While not nearly as popular as some of Nintendo's other mascots like Mario or Link, Kirby remains a beloved character that has also had a long history. In fact, Kirby is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2022 and Nintendo has already confirmed special activities throughout the year to celebrate the milestone. Part of that celebration is a brand new game called Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which seems to take inspiration from Mario's 3D style games.
Originally announced last year during a Nintendo Direct, Kirby and the Forgotten Land brings players a fully 3D world to explore, though unlike previous games, Kirby appears to be exploring a city which has been destroyed, almost in a post-apocalyptic sense. The initial trailer also revealed classic gameplay making its return, such as Kirby's ability to copy enemy abilities like swordman. While the game was set for a Spring 2022 launch, the latest trailer reveals some good news for fans.
The latest gameplay trailer for Kirby and the Forgotten Land focuses on Kirby's copy ability, showing all sorts of new and returning powers. The hammer, bomb, and wind tornado attacks are all back, including one that lets Kirby explode during what appears to be a boss fight against a seal. There's even a drill helmet that allows Kirby to tunnel underground to attack foes from below or dig up treasure. The trailer also showcases more vibrant enviornments including rolling green hills, a desert, a little Waddle Dee town, a rushing river, and more alongside the familiar urban sections.
The Kirby and the Forgotten Land trailer also highlights Waddle Dees being captured by an enemy faction known as the Beast Pack, leaving it up to Kirby to save the former enemies. Saving them seems to imply new rewards can be earned for hitting milestones back at the Waddle Dee village. The game also supports 2 player co-op, allowing a second player to jump in as Bandana Waddle Dee armed with a spear and special moves like floating in the air and raining down spears below. However, the big reveal comes at the end when the game's launch date is confirmed as March 25, 2022, shedding the original Spring 2022 release window.
The earlier release date should please Switch fans and may even signal a strong 2022 from Nintendo which includes other big name games like Bayonetta 3 and Breath of the Wild 2. Fans are curious as to what other secrets Nintendo has for this year, and if recent rumors are to be believed, a new Direct could be coming in the next few weeks detailing first half of 2022 plans for the Switch.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land launches on March 25, 2022 for the Nintendo Switch.