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ESRB: 
Platform: Nintendo DS
Category: Platformer
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Graphics 8 |
Sound 7.5 |
Gameplay 7.8 |
Tilt 8 ||
Overall 7.9
Author: Kirby Y
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Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Features
1-4 Players
Touch Screen Compatible
Wireless DS Single-Card Download Play
Wireless DS Multi-Card play
I had the chance to review the latest DS release by Nintendo, Kirby Super Star Ultra. This is a game that first saw the light of day on the SNES in 1996. It is yet another game that has been resurrected and given a second chance on the Nintendo DS. Now I didn't get an real good opportunity to play it back in 1996, so when I got my review copy of the newly released DS version I was kind of excited as I enjoy any Kirby games as the pink and pudgy hero and I share a commonality, we have the same name. And given that we have a lot of similarities, I will let you guess which ones, how can I not enjoy playing any outing that involves him. So how does this latest DS adventure fair for Kirby? Read on.
Graphics
Visually speaking Kirby Super Star Ultra looks pretty much what you would expect from a 16-bit game. And on one hand this is somewhat disappointing given that the DS can put out some pretty impressive graphics, especially 2D. But on the other hand the game does have a somewhat retro feeling to it and it really seems at home on the handheld it now graces. Colors are bright and vibrant, which is almost expected from a Nintendo published game. In terms of the characters that are on-screen, they are solid looking too as everything that has come to be associated with the Kirby Universe makes themselves present. Part of the great look is due to the DS’s great LCD screens but overall you can tell that the porting of the game was handled with care. New to the game is full motion video. These are used in introductions, endings and intermissions in the levels. They are pleasant looking but they do not use the full real estate of the screen. It was nice to see these as it really seemed to add some charm to the game, given that this is a recycled title. Overall there is nothing particularly wrong with the graphics, just don’t expect anything innovative or particularly groundbreaking here.
Sound
As with the graphics, a lot has been transferred to the audio for Kirby’s latest outing on the DS. Many have heard me say this before, but the music is very Nintendo like. For those that say this is a cop out, I say “whatever”, but if you have played as many DS and Wii games as me, especially mascot games that are published by Nintendo, you begin to hear how the games sound so similar to the previous versions. This is not a bad thing as you want sequels to have aspects that people are familiar with, especially in long running series. Kirby is no different. The music is very boppy and very cheerful It really does suit the on-screen action. As for the sound effects, there is no real way to describe Kirby’s sounds. Regardless the sounds that are incorporated into the game help make Kirby sound like him, from bouncing and flying around to inhaling enemies and absorbing their powers. All in all just like the graphics, the sounds get the job done, but just don’t expect any major advancements from the original on the 16-bit SNES.
Gameplay
As Kirby Super Star Ultra is pretty much a re-hash of the SNES version from 1996, there is no doubt that a lot of you Nintendo fans will know what the game is about. But given that 12 years has passed since that time, there will be a lot of fans who have not experienced this game. So I guess some explanation of the title is warranted here. For those that know what the game is about I suggest that you head on down this section a bit. For those new to this title, read on. Kirby Super Star Ultra is not your typical platform game as it is not just one long adventure broken into chapters. It is a game that is broken up into six different games each with their own story. There are also some stand alone mini-games thrown in for good luck. Each of these six different mini-games has its own tale which basically stands alone to the others. These individual games range in gameplay length and skill level as well.
The six levels are very much Kirby like and there are enemies that many Nintendoholics will recognize from the get go. The first game, Spring Breeze, has you guiding our pink and pudgy hero through clouds and forests headed for a final showdown with long time nemesis King Dedede. This is pretty much a tutorial level allowing you to get accustomed to the controls. The next five games, without ruining much of the surprise, are as follows:
- Dyna Blade - somewhat similar to the Spring Breeze game but you end up fighting a different boss. Again, seems somewhat like a level that lets you get accustomed to the nuances of the controls
- The Great Cave Offensive - here you search out the level for 60 treasure chests. You will find that you will have to play this game a few times before you are able to locate and reach all 60 chests that are available.
- Gourmet Race - this level is a competitive level against the clock or another opponent. You will run through the various courses while picking up fruit in an effort to get the most in the quickest time.
- Revenge of Meta Knight - you play the roll of the Meta Knight in his own short adventure.
- Milky Way Wishes - you get to visit different planets in this adventure. This is a nice addition as it adds some new scenery to your quests.
Nintendo also added three mini-games that you can choose to play against the computer or up to three other people. Snack Tracks is a game where your goal is to consume some yummy food all the while avoiding bombs and caterpillars. Kirby Card Swipe is a game where you are shown a card, and you must find the matching card before your opponent(s) do. Finally there is Kirby on the Draw. This is an arcade like game where you hit targets on the touch screen with your stylus. All in all these mini-games offer up a brief, but somewhat enjoyable, diversion from your regular play.
Kirby offers up his own spin on character control and abilities. Instead of just running and jumping like most platformers, he can float, fly and inhale his enemies. The latter of these special features allows him to steal the special attacks of his vanquished foes and use them against the other enemies he will face. This is a great feature and something that I have enjoyed throughout his various adventures. Kirby Super Star Ultra also adds something new to the regular outings of past, the ability to bring an enemy in to the game as your friend and the computer, or another player on another DS, then takes control of him. This is great for when you want to carry out a special two player attack. This really does add a new gameplay element to the Kirby games and it something that makes for even more satisfaction.
If I have any major complaint that is worth mentioning, it is that the games within the whole game are not overly difficult. Don’t get me wrong, there is some challenge now and then, but overall you will find yourself going through the whole package in a relatively short time. But out of all honesty that really short time is quite enjoyable, I just would have enjoyed more substance for each. Bottomline, this game is Kirby through and through; it just isn’t the deep game some people may have been hoping for.
In terms of any multiplayer madness, there is the option to play the mini-games against another person. As well, you can also play cooperatively, as mentioned above, when bringing an enemy into the game with you. Both of these can either be played with or without another copy of the game. The main sticking point for having another copy of the game in multiplayer is that when playing cooperatively you get your own view of the action, where as if you have only one copy of the game and use the download play feature then you get the view from behind and over Kirby’s shoulder. I think that the option to play the mini-games with other people is great, and of course I have never shied away from a cooperative experience. This being said, the whole multiplayer experience can get old quite quick given that there is not a whole lot of mini-games, and the fact that you can fly through the whole package of Kirby games in a relatively short time. Kudo’s to the development team though for offering this option on the DS.
Conclusion
Kirby Super Star Ultra is a solid port of a 16-bit original. With graphics and sound that that seem true to the original, the game manages to maintain its charm and appeal. People who want to see what the fuss was about Kirby sometime ago can finally experience some of his classic gameplay (hey, 12 years is awhile ago!). That being said, as there seems to be nothing new, those who played the original may not want to take a walk down memory lane as the ride is over a little too quick. Regardless Kirby has charm of his own and I can’t help but recommend that people give this game chance.
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