In terms of N64 Magazine, Kirby 64 is rather interesting in that it got two non-import reviews. They originally wrote a UK review ready for the September 2000 European release date, but at the last minute it was delayed until June 2001, a year after Japan and North America. Kirby 64 is a 2D platformer with 3D elements, with the 3D implemented in some fun ways, and never getting in the way of the gameplay.

With this being a Kirby game (of which I’ve somehow played none of before), transformations are a key element. Swallow an enemy and you gain their power. In Kirby 64, you can also merge that enemy into a disc to throw at another enemy, creating a new disc that contains both powers for you to absorb, letting you create combinations of different powers.

Unfortunately, there aren’t that many base powers, leading to limited combinations (with some of those feeling quite useless). It’s also trial and error to work out which enemies count as having special powers. There are enemies that have projectiles, a sea creature that shoots little lasers, a mole-like creature that digs through ground, and more that don’t class as having a power, yet a little cactus does.

As always, though, Kirby has a lot of charm. The levels are lovely – if easy- and there’s a lovely sense of joy throughout the game. Each level has three Crystal Shards to find, usually with one well hidden (such as down a pit, or needing a specific ability to get to). Finding these will unlock the secret final boss.

It’s a charming game, but I wish there was a bit more to it.

Fun

The thing that’ll strike you first about Kirby 64 is that it’s about as difficult as fighting your way out of a ripped paper bags. True, there are about as many levels as, say, the lenghty Mario Advance, but is is quite possible to aboid enemies and barrel through levels in seconds flat using one of the more effective powers. And although it’s strangely enjoyable to hover, swim and explode your way through the 2D levels that you’ll find yourself coming back to just have a quick fix – almost like a racing game or GoldenEye – the sheer simplicity isn’t good in anyone’s book.

Alan Maddrell, N64 Magazine #57. Review Score: 72%

Remake or remaster?

A remaster with official widescreen and a less intrusive HUD option would be nice.

Official ways to get the game.

There is no official way to buy a new copy of Kirby 64, the only official way to play is to rent it via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pak.

Re-relelases

2008: Wii Virtual Console

2012: Kirby’s Dream Collection (Wii)

2015: Wii U Virtual Console

2022: Nintendo Switch Online (Subscription Only)