{Holiday Gift Guide} Wii Game Review: Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Developer:  Nintendo

Released: October 17, 2010

ABOUT:

Kirby’s Epic Yarn is a 2D platformer for Wii that blends classic Kirby gameplay with new abilities, functionality and more. Kirby’s first console platform game since the Nintendo 64 days, Kirby’s Epic Yarn introduces an amazing new look based on animated yarn and a world of cloth and textiles. The creative approach is woven directly into the gameplay and allows the ever-morphing Kirby to take on a variety of new forms. It’s a one-of-a-kind platformer that lets players explore high and low for hidden objects, experience fun adventure and even join with a second player in a co-op play mode.

Kirby’s tendency for gobbling up items has set off another chain events. This time it has to do with an odd looking tomato-like object. Looking utterly delicious, down it goes. The problem is that it belongs to an evil wizard who reacts by sending Kirby to another dimension where everything, and everyone, even Kirby, are made of yarn. But that is a decision that the Wizard may yet regret, as Kirby joins forces with new friends in the strange land to unravel the plot of the wizard.

Like all Kirby games, Epic Yarn is a side-scrolling platformer, but gameplay is different in this adventure. In its gameworld, everything is made of yarn or fabric, including Kirby and the game levels themselves. Kirby is of course pursued by the minions of the evil wizard that sent him to the gameworld, but in this world Kirby does not swallow enemies to dispatch them. Instead he uses a whip of yarn to stun them. Curled into the shape of a yarn ball, he can then toss them at additional enemies and/or obstacles. Kirby’s movements are different as well. He no longer floats the way he did in previous games. Instead he glides in parachute form, or takes the shape of vehicles such as a train, a top, a truck, a UFO, a tank and others that are appropriate for the challenge at hand. Throughout the gameplay area are hidden beads, that if maintained, maximize points. There are also hidden levels that are revealed as Kirby pulls on zippers and loose threads encountered. Standard level progression is achieved via a series of patches that players receive on completion of levels. These are added to a tapestry by Kirby which results in the next level being revealed. The game also features two-player co-op through the entire game in which the second player takes on the role of an additional character from the game and works together with Kirby to access new areas.

Key Game Features

• Kirby’s first home console platform game since the Nintendo 64.
• Pulling on stray threads might reveal hidden areas. When Kirby literally goes behind the scenes, the virtual fabric warps and bends to show his location.
• Thanks to his versatile yarn composition, Kirby can take on a variety of forms both in his common actions and when he transforms into powerful vehicles.
• A co-op gameplay option allows two players can play through the entire game together.
• Gems and collectible items are scattered throughout the environments for players to find.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have not played a Kirby game in a very long time and this game looked fun but kinda childish.  It is a bright and colorful game where Kirby has been turned into a piece of yarn as is his enemies.  I like that it is not bubbly or 3D as I am more of a traditional gamer.  Kirby’s Epic Yarn can be played 1 or 2 player and the second player plays with you throughout the game if they’d like.  I played this so far as a two player game and it is fun to explore and compete against who is going to unravel the bad guys. The game starts out pretty easy as my 3 year old son and his friend were able to play and beat the first level with a little help from me.  The game does get challenging as you go on and it is a fun game to put on and unwind to.  The game has dreamlike music and is pretty relaxing, not very action packed.  It is great for beginners or advanced and while Kirby doesn’t really die, the challenge is to get all the gems and items, without losing any coins.  I love all the things Kirby can change into like vehicles and how Kirby can latch on to swing or parachute down!  You can also decorate your house with items you collect, but I haven’t done that yet.  

BUY IT: Look for “Kirby’s Epic Yarn” wherever video games are sold or check it out on Amazon for $39.99 (Wii).

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Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: I was sent this game to review. My opinion remains my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.