The game that would become Kirby Wii has been in development for a while now. Languishing on the back burner, we didn’t think we’d actually see it release. We also didn’t think it’d have many gameplay additions. Mostly, we didn’t think it would be one of our favorites.
Co-op works miracles sometimes.
The game, slated for release later this year, feels very similar to Kirby 64, which makes sense considering it’s practically a direct sequel. The power-combining element isn’t there (that we can tell), but there are stronger powers, and many times those abilities are way-too-powerful. Of course, if you come to a Kirby game expecting something difficult, you must have taken a wrong turn somewhere.
After New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the standard for co-op platforming is high. And no one can beat Mario at his own game. LittleBigPlanet 2 relied upon customization to overcome its physics engine. What does Kirby Wii do? Distinct characters. Player 1 is always Kirby, and only he can enter doors and pick up powers. The rest can pick from sword-wielding Meta Knight, big-hammer King Dedede and Waddle Dee with his trusty spear. Whoever ends up with Waddle Dee may find him inferior, and it’s hard to argue. He doesn’t have Dedede’s range and power, and he’s a bit less mobile than Meta and Kirby. We still had fun with him, though.
Kirby Wii doesn’t have the charm of Epic Yarn, and it’s probably going to be a cakewalk from start to finish. Hey, cake is tasty every once in a while.
