The setting of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, the newest entry in the Kirby series, suggests that Kirby may not encounter familiar NPCs during his adventure. The game's first trailer, which premiered during September's Nintendo Direct, showed Kirby traversing an abandoned metropolitan area, but it did not show him alongside any usual allies. It is perhaps because of the setting that Kirby will be alone in his journey.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is unique to the series in that it is the first 3D Kirby game. Classic 3D games of the past like Super Mario 64 and Spyro the Dragon had large and intricate levels, yet they were still populated with a number of NPCs that could be interacted with. However, the fact that Kirby and the Forgotten Land's setting is abandoned could provide a good excuse to not have NPCs around.
A lack of usual NPCs in Kirby and the Forgotten Land could be explained by the fact that Kirby is isolated in a new place. While many of Kirby's adventures take place in Dream Land with his acquaintances, he discovers the abandoned city after waking up alone on a beach, suggesting he is far away from home. If this is the case, then recognizable characters such as Meta Knight and King Dedede would likely not be around to interact with Kirby. Additionally, Forgotten Land's environment seems both devoid of people and inhabited by enemies, reducing the likelihood of him meeting any new NPCs. Even Kirby's Helpers, whom he can create by relinquishing a copied ability in some games, have not yet been revealed as a part of Forgotten Land. Given this isolated setting, the game could have a reasonable excuse for not adding NPCs to the world.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land Might Exclude NPCs To Focus On Kirby
Nintendo might forgo NPCs in Kirby and the Forgotten Land in order to focus on Kirby and his new 3D gameplay. Being able to freely move around the environment adds a new dimension to how Kirby moves and uses his copy abilities, so perhaps he was put in an isolated setting to highlight his gameplay even more. Additionally, leaving out notable NPCs could give Forgotten Land a clearer, more straightforward story that just centers around Kirby and his new environment. Even just adding generic NPCs, such as the nondescript Waddle Dees seen in the trailer, could be simpler than coming up with reasons as to why the cast from Dream Land are in the abandoned city as well.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land might end up being a fresh start for the series. As Kirby's first foray into the world of 3D platforming, Forgotten Land has been compared to Super Mario Odyssey, and the game could end up being similarly influential. Even if the game takes time away from iconic NPCs like Meta Knight and King Dedede, they could still appear in further 3D installments should Forgotten Land be successful.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is scheduled to be released on Nintendo Switch in spring 2022.