Kirby's Adventure 1993 VIDEO GAME REVIEW

After playing Kirby's Dream Land a couple of days ago and reviewing it, I decided to play the follow up, Kirby's Adventure, and this game took me a little longer to finish than the previous game, a couple of days at the very least. What I found very confusing was why was game released on the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and not the Game Boy like the previous game. Was it because NES games were still made in the 90s? Was it because they wanted to make the game in colour and not grayscale like the previous game? I don't know, but it was a very interesting move and I actually liked the colouring and the graphics of the game.

The game stands out as a late-era masterpiece for the NES. Released in 1993, this game is a charming and inventive platformer that introduced the world to Kirby's ability to copy enemy powers.

The most significant and celebrated feature is its "Copy Ability." By inhaling and swallowing specific enemies, Kirby can gain their powers, transforming his appearance and opening up a huge variety of attacks. This mechanic is a game-changer, and it's what truly sets the game apart from other platformers of the time. The sheer number of abilities means that every level feels like a new experience, and discovering what each enemy gives you is a constant delight. This system also encourages exploration, as certain powers are required to find hidden areas and secret switches to achieve 100% completion.

The game is a visual and auditory treat. The graphics are incredibly vibrant and colourful for an NES title, with detailed sprites and backgrounds that bring Dream Land to life. The music is equally memorable and upbeat, perfectly capturing the whimsical and cheerful tone of the game. The level design is varied and clever, and the hub world, a map that allows you to revisit stages and access mini-games, is a welcome feature that was advanced for its time.

However, despite its many strengths, the game is not without its flaws, and one of the most significant is its relative lack of challenge. Kirby has a generous health bar, and with his ability to float infinitely (a feature that returns from Kirby's Dream Land), many platforming obstacles are easily bypassed. While this makes it accessible for all ages, it can feel a bit too easy for veteran gamers. The game's difficulty only ramps up in a handful of later levels and during some boss fights, but for the most part, it's a casual and relaxing experience. There is also occasional slowdown when a large number of enemies or particle effects are on screen, a common issue for many NES titles that is still present here.

Kirby's Adventure is a landmark title in the Kirby series and is a joyful and creative experience that laid the groundwork for the franchise's future. While its low difficulty and some minor technical hiccups keep it from being a true classic, its innovation, charm, and overall fun factor make it a game well worth playing.

7/10