Kirby Planet Robobot
Kirby Planet Robobot
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Labs
Genre:
PEGI: E
Comments:
There is something charming about Kirby games. Despite all the destruction the little pink ball can do, he’s so dang cute, even when he is decked out in robotic gear! However, with Kirby Triple Deluxe just a year and a bit old, how much does Planet Robobot add to what we already have on the 3DS. The answer is not much, but don’t take that as a bad thing. Kirby Planet Robobot adds enough to the Triple Deluxe style and game play to make Planet Robobot a worthy successor.
Don’t Expect Something Too Different
If you played Kirby Triple Deluxe and for what ever silly reason, did not enjoy yourself, than just move along. Not a lot has changed between these two games in the graphics or game play department, outside of the added robot suites. In fact, this could easily just have been a downloadable DLC pack for the last game. The look and feel of the general mechanics is identical. This is a good thing, as Triple Deluxe was the best Kirby title to come around in a long while, and not many things even needed to be changed. However, the developers have done enough to make Planet Robobot just a tad different, making it an easy recommendation to any Kirby fans.
If you’ve played Kirby in the past, the formula hasn’t much changed. You still suck up enemies to take on their form. Of course, the regular forms that Kirby has been changing into for decades are still there, including the sword master and archer. A few new abilities have been added to this 2015 title, which makes certain aspects of the game feel new and fresh. The new Doctor ability is by far the least exciting, although to get a new form to change into is always a welcome change. The new poison form is outstanding, as attacking enemies with buckets of poison will inevitably leave the enemy in a cloud of poison gas which will lower the health bar quickly and with minimal effort. ESP Kirby is by far the most powerful, but also takes the most skill to work with. While Kirby must remain stationary when expelling balls of energy, the attacks are incredibly powerful. Get to the enemy before he gets to you for outstanding results.
Level Progression: Same but Different
This review has mirrored the previous Kirby title, and so it should. However, another slight change comes in the level progression. While you still need to collect items to progress, Planet Robobot has you collecting cubes rather than gems; if you manage to collect all the cubes in a given level, you will unlock a bonus stage. Littered throughout the world are stickers to collect, which can be common, rare, or ultra rare. These stickers can be used to decorate your robot suites, and also act as a ‘collectible’ for those looking to finish the game at 100%.
Robot Suites
Of course, the biggest difference between Kirby Triple Deluxe and Kirby Planet Robobot are the introduction of robot armor in the latter title. Although I was initially worried this would be a pretty shallow throw in on each level, I was pleasantly surprised on how often the suites were used, and how creative the puzzles would be. Whether it was using a bomb suite to unleash bombs that walk, or turning into a space ship effectviley making the level a side scrolling shooter, every suite of robotic armor had a unique ability which the game used to its full potential. While you often start with just a regular suite, the suites can scan enemies and take on their form, much like Kirby does when he sucks them up. There are tons of suites to use including a bomb suite, ship suite, suite with propellers, and so much more.
Every suite can be used to unscrew various screws that are holding platforms that sometimes lead to secret areas where Kirby might find a cube or a sticker. Others have swords like arms that will cut through rope and chains; these again are often used in very unique puzzle situations. The robotic armor is far from just a lazy throw in – they really set this Kirby apart from Triple Deluxe, and are the defining reason for why Kirby fans should definitely consider picking this up.
A few Downsides
No game is ever perfect, and Kirby Planet Robobot is no different. The story in this title is fairly nonexistent, often making you wonder why you are doing what you are doing. Yes, we understand that the world has been attacked by a robotic force, but since we don’t get an actual cut scene until the 3rd world – outside of the opening cinimatic – you are often left to wonder what exactly you are fighting for. While you would assume each level would be separated by some type of cut scene, they aren’t.
The other downside is the games length. It won’t take you long to plow through Planet Robobot, and if you don’t have any desire to go back and attempt to 100% the game, you are left with a fairly short experience. The developers try to offset this with a few unique mini games, but all of them – including the download play multiplayer minigame – are all over long before you want them to be, but offer no major reasons or incentives to play them again and again.
Conclusion
This is a fantastic Kirby title and should not be overlooked. And to be honest, this really is a fun for all ages game. It’s easy enough to be completed by fairly young kids – my six year old completed it – but for those that do want to find everything, it will provide a fair amount of challenge. So many games attempt to strike this balance, but often fall flat. Kirby Planet Robobot does it exceptionally well. If you are itching for another Kirby adventure, we cannot recommend Kirby Planet Robobot enough!.
Positives
- Good use of robotic suites
- Interesting new forms for Kirby to take
- Easy enough for kids, challenging enough for adults to 100%
Negatives
- Fairly short experience
- Mini games are ‘one hit wonders’
Trailer
Article By Adam Roffel
Adam Roffel has only been writing about video games for a short time, but has honed his skills completing a Master's Degree. He loves Nintendo, and almost anything they have released...even Tomodachi Life.
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