Oh Kirby. I grew up with you, but no matter how hard I try I can’t muster any nostalgia when looking at your recent 2.5D ways. Sigh. I’m sure opinions vary, though, and for those who dig Kirby’s new look that began with Wii release Kirby’s Return to Dreamland, I’m sure the newest 3DS screens for Kirby: Triple Deluxe will please in spades.
The new screens aren’t all just for show, though – within them a handful of Kirby’s classic forms are confirmed, as well as some surprises such as “Rhino Beetle Kirby” and “Big Bang Kirby.” They look interesting enough, though I’m sure their true grandeur will only be unlocked once they’re seen in motion.
Aside from visuals, Kirby: Triple Deluxe looks as though it aims to bring Kirby back to its roots, and in that sense I don’t particularly mind it thus far. Even though some of the best Kirby games are the ones that heavily rely on a gimmick (the DS’s excellent Canvas Curse comes to mind), it’s important to return to home base every so often some Kirby re-calibration. I’m sure future 3DS Kirby’s will again showcase new and wild play-altering mechanics, but for now a classic Dreamland romp seems more than serviceable. The fact that the game helps extend a continuously impressive 3DS game lineup into 2014 is just icing on the cake.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe is slated for a January 11th release date, so if you’re desperately clamoring to morph into a Rhino Beetle (a common fetish, I’m told), then your insectile lust will be met soon. You just need to make it through New Year’s.
