Stuck In 2D: Kirby

Stuck In 2D: Kirby

Over the years many iconic video game franchises have tried and failed miserably to enter the 3rd Dimension. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re taking a look at the Kirby Franchise’s attempts to break from its 8-bit past.

Arguably the cutest video game hero, Kirby is a puffball that was originally created as a simple placeholder design until a final concept could be produced. But as luck would have it, the little blob complimented its developer’s goal of creating a simple ‘game for beginners.’

Debuting as an inviting platformer for the original Gameboy portable system back in 1992, Kirby was met with some image confusion upon his initial release. This is due to his inconsistent portrayal that varied from his original pinkish color in Japan, to his ghost-like appearance on North American cartoons, box art and commercials.

Despite this, "Kirby's Dreamland" marked a hugely successful reception of the puffed-up hero, and his quest to defeat the corrupt and self-proclaimed ruler of Dreamland. Along the way he became famous among gamers for his ability to suck up enemies, and copy their unique powers.

As a result of Kirby’s popularity, there were several sequels and spin-offs before the character became a widely recognized Nintendo mascot. Interestingly, he was actually the product of their outside studio HAL Laboratories, the same developer who would later be responsible for the Super Smash Bros franchise, which introduced the first-ever 3D version of the hero.

This taste of bittersweet three-dimensionality suited the character, and made the announcement of “Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards” exceptionally exciting back in 2000. Surprisingly, gamers would not be given a true 3D installment to the iconic franchise. Rather, they were dealt a spruced-up version of previous titles, with only 3D character models and rotating background environments.

Following this, fans held out hope that he eventually get his own 3D platformer, and that expectation grew with the release of the extremely popular cartoon series “Kirby: Right Back At Ya!” in 2001.

Unfortunately, the game series continued to pump out side-scrollers on Nintendo’s portable systems, eventually adding gimmicky stylus-inspired play mechanics to compliment their slew of tweaked remakes.

And when Kirby finally re-emerged in full 3D, it was in the racing game “Kirby’s Air Ride,” which was not exactly what fans had in mind.

Yet, word began to spread as early as 2005 of Kirby’s imminent home console comeback, and the release of early footage that incorporated several new 3D elements. Sadly, we’re still waiting for the game to arrive following several delays and cancellations.

Conclusion

Once exceptionally well known and highly enjoyed, the Kirby franchise has since drifted to the sidelines despite this, fans continue to love the pink blob and continue to hope for a true 3D comeback that will re-instate Kirby as a premiere game character.