Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

"Over ten years, and not a single stomachache..."

Introduction
I've recently got interested in Kirby through his new anime Kirby: Right Back At Ya! After a while, I've played the games. I've played Kirby's Dreamland 1-3, Kirby Super Star and Kirby's Dream Course through emulation. Now, I've got my hands on Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland. I expected a lot, and here's what yours truly has to say about it.

The Story
Dreams have flowed from the Fountain of Dreams (big surprise there, huh?), which makes Dream Land the ultimate place for dreaming (Now you've saw THAT coming). The Fountain of Dreams collects the hopes and dreams from everyone (*cough*Sonic Shuffle*cough*), not to mention a good night's sleep, so warm milk and counting sheep wasn't necessary...until no one can dream anymore. Kirby, finding this disturbingly unacceptable, goes to investigate the problem. Eventually, King Dedede fits that category when he's found taking a bath in the Fountain of Dreams. Did I mention that another reason he's the problem was because he broke the Star Rod, the sources of the Fountain's power, into pieces and gave it to his henchmen? I'd list all the culprits involved in this, but that's what the FAQs are for. Anyway, Kirby decides he needs to go on a scavenger hunt for the Star Rod pieces.

The 411
Like in his other games, Kirby can inhale his enemies and either spit them out or swallow them. For some enemies that he swallows, he can copy their abilities. One minute, Kirby's a fire breather, next he's jumping at the speed of sound, and after that he has a sword and has skills that could make Sailor Uranus jealous. All this eating, and Kirby has never gotten stomachaches, heartburns...need I go on?

Ida's Opinions
GRAPHICS: 10
Very nice graphics. Tons of colors. Almost like watching his anime. I just LOVE the Rainbow Resort levels.

SOUND: 10
I've been hooked on the music, and the sounds are nifty. Kirby's inhaling sound is something I get a kick out of.

CONTROL: 9.2
Nice, but it can be tough to get used to, especially on the ice-esque levels.

GAMEPLAY: 9.9
Very unique. Like previously mentioned, Kirby can suck up his enemies, eat them, and copy their abilities. Kirby can attack with those abilities and drive other enemies (some bosses) nuts.

OVERALL: 9.8 (10 to fit GameFAQs score)
Kirby is one of the cutest characters out there, and he packs a punch. Here's the Kirby and his creators: Thanks for all the great games! Keep up the good work!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/17/03, Updated 01/17/03