The Irony of Kirby Star Allies


The Kirby-series of games was conceived as a game that was more accessible and inviting to new gamers, young children, and gamers with less skill. Despite this, it was celebrated by everybody, including seasoned gamers. It was fresh, new, and innovative because you could do new things like suck enemies into your body, and fly forever. The game ran slowly, but you also moved slowly, kind of balancing the game out. For example, the enemies were slow, but you were slow as well, so dodging attacks and enemies could be difficult. That was 1992.

It is now 2018. Kirby Star Allies is set to release on the Nintendo Switch tomorrow, and the early-access reviews are out. The general consensus seems to be that it's a fun co-op game, but the game is not very fun as a solo-experience because it's too easy. The allies are not always mandatory, but are for some puzzles in advancing the game. That is quite unfortunate. If you wanted to play with just Kirby 100% of the time, you are out of luck. That's a shame.

It's ironic that a game in a series that was designed to be as inclusive as possible alienates the most passionate, common gamer of all: the solo, hardcore gamer. Kirby Star Allies encourages four-player co-operative action. What if you don't have friends or family that plays games? There is online play right? Of course not.

The Kirby-series has always been easy, but it seems like this latest installment is easier. So what if, as a gamer, you don't just want to hold right to win? You are SOL.

The most passionate, common gamer wants to be able to enjoy a game by himself or herself and have an enjoyable level of challenge. If all you need to do is hold right on the d-pad or analog stick, there is no fun to be had.

I hope the developers add online play or difficulty-levels to this game, because as the game stands right now, I have lost all interest.

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