Wii Virtual Console Reviews: Kirby's Adventure Review

Wii Virtual Console Reviews: Kirby's Adventure Review
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Kirby’s Adventure was released for the NES in 1993. It is one of the last games to be released on the console, as the SNES was taking over the market. Although it did come late, it is still one of the best NES games to date and a great platformer in its own right.

Story (3 out of 5)

One day, Kirby awakens to find the Star Rod has been stolen by King Dedede and separated into seven different pieces. Now, the inhabitants of Dream Land are having trouble dreaming, so Kirby goes on a journey to restore the Star Rod and therefore peace to Dream Land.

Not the deepest story there is, but it is a game about a pink marshmallow who eats way too much. What more do you want? I give the developers props for even having a story!

Gameplay (5 out of 5)

This is where Kirby’s Adventure really shines. There are seven levels and each level is broken up by a number of sections, usually between four and six. Kirby must inhale his way through them all in order to win the game. However, beating the game doesn’t mean much. There are a number of secret places you must find in order to get 100% completion of the game, and this isn’t always easy to do.

Kirby can do a lot more than your average platforming hero. He can inhale baddies, swallow them or spit them out as a projectile at other baddies. He can absorb the powers of enemies by swallowning them. Also, he can fly by inhaling air and hurt enemies with the puff of air he exhales. Kirby has a life meter of six bars and can fill it up with M’s (I have no idea what those are supposed to be!) and collect extra lives as well. This all makes Kirby’s Adventure a rather easy game, but I’m not complaining.

The Wiimote works well with the controls. The directional pad controls movement, while 1 and 2 control inhaling, jumping and the release of an absorbed power.

While the game is quite easy, there are several mini-bosses in each level and a main boss at the end. None of them are particularly hard, but they are fun to fight.

Also, in each level there is usually a mini-game to play for extras, and those are a lot of fun too.

Graphics and Sound (5 out of 5)

Kirby’s Adventure is actually really beautiful. It is leaps and bounds above older NES games graphics wise. Since it was released so late in the console’s life, the developers took full advantage of the system and it really shows. The only problem is the colors are a bit washed out and dull at times.

Sound wise it has a number of cheerful songs and sound effects which suit the mood of the game well. They make you want to tap your feet as you play and wish Kirby could break out some awesome dance moves like he does at the end of each level. If only developers had known sooner what the NES could do all of the games could have been this good.

Fun (5 out of 5)

This is what Kirby’s Adventure excels at. It is so much fun to play it doesn’t matter how easy it is. This game is downright addicting. I’ve sat down and played it all the way through several times, and I never want it to end. There is no frustration, just a downright good time. I can’t say that about most games.

Overall (5 out of 5)

If you like Kirby on the GameBoy you must check out Kirby’s Adventure on the Wii Virtual Console. It is a platforming romp that can’t be beat. It is worth every point, 500 Wii points to be exact, and even kids will love how simple and intuitive it is to play. Check it out for the whole family.

Kirby’s Adventure