Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the series’ first full 3D platformer game and could do for Kirby what Super Mario 64 did for the Mario franchise. Though Kirby’s pixelated adventures have maintained their charm throughout the years, Nintendo has recently moved many of its franchises to 3D environments. Not only does this encourage its series to evolve, but it may also expand to audiences previously disinterested in the games.
Super Mario 64 proved a 3D platformer game could translate to open environments. Many critics consider Super Mario 64 one of Nintendo’s greatest successes, which likely led to other 3D titles like Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey. Kirby and the Forgotten Land's setting could be the first step toward Kirby fans experiencing more vivid 3D environments for exploration.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land appears to have an open world, but like Super Mario 64, it’s likely fans can expect some limitations on their freedom. While freely exploring each level seems possible, linear pathways and progression are present in areas like the mall and the city streets. This is a feature Super Mario 64 accomplished with its locked doors, only accessible after players had completed certain levels and collected enough Stars. This not only restricted players from skipping right to the boss but allowed a more vivid progression system. Though Super Mario 64’s castle wasn’t a diverse level hub, Kirby and the Forgotten Land can make its environment more welcoming and entertaining for players by still sticking somewhat to Super Mario 64's formula.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land Could Be The First Of A New Trend Of 3D Platformers
Though 3D Mario games have become common, Nintendo has yet to embrace the 3D platformer style fully. Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s release could be the first of many new Kirby 3D titles, especially if the game sells well. Zelda: Breath of the Wild experienced this trend, with its astounding success maintaining the title’s relevance many years later. Though BOTW embraces a less linear playstyle, Kirby and the Forgotten Land could be working toward this point. Dream Land is one of the most well-known locations in the Kirby mythos, but Nintendo could realize its potential for a 3D game with Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Like Super Mario 64, a 3D environment means the Kirby franchise could begin embracing new styles of puzzles. Though the beloved platformer has always done its best to make unique levels with Kirby’s abilities, Kirby and the Forgotten Land could vastly improve the franchise’s platforming activities. Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s reveal trailer already showed some interesting ways HAL Laboratory utilized the environment for gameplay, including different rooms and areas within the same level, more complex strategies for combat, and new ways to use Kirby’s many abilities.
Though there is little information on the 3D Kirby game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land has sparked many conversations concerning the franchise’s future. Early reactions have been mostly positive, though deeper looks at gameplay have yet to arrive. The Forgotten Land's appearance at the 2021 September Nintendo Direct is promising for the franchise's future. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is slated for a Spring 2022 release, though it has no exact release date yet.