Our lovable pink puff ball is back at it with Kirby: Planet Robobot. This is Kirby’s second foray on the Nintendo 3DS. Much like it’s predecessor, Triple Deluxe, it adds one major gameplay mechanism with a few minor scattered around.
The story starts off with Kirby napping under a tree as a group of enemies come down and overrun Dream Land. This time, the robotic invaders - the Haltmann Works Company - turns Dream Land into a robotic planet and seeks to take over.
What makes this special is that not only have these invaders run rampant, but it gives Dream Land a Robotic aesthetic to the world. Enemies have features like robotic eyes, arms and even weapons. This brings the world alive and gives it that nuance, Kirby games are known for.
Much of the same tried-and-true abilities are back like the Sword, Beam and Fire. Three new copy abilities are introduced: Poison, Doctor and ESP. These three are great additions to Kirby’s backlog of abilities he has at his disposal and only adds to the fun factor these games are known for.
What really shines here, however, is the Robobot Armor. This huge bi-pedaled armor suit can either be acquired by defeating an enemy who’s wearing it or just picking it up where it’s strategically placed in the level. Once you jump into the armor, you turn into Robobot Kirby. Kirby takes control of the suit and uses it to traverse the level. The most exciting part of the suit, is that is can actually use copy abilities as well, which brings an entirely new depth to gameplay.
Each ability is similar to Kirby’s but overall, is adapted to fit the armor. Each one has a slew of moves the armor can use to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. Each level that has the armor, has a puzzle that can be solved to progress further and even open up secret paths for stickers you collect and health items. I found myself excited to try each ability to see what surprises there were and I even caught myself going back to previous ones I’ve used.
Some of these abilities are pretty straight forward like the Sword transforming the Robobot’s arms into plasma swords. Others, like the wheel and jet, actually transform the entire Robobot into a huge motorcycle or jet plane. Once you transform into the Jet, it actually takes you into a shoot ‘em up mini-game, which is a really nice touch. The Robobot Armor, without question, the selling point of the game.
The engine is the same as Triple Deluxe and it definitely shines on the 3DS. Turning on 3D is very pleasant and easy on the eyes, unlike other 3DS games. It’s also well implemented in the game, adding depth to the foreground and background when switching back and forth between each of them. Although not needed to experience the game, it is an added bonus as some games in the past can distort the image or just hurt your eyes altogether.
Adding to the already fun and entertaining story mode, Kirby: Planet Robobot adds five mini games. Meta Knightmare Returns, Kirby 3D Rumble, Team Kirby Clash, The Arena and The TRUE Arena.
In Meta Knightmare Returns, you replay story mode as Meta Knight with a bit more difficulty, his own abilities which are filled with a meter and is timed. This definitely adds a new twist to the already fantastic story mode.
The Arena is a gauntlet style minigame where you fight boss after boss with minimal health items and abilities being scarce. The TRUE Arena is cranked up in the difficulty department. This is the enhanced version of the already insane Arena so be prepared for a beating.
Kirby 3D Rumble is a departure from the rest but adds a fresh perspective. In this minigame, you are put in a very small area where your objective is to defeat enemies and progress through each of the three levels to get to the boss. Instead of being a linear path, Kirby is placed on a 3D plane where the higher the combo he gets, the more points he is awarded. It’s a very bare bones mini game but adds to the replay value of the game.
Team Kirby Clash is the highlight of all the mini games. Kirby, along with a partner, go out and defeat bosses. Unlike Story Mode, there are RPG elements to this game. There are four classes (abilities) that you can choose from. What makes this more interesting, is each ability adds something different to what Kirby can already do. There’s a Healer (Doctor), Mage (Beam), Brute (Hammer) and Warrior (Sword). The Brute, for example, carries a heavy hammer that deals a lot of damage but limits his flying abilities for a short time, if he's able to fly at all. Warrior has a bubble shield he can use while guarding to avoid projectiles. Not only are these classes fun, but as you progress, Kirby and his partner level up. As you get further, you actually come across more partners who join you. Along with NPC partner’s, you can actually play with a friend with a single copy of the game, using Download Play. I undeniably spent a long of time on this game, after beating Story mode, as it felt like an all new game in itself.
With all these new gameplay mechanics, three new abilities, five great and addicting mini games and lots of stickers and items to collect, this is a solid and worthwhile Kirby game for anyone who is looking for a great experience. At about 7 hours for the Story Mode, but with so much more being dedicated to all the mini games, this is a title that can be picked up by casual and diehard gamers alike.
Game:
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Mode:
Review
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