Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World brings a modest expansion to the beloved Switch game, enhancing its gameplay while maintaining much of what made the original successful. The update focuses on added content rather than radically new experiences, offering improvements that remain subtle yet impactful.
The addition of the Star-Crossed World introduces a new mini-campaign that weaves through existing stages. Players are tasked with rescuing Starry creatures that have been scattered by the ominous Fallen Star Volcano, which adds a new layer of challenge with two crystalized versions of stages per world. This new content makes up about a third of the original campaign size and while some of the elements may feel familiar, they have been reimagined enough to provide a new set of challenges.
Visually, the crystalized effect gives a sparkling appeal to the stages that enhances the aesthetic compared to the original game, though this can lead to some visual similarities across different worlds. The stages retain their unique qualities, yet the overarching crystal theme makes them feel more alike than before.
The gameplay continues to shine with challenges reminiscent of the original, including the design of the innovative "mouthful" segments, which provide exciting interaction with the environment. However, the absence of new copy abilities for Kirby stands out in this update. The stages are littered with collectible Starries, rewarding exploration and completion of hidden objectives, which adds replay value.
As players engage further, they will encounter a series of increasingly difficult challenges that serve as a final test to the skills they’ve developed throughout the game. The gameplay experience wraps up with a notable increase in difficulty, providing a satisfying conclusion to the entire adventure.
Ultimately, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World is a worthy addition for fans of the original, offering more content without re-inventing the foundational gameplay. While it may not revolutionize the platforming genre like other Switch 2 titles, it succeeds in enhancing the already engaging experience of Kirby’s world.
For those interested in exploring more about Kirby and its new world, check out Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
