Kirby Air Riders is the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 GameCube unique. I say “long-awaited” however, in actuality, this sequel got here out of nowhere when it was introduced in Nintendo’s April 2025 Swap 2 Direct. With the unique having a cult following, maybe I meant to say “lengthy desired”. Both method, followers now have the definitive sequel to Kirby’s racing journey, and, oh boy, does it go the space.
Kirby can do something. Actually. He’s capable of undertake particular powers known as Copy Talents that enable him to remodel into every little thing from a spiky ball to a swordfighter. This works terrifically properly in a platforming sense; from fireballs to karate chops, foes don’t stand an opportunity. However what if you happen to may use these similar talents whereas steering an overpowered hoverboard? With Kirby Air Riders, I believe now we have our reply.
When this sequel was first introduced, you’ll have been forgiven for questioning why Nintendo would launch two racing titles inside mere months of one another. In spite of everything, it took over a decade for a brand new Mario Kart outing to return alongside (if you happen to think about 2013’s Mario Kart 8 because the final actually new entry). With Mario Kart World dropping together with the Swap 2, did we want one other racer that includes Nintendo characters so rapidly?
Let me be frank; Kirby Air Riders isn’t any Mario Kart. Certain, it has racing at its coronary heart, and the purpose may nonetheless be to win, however the way you get there’s startlingly totally different.
For one factor, the controls are very simple. In reality, you possibly can technically play with out urgent something. You gained’t play properly, thoughts you, however mainly your character strikes ahead routinely. Slightly than utilizing a button to go ahead, in Kirby’s twisted model of racing, urgent the B button causes your machine to decelerate. This seemingly counterintuitive transfer serves a grander goal, although; the longer you maintain down that little button, the extra your cost meter fills. Releasing it units you ahead with a burst of velocity. It additionally offers this sport’s model of energy slides. Maintain it down as you method a nook then launch as you flip to speedily take every nook like a professional.
Regardless of the simplicity, this really takes loads of getting used to. As tempting because it is likely to be to leap proper in, I strongly suggest going by the in-depth tutorial earlier than taking to correct races. I used to be lucky sufficient to attempt Kirby Air Riders forward of launch at PAX Aus, after which once more in the course of the International Take a look at Journey. By the point the complete sport was launched, I felt extra at dwelling. Let’s simply say I’m accustomed to the methods of a sure plumber’s racing model; it took a short while to compensate for many years of muscle reminiscence.
When you get the dangle of issues, Kirby Air Riders is filled with content material to take pleasure in. There are a number of modes to select from: Air Journey, Metropolis Trial, High Mode, and Highway Journey.
Air Journey is the primary racing mode. That is the place you choose between characters, machines, and tracks in a frantic race to win. There are 18 tracks in complete: 9 new and 9 retro. You’ll start with 10 upfront tracks whereas the opposite 8 are unlockable. The retro ones are simply as flashy because the newbies, offering zippy, colourful races. The variability is excellent, taking Kirby and friends throughout deserts, over waterfalls, and thru industrial zones. All the things appears and runs completely.
Metropolis Trial is essentially the most chaotic of the bunch. Right here you spend precisely 5 minutes driving round city accumulating powerup objects. Wait, is that it? Not precisely. There are different drivers—on-line or CPU opponents—to be careful for. They will (and can) assault. Plus, they’re as busy scrambling round discovering objects as you’re. It’s also possible to discover town by traversing underground tunnels or flying to far-off sky islands. You possibly can even swap autos. The purpose? Accumulate as many objects as doable. It isn’t only a race to gather essentially the most, although. The quantity and kind of powerups will provide help to with the subsequent part of Metropolis Trial: a minigame.
After 5 minutes of dashing about, gamers vote for one in all 4 outings. These may very well be chaotic melee battles, boss fights, and even hitting targets. This creates a strategic aspect; for instance, if you happen to gather too many velocity powerups, will you be capable of management your machine in a close-knit enviornment? However, velocity will provide help to launch into the air to seize the best quantity in a bingo-style board minigame. The beauty of Metropolis Trial is that no two runs are fairly the identical.
In High Down, gamers race on maps from a distinct viewpoint. It options the identical gameplay as common races—costs, Copy Talents, nook boosting—however from a top-down perspective. What may really feel like an add-on works properly by itself, offering an alternative choice to the loopy speeds of the primary Air Journey mode.
Highway Journey is one thing fairly particular. This one-player story mode sees Kirby (or any of his associates, it’s your alternative) work by numerous themed lands. Every is designed superbly, and so they actually showcase the Swap 2’s graphical talents. That is very true of the cutscenes between every degree, which inform the story of a machine laying dormant earlier than being introduced again to life…with penalties.
On prime of those modes, there are an entire host of collectibles. I’m not exaggerating after I say I don’t suppose I’ve performed a sport with as many collectibles as Kirby Air Riders. Every mode incorporates a puzzle, with unlockable items being rewarded for achievements. It’s extremely satisfying to see the puzzle come to life as you play. Plus, you earn stickers, characters, tracks, machines, and extra as you go.
The machines themselves are unbelievable. As you’ll uncover within the one-player mode, these are sentient beings that bond with their riders. I didn’t fairly perceive the importance of those airborne crafts till I performed the sport for myself; the Direct and trailer don’t do them justice in any respect.
Every machine is exclusive in each design and talents. Some are higher at gliding, others speed up sooner. One doesn’t cost however compensates in different methods. One other is way sooner however tougher to manage. One transforms. After which there’s the Vampire Star, which routinely “bites” different riders and steals their Copy Talents. Yep, that’s positively a private favourite of mine.
As if that weren’t sufficient, there are additionally customizations on provide. You possibly can create your very personal licence—a cute addition that allows you to change the colour and theme, add stickers, and even create a enjoyable little title utilizing two phrases from a set listing. A machine creator and storage additionally offers a neat method to design your individual car. This sport is sort of limitless; no marvel Sakurai doesn’t really feel the necessity for DLC.
General, Kirby Air Riders is a breath of contemporary air. It takes the cuteness of Kirby and mashes it with fight inspirations from Smash Bros. to create one of many quickest, most chaotic video games I’ve ever performed. It’s loaded with content material to maintain you busy; even when racing isn’t your factor, there’s one thing for nearly everybody. We all know there’s no DLC or future video games deliberate for the franchise, Whereas that’s a disgrace, this outing serves as an excellent sequel and shining farewell. This speedy outing gained’t be for everybody, however for individuals who embrace it, Kirby air Riders is an absolute blast.
