Kirby & the Amazing Mirror

"Kirby-Metroid-Vania: A fomula that works"

I must admit: I am not the world's biggest Kirby fan; I jumped on the train around the time Kirby 64 was released, and since then have also purchased Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland and this title (and am planning to buy Kirby Squeak Squad...if you own a DS, this looks like an excellent upcoming title)

This may diminish the credibility of my opinion, but I think many gamers agree when I say this could be one of the best Kirbys yet.

Gameplay: 10/10

The game takes the classic Kirby formula and gives it a new twist. Whereas previous Kirby games were primarily based on action, this one is more about exploration. Many gamers are familiar with the term, "Metroidvania", which is obviously a combination of Metroid and Castlevania, both games based on heavy exploration mixed in with occasional plot points. While this game has neither the heavy exploration nor the plot of other "Metroidvania" games that have tried to follow a similar formula, it works, surprisingly. Kirby feels right at home uncovering lost corners of the world. And with 9 levels to explore, it'll take you some time to uncover everything.

Another new concept is the new Four-Swords-esque system of controlling pink Kirby (unless you change his color via spray paint), while red, yellow, and blue Kirbys tag along. Occasionally their help is needed, and they can be summoned via cell phone to Kirby's current location. This is the only frustrating part of the game; they are mainly needed to move large stone blocks, and since there's a 98% chance they'll have a special power and won't be able to inhale and move the blocks. Its just irritating.

My only complaint: It's far too easy. This isn't that big of a deal; Kirby games have never been about difficulty, many of them geared for younger players (although I'm 15 and I highly enjoy and recommend Kirby games). However, I must admit I did have a bit of trouble with the final battles. The fun you'll have will vastly compensate for the lack of difficulty.

Graphics: 9/10

The game features a lot of bright colors and smooth animation, but nothing spectacular makes much of an appearance. Its nowhere near the most graphically impressive title on the GBA (I'd give that award to Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories), but the graphics aren't bad in the least and everything feels very smooth and uninterrupted by jerky animation. They set the mood of each stage, and even though some are recycled, nice-looking new enemies and detailed backgrounds make appearances

Sound: 7/10

Once again, nothing groundbreaking. The tunes are cheery when they need to be, and a little darker when the situation calls for it, but its nothing you'll walk away humming. They aren't distracting, and the sound effects are pretty good (my favorite sound effect, as well as one of my favorite video game sounds effects in general, has to be Kirby's inhale noise).

Story: 7/10

This is a very minute part of the game, and I suppose its slightly unique compared to some other games, but its still negligible. You won't care, though: You'll be having entirely too much fun.

Replay: 9/10

Kirby and the Amazing Mirror is packed with things to find: after the main game is over, you'll be hunting down various knickknacks and other paraphernalia to fill up the collection room, including sound tests and sounds for it, about 10 recolours for Kirby, including my favorite, Chalk, and health upgrades, which only contribute to the overall lack of difficulty. Boss challenge mode will keep you occupied; unlike Nightmare in Dreamland, you'll fight every boss, but also every sub-boss and larger enemy (as well as a certain Waddle Dee that has more life than any Kirby enemy deserves to). Also, there's a few new powers to mess with, which will keep you occupied for a little while.

Overall, this is a great experiment in the Kirby world; I applaud HAL Laboratories for giving us a great Kirby title that is a brief foray into exploration and discovery. Its a great game that isn't hard and will most definitely bring a smile to your face every time you play it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/28/06