Review: Kirby’s Adventure (Nintendo Wii U)

First released in 1993, Kirby’s Adventure was one of the last games released for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Using every last drop of the consoles’ hardware power, this game served as a showcase for what the NES could do even after years on the market; and with its unique platforming gameplay and surprisingly detailed design it was considered an instant classic.

So, it’s quite fitting to see Kirby’s Adventure make its way to the newly released Nintendo Wii U Virtual Console. Though even if you first played the game twenty years ago, recently on your 3DS or not at all, you’re probably wondering if this re-release is worth your time and money.

Read on and find out!

The Review

The most important thing to know about this Virtual Console title is it’s incredibly charming, fun and short. So while you can probably playthrough it over a single evening, you’ll have a load of fun doing it.

Kirby games have always managed to stand out among other notable platforming games due to their original gameplay. I’m of course referring to the Kirby’s power copy ability and his ability to inflate himself and float mid-air.

The latter makes navigating levels far more easier than simply jumping from platform to platform, though unpredictable enemy patterns often keep you on your guard. This isn’t to say Kirby’s Adventure is hard, it’s actually quite easy up until the later stages where the challenge is turned up a few notches.

When things do begin to get a little heated, you’ll naturally turn to copying enemy powers to give you an edge. There’s certainly no shortage of choices, and the game does an admirable job of making sure you’ve always got a new power to use — no matter how useful it may/may not be during that particular level. Though it’s worth mentioning that outside the levels themselves, you’re able to take part in an assortment of mini-games that allow you the chance to obtain the most sought after powers.

If the game does get the better of you then it’s no harm done. Aside from the Virtual Console’s save state feature, Kirby’s Adventure does save your progress — a rarity for NES games. Though if you do lose all your lives, the worst that happens is your current score is drastically reduced and you’re taken back to the hub-world. So no matter how many times you may see the ‘Game Over’ screen, the game doesn’t really make you feel like you’ve actually lost at all.

Kirby’s Adventure may have been released in a time where the Super Nintendo and Sega Mega Drive were duking it out in the 16-bit leagues, but somehow this seemingly simple platformer made a name for itself thanks to the high-level of detail that’s been poured into its design. Detail that may now be easier to see thanks to HD resolution TVs.

For one, the levels themselves all have an almost 3D like layered effect to them. What this means is you’ll notice objects in the foreground and background differently, like each posses a certain level of depth.

Furthermore, whenever Kirby’s sucked in an enemy and absorbed their power, not only will he flash before copying their ability but will also appear in a slightly different shade to the standard pink. This may not seem important to anyone in 2013, but it stands to prove that no matter the limitation a talented development team can always produce something remarkable.

The Conclusion

Kirby’s Adventure is a classic. Not only is it one of the last NES games, it’s also a type of swan-song for that first 8-bit generation. Challenging and expertly designed platforming, stunning visuals that raised beyond its limitations and plenty of hidden secrets to find in each level. It’s all this, and more.

So do yourself yourself a favour and download Kirby’s Adventure right now. You won’t be disappointed.