HAL Laboratory’s latest releaseKirby and the Forgotten Landis notable for a few reasons. It is Kirby’s first foray as a true 3D platformer, one with copy abilities he can evolve andnew Mouthful Mode transformationsto mix up gameplay. The titular Forgotten Land is also an interesting setting, with Kirby dropped into a post-apocalyptic landscape that resembles a human-like society. Another big selling point is the game’s full campaign co-op, with users able to add Bandana Waddle Dee as a second playable character at any time.
This isn’t the first timeKirbygames have utilized co-op; it’s a common feature for one of Nintendo’s hallmark platformer franchises. For example,Kirby and the Amazing Mirrorprovides up to four players different Kirby avatars to explore the world using Game Boy Advance link cables, andKirby’s Return to Dreamlandon Wii throws four players into its traditional sidescrolling formula. Even Good-Feel’sKirby’s Epic Yarnhas two-player co-op featuring Prince Fluff. Yet restricting the multiplayer inForgotten Landto co-op only may keep fans from seeing all of its interesting content, so HAL could consider adding an AI option.
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Pros for Adding AI Co-Op in Kirby and the Forgotten Land
The last majorKirbygame prior toForgotten Land,Kirby Star Allies, received DLC following its 2018 launch on Switch. Thus, it isn’t unreasonable to expect this latest adventure to receive post-launch content, especially given howsuccessfulKirby and the Forgotten Landis. Adding the option for players to adventure alongside Bandana Dee without a co-op partner would rectify a bizarre narrative beat for the character.
His inclusion is mechanically driven, emphasizing that he’s available for two-player gameplay, but the narrative justification is that Bandana Dee has been pulled to the Forgotten Land with other Dream Land residents and wants to helprescue Waddle Dees from the Beast Pack. Bandana Dee has been an ally to Kirby in games likeReturn to Dream Land, so this makes sense, but for anyone playingForgotten Landsolo it results in a character who is eager to help but instead spends most of the runtime sunbathing in Waddle Dee Town.
Letting the unique Waddle Dee join without a second player could give fans a look at his otherwise ignored skills and interactions. Kirby’s Spear copy ability from games likeReturn to Dream LandandTriple Deluxedoes not return, but Bandana Dee carries forward a lot of its functionality - serving as a sort of extra ability that upgrades as Kirby evolves his own. HAL Laboratory could take a cue from theLEGO Star Warsgamesand let players swap between the heroes since Bandana Dee has a unique fighting style but not abilities like Mouthful Mode, and a new combined moveset could be implemented when the spear-throwing ally rides on Kirby as a car or glider.
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Cons for Adding AI Co-Op in Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Probably the biggest concern with adding an AI option is making a functional and smart computer to control Bandana Dee - or even Kirby if the aforementioned character-swap mechanic is introduced. Things like escort missions are largely derided by the gaming community because of how difficult it is to balance a partner acting realistic and not disrupting the flow of gameplay. Given this isKirby’s first 3D adventurewith semi-open areas, it might be even harder for HAL to get this right.
There’s also an argument to be had that an AI partner would makeForgotten Landeasier than it already is, calling back toKirby Star Alliesbeing almost trivializedby its up-to three AI characters taking on tasks before Kirby can reach them. Yet having an option to make something easier isn’t inherently bad; being able to turn on Spring Breeze mode and an AI partner could act as an accessibility setting - something that often isn’t a big consideration in first-party Nintendo games.
Long-time fans and able-bodied gamers might not get a lot out of AI co-op inKirby and the Forgotten Land, they may even find it annoying if Bandana Waddle Dee gets stick on rocks or kills an enemy before Kirby is able to steal its needed ability. Yet, it would probably be worthwhile to let solo players experience the unique gameplay they otherwise missed and offer another way to ensure fans can complete the adventure, all while preserving Bandana Dee’s status as a hero in the Forgotten Land.
Kirby and the Forgotten Landis available now on Nintendo Switch.
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