The Kirby franchise is one of Nintendo's most storied, with games releasing on every single system from the NES to the Nintendo Switch. However, for as long as this legacy is, it isn't particularly varied. Outside of the occasional spin-off, the series has been relegated to iterating upon the same 2D platformer formula for game after game. Fans are ready for a shake up, and a recent rumor suggests that Kirby may finally be taking a bold step forward.
Evidence for Kirby's 3D Evolution
Dataminers poking around in the Kirby Fighters 2 code found some interesting tidbits that may be related to a Kirby 3D platformer. As relayed by GoNintendo, the Fighters 2 files contain test code called "Kirby3d" which, as it bears no resemblance to the pseudo-3D Kirby's Blowout Blast, could be a reference to a true 3D platformer that's in the works instead of leftover data. Of course, this is by no means a confirmation or even a solid tease for a Kirby 3D platformer. However, this is at least hope and more evidence that Nintendo and HAL Laboratories are toying with the idea.
It wouldn't be the first time Kirby has dabbled in the third dimension, but previous efforts have not been what fans are looking for. The most famous instance of 3D Kirby experimentation is the beloved GameCube classic, Kirby Air Ride. Developed by Masahiro Sakurai, this game's unique take on kart racing and inventive modes make it one of the most essential titles on its system. But it's still a spin-off that ran parallel to the pair of mainline 2D Kirby platformers on Game Boy Advance.
The 3DS spin-off, Kirby's Blowout Blast, offers a top-down, score-attack spin on the franchise, but again, that title didn't inform the core games, as Star Allies returned Kirby to the 2D platforming style. However, considering Star Allies' open 3D map, there is clearly an acknowledgement at HAL that Kirby is in need of a change that the team isn't ready to fully deliver just yet. With any luck, these recent 3D offerings in concert with the Fighters 2 datamine are evidence that the time has come and the development team is getting ready to move Kirby forward.
Refreshing the Kirby Formula After Star Allies
Now is a great time for the Kirby franchise to evolve. The modern era of Kirby truly got started in 2011 with the release of Kirby's Return to Dreamland on Wii, and ever sine then, each title has felt same-y. With a homogenized art style and a focus on iteration over evolution, Return to Dreamland ushered in a sort of New Super Mario Bros. era for Kirby. Each game has been polished fun, but none have really pushed Kirby forward. Every title has a had a gimmick, and while these gimmicks have added some flair, the formula has remained stagnant. Even the most unique modern Kirby title, 2016's Planet Robobot, still felt like a retread due to the exhaustion of the 2D Kirby gameplay.
As such, a new direction for mainline Kirby is necessary to revitalize the franchise. As it stands, the Kirby series is far from bad, as each game is still an excellently constructed platforming adventure. But it's the same adventure time and time again. The Kirby experience loses potency with each successive entry, and this franchise could be so much more. With the meteoric success of Super Mario Odyssey and the resurgence of other 3D platformers such as Crash Bandicoot 4, Super Lucky's Tale and A Hat in Time, audiences are clamoring for more. Plus, Kirby would translate to the 3D platformer very well, especially in the context of a 3D collect-a-thon.
Over the years, Kirby has been continually maligned for being too easy, but in a game all about exploration instead of platforming challenge, that wouldn't be an issue. Such a game could take cues from Kirby Superstar's Great Cave Offensive, scattering treasure throughout a large world. This time though, it would be in the framework of an open 3D adventure. Using Kirby's copy abilities to solve environmental puzzles, defeat enemies and collect treasure in this new 3D context could offer an experience as engaging as Super Mario Odyssey's Power Moon collection.
The potential applications for staple Kirby mechanics in a 3D space are almost endless, and the creative minds at HAL Laboratories and Nintendo could easily cook up something incredibly special. With 2021 marking three years since the last mainline Kirby game, it's about time for another, hopefully an entry that takes the series in a fresh direction.