Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a charming 3D platformer that blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and heartwarming moments into an unforgettable Nintendo experience.
If you’ve ever played a Kirby game, you know exactly what to expect—pretty pink puffballs, colorful worlds, and tons of enemies. But Kirby and the Forgotten Land takes all that and turns it up to eleven. Released on the Nintendo Switch, this game marks Kirby’s first full 3D adventure, and it’s nothing short of delightful.
From its vibrant visuals to its clever gameplay mechanics, Kirby and the Forgotten Land feels like a love letter to longtime fans and a fresh start for newcomers. Let’s take a look at what makes this game so exceptional in the Kirby franchise—and one of Nintendo’s most creative platformers in years.
A new world to explore—and it's surprisingly mysterious.
Unlike previous Kirby titles, which stuck to 2D side-scrolling, The Forgotten Land takes Kirby into a mysterious, semi-apocalyptic world. Think: a mix between The Last of Us and Super Mario Odyssey, but with much more cuteness.
You start out in a lush but abandoned city landscape where nature has reclaimed the ruins of civilization. It’s an interesting twist—where did the people go? Why are these places empty? Of course, the game doesn’t go completely dark mode, but the setting gives a new sense of wonder and mystery to Kirby’s journey.
Each area feels alive with secrets to be revealed. You’ll jump between grasslands, desert ruins, snowy peaks, and even abandoned malls. Each level is beautifully designed, full of color and charm. Nintendo’s attention to detail shines here—puddles glow, flowers bloom as you progress, and even the enemies seem to have a touch of personality.
Mouthful Mode—Weird, Hilarious, and Brilliant
Let’s talk about the mechanic everyone is still talking about: Mouthful Mode.
Kirby’s trademark ability has always been attacking enemies and copying their powers. But in this game, he takes things to a whole new level—literally swallowing objects whole.
You can breathe in the car and zoom through the levels at top speed. You can swallow a vending machine and fire soda cans at enemies. You can also pull on traffic cones to break open hidden pipes.
It’s equal parts funny and genius. Nintendo has mastered the art of making absurd ideas sound completely natural, and Mouthful Mode is a perfect example of this. Each change isn’t just for laughs—it’s cleverly integrated into the puzzles and quests, making every stage feel fresh and unexpected.
Classic copy capabilities—now even better
Of course, Kirby’s copy abilities are still the heart of the gameplay. You’ll find all your favorites here—fire, sword, ice, bombs, and more. But The Forgotten Land adds an exciting twist: you can upgrade them.
In Waddle D Town (your adorable base hub), you can spend collectibles and coins to transform these abilities into stronger, flashier versions. For example, your basic firepower can evolve into volcanic fire or dragon fire, which can create massive flames and cool effects.
This upgrade system gives you a reason to revisit old levels and experiment with different play styles. It’s one of the best contributions to Kirby history, giving longtime fans a chance to learn something new.
Waddle de Town—a cozy center worth visiting
Every time you complete a level, you save the Waddle Dees—Kirby’s cute, round friends who were captured by the game’s villains. Saving them is not just about asserting our rights. As you rescue more, Waddle D Town grows and develops into a bustling small community.
Shops open, minigames appear, and characters begin filling the town square. You can fish, serve food in the café, or even test your reflexes in the Coliseum. It’s the kind of centerpiece that makes you smile every time you return—warm, charming, and full of personality.
It also adds a great sense of progress. You don’t just move from one level to the next—you’re rebuilding a world, one defense at a time.
Co-op Fun – Bring a Friend!
What could be better than exploring this colorful world alone? Doing it with a friend!
Kirby and the Forgotten Land features a local co-op mode where player 2 can join in as Bandana Waddle Dee, wielding a trusty spear. While the second player cannot use copy abilities, they are still very useful in combat and puzzle solving.
This is a great addition for families or couples looking for something fun to play together. Co-op feels balanced and fun, even if Kirby steals the spotlight (as always).
Visuals and Music—Pure Nintendo Magic
Visually, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is stunning. While not pushing the Switch’s hardware to its limits, it’s one of the most polished and artistically beautiful games on the system. Every environment feels handcrafted, bursting with personality and warmth.
The animation is buttery smooth, and the lighting effects—especially in outdoor areas—make the world feel alive. Even the smallest details, like Kirby’s soft pink texture or the way he squishes after inhaling a car, show how much love went into the design.
The soundtrack is another standout. It’s cheerful when it needs to be, mysterious in darker levels, and triumphant during boss battles. The music perfectly matches the tone of each world, making exploration even more immersive.
Boss Battles—Cute but Fierce
Don’t be fooled by Kirby’s happy-go-lucky vibe—the bosses in The Forgotten Land can pack a punch.
From the giant gorilla Gorimondo to the mysterious masked knight Meta Knight, these encounters are fast-paced, visually dynamic, and surprisingly challenging. Each boss has unique attack patterns that push you to learn their moves and strike at the right time.
But, as always, victory feels satisfying—especially when Kirby does his adorable dance at the end of each fight.
Accessibility and Appeal—Fun for Everyone
One of the best things about Kirby and the Forgotten Land is how approachable it is.
Nintendo designed it to be fun whether you’re a five-year-old picking up a controller for the first time or a lifelong gamer. There’s an “easy” mode for casual players, but even in “wild” mode (the harder setting), the game never feels punishing.
It’s pure joy from start to finish—something increasingly rare in gaming these days.
A new era for Kirby
Kirby and the Forgotten Land isn’t just a great game – it’s a turning point for the series. This proves that Kirby can shine in 3D just like Mario or Link.
It combines the best elements of previous Kirby titles – charm, creativity, and accessibility – with a refreshing sense of adventure. outcome? A game that feels both nostalgic and brand new at the same time.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about the magic of the pink puffball, The Forgotten Land is a must-play. It’s not only one of the best Kirby games ever made – it’s one of the Nintendo Switch’s most enjoyable experiences.
final thoughts
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a game that reminds you why Nintendo is so special. It’s not about hyper-realistic graphics or complex mechanics – it’s about creativity, entertainment and pure fun.
From its vibrant world and innovative Mouthful mode to its cozy Waddle D town, every moment seems tailor-made to make you smile.
So whether you’re sliding across rooftops, breathing down traffic cones, or simply watching Kirby take a nap under a tree – this game offers endless charm and heart.