Kirby Star Allies: A poor mans Super Star

There is something that is unavoidable when talking about this game, and that is the obvious comparisons to Kirby All-Star from the Super Nintendo. It has the multiple game modes, most of which are just mini-games, it expanded the amount of AI controlled Allies you could get from one to three, and the game offers multiplayer with your friends being able to play as the summoned allies.

The story is there, but not really important. Bad things happen, Kirby comes in and saves the day. It's pretty standard fare for a Nintendo Title of any IP, so there isn't really anything to analyze here.

Where the game adds to the original Super Star is the ability to combine effects of Kirby and His Allies. For example, if you are currently using the Knight ability, or have a Knight in your group, and you can flame charge your sword. Got a Rock and Blizzardo in your group? Turn the rock into an Icy puck of death. A lot of fun combos that can be a blast to play with.

The positives kind of start to fade after that, as the games AI is almost too good. With the exception of some of the games more challenging boss fights (The couple challenging ones there are), your AI is basically able to handle the game with little to no input from you. They will even automatically use their abilities when necessary to clear obstacles or trip certain switches. Unless you actively gimp yourself and not use allies, you end up barely involved in the game.

That really is the issue that holds this games positive features back. No matter how good or tight the gameplay is, it doesn't really matter if your involvement isn't required to advance. Most of the game I just kind of zoned out and wasn't paying attention, and lost where I was entirely on the screen, yet still I could clear all enemies, and most bosses. Even Super Star on SNES required a fair bit of effort to clear out, even if it wasn't exactly the hardest SNES game.

Though the real issue here is also the lack of Variety compared to Super Star. Not only does Super Star feature more mini-games, many of its other modes act as their own short games in their own right. Not to mention a handful of much more unique boss fights, one acting as a bizarre little turn-based fight from an RPG.

All that said, the game does look fantastic. Updates to older designs, plus some entirely new designs, make for a fun visual experience. The environments are really pretty to look at, and the animations of all your abilities are great. Throw in some very fitting music tracks, and you have a great aesthetic that you would expect from a Kirby title.

In the end, Kirby Star Allies just feels like a low-grade Super Star. It's fine for a bit of a nostalgia trip, or if you have a kid with some friends to play with. Either way, I would suggest waiting for the price to drop on this one, the content available just isn't worth a full games price tag.