Written by: Ian

 

 

 

Kirby Superstar was released way back in the days of the SNES. HAL have decided that now is the time to revisit the game after about 20 years. They’ve promised new graphics, new content and new multiplayer- but doe the game and the gameplay still hold up after all this time?

 

 

There’s several different min-adventures and games to play in Kirby: SSU. There’s nothing really to tie them together other than the fact you play as Kirby, however. Each chapter is introduced and finished with a short FMV, but they all look and animate terribly, like a really early PS1 game, which is odd, as the DS can do far better.

 

There’s also appearances from several of Kirby’s enemies from other games, but their appearances aren’t linked together either. What story there is can also feel a little too Japanese at times too, although it did also make me chuckle. I guess the ways games tell a story have changed a great deal since the SNES, so I didn’t mind some of the failings too much.

 

 

There’s a real mix of styles of gameplay in SSU. And that’s because the gameplay is split into several smaller, more digestible chunks. The mini games that also work in multiplayer all use just the stylus for control, and you’ll be using it in a few different ways to smash things, jump out the way, or suck up bits of food. They’re pretty neat, because there is that little bit of variation involved, and it was a nice distraction from the rest of the game.

 

 

The bulk of SSU is a traditional platforming game- no surprise I guess given that this is a remake of a SNES game. Thankfully it’s an excellent little platformer. For experts, you may find it a little too easy, but for kids, or those unfamiliar with the genre, it’s a good way to get into things. And the main reason for that it because of the way Kirby controls.

 

Unlike most games, where you get only one or maybe two jumps before plummeting to an untimely death, Kirby can huff and puff and float about for ages, lessening the chance of a frustrating death due to a mistimed jump. He can also suck up different enemies and take their powers, which adds to the gameplay, as you will need certain ‘hats’ to better defeat certain enemies- although the rock, paper, scissors gameplay is not so strong as to regularly force you to change your stolen power.

 

 

Having said that, there are a few issues. Some might find things a little basic, and the game also doesn’t make best use of the dual-screens that the DS has- both of which are rooted in the game’s SNES roots. However, most people will be able to get a pretty chilled few hours of fun out of the single player, getting a rush from taking on several of Kirby’s best foes in the process, including the awesome King DeeDeeDee (who you may know from Smash Bros).