeat, catchy VG music.

Final Verdict--4 Stars: Recommended

It may be a simple and easy game, but Kirby 64 is still fun. One reason it may have been overlooked at the time was because it came out at the end of the N64's lifetime, so people were moving on to the next consoles. Whatever the case, Kirby 64 deserves a little more love. Its ability combination system is great, the mini-games are a blast, and the music is awesome. Those cutscenes are adorable too. The game also holds up very well. If you missed out on Kirby 64 back in the day, go back and revisit it if you have the chance. Unless you're one of those snarky individuals who poo-poos on easy games, you'll find it quite enjoyable.

Joine me every Saturday as we take a look back at all kinds of retro games, good and bad.