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Kirby Star Allies
Common Sense says
- Nintendo Switch
- $59.99
- 2018
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Kirby Star Allies is a side-scrolling platformer with frequent but mild cartoon combat. Colorful characters hit each other with weapons, fists, and magic. Defeated enemies simply disappear. Much of the game is focused on the concepts of friendship and teamwork, with Kirby able to turn almost any enemy into a friendly ally by gifting a big pink heart. As a team, Kirby and up to three friends -- other players or computer-controlled characters -- can work together to bypass obstacles by doing things like forming a bridge or flying around on a star. Parents should note that this game supports amiibo figurines, which are sold separately and are used to unlock puzzle pieces and helpful items.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Kirby: Star Allies Parent Guide
Kirby is fun as all ways
10 out of 10
What's it about?
KIRBY STAR ALLIES provides a pretty straightforward side-scrolling platformer experience with one notable twist: Nintendo's beloved pink puffball can turn enemies he encounters into friendly helpers by giving them a big pink heart. As usual, he can also copy enemy abilities by swallowing them. But with up to three helpers in tow -- all of whom can be controlled by other local players with their own controllers -- players now have access to a broader range of abilities necessary to solve little contextual problems. A friend with an umbrella can use it to deflect a waterfall while a fire-powered pal lights a dynamite fuse running beneath it, all while Kirby fights off any nearby enemies with a hammer, a zap of electricity, or a karate punch. More than that, pressing up on the control stick signals allies to combine their powers in fun ways, often resulting in supercharged fighters or the ability to overcome an obstacle. Beyond the friendship theme, players can expect more of what's made Kirby's adventures so popular in the past, including simple boss fights, plenty of hidden doors and unlockable bonus stages, and lots of collectibles, including jigsaw puzzle pieces that gradually assemble into celebratory pictures.
Is it any good?
Nintendo is famous for its feel-good platformers, but this one kicks things up a notch. By giving us the ability to befriend almost any bad guy -- yes, even the notorious villain King Dedede and mysterious Meta Knight -- by giving them big puffy pink hearts, Kirby Star Allies deepens the franchise's already laudable atmosphere of friendliness. Watching your little group of four pals work together by, say, one lighting another's sword on fire for a little extra oomph, or all four joining together to create a bridge, is a joy. Add in some truly fun new abilities for Kirby to copy, such as the power to paint portraits on canvases to bring items into the world and a chef skill that can whip up scrumptious meals, as well as surprisingly pretty visuals -- pay attention to the deep backgrounds in some environments to catch glimpses of glistening water and beautiful sunsets -- and you have yet another winner of a Kirby adventure.
It can be a bit confusing at times. Having so many characters on-screen -- both enemies and allies -- all acting of their own accord occasionally makes things a little hectic. Don't be surprised if you sometimes lose track of Kirby amid all of the movement and effects. And bonus multiplayer mini-games available on the title screen -- like one in which you simply bat a ball at an asteroid, aiming for maximum power -- feel like purposeless throwaway content, existing simply to pad out a game that's perhaps a little on the short side compared to other Nintendo platformers, such as Super Mario Odyssey. But don't worry about getting your money's worth. Kirby Star Allies has great replayability -- especially if you have a friend or family member who can play with you.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about screen time. How many of Kirby Star Allies' 10-minute stages do you need to complete in a single session to feel satisfied?
Talk about working together with others. How is it different to complete a task with the help of friends rather than alone? How does it make you feel?
Game details
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Price: $59.99
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online? Available online
- Developer: Nintendo of America
- Release date: March 16, 2018
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Friendship
- ESRB rating: E10+ for Cartoon Violence
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.