Remembering the NES: Kirby's Adventure (NES Review) by Kyle L.

Kirby's Adventure
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory
System: NES, Wii (Virtual Console)
Release: March 16, 1993

May 17, 2011, by Kyle L. -- L. - The NES was the definitive mainstay system. Games were still being made for it quite a few years after the Super Nintendo Entertainment System was released to the public and the next generation of console wars began in the early 90's. With such great content and Nintendo being the clear winner of console wars up to that point, it was no wonder that they succeeded and people still bought NES games. Past the midway point of the system's lifespan, one game was released that helped make the Kirby franchise more popular than anyone could've guessed.

Kirby's Adventure was released to the public in 1993; a full 8 years after the system had been out on store shelves in the US. While it wasn't the first Kirby game (that honor goes to the Game Boy black-and-white original Kirby's Dream Land in 1992), it still managed to show off what the NES could really do with engaging gameplay and introduced Kirby to a wider audience. He became the pink puff we all came to know and love, and this game gave him the unique aspect he needed.

The main plot in the game is simple and easy to follow. King Dedede has stolen the Star Rod at the Fountain of Dreams and fragmented it in 7 pieces, splitting it amongst his 6 cohorts and himself. With that simple summary, there's litle else to the story. It's simple enough to follow if you were a kid in this era of the early 90's. Nowadays, it still fits for children and adult gamers alike to play as a big pink hero who saves the day time and time again.

In Kirby's Adventure, Kirby can walk, run and jump like in most other 2D platformers, but he can also inhale indefinitely and puff himself up to float. This game, however, introduces that Kirby has the ability to suck in his enemies and (if they have an applicable power) utilize their abilities for himself! Kirby can use powers like Hi-Jump and Wheel to get around the level, or abilities like Sword and Hammer to knock enemies and bosses silly. The simple gameplay made the game very accessible to younger gamers, and copying abilities became an important aspect of later Kirby games and a trademark aspect of the character.

When talking about a game like this and comparing it to the earlier entry in the Kirby series, there's one main point to bring up, and that's the game's graphics. There's color and life brought to this game thanks to what the NES was capable of at this time. The black-and-white game that came before may not have impressed people as much as the next iteration of the pink puffball. Everything in this game has its own design and unique appearance, from the small enemies to the bigger bosses, and they carry out their looks from here until almost 20 years later. There's just something endearing about the Kirby games' appearances, and that can be traced all the way back to Masahiro Sakurai's infamous drawing of Kirby that begins this game.

If there are any faults to be spoken of for this game, it's that its fairly short and easy. Very much akin to Kirby's snacks, the game is sweet while it lasts, but is over far too quickly. Beating the game is a simple task that you can sit down for a few hours (around 2 or 3) and be done with it without any major troubles. The game's difficulty is fairly low, compared to other 2D platformers of the time, and that makes it easier for more hardcore gamers to blast through it. However, for the people who really find time to enjoy the game, there are plenty of bonus rooms and hidden switches to find. So if you really take your time, you can find Kirby's Adventure to be more of a full-course meal!

The Verdict

Sound
12/15 - The game's soundtrack is full of great tunes that run through the series and solidify the happy feeling the series instills in the player. There are a few duds as per the usual for most games but otherwise you'll find the majority of the songs highly enjoyable. You'll be hearing these in your head for days.

Graphics
16/20 - Graphics on the system, even after years of mastering the technology, still shows its age slightly. It sure does look really nice considering it was released late in the systems life cycle, and it even managed a few neat tricks (the rotating castle segment comes to mind). It sure isn't bad looking, but it's not the absolute best on the NES.

Appeal
18/25 - The game is pure fun, plain and simple, and has quite a few secrets to bring you back for a few playthroughs. The abilities in the game are fun to use, and players will enjoy experimenting with them for a bit when they acquire them. Other than 100% completion, there isn't much reason to go back and play through the game again afterwards. Considering the fact that the game is over so quickly, you can't help but notice the lack of replay value.

Gameplay
37/40 - The basic gameplay is easy to grasp for young and older players, and the tried and true formula of travelling through worlds, defeating bosses and collecting items works so well here. It's a great example of classic gameplay that holds strong even after all these years. Stealing enemies abilities and using them to their fullest extent is quite a fun time, combined with the simple platforming involved that shouldn't be too difficult. The problem is that the game is far too easy, and can be completed with relatively few lost lives (even though the game loves to supply you with extra lives).

Overall
83/100 - Kirby's Adventure manages to be a great choice for anyone with an NES, thanks to how well the game holds up after all this time, regardless of its simplicity. It may have a few things holding it back, but that shouldn't hinder anyone from picking it up if they can.