Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the series’ first full 3D platformer, and its level design across the post-apocalyptic ruins of a human-like society makes great use of this conceit. New evolved copy abilities and Mouthful Mode transformations help shake up the game, but one of its most defining elements is Waddle Dee Town; the hub where every denizen rescued from the Beast Pack resides. Kirby gains new activities as the town grows, but the Tilt-and-Roll Kirby stand has some interesting similarities - and differences - to Breath of the Wild’s gyro-based Shrine puzzles.
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Breath of the Wild’s Gyro Puzzles Are More Impactful, High-Stakes
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was in development as a Wii U exclusive, but by the end of its journey also doubled as the blockbuster launch title for Nintendo’s Switch console. There was little in the game that could not also be handled by the Wii U, but much about Breath of the Wild still acted as a showcase for everything possible on Switch via docked and handheld mode. That includes demonstrations of its built-in gyroscope, both for puzzles and aiming Link’s bow (though the latter function would also be showcased in dedicated shooters like Splatoon 2).
In terms of puzzle-solving, gyro came into play for a handful of Shrines. Unfortunately the gyro-based Shrines are among the hardest for many Breath of the Wild players, coming up infrequently enough that their rudimentary implementation is tough to acclimate to. For example, Joloo Nah Shrine asked Link to rotate a cube so all its torches would be extinguished by water, and the more infamous Myahm Agana Shrine asked him to guide a ball through a tilting maze. Though Breath of the Wild’s open-ended nature means any of the 120 Shrines can be ignored in favor of tackling Calamity Ganon, many opt to complete them all because they grant Spirit Orbs; used to upgrade health or stamina.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Gyro Puzzles Are a Small Distraction
As mentioned, rescuing kidnaped Waddle Dees throughout Forgotten Land results in Kirby accessing new activities. After beating the Wonaria Remains, Waddle Dee Town gains a second story that includes the Colosseum. Rescuing 180 Waddle Dees opens a stand operated by Game-Shop Waddle Dee that includes three unlockable Tilt-and-Roll boxes - essentially riffs on the same marble maze toys that inspired Breath of the Wild’s Myahm Agana Shrine.
Whereas the Zelda puzzle is more of a straightforward maze with some holes on the outer railings, Kirby’s Tilt-and-Roll mazes are entirely enclosed with pits to avoid. The level 2 maze even asks the player to guide two separate balls into a single goal. Once players complete all three mazes and unlock the Game-Shop Waddle Dee collectible figure, they also get “Extra Hard” variants with barriers removed and Gordo obstacles. Completing all three challenges within set time restrictions grants a ton of Star Coins and a few Rare Stones to evolve copy abilities.
The execution of these gyro mechanics are similar, but Kirby and the Forgotten Land edges out its predecessor. For one, the Tilt-and-Roll minigame is more of a side-activity that offers its figurine before unlocking more challenge variants. Taken alongside the “Simon Says” fishing pond and restaurant service, these act as Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s sub-games, cute distractions within an already casual experience. Breath of the Wild’s slower, clunkier execution is also technically optional, but comes in a major place with enough of an impact that players quickly figured out ways to cheese its puzzles. It’s good to see HAL Laboratory not only carry forward classic ideas from early in the Switch lifecycle, but also execute them in a more appealing way.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is available now on Nintendo Switch.
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