Kirby Star Allies is a bright, cheerful, and occasionally frustrating platformer for the Nintendo Switch. It arrived in 2018 as a return to form for the pink round hero after a few years of darker outings. The game is built around Kirby’s signature ability to swallow enemies and copy their powers, and it adds a multiplayer layer that changes the way the game is played. It is a solid entry in the series, though not without rough edges.
Trailer, via Nintendo 公式チャンネル.
The Core Loop
The core loop of Kirby Star Allies is simple. Kirby runs, jumps, floats, and swallows enemies whole. Each enemy bested grants a new Copy Ability, and each ability changes how Kirby moves and fights. The game hands you a wide variety of abilities early on, and the player is encouraged to switch between them constantly.
The level design is generous. Stages are full of secrets, hidden rooms, and shortcuts. Kirby can float through the air, and the game rewards players who explore off the beaten path. Bosses are large, colorful, and often require the use of a specific ability to defeat. The difficulty curve is gentle, which is appropriate for a game aimed at younger audiences, but it means the game rarely pushes players out of their comfort zone.
Multiplayer Mode
Kirby Star Allies introduces a new mode called Team Kirby. Up to four players can join forces to battle bosses together. The mode is a natural fit for the game’s mechanics, since players can share their collected abilities with friends, creating a fluid chain of attacks. It is a clever addition that extends the life of the game far beyond solo play.
“Team Kirby is a fun multiplayer mode that lets players team up to take down massive bosses.”
The mode is accessible, easy to pick up, and rewarding to play. It is a strong reason to own the game if you have friends with Switches nearby.
Story Mode
The main campaign follows Kirby as he battles a villain named Dark Meta Knight, who has stolen the Sacred Stars. The plot is thin, but it is presented with humor and a light touch. The game leans heavily on visual gags and simple dialogue, and it rarely tries to be serious. That is fine for a Kirby game, but it means there is little substance beneath the surface.
Presentation
Kirby Star Allies looks bright and colorful. The art direction is clean, with a hand-drawn style that suits the series well. The music is cheerful and catchy, though it repeats frequently. The sound design is functional, with Kirby’s squeaks and enemy noises doing the job without drawing attention to themselves.
The Good Points
The game excels at its central mechanic. Swallowing enemies and switching abilities feels natural and satisfying. The level design is clever, hiding secrets behind platforming tricks that reward curiosity. The multiplayer mode is a genuine highlight, giving the game a second life beyond its solo campaign.
The Rough Edges
Kirby Star Allies is not without flaws. The difficulty is low, which means some stages feel easy to complete. The game also suffers from a lack of polish in some areas. Enemy placement can feel arbitrary, and boss fights sometimes rely on cheap tactics rather than skill. These issues are minor, but they are noticeable.
Comparison With Other Kirby Games
| Feature | Kirby Star Allies | Kirby Battle Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Platforming adventure | Multiplayer battle arena |
| Player count | Solo or multiplayer | Multiplayer only |
| Difficulty | Gentle | Variable |
| Main mode | Story-driven campaign | Competitive arena |
| Setting | Standard Kirby world | Arena-based |
The comparison shows how Kirby Star Allies fits into the larger Kirby ecosystem. It shares DNA with Kirby Battle Royale, which focuses entirely on multiplayer combat, while Kirby Star Allies splits its attention between a campaign and a multiplayer mode.
Final Word
Kirby Star Allies is a competent, enjoyable entry in the Kirby series. It is best enjoyed with friends, thanks to the Team Kirby mode, and it holds up well on its own. The game does not reinvent the wheel, but it does not need to. It delivers a solid package of platforming, exploration, and cooperative fun.
For fans of the series, Kirby Star Allies is a safe purchase. For newcomers, it is a gentle introduction to a beloved franchise. The game is not perfect, but it is a worthy addition to the Switch library.
