Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land Hard to Play? A Deep Dive into Its Difficulty
The simple answer is: no, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is not a hard game, particularly if you’re focusing on simply reaching the end credits. It’s designed to be accessible to a wide range of players, including children and those new to the platforming genre. However, that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of challenge. Instead, the game strikes a balance, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience for casual players, while providing optional harder elements for those seeking a greater test of skill. Let’s unpack exactly why this is the case and explore some of the nuances of the game’s difficulty.
The Core Gameplay: Designed for Accessibility
No Fall Damage and Minimal Environmental Hazards
One of the key reasons why Kirby and the Forgotten Land isn’t particularly difficult is the lack of fall damage. This seemingly small detail removes a common source of frustration and allows players to explore freely without fear of instant death. Furthermore, the game features few environmental hazards, creating a more forgiving experience. This design choice allows players to focus on the core gameplay mechanics of platforming and combat, without getting bogged down by overly punishing level designs.
Kirby’s Power: The Mighty Marshmallow
Kirby himself is a powerhouse. His ability to inhale enemies and copy their powers provides a versatile toolkit that can handle nearly any situation. Furthermore, the game introduces Mouthful Mode, a transformative ability that allows Kirby to inhabit large objects like cars and vending machines. These abilities not only add fun to the gameplay but also make many challenges easier. These powers give players a sense of control and allow them to adapt to different scenarios quickly.
Waddle Dees and the Easy Mode Approach
The game’s structure also promotes a relaxed playthrough. Players are rewarded with three Waddle Dees for simply reaching the end of each level, with additional Waddle Dees scattered throughout. This encouragement for exploration doesn’t require perfect gameplay, allowing players to progress at their own pace. In fact, the game’s “easy mode” approach, with its plentiful rewards and gentle difficulty curve, emphasizes that it’s meant to be accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.
The Optional Challenges: For Those Seeking More
Treasure Roads and Target Times
While the main campaign isn’t overly challenging, Kirby and the Forgotten Land does provide optional Treasure Road levels in each world. These small, time-trial-based challenges offer a significant spike in difficulty, requiring precise platforming, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of Kirby’s abilities. Completing these levels at the target times provides a true test of skill, rewarding dedicated players. This makes speedrunning a really enjoyable activity in the game.
Harder Boss Fights
While the main game’s bosses aren’t overly complex, they require a greater understanding of attack patterns and player-controlled dodging. The later bosses, particularly Fecto Elfilis, Morpho Knight, and Leongar, pose a formidable challenge that requires more focus, and the final challenge, Ultimate Cup Z, is a grueling gauntlet that will test any player’s skills.
100% Completion
The game also has a 100% completion aspect. This involves completing every stage, unlocking every cutscene, finishing every Treasure Road, obtaining every Gotcha capsule, and rescuing all the Waddle Dees. While the act of completing the game doesn’t require all the side quests, there is a lot of game content to get through. This quest for full completion greatly extends the game’s overall lifespan and includes challenging objectives that will test players even further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land suitable for young children?
Yes, absolutely. The game is designed to be kid-friendly with its easy mode, lack of fall damage, and bright, colorful visuals. The co-op mode also allows adults to guide children through any difficult parts, if needed. The game is also rated suitable for ages 7 and over.
2. Is there a difficulty setting in Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
While there isn’t a traditional difficulty selection screen, the game’s core mechanics and level design are such that it’s easily accessible for newer players. The Spring Breeze Mode, effectively a more casual experience, makes the game even easier.
3. How long does it take to beat Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
Focusing on the main objectives, the game is roughly 10 ½ hours in length. For 100% completion, you can easily spend around 26 hours or more.
4. Are there any hard Kirby games in the series?
Yes. Some of the notoriously harder Kirby games include Kirby Super Star, Kirby’s Dream Land 3, Kirby’s Avalanche, and Kirby Mass Attack. These older titles feature more punishing mechanics and design choices.
5. What is the hardest boss in Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
Generally, Fecto Elfilis is considered the most challenging boss, as it is the final boss of the main story and has a wide variety of attacks.
6. What are the hardest levels in a Kirby game?
Some notoriously challenging levels include The Wonder Lilane from Kirby: Canvas Curse, The Great Cave Offensive from Kirby Super Star/Ultra, and Magolor Soul from Kirby’s Return to Dreamland.
7. Are there multiple endings in Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
Yes, there are two main endings. The first is obtained after defeating Fecto Elfilis and the true ending is obtained after completing the Isolated Isles: Forgo Dreams.
8. Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land good for beginner players?
Yes, it’s very beginner-friendly. The controls are easy to learn, and the gameplay is very forgiving. Kirby’s abilities also allow players to adapt to most scenarios. In general, all Kirby games are considered to be great for beginners.
9. Is there co-op multiplayer in Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
Yes, there is. You can play through the entire game with a second player, with the second player being a Bandana Waddle Dee.
10. What is the purpose of Waddle Dees in the game?
Waddle Dees are collected to rebuild Waddle Dee Town. Rescuing them unlocks new facilities and features in the game.
11. What are the “Gotcha” capsules?
Gotcha Capsules are collectible figures that are obtained through a gacha-style system. They can be collected for 100% completion.
12. Is Kirby a dark game?
While it appears cute and lighthearted, Kirby games often contain surprising dark and complex lore, with villains that have Eldritch undertones. Kirby himself is essentially a sentient black hole.
13. Is Kirby a single-player game?
It can be played solo or in co-op. Some games, like Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe support up to 4 players.
14. What should I do after beating Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
After completing the main story, there are several things to do: complete the Isolated Isles: Forgo Dreams, collect every Gotcha capsule, obtain blueprint upgrades, complete all Treasure Roads, finish your photo collection and battle through two new colosseum cups and bosses.
15. How many souls do you need for 100% completion?
For complete 100% completion, you need all 300 pieces of Leon’s soul.
Conclusion
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is not a hard game in the traditional sense. Its core design emphasizes accessibility, providing a laid-back experience that is fun for all ages and skill levels. However, the optional challenges like the Treasure Road levels, harder boss fights, and the goal of 100% completion provide ample opportunities for players who seek more demanding gameplay. Ultimately, Kirby and the Forgotten Land strikes a fantastic balance, offering a delightful experience that’s as gentle or as challenging as you want it to be.