Saturday, October 11, 2008

Kirby Super Star Ultra Review


The DS has seen some pretty interesting platformers over its life span, but none, and I mean none, compare to Kirby Super Star Ultra. If you've never heard of the original Super Star for the SNES, don't worry, you're not the only one. It came at a time when 2D platformers were being phased out by new and exciting 3D platformers like Donkey Kong Country. Nonetheless, this remake of the original is perfect for those who never played the original. This is why:

Story: Well, it's hard to pinpoint a story because there are more than 10 games in one, each with their own unique experience and tale to tell. Each one is fantastic though, but pretty straightforward. For example, the first game, Spring Breeze, tells the story of Kirby on his way to defeat King Dedede. No matter how basic the stories are, they are simply backdrops for the gameplay itself. 8/10

Gameplay: What makes this game so fantastic is the cleverness and creativity that makes each level more than just your run-of-the-mill platformer. Kirby can copy 20 different abilities, and each ability can then be spit out and turned into a helper character. This helper will run beside you and destroy enemies in your way. The levels have vertical and horizontal scrolling which really give variety to the game. Again, with more than 10 games in one, Kirby Super Star Ultra will keep you entertained for a long time. And let's not forget the Wireless Download Play. Get a friend to play alongside you and they can take control of the helper character. Oh, and there's more! The minigames, while nothing groundbreaking, are a fun diversion if you get tired of the platforming. I dare you to take this game out of your DS before a month of gameplay. You won't be able to do it. 10/10



Graphics: Well, it's a 2D platformer. You will have seen graphics like this a million times before. It's the bright colors and creative characters that make it stand out graphically, so if you're expecting mindblowing wonders, look elsewhere. 7/10

Controls: Nintendo has done a great job with the controls. They haven't gone overboard with the touch screen crap like other developers do. They have a nice mix of buttons and touch screen, which makes the game flow nicely. No move, no menu, and no minigame seems tough to control, which opens the doors for a wide range of players. 9/10

Sound: Kirby music has always been cheery and upbeat, and nothing changes here. In fact, this is where some of Kirby's greatest tunes came from. To have them remastered here for the DS version is a great treat. You just can't get annoyed with this game in any aspect. 9/10

Value: The $40 price tag is definately worth it. You're getting such a huge amount for your money. It's very rare to find a game like this, so get your hands on it now. If you've ever been unsure about Kirby games, this is the one to change your mind. 10/10

Overall: Wow, this has got to be the best score I've ever given to a DS game. I have never played one that totally makes me happy with the fact I spent $40. Kirby's home is definately on the DS. I can only hope other developers follow in the footsteps of Kirby Super Star Ultra. 9/10

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