Forgotten Land

Forgotten Land is a commercial adventure game developed and published by Donbass Games, released for Windows on October 9, 2017. It features a first-person perspective and direct control interface, with a survival narrative focused on exploration within its setting.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Review

Introduction

Kirby and the Forgotten Land, released in 2022 for the Nintendo Switch, marks a significant milestone in the Kirby series as the first full 3D platformer in the main series. Developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, this game transcends the traditional 2D side-scrolling formula that has defined Kirby’s adventures for decades. The game introduces a plethora of innovative mechanics, including Mouthful Mode, Evolved Copy Abilities, and a sprawling open-world environment that seamlessly blends exploration with classic Kirby gameplay. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and its enduring legacy.

Development History & Context

Kirby and the Forgotten Land was announced during a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021, and released on March 25, 2022. The game was developed by HAL Laboratory, the studio behind the Kirby series since its inception. The decision to transition to a 3D environment was a bold move, aiming to modernize the series while retaining its core charm and accessibility. The technological constraints of the Nintendo Switch were carefully considered, ensuring that the game’s performance remained smooth and the visuals were vibrant and detailed.

The gaming landscape at the time was dominated by a mix of 2D and 3D platformers, with titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Yoshi’s Crafted World setting high standards for 3D platforming. Kirby and the Forgotten Land had to carve out its own identity in this competitive space, and it did so by focusing on exploration, puzzle-solving, and a unique art style that blended the whimsical charm of Dream Land with the decaying beauty of a forgotten civilization.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

The story begins with Kirby taking a leisurely flight on his Warp Star over Dream Land. Suddenly, a massive star-shaped vortex appears, sucking Kirby and numerous Waddle Dees into a mysterious new world. Kirby awakens in a land where nature has reclaimed the ruins of an advanced civilization. He teams up with Elfilin, a blue, rodent-like creature, to rescue the captured Waddle Dees from the Beast Pack, a group of animal-like beings led by Leongar.

As Kirby and Elfilin journey through the new world, they uncover the dark history of the land. They learn about the ancient civilization that once inhabited the world and the cosmic entity known as ID-F86, which nearly destroyed the planet before being captured. The Beast Pack, under the influence of ID-F86, seeks to reunite the entity with its missing half, Elfilin, to restore its power and conquer both worlds.

Characters and Themes

• Kirby: The protagonist remains true to his heroic and endearing nature, using his Copy Abilities and new Mouthful Mode to overcome obstacles and save his friends.
• Elfilin: A mysterious and pivotal character, Elfilin’s true nature as the other half of ID-F86 adds layers of complexity to the story. His journey from a seemingly innocent creature to a key player in the cosmic conflict is a central theme.
• Beast Pack: The antagonists are a mix of familiar and new characters, each with unique designs and abilities. Their motivations and eventual redemption add depth to the narrative.
• King Dedede: The recurring rival joins the Beast Pack under mind control, adding a twist to his usual antagonistic role.

The game explores themes of discovery, redemption, and the consequences of unchecked power. The forgotten civilization serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of progress and the importance of learning from the past. The cosmic conflict between ID-F86 and the ancient civilization also touches on the ethical implications of scientific experimentation and the potential dangers of playing with forces beyond human understanding.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Kirby and the Forgotten Land retains the core gameplay mechanics of the Kirby series while introducing new elements to adapt to the 3D environment. Players control Kirby as he explores various stages, rescuing Waddle Dees and completing missions. The game features a mix of linear and open-ended stages, allowing players to approach challenges in different ways.

Combat and Copy Abilities

• Copy Abilities: Kirby can inhale enemies to gain their abilities, which are enhanced with Evolved forms that can be unlocked and upgraded. The game features 12 standard Copy Abilities, each with at least one Evolved form.
• Mouthful Mode: A new mechanic that allows Kirby to inhale real-world objects and use them to solve puzzles and traverse the environment. This adds a layer of strategy and creativity to the gameplay.

Character Progression and UI

• Evolved Copy Abilities: Players can spend Star Coins and Rare Stones to upgrade their Copy Abilities, making them more powerful and versatile.
• Difficulty Modes: The game offers two difficulty modes, Spring-Breeze Mode for a more relaxed experience and Wild Mode for a greater challenge.

Innovative Systems

• Treasure Road: Special challenge stages that test players’ skills with specific Copy Abilities or Mouthful Modes. These stages offer additional rewards and serve as a way to master the game’s mechanics.
• Waddle Dee Town: A hub area where players can interact with NPCs, unlock new features, and access various sub-games. The town grows and evolves as more Waddle Dees are rescued, adding a sense of progression and accomplishment.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a blend of natural beauty and decaying civilization. The new world is filled with abandoned structures, overgrown with vegetation, creating a surreal and enchanting environment. The art style is vibrant and detailed, with a focus on color and texture that brings the world to life.

Visual Direction

The visual design is a departure from the traditional 2D Kirby games, featuring a 3D environment that is both immersive and accessible. The character designs are faithful to the series’ aesthetic, with new additions like the Beast Pack members adding variety and depth.

Sound Design

The soundtrack is a mix of new compositions and classic Kirby themes, creating a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience. The sound effects are well-integrated, enhancing the gameplay and immersion. The voice acting, though limited to the intercom voice in Lab Discovera, adds a touch of personality to the game’s world.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Kirby and the Forgotten Land received widespread acclaim from critics and players alike. It holds an aggregate score of 85 on Metacritic, making it the second-highest-rated mainline Kirby game on the site. The game was praised for its creative stage design, balanced difficulty, visuals, side content, and soundtrack. Common criticisms included reduced multiplayer gameplay compared to Kirby Star Allies and limited Copy Ability and enemy selections.

Commercially, the game was a massive success, selling over 5.27 million units worldwide by September 30, 2022, and surpassing 7.5 million units by March 31, 2024. It won the award for Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2022, further cementing its place in the gaming canon.

Influence and Impact

Kirby and the Forgotten Land has had a significant impact on the Kirby series and the platforming genre as a whole. Its success demonstrated the viability of 3D platformers and inspired other developers to explore similar mechanics. The game’s innovative use of Mouthful Mode and Evolved Copy Abilities has become a hallmark of the series, influencing future titles and setting a new standard for platforming games.

Conclusion

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a landmark title in the Kirby series, successfully transitioning the beloved franchise into the 3D era. Its rich narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals make it a standout entry in the series. The game’s legacy is secured by its critical and commercial success, as well as its enduring influence on the platforming genre. As the best-selling Kirby game of all time, it has set a high bar for future installments and continues to be a beloved favorite among fans and critics alike. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is not just a game; it is a testament to the enduring charm and innovation of the Kirby series.