This year as I mentioned in a previous article, Nintendo expanded their presence at PAX. Not only did they have their booth in the main Exhibitor Hall, they also had two levels of the North wing. Even with their bigger space however, the demos they had running were the same of those from E3. Jim Avery and I have written about them previously, but since the majority of what I covered had to do with Wii U, I missed out on many titles. So instead of a full impressions thread as tradition would have it, I’ll simply be talking about the handful of games I saw for the first time or had more time with at PAX.
E3 Impressions – Part 1 | Part 2
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land (Wii)
At E3, Return To Dream Land was simply named Kirby Wii, so this is exactly the same game that was there, just with an official name.
When I picked up the controller, it seemed it would only be myself and Kit Ellis taking the game for a stroll. I saw there were two others in line so I got them involved too since I wanted the full experience. While the others ended up as King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee, I was Kirby himself. Kirby retains his vacuum cleaner ways and can also absorb enemy abilities, provided they have any. He also can float through the level by sucking in air, though if you have something in his mouth already, this hinders that.
What I found while we all ran through was, I set the pace as Kirby. Although there were other players, I had to advance us through any doors and keep myself alive. If I died, we’d all have to start over regardless of how much health everyone else had at the time. One comment was that this is Kirby’s game and that should explain why that happens. Makes sense, but it’s something to keep in mind while playing through the game with friends.
Although I was busy trying to keep tabs on Kirby to make sure he made it through, I noticed the others don’t have the same abilities as me. They can float, jump, and attack, but Kirby is the only one to receive any power-ups. I can’t say if this detracts from the game if you’re playing anyone other than Kirby, but the rest of the group seemed to be enjoying themselves.
The shining point in the demo for me was when Kirby got a super power-up. Instead of the normal attack with the power, a giant on-screen animation stopped everyone to show what Kirby was attacking with. Mostly this was a sword and it was used to dispatch the enemies currently in the frame. The other times it was used was to cut the big ropes that lowered platforms so we could all advance.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is one I’ll need to pick up and play with friends. The colorful levels that are a treat to zip through along with Kirby’s charming demeanor make it a no brainer. Look for it October 24th.
Rhythm Heaven (Wii)
The demo of Rhythm Heaven I tried out was all in Japanese. This didn’t stop me or anyone else for that matter from understanding how the game operated. If you’ve played the DS version, you’ll know it’s all about listening to the music and getting your timing down. For some reason I could never make it far in that game. I had headsets on and was in a quiet room, still no luck.
Fast forward to the Rhythm Heaven game Nintendo has on display for Wii. Loud environment with PAX attendees going to and fro I thought would make it impossible. With great reluctance, I slip on the headset and Wii Remote and give the game a go. First up is a game where beans are being shot below your fork. Your job is to stab them in time with the music of course. As I got the beat down and got the hang of the tutorial, I moved onto the actual level. When the beans came flying my way, two and sometimes three at a time, I found my fork mostly stabbing at them with precision. Once the level was finished, I was given a score, all in Japanese still. The demonstrator didn’t know what the characters on screen stood for, but he told me the colors. Blue is horrible, green is passable, and the last I can’t remember. Probably due to the fact I could never achieve it. Still, I managed to pull out a green on this level.
Next I moved onto a story with a swordsman fighting demons or ghosts of some type. Where the last level only used the A button, this level uses both A and B. This one provided a bit more of a challenge, but was manageable. Most of the time, the A button was used, but when the green demons appeared, it was time to push A and B together. This level also had a distraction of sorts where the screen would be covered by the story that was revealed. It forced me to close my eyes and simply listen for the beat instead of using my eyes. For the most part it worked, but I still missed a few demons with my blade. Once again I managed to pull a green score here.
The last was the most challenging out of the three levels presented. You are a cat in an airplane and your goal is to hit a shuttlecock back and forth with your racket to the beat. This particular level had so many changes in tempo in regards to when you need to hit the A button. Thankfully this level only used the A button, but that didn’t save me. Even after practicing a few times yielded no gain in my airplane volleying skills. Unsurprisingly for this level I received a blue score.
Even with the last level being difficult, I had tons more fun with this demo version of Rhythm Heaven than I ever did with the Nintendo DS one. The detail that was present in this, even with the simplistic art style was wonderful. For example in the first level when my fork slammed down on the bean, I heard it squish. Although I did have fun, I’m cautiously optimistic about this new entry.
Kirby Mass Attack (Nintendo DS)
Although I had fun with the previous games, this was probably my favorite out of everything I played while in the Nintendo areas and booth. As I sat down on a pink bean bag after a long day of looking around PAX, I was presented with a Nintendo DSi XL. The game was in Japanese, but just as I figured out the controls for Rhythm Heaven, it was clear without the need for words.
To begin, you’re presented with a massive horde of Kirbys. To have them move, you use the stylus and touch where they should go. If you hold down the stylus and trace a path, the mass will gather up and follow where you’ve drawn. This is important for going upwards on levels. You can also flick individual Kirbys to get them to higher points without taking everyone along for the ride. Kirby does not have the ability to pick up special abilities in this game, so be aware there is no vacuum action.
While going through levels, you’ll be encountering all sorts of enemies. Attacking them is as simple as holding your stylus down on the particular enemy while the Kirby army does the work. If one of your Kirbys does get injured, they’ll turn blue. You don’t want them to get hit any more than that however, because they’ll turn grey, sprout wings, and fly away towards the heavens. This can be stopped by jumping up with the group and touching them. Once this is achieved, they’ll revert back to blue Kirbys. If you’re fond of the color pink and can’t stand to have blue in your pack, there are healing rings of sorts that will change all the Kirbys back to pink.
There are other obstacles to overcome too. I encountered a green plant part that was hanging above where my group was gathered. The solution was to tap on the green to get the Kirbys to all hold on and yank it out of the ground. Secrets are also apart of the levels with coins hidden throughout. I didn’t find out what gathering all of them do for each level, but they can be a challenge to get. Aside from that, the levels in the game seem to be designed to let the player take their time, but be engaging.
Since I don’t speak Japanese, I wasn’t sure what much of the text on the top screen translated as. I noticed however there was a large 10/10 text, which I found out was how many Kirbys you have alive and doing great. Other information I wasn’t able to clarify, but noticed was that the game seemed to have a scoring system of sorts.
This is the game I’m keeping an eye out for. I wanted to sit in that bean bag for hours playing this, but the area was shutting down. With the addictive play and cuteness factor all those Kirbys give the game, September 19th needs to be here now!
Great review my friend. Very informative I ordered the rhythm heaven from japan and I enjoy it totally!!!! It’s the most fun japanese game ever. I soon beat it. I am waiting anxiously for the kirby wii tho. Again great review….
Thanks! Glad you took the time to read my ramblings.