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There are also many hidden elements that take the form of fun easter eggs throughout the game. Being a fairly rich 3D experience, it can be easy to miss some of the more cryptic, well-hidden easter eggs and other amusing finds in The Forgotten Land.
8 A New Logo Many Years In The Making
As it happens, there is at least one subtle-yet-interesting detail displayed on the cover art of the game itself.
Longtime Kirby fans might have noticed something related to the vibrant yellow logo for The Forgotten Land. Not only is it distinct, but in fact, it’s the first time Nintendo and HAL have significantly differed from their usual logo since 2002’s Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land on the GBA.
7 Birds In The Point Of Arrival Set The Tone
HAL makes a point to inject an easter egg mere minutes after setting out on Kirby’s journey. The introductory Point of Arrival stage will give way to an atmospheric forest area, complete with chirping birds in the background. These chirps may not sound like anything specific at first. However, players who listen closely will be able to hear a subtle rendition of the stage’s theme music in birdsong.
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It would seem that even the birds are enjoying this rich, melodic soundtrack.
6 Levels Spell Out A Significant Acronym
Diehard Kirby fans might be aware of the series’ tradition of using portions (or first letters) of level names to spell out various phrases. This staple easter egg is manifest in The Forgotten Land as well.
The first letter of each biome featured—Naural Plains, Everbay Coast, Wondaria Remains, Winter Horns, Originull Wasteland, Redgar Forbiggen Lands, Lab Discovera—form a fitting phrase. Specifically, the first letter of each word, and the first two of Lab Discovera, form the tag “NEW WORLD.”
5 Light A Fire In Kirby’s House For Quick Cash
There are several ways to score the game’s main currency, Star Coins—which is a good thing considering how many upgrades and unlockables require them. There is, however, a simple-yet-cryptic means to get a Red Star Coin (worth 10 coins). This can be done without even leaving the Waddle Dee Town hub.
Simply pay a visit to Kirby’s house while equipped with a fire ability, and light the logs in his fireplace. This will naturally start a fire, which will then reward Kirby with the coveted Red Star Coin. This is unfortunately a one-and-done action, though it’s certainly worth it considering how little effort it requires.
4 Obtain A Random Ability By Consuming Multiple Foes
Like most games in the franchise, The Forgotten Land heavily revolves around Kirby’s copy abilities. However, there is one exploitable ability that can be fairly easy to miss or neglect, which involves consuming multiple foes at once.
There are a number of instances that allow Kirby to position himself close to two or more baddies, at which point he can consume them both. This triggers a cycle of each move obtained thus far, at this point a random move will be selected.
One of the simplest, most common ways to achieve this is to coax Poppy Bros. Jr. to toss a bomb over the edge of the Point of Arrival stage and consume the bomb. However, there are plenty of other methods and opportunities.
3 The Battle Of Blizzard Bridge Secret Route
One of the last stages of the ice-themed Winter Horns, the boss-laden Battle of Blizzard Bridge, features a tricky secret path that may have eluded some gamers. From the outset of the level, make a hard left and walk under a gap in the rubble, where a Maximum Tomato will be waiting. This can be tough enough to locate—but there’s an even more cryptic pathway beyond this.
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A series of small platforms can be navigated just above the tomato, which eventually leads to a red treasure chest full of rare goodies. This will also complete one of the secondary missions, yielding an additional Waddle Dee.
2 HAL Sightings
Those who have spent significant time with Kirby games are likely aware of HAL’s tendency to display their studio name in various ways. A handful of these instances show up in The Forgotten Land; some more subtle than others. There are three secret “HAL rooms” that can be found by doing certain tasks and navigating secret paths.
The first can be found in Natural Plains’ “Rocky Rollin’ Road,” at the end of the stage. Kirby will need to have the gun (Ranger) equipped, as he’ll need to fire on targets hovering in front of a structure in the distance. Hitting them will reveal a slim path of blocks, and eventually lead to an area with blocks spelling “HAL.”
The second resides within Wondaria Remains’ “Welcome to Wondaria.” Players will want to look out for a circular platform with a fast-moving train rotating around it. Drop into the circular area, where a hidden entrance with a red star resides. This leads to a small raceway, which needs to be completed in 86 seconds. The significance behind this timeframe can be traced to the Japanese pronunciation of the name “HAL,” which sounds akin to the number 86. A colorful platform of coins and flowers will be raised, illuminated with the name of the studio.
The third area is in the Redgar Forbidden Lands, specifically in the level “Burning, Churning Power Plant.” Just past the star button in the chamber with the closing walls, go to the right and destroy the crates, where a secret passage and a hidden Waddle Dee awaits. Then, navigate along the tops of the closing walls back to the start. A ladder will appear along the steel beam of the opening area. Climb it to eventually reach a circular area wrought with steel crates spelling “HAL.”
1 Take Metaknight’s Sword For A Great Weapon And Cool Homage
While dueling Metaknight in the epic Colosseum battle, players can claim a great weapon—and behold a fun easter egg in the process. Be sure to bring the sword to the fight, and get ready to slash the weapon just as the boss dashes at Kirby.
This will trigger a clash animation, which leads to Metaknight being stunned (provided the player taps the B button fast enough). The boss will drop his Galaxia sword, giving Kirby a window to nab it. Kirby will not only be able to use this potent weapon, but Metaknight will also quickly retreat and return with his original sword, which dates all the way back to Kirby’s Adventure.
