The 3Dization of old game series is no longer a new topic. Many series such as the Nintendo "Mario" and "Zelda" were 3D as early as the 90s on the N64. So much so that in the past decade, traditional 2D red and green hat works have become more and more rare.
However, the traditional 2D platform work "Star Kirby" series of the same company has hesitated in 3D. In fact, the Kirby development group HAL has a 3D project on the NGC platform. However, after the project was terminated, the real Kirby 3D platform game was absent for two decades.
The regrettably terminated Kirby GCN is the most famous scrap in the Kirby series
In 2022, Kirby of the Stars finally took a belated step. But can the dimensional wall that "Discovery" breaks through, in the end, allow Kirby to successfully evolve without losing his heart?
Game name
Kirby of the Stars explores discoveries
Game type
3D platform action
make
THING
issuance
Nintendo
Release time
2022.3.25
platform
Nintendo Switch
1
Kirby New Generation: The Story of Nobuya Kumasaki
If you think of Kirby of the Stars, the first thing that comes to mind is The Great Labyrinth of Mirrors... Well, you're old. Let's start with a short history lesson.
The GBA has been popular in China for a while, and it is not surprising that the mirror maze is famous
Created by Sakurai Masahiro, the first game was released in GB in 1992. That's right, it's the Sakurai who is now in Nintendo Brawl. 2004's Labyrinth of Mirrors was the final intersection of the Sakurai and Kirby series.
In 2008, Shinya Kumazaki took his first role as a producer of Kirby Games. Under his leadership, the style of Kirby's main line of works from 2011's "Return to Neverland" is highly unified (and there is also a certain degree of embodiment in the side works), often referred to as "Kumasaki Kirby".
Their main features include:
The game format is a (3D modeled) 2D platformer.
Levels are a linear level system with collected elements.
Emphasis on action elements, with detailed moves for each ability.
•*Relative* The plot weight is heavier.
· The boss performs gorgeously, and the "Arena" in the limousine mode has a focused design.
Powerful one-off special abilities for performances or puzzle solving
More nostalgic content, such as character cameos from previous games.
The style of art and music is highly unified, and the reasons for the length cannot be summarized.
Cameo characters of the Nova League. Well done on nostalgia... Maybe it's excessive
The sales volume is both word of mouth, and Kumasaki's formula is like a triumphant song all the way. However, the release of "Nova League" in 2019 has caused controversy in word of mouth: the reason is nothing more than the short content, empty levels, and lack of creativity and challenge. While subsequent updates have compensated for these problems to some extent, there are still voices: has the Kumasaki formula lost its vitality?
Whatever the answer, Kumasaki made his choice:
change. "Exploration and Discovery", debuted in the hall.
2
3D: The first step to sophistication
This was my first feeling when I started Exploring Discovery: "Is this really your first time doing a 3D game?" ”
The 3D Kirby is so natural and coherent to operate
2D to 3D is much more than just plugging an extra axis into the level, and HAL has undoubtedly done its homework before 3D:
Sticky Jump: Kirby can jump even if he has just left the platform with both feet.
Collision Box: All of Kirby's attacks are wider than they seem, on the contrary, enemy attacks are far easier to scrape than they seem.
Projection guidance: Projectiles will automatically align with enemies in the same direction, and even draw a curve.
How relaxed is Kirby's attack judgment? Direction almost always hits people!
Obviously, these settings are not original: HAL is a diligent student who has accomplished a lot of 3D gaming, taking its essence based on the principle of putting the player experience first. Evolution is so natural and sophisticated that even the most accustomed to the old series players can get started quickly.
Fighting a large-sized boss from a fixed perspective is a bit of a rush, but fortunately the situation is rare
2P and 1P paste more, otherwise sometimes you really can't see where you are
However, 3D is also far from perfect: compared to Mario 3D World, the fixed perspective is even less friendly to The Carby of strong action elements. Fortunately, most of the time due to the clever arrangement of the lens position, the impact is not large. In addition, the fixed viewing angle is not friendly to 2P operation, and it is recommended that the 2P controller be handed over to old players.
Overall, 3D is undoubtedly a cautious step in HAL's meticulous craftsmanship, and the degree of completion is staggering. Perhaps this gives many production teams a loud slap in the face (there is an innuendo but I don't say it) under the pretext of "doing xxx for the first time". After all, we players always have the right to demand perfection.
3
How much has Kirby's formula changed?
Interestingly, the multi-dimensional Kirby still plays... Very kirby. 3D is more of a novel ingredient for Kirby than a big change.
Although there is an extra dimension, the logic of the level and puzzle design is still the same
Remember the "Kumasaki Formula" mentioned above? 3D only changed the first item of the formula. In addition to changing from 2D scrolls to 3D, linear level action elements art music... Even many puzzle designs and collection methods match the logic of 2D.
The same elements have been improved one by one for the shortcomings of the Nova League:
The game is too short? The level is twice as long.
・ Is it pointless to collect less? Thus came the small town cultivation system.
Hide bosses by seconds? Can be renewed to re-challenge.
Even the old problem of "special abilities are more important than performances, gradually boring" has improved: "Stuff your mouth" mode is not only funny and good-looking, but also has enough depth of operation itself to not disrupt the rhythm of the level.
This time the various "stuffed mouth" abilities are still quite interesting (I kill you)
Perhaps the only step back is the number of abilities, which have been used in the first two chapters.
Here is still recommended to learn more "Odyssey"
I came to a strange conclusion: the first 3D Kirby was the crystallization of 2D Kirby. Discovery adds a new piece of material that refines, rather than subverts, the Bear Kirby formula. It's still that Kirby, not the Ring of France or the Odyssey.
Grasslands to deserts, malls to factories, volcanoes and amusement parks...
Explore every different corner of the discovery, which is still full of vitality from the Kirby collection
4
Simple game myths
Finally, a controversial topic: Will Kirby be too simple?
It's not just the game that has this controversy: the difficulty debate has always accompanied Kirby, so much so that the game pioneered the "Wild Mode" and "Spring Wind Mode" for players with different experiences.
A media who always complains that the soul system is only difficult and difficult, saying that Kirby should only play simple
It attracted ridicule from the netizen group
My answer is no.
One: Kirby is not that simple.
The content after completing the level is far less friendly than the main line. True final boss, first sight kill high incidence
...... The evaluation is that the design is better than the Beast of Eldon (deep resentment)
Yes, Kirby has always adhered to the principle of all ages, even in "wild mode", young players under ten years old can smoothly pass the level. But at the same time, the "Treasure Road", "Erzhoumu" and "Arena" have difficulties that cannot be ignored, and it also takes some effort to pass 100% of the passes. Although "Exploration and Discovery" can be brainless just to pass the level, there is no lack of content for the excitement of wanting to challenge.
But the individual Treasure Road does have high blood pressure...
Second: More importantly, simplicity doesn't mean it's not fun.
The previous work "Nova League" has been criticized for being "simple and boring", but "boring" comes more from the monotony of the level itself than from the difficulty. Case in point: In Kirby, a player can't even die. But the woolen kirby is still the highest-rated kirby in the series M station, and in the final analysis, it is still a very creative and exquisite level that is impressive.
The woolen line is really divine, and the woolen yaoxi in the back is slightly east-based
Challenges aren't all there is to video games, and Kirby never stands out with high-difficulty challenges. Even the most brainless level of Exploration and Discovery has enough design and vitality.
Speaking of difficulty, "Eldon's Ring of Law" on the other side of public opinion
In many European and American forums, it has a harmonious relationship with the Kirby community, and the plot is frequent
Maybe that's the beauty of contrast
Exquisitely crafted dimensions span
Classic gameplay with kernel improvements
Paired with the same exquisite and cute graphics and music as always
Although it is not earth-shattering
It's also refreshing enough
Another adorable adventure full of energy
Discovery does a good job of Kirby's late evolution
The future of the series can be expected!
(And, the future of 2D Kirby is vast...) ）
Soundtrack
Running Through the New World
Composer: Hirokazu Ando
Excerpted from the original soundtrack of Kirby of the Stars
Text: Play treasure off to find that Joycon has a delay in Stan