Kirby's Epic Yarn
Our favorite puffball returns for something completely different
Posted October 17, 2010
I’ve always thought Kirby has been one of the most ignored Nintendo characters (with the exception of Kid Icarus). He only seems to pop out and say hello in Super Smash Brothers games, as of late. Thankfully, Nintendo has seen fit to give Kirby a new adventure, although a slight departure from his normal outing. Built as a narrative for the younger audience, Kirby has been transported into Patch Land (through a magic sock) by the evil Yin Yarn wizard. To escape Patch Land, Kirby needs to lend a hand to Prince Fluff and fix up Patch Land with golden threads. Otherwise, Yin Yarn is going to send his evil minions into Dream Land. Kirby has also been transformed into a yarn outline of himself as well, thus he has to adapt to the yarn filled world rather than use his core abilities from other Kirby titles. It’s a light, entertaining presentation that will appeal to the kids immediately.
In order to battle the many enemies throughout the colorful levels, Kirby can yanks enemies apart and use their yarn to create yarn ammunition. Kirby also has the ability to transform into different objects such as a robot, tank, fire truck, spaceship, car, submarine, parachute, etc… Kirby isn’t eating up new enemies to gain power, but rather defeating them based off the rules in Patch Land. The larger transformations are typically triggered by more difficult sections of the level, specifically scrolling sections.
Different from previous Kirby games, there’s no death penalty for getting hit by an enemy. Similar to Sonic, Kirby does lose the beads he was collecting in the level, but getting hit with zero beads doesn’t cause you to have to restart the level. You are awarded a rating at the end of each level, but achieving the highest level isn’t difficult if you explore for the collectibles and avoid enemies. These collectibles can be stored at Kirby’s apartment which also unlocks mini-games that can be played during or after you finish the main campaign.
The co-op experience in the game doesn’t change level design, but players have the ability to use each other to reach out of the way areas in the levels. The second player takes control of Prince Fluff instead of a second instanced Kirby. Players also have the ability to transport themselves to the position of the other player in case someone gets stuck. It’s a nice addition to the game that can help the youngest of players out of a jam. Co-op is probably more fun to play the first time you go though the levels, otherwise you are retreading over the same puzzles.
If there’s any major fault of Kirby’s Epic Yarn, it’s that the levels and boss fights are often too easy to complete, especially with no fear of Kirby’s death. Granted, this allows younger players to handle levels with ease, but only the loss of only beads as punishment when hit doesn’t provide the necessary motivation to get through the level perfectly or even quickly. The lack of difficulty doesn’t detract from the overall experience, just allows the player to speed through the game. The fun, light narrative and inventive gameplay devices around the unraveling threads are the best reason to experience Kirby’s new adventure. This is an excellent title to pick up for the kids and they are likely looking at about 6 to 8 hours of gameplay for the main campaign, more if they want to go through the game again with a friend in co-op to play though the unlocked level paths or various mini-games.
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In order to battle the many enemies throughout the colorful levels, Kirby can yanks enemies apart and use their yarn to create yarn ammunition. Kirby also has the ability to transform into different objects such as a robot, tank, fire truck, spaceship, car, submarine, parachute, etc… Kirby isn’t eating up new enemies to gain power, but rather defeating them based off the rules in Patch Land. The larger transformations are typically triggered by more difficult sections of the level, specifically scrolling sections.
Different from previous Kirby games, there’s no death penalty for getting hit by an enemy. Similar to Sonic, Kirby does lose the beads he was collecting in the level, but getting hit with zero beads doesn’t cause you to have to restart the level. You are awarded a rating at the end of each level, but achieving the highest level isn’t difficult if you explore for the collectibles and avoid enemies. These collectibles can be stored at Kirby’s apartment which also unlocks mini-games that can be played during or after you finish the main campaign.
The co-op experience in the game doesn’t change level design, but players have the ability to use each other to reach out of the way areas in the levels. The second player takes control of Prince Fluff instead of a second instanced Kirby. Players also have the ability to transport themselves to the position of the other player in case someone gets stuck. It’s a nice addition to the game that can help the youngest of players out of a jam. Co-op is probably more fun to play the first time you go though the levels, otherwise you are retreading over the same puzzles.
Graphics
- The Wii has never been a powerhouse in the graphical front compared to the other HD consoles, but Kirby’s Epic Yarn turned out surprisingly well. Much of the moving yarn looks hand drawn and the quilted backgrounds are often stunning. Graphical effects, like yanking the zipper on the wall or pulling yarn to tear apart enemies, are pretty amazing to see in action. Every real world object has a clothing inspired counterpart; snow is made out of cotton balls for instance. If Kirby is shooting water, it’s basically streams of blue yarn flying out of the hose. Watching Kirby alter his own body to become objects is equally as impressive. There’s a ton of polish and attention to intricate details that went into the graphic engine behind Epic Yarn.
Audio
- The light, bouncy, jazz-filled tunes match the playful nature of Patch Land and its yarn covered inhabitants. If you have played previous Kirby games, you will recognize some of the classics. There’s plenty of new material in the game as well, some of which was a bit too lacking in tempo. That being said, there’s enough variety in the game that you won’t become annoyed with repetition. The sound effects are just as cute and match the designer’s main theme.
Conclusion
If there’s any major fault of Kirby’s Epic Yarn, it’s that the levels and boss fights are often too easy to complete, especially with no fear of Kirby’s death. Granted, this allows younger players to handle levels with ease, but only the loss of only beads as punishment when hit doesn’t provide the necessary motivation to get through the level perfectly or even quickly. The lack of difficulty doesn’t detract from the overall experience, just allows the player to speed through the game. The fun, light narrative and inventive gameplay devices around the unraveling threads are the best reason to experience Kirby’s new adventure. This is an excellent title to pick up for the kids and they are likely looking at about 6 to 8 hours of gameplay for the main campaign, more if they want to go through the game again with a friend in co-op to play though the unlocked level paths or various mini-games.
Discuss This Game on Our Official VGT Forum