However, much like many Nintendo games, challenges are present in the endgame for players that want them. Some of Kirby’s hard modes over the years have been particularly vicious, and later iterations even included extra lore for hardcore fans to find. While Kirby and the Forgotten Land will offer players a harder mode from the start, there may be something even more extreme waiting beyond the credits. Players won’t need to wait the whole game to get their hands on harder content, however, as Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Colosseum will allow them to access an iconic endgame mode far earlier than normal.

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The Arena Continues to be a Kirby Staple

In addition to extra modes, collectibles, and other playable characters, the Kirby series often employs some sort of boss rush mode. This trend started in Kirby’s Adventure, the second Kirby game, and has continued throughout the series. The name this mode has gone by has been everything from V.S. Boss! to Boss Butch, but it is always roughly the same format. Some versions include extra aesthetic changes or screens to give more flavor, and Kirby 64’s take restricted the use of Copy Abilities.

However, when modern Kirby fans think of boss rushes, they tend to think of The Arena. This is about the same as the usual boss rush mode, but with several improvements. Starting in Kirby Super Star, and picking up again in Super Star Ultra, The Arena lets players choose a Copy Ability before facing down a gauntlet of bosses. Between matches, players are taken to a rest area similar to the one found in Super Smash Bros.’ All-Star Mode. Healing items are present there, as well as the occasional random two Copy Abilities. This mode has had some variations like Helper to Hero and The True Arena, but it maintains this distinct setup. The Ultimate Choice varies things up by introducing several difficulty modes, but it is fundamentally another form of The Arena.

How The Arena Can Integrate Into Kirby and the Forgotten Land

A return to The Arena has already been announced for Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and this time it will be a true part of the game’s world. Throughout the levels, Kirby will be rescuing captured Waddle Dees from imprisonment. Safe Waddle Dees will build up Waddle Dee Town, a hub area that offers everything from upgrades to mini-games. At the back of the town and likely with a somewhat high Dee requirement is the Colosseum. The Colosseum will serve The Arena’s usual purpose, but it’s also offering functions never before seen in Kirby.

Unlike most menu-initiated boss rushes, the Colosseum is a part of the world. That means that while major bosses will still see Kirby teleporting to their old arenas, mini-bosses and other special fights will involve him fighting inside the structure. And if Meta Knight’s presence is any indication, it does appear that bosses outside the main story will show up to challenge Kirby. The Colosseum having the potential to be built before the credits roll means players won’t get a complete boss rush right away, but that might not matter.

Completing side objectives could unlock cameo fights along with mini-games and more functions in Waddle Dee Town. If that’s the case, then the final version of the Colosseum may be a veteran Kirby fan’s dream. Kirby and the Forgotten Land has the chance to take The Arena to the next level, and diligent players may not need to wait for the ending to experience it.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land will release on March 25 for Nintendo Switch.

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