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Kirby's Adventure 3D Review
Posted on November 21, 2011 by Joel

Kirby's Adventure was one of the premiere titles on the Nintendo Entertainment System, and one that pushed the console to its limits. With colorful vibrant graphics, a fantastic and bubbly soundtrack, and simple, yet challenging gameplay, it was a perfect follow up to Kirby's Dream Land on the Game Boy.  Adventure added the ability of being able to copy enemies' powers, something that would become a staple for the series.  Kirby is one of the most memorable Nintendo franchises of all time, and now it is on the Nintendo 3DS eShop with upgraded 3D effects to supplement the already brilliant gameplay.

THE ANATOMY OF A CLASSIC

Eye Popping Visuals - First of all, I'd like to address the elephant in the room: 3D effects. While I am normally not a fan of these kinds of seemingly unnecessary inclusions, like the premium version of Excitebike which was released a few months back, Kirby's Adventure benefits from the added effect. Simply put, the game really pops with the 3D on, both by clearly indicating which platforms are solid, and simply by enhancing the overall graphic quality. I can honestly say this is the best way I have played the game from a graphical standpoint, and that is coming from someone who still owns the original NES cartridge.

A Bundle of Pink, Platforming Joy - For anyone who hasn't played Kirby's Adventure, shame on you, because this is one of the best platforming titles ever created. Starting out quite easy and ramping up its challenge over eight sizeable worlds, Kirby is no slouch and can actually be quite tough at certain points. The sheer joy that comes from Kirby's abilities to fly and steal the powers of other enemies has never been replicated.  The childlike atmosphere here can be deceiving to those expecting a “kiddy” game. Kirby is wholesome, perhaps, but rarely ever pandering.

Tons of Goodies - Kirby's Adventure is jam packed with fun bonus levels, secret areas to explore, and large levels packed with tons of goodies that are worth a second, third, and even fourth playthrough. Unlocking everything the game has to offer will earn you a special ending, and with a saving system in place, you can visit previous levels at any time. I have played through this game so many times I have honestly lost count, and to be honest, I wasn't sure a new gimmick would hook me again. Sure enough, after seeing the game come to life on my 3DS screen, I was just as sucked in as I was the first time. 

Honed to Perfection - Slowdown was one of the biggest problems with the original Kirby's Adventure, and that is no longer the case here. The game has apparently been optimized for the 3DS hardware. It always ran smoothly for me, and that helps the enjoyability of it immensely. 
 
THE ROUGH IN A DIAMOND

Somd Odd Bits of Dirt - The common complaint about Kirby's Adventure is that it is too short, and a little too easy, but the challenge of utilizing the right items to explore the game's secrets makes up for that shortcoming, in my mind. However, I will say that the small scale of the levels, inconsistent level length in general, and a few fairly uninspired rooms here and there definitely bring the game down in quality, if only a tad. While it is usually extremely well thought out and designed, there are some places that feel rather empty and as a result, can lend the game an uneven pace. But that is the one and only negative I can find with this version of Kirby's Adventure.

 



Kirby's Adventure is a damn near masterpiece.  It is one that shouldn't be missed, and on the 3DS it has actually been improved to make it an even better experience. This is a timeless classic that should not be missed by anyone. The added 3D effects should not be dismissed as a mere gimmick; they make the game shine graphically in ways it never has before, while keeping its NES roots intact. While Kirby can be a bit on the short side and is not always perfect in its design, it remains a lot of fun during each and every playthrough, and this re-release shouldn't be dismissed as yet another cash grab.  Even if you already own the game in some form, this is Kirby's Adventure at its very finest, and it deserves a permanent place in your 3DS library.

 

Joel - Staff Writer joel (@) original-gamer.com | all author's articles

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