Kirby: Triple Deluxe – Review

Kirby: Triple Deluxe is one of favorite 2DS/3DS games to play. In the game you play as Kirby (of course) as he tries to King Dedede from Taranza! There’s also new Copy Abilities like Beetle, Circus, Archer and Bell! (my personal favorite.) Anyway, in my review for the game you can learn more.

Why Kirby: Triple Deluxe?

Kirby: Triple Deluxe is a colorful platform adventure starring the lovable pink hero Kirby. Released for the Nintendo 3DS, the game continues the classic Kirby formula of side-scrolling exploration, creative abilities, and lighthearted action. While the gameplay remains familiar to longtime fans, the game introduces several new mechanics and creative level ideas that make the adventure feel fresh and engaging.

The story begins when a mysterious beanstalk suddenly grows beneath Kirby’s house in Dream Land. The giant plant lifts parts of the land high into the sky, carrying Kirby along with it. As he travels upward through floating islands and strange environments, Kirby must uncover what is causing the disturbance and restore peace to Dream Land. Along the way, he encounters both new characters and classic enemies while working his way through a series of colorful stages.

Like most Kirby games, the gameplay centers around Kirby’s famous copy ability power. Kirby can inhale enemies and copy their abilities, allowing him to use a variety of attacks and skills. These abilities include familiar options like sword attacks, fire blasts, and ice powers. Each ability allows Kirby to interact with the environment in different ways and defeat enemies using unique strategies.

One of the most exciting additions in the game is the Hypernova ability. In certain sections of the game, Kirby gains the power to inhale enormous objects and enemies that would normally be far too large to swallow. With Hypernova, Kirby can pull huge trees, giant enemies, and massive obstacles toward him, clearing paths and solving puzzles. These moments feel powerful and often lead to creative puzzle sequences.

Another interesting feature is the use of the Nintendo 3DS’s layered screen depth. Many levels include multiple layers of platforms in the foreground and background. Kirby can move between these layers, which adds depth to puzzles and level design. Sometimes enemies appear in the distance before jumping forward, or hidden objects can only be reached by moving between layers.

The levels themselves are bright, imaginative, and full of personality. Players travel through many different environments, including grassy hills, caves, forests, and more unusual areas. Each world introduces new enemies, puzzles, and visual themes that keep the adventure interesting as Kirby climbs higher toward the mysterious source of the giant beanstalk.

Hidden collectibles are also an important part of the game. Players can search each level for special keychains and collectibles hidden in secret areas. These items encourage players to explore every corner of each stage rather than rushing straight to the end.

In addition to the main adventure, the game includes several extra modes that add replay value. These modes offer different gameplay challenges, such as quick action stages or boss fights. They provide fun distractions from the main story and give players new ways to use Kirby’s abilities.

Visually, the game is bright and cheerful, matching the friendly style that Kirby games are known for. Characters are colorful and expressive, environments are detailed, and the animations feel lively. The music also fits the playful atmosphere, with upbeat tunes that match the action on screen.

However, the game does have some limitations.

One issue is that the game is relatively easy compared to many other platform games. While this makes the game accessible for younger players or newcomers, experienced players may find that the main story does not provide much challenge.

Another drawback is that the main adventure can be completed fairly quickly. While the hidden collectibles and extra modes add replay value, players focused only on the story may finish the game faster than expected.

Some players may also feel that the gameplay does not introduce many major changes compared to earlier Kirby titles. While the Hypernova ability and layered stages are creative additions, the overall structure remains very similar to previous games in the series.

Even so, these issues do not take away from the game’s charm and creativity.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 4-players on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

Bright, colorful level design full of imagination.

Fun copy abilities that give Kirby many different powers.

Creative Hypernova ability that changes gameplay.

Clever use of layered environments on the 3DS screen.

Hidden collectibles encourage exploration.

Extra modes add replay value.

Cons

The game is fairly easy for experienced players.

The main story can be completed relatively quickly.

Some players may feel the gameplay is similar to earlier Kirby games.

Summary

Overall, Kirby: Triple Deluxe is a charming and enjoyable platform adventure that captures everything fans love about Kirby. Its colorful worlds, creative mechanics, and friendly design make it especially welcoming for younger players and anyone who enjoys relaxing platform games. While it may not be the most challenging entry in the series, the fun abilities, imaginative levels, and cheerful atmosphere make it a delightful adventure in the world of Kirby.