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Kirby's Adventure

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Reviewed by Mariner Kirby's Adventure was made way too late in the NES era to be a true hit, but it's loved by many. It is, I believe, the second Kirby game, and gave him his pink color (he was first seen on the Game Boy in white). The game also gave him his now famous ability to steal his enemies talents. How does our favorite cream puff fare in his only NES outing? Well...

Graphics: 9 out of 10

Coming so late in the NES' lifetime, HAL was able to push the NES to the limit. This is easily one of the most colorful games on the NES. Besides that, though, the animations are nice, even showing some facial expressions (he looks quite surprised when he gets burned). Most of the enemies are also well drawn. Animation is quite solid and looks pretty good. If it wasn't for all of the bloody pastels, I think this would get a perfect 10.

Music and Sound: 7.5 out of 10

There's not much the NES can do. But Kirby tries to pull off decent sound. The synthesized Kirby music (including the theme on SSB, not sure if it's the main theme or not) and synthesized Kirby sound effects are ok I suppose. The music is generally fast paced, which gives it a nice feel though. There's nothing truly extraordinary here, but it is pretty good.

Game Challenge: 6.5 out of 10

This is a Kirby game. Kirby is made for a younger audience. Therefore, it will be easy. Honestly, how hard can a game be when you can fly past most major obstacles? The minibosses are no problem, and the real bosses aren't much better. However, I will admit the final Nightmare in his first form can be tough, and there is a slight time limit in that battle. But with plenty of food to regenerate yourself, extra lives, and simple enemies, the game is rather easy.

Game Play-Fun: 9.5 out of 10

Kirby plays like a dream. There's a wide variety of actions for so few buttons. You can slide, run, jump, float, inhale, swallow, spit, and use your special move. The system is intuitive and works much better than the SNES games, and proves to be most ingenious. For instance, you tap the side button and then hold it to run, thus saving an action button. There is a wide variety of different weapons, both offensive and defensive. In a few levels, you can even turn Kirby into a flying saucer. Level design is generally well done, with a few secrets scattered around. Then throw in a few optional mini games and you have the makings of one incredible game. If it wasn't for Mario 3, this would easily be the best platformer on the NES.

Replayability: 9 out of 10

There is replay value. The game is rather long (but you can save), so it may be worth revisiting. Also, there are plenty of secrets, and the game tells you how complete your adventure was. I'm still missing one secret and can't figure it out, despite having played through this game many times. The different weapons allow for different strategies, and the game is just fun. Also, because it is easy, one can easily make up challenges to make the game more fun (playing without dying, playing without flying, playing without using weapons, etc). Replay value is pretty high, and I recommend playing through it many times.

Story: 7 out of 10

King Dedede has stolen the Star Rod, bringing Dreamland into a land of nightmares. So, naturally Kirby decides to get it back and put it in the fountain where it belongs. However, after doing so, the ultimate nightmare appears. It seems Dedede hid the Star Rod from the nightmare in order to help Dream Land. Dedede then gives you the Star Rod and catapults you to meet the nightmare. Not much of a motive, but the plot twist gives it a special charm. The game is made for kids, so don't expect too much when it comes to a plot.

Overall: 9.0 out of 10

This is one of the best games on the NES. It is very fun, and the variety of actions available make the game even better. Kirby is an excellent character, and it's easy to lose yourself in his exploits. If you like the Cream Puff, or if you like platformers, then this is the game for you.

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