Not a whole lot has
changed and had it not been for the 3-D backgrounds, this game could have easily been put
onto a 16-bit console. Kirby is still round and squishy and his enemies don't really look
all that menacing, keeping with the cartoony, kid-friendly look of the first few games.
The backgrounds reek with bright pastel colors, perfect for this game since it's suited
towards the younger crowd. The cinematics tell the ever-predictable story in classic N64
style.
Kirby has new powers of course, which he gets from eating specific enemies. These powers are much more powerful and can be used on just about any enemy that gets into his range. Certain ones help Kirby obtain specific items that can only be reached if he has the right power-up. This is the challenge for the older crowd who simply must get EVERYTHING in the game in order to get their money's worth.
Controlling Kirby has never been easier than with the N64 controller. All of Kirby's movements are performed with the greatest of ease and the response time is unparalleled. The few buttons needed to play the game also help aid this category.
The game major flaw is
the ridiculously low challenge level. Within a few hours, any gamer with a decent amount
of experience should be able to fly right by the levels with little trouble. From the
predictable boss movements to the games minimal AI, no one should have too much trouble.
Finding everything hidden in the game will be the only real challenge.
Nintendo has done it yet again with a great entry into one of their ever-expanding mascot games. The colorful graphics and the game many hidden items will keep most players busy, but the actual game doesn't give the gamer that much to fuss over and most will quickly lose interest.
