With the launch of theSwitch 2,Nintendohas a huge library of games they could bring back to their newest console with a port, remaster, or even a full remake. While there are tons of candidates from the past, one platformer in particular could be perfect. Although outshined by other platformers at the time, this 25-year-old title is an underrated gem from a beloved era.
The late 90s and early 2000s saw many iconic Nintendo games, such asThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,Pokémon Red/Blue, andSuper Smash Bros.At this time, theNintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube consoleshad the company’s best-selling games, creating a catalog of amazing titles. However, with such a large library, a few games didn’t stand out as much, but are no less deserving of a comeback.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Deserves More Love
Classic Kirby Platformer Stands Out From Other Nintendo Titles
One of the most overlooked games from the Nintendo 64 era isKirby 64: The Crystal Shards, a 3D platformer starring Kirby, a Nintendo mascot almost as iconic as Mario or Donkey Kong. The lovable pink ball was first created in 3D through this game, following the likes ofSuper Mario 64andDonkey Kong 64from previous years. In this adventure, Kirby travels to different worlds to collect pieces of a sacred crystal shattered across various lands.
This 3D game was meant to capture the same magic asSuper Mario 64, which revolutionized platformers by introducing huge worlds that deviated from classic side scrollers.An incredibly vibrant Kirby travels across six distinct planetshere, absorbing enemies to gain powers to tackle evolving challenges. While considered an easier title in the Kirby series, the game’s shorter length doesn’t diminish its unique gameplay.
Kirby 64was released in 2000, around the same time as other Nintendo titles likeThe Legend of Zelda: Majora’s MaskandPaper Mario. Some of the titles released that year would be generational for their genres, possibly causingKirby 64to go under the radar.
Even now,very few other Kirby games have gone into 3D, sticking to the 2D formula in many titles sinceKirby 64. Only other experimental games likeKirby Air Ridewould change the series' classic gameplay, taking Kirby characters into a racing environment. With theupcomingKirby Air Ridersmaking a sequelto the 2003Kirby Air Ride, now would be a great time to see other imaginative Kirby games make their return.
A Great Ability System Makes Kirby 64 Shine
Power Combos Allow For Endless Replayability
The stand-out system fromKirby 64wasn’t just the 3D environments, but also its unique power system calledPower Combos. In every Kirby game,Kirby can absorb their enemies and take on a powerbased on which enemy was inhaled. Enemies with swords allow Kirby to use a sword themselves, rivals with ice powers can be taken to let Kirby freeze opponents, etc. This mechanic is a staple of every Kirby game, butPower Combos expands what it can do.
Through Power Combos,Kirby can absorb two different enemies and combine their powers, creating a supercharged ability much stronger than each skill would be on its own. For example, combining two Ice powers into a Power Combo lets Kirby turn into a giant snowball to defeat larger groups of enemies. There are tons of Power Combo pairings in the game, creating an almost endless way to overcome obstacles.
One of the goals ofKirby 64is to track down the titular Crystal Shards around the worlds that Kirby can explore. These Crystals have to be collected through barriers, which can only be destroyed when you use specific Power Combos on them.
Power Combos can be created when Kirby throws certain enemies into each other as well. By inhaling an enemy and throwing it at another, you may make a Power Combo quickly, gaining the ability Kirby needs to progress through an area easily.
These abilities are always communicated clearly as you play too, withcollectible Info Cards telling you the powers of individual enemiesyou face. This lets you know which enemies to absorb to create Power Combos, provided that you note which powers come from which enemy characters. While theKirby 64systems aren’t perfect, the Power Combos allow for endless replayability for how you approach worlds.
Kirby Games Rarely Disappoint
Similar 3D Kirby Titles Have Seen Success
Despite the lack of difficulty inKirby 64, like all Kirby games,it always manages to stay fun through its vibrant world and core gameplay. Kirby’s ever-changing set of abilities through transformation allows players to approach situations in any way they please, meaning no playthrough of a Kirby game is the same. This applies toKirby 64even more with its additional skills through the Power Combo system.
While some players may be worried about bringing back a 3D Kirby game,recent titles that embrace a larger environment have already been well-received. In 2022,Kirby and the Forgotten Landreleased for the originalNintendo Switchconsole, performing well as a mainline game in the series. The first non-spin-off introduced as a 3D title, this Kirby game devoted itself to a 3D aesthetic, taking inspiration fromKirby 64to create truly unique levels.
Many of the power systems inKirby and the Forgotten Landwere experimental, just like the Power Combo system was inKirby 64. The creativity in the power system behind Kirby games seems to drive it to its consistent success.
Every Kirby game rarely disappoints because each introduces a new power system that changes how the game plays. From recruiting allies inKirby Star Alliesto action mechanics inKirby Fighters, every entry in the Kirby series puts a twist on an existing formula.With the core power absorption and transformation system present in most games, titles are given room to innovateand add new features that make every game unique.
Withlong-time Kirby director Masahiro Sakuraiat the helm of most Kirby titles, each one from the past could be re-invented in a remaster or remake to fix issues players might have had before. The anticipation behindKirby Air Ridersmakes it far easier forNintendoto re-releaseKirby 64: The Crystal Shardsagain on theSwitch 2, or even give it a fresh coat of paint for the world’s fastest-selling console.
