The new Kirby and the Forgotten Land trailer revealed the return of the beloved Bandana Dee as a co-op fighter, but some are asking whether or not they'll be able to play as him by themselves. Although the pink puffball is the main character of the games, Bandana Dee has been popular as well, and some fans are hoping that he'll be more than just an option for the second player to pick in co-op. It's unknown as of yet whether he'll be able to journey through Dream Land without Kirby by his side, but it's certainly possible.
Bandana Dee is a Waddle Dee, one of many in the world of Dream Land. Aside from his signature bandana and his spear, there doesn't appear to be much that separates him from the rest, but he's proven that he's just as capable a fighter as Kirby. He's gone up against some of Kirby's most disturbing final bosses and enemies, and beat them just as well as the pink puffball. He's become more and more prominent in the series as it goes on, and now it would appear that he's taking a starring role in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Although many players could enjoy playing through Kirby and the Forgotten Land as Bandana Dee the entire game, there are a few obstacles to it. It's up in the air right now whether or not Kirby will be able to kick back and relax during his next adventure, but hopefully Bandana Dee will be able to have his turn saving Dream Land. He's been playable solo in past games, which is a good case for players being able to use him without Kirby in the new one.
Bandana Dee Likely Won't Be Playable Solo In Forgotten Land
Although it is fun to imagine Bandana Dee saving Dream Land all by his lonesome with his trusty spear, it's possible that he won't be able to. Kirby's obscure and powerful copy abilities have uses outside of combat, and given the new open world in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, they may be necessary in order to access certain areas or bypass obstacles. Since Bandana Dee doesn't have these abilities, it may mean that Kirby will be needed throughout the game, which hurts the chances that Bandana Dee will be playable alone. There are workarounds, however, including giving him his own upgrades that would have similar effects.
Players have had the option to play as Bandana Dee without the need for Kirby in past games like Kirby Star Allies. Since Kirby and the Forgotten Land is so groundbreaking, it would seem like making him just an option for the second player would only restrict the game and limit players' options. Aside from Kirby needing certain abilities to access new areas, there isn't much reason to not let players use him by himself. Nintendo's biggest game release of 2022 could be Kirby and the Forgotten Land if it plays its cards right, and including this option could be a big help. There could even be the option to switch between the two at any time, which would eliminate this problem completely.
How likely it is that players will be able to use Bandana Dee alone is hard to say. He's never shown alone in the trailer for Kirby and the Forgotten Land, whether he's fighting a bad guy or taking some time off to fish. There's also the fact that it specifically indicates above his head at one point that he's a Player 2 character, which doesn't bode well for his chances of fighting solo. No matter how much fans want it or how it could benefit the game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land players may not be able to use him without a friend.