Re: the "kids and girls" section, I don't think I worded it well. What I meant to say was that, the reason for Kirby's existence is most likely that Nintendo wanted to draw very young kids and girls into gaming, especially because the female gaming demographic was much smaller at the time. When I say it's surprising that gamers like the game, I didn't mean for it to be mutually exclusive from "girls," I mostly meant referring to the non-gaming girls that the game was aimed at.
Does it say anything about our society that you need to spell this out - and that you will likely still get flak for it? What I like about Kirby is a sense of exploration. Not just of the levels itself, though there is always a lot to find if you're willing to look, but also of the powers. And the level design reflects this. While I have to agree that most levels don't look or feel unique, there's always puzzles that challenge you to use your powers in unique and exciting ways. The other thing where the series shines is the bosses. Sure, almost every game will have you face off against Wispy Woods and Dedede, but there's always unique bosses like Wham Bam Rock, the Video Game Virus - which is hilarious in its mocking of RPG tropes - or Mr. Shine and Mr. Bright.
I forgot how much I love kirby games... shiz, I am gonna have to see if there's a ds or 3ds one. Personally I love kirby BECAUSE it's not too intense. There's something to be said for a game that is laid back and just fun. I assumed when you said it's surprising it appeals to "gamers" that you were including in that category anyone that takes gaming really seriously. Anyone that didn't take it that way just takes things way too seriously. I don't consider myself a gamer because I would rather watch video games than play them, with the exception of harvest moon or pokemon. I do enjoy the medium though and look forward to finding out where it goes in the future. Go kirby!
I've always felt that Kirby's mission statement "perfecting the fun of the easy game" and has always done it well. There are tons of crappy, easy kids/shovelware games that are just boring as heck because they're poorly designed, whether it be due to visuals, controls, or lack of flow. Kirby, however, polishes "easy and accessible" to a mirror (and adorable) shine. Even now as an adult, it's always fun and relaxing to kick back and pop in a Kirby game, and let the "awwwws" happen as they rightfully should.
My brother likes Kirby games but he loves really hard games. Although he usually does "One life boss battles" on Super Star Ultra, he also likes the main stories. I should really ask why. I also like Kirby since I'm honestly the target audience, a girl who doesn't play tons of video games. However there is one reason I really enjoy Kirby games Meta Knight is love, Meta Knight is life
I like kirby games because it's so easy and fun. I always knew it as an easy and fun game. I adore storyline and character developing games, but this game is so feel-good that it doesn't need that. It's just a straight-forward platformer :P
Kirby 64 is by far the best Kirby game out there, at least in my opinion. The very notion of combining powers for up to three dozen different abilities by itself makes it stand out. For a game like that to inspire the player to mix and match to find the one that's best, it really puts a smile on my face. Music wasn't bad either.
^__^ I love Kirby! It was just always a lot of fun for me when I was a kid. I liked how every game was different and unique even though it was basically formed from the same ideas. Aww...Now I really want to go play some Kirby games... >.>
Kirby is so awesome, but I only just recently played Kirby games(recently as in maybe a couple years ago when I played Epic Yarn at my friend's house.) Sadly as a kid, the only Kirby experience I got was that Kirby anime probably nobody even knows about, 'cause if I watched it now it'd probably be stupid haha.
I love the Kirby franchise, when I was younger I had so much fun with the SNES game together with my little brother, it was just perfect to play together and my brother, who just wasn't as good at video games as me, could feel powerful and useful. Our favourite thing was my brother having that wheel-power, making him wheelie or something, a uni-motorcycle and I as Kirby could hop on and and he could drive me around while I shoot at enemies. It was just great fun. I also love how Kirby, while being all cute and colorful, has some really wicked enemies which just creates such a nice contrast to the rest of the world. Also Metaknight is awesome. Kirby himself is pretty awesome too, because he can be cute and badass and I also like the notions of some fans that he's some kind of eldritch abomination that eats and eats and eats and steals your soul by eating you. It's a great alterative way to look at him and totally subvert his cute apperance by having him be a monster in sheeps clothes. xD Though as I got older I have to admnit I would love a Kirby game that is a bit more challenging and longer and while gimmicky Kirby games are fine I would prefer to have them be spin-offs of a real core series.I just couldn't really enjoy Epic Yarn, Canvas Course and Mass Attack as much as the others. Though I rather have them try new things than copy&paste the games like Nintendo seems to do with some other franchises...
I think something worth mentioning is that while the Kirby games are easy, they provide rewards for skilled players. The levels and bosses can just be beaten by minimal effort but it's totally possible to plow through them in a skillful manner as well and without any exploits or anything. Most "kiddy" games like the lego titles don't encourage or even allow for skillful play. The games are too limited in what you can do and offer no potential depth. They're fun in their own right but Kirby shines in that it doesn't hold a player's skill back and makes it'self very replayable. There are also some bonus modes in some Kirby games like the Challenge Rooms in Return to Dreamland that are balls-hard to do. (It took me a ton of practice to get a Platinum Medal for every Challenge Room in that game) so even if the main game is a joke from a difficulty standpoint the game still offers fun for the "Hardcore" games outside of it.
I don't care much for Digi's new style of Pony videos, but if he's also moving into doing more analysis like this I'm not sure I mind too much. Good video.
I love the Kirby franchise! I find being a badass who can plow through anything while being totally adorable. It's also kinda nice that you don't often have to back track to get 100% completion.
There's also the fact Kirby games do end up adding challenging stuff within it's core as well to keep the core gamers invested. Stuff like "Extra Game" and "The True Arena" for example. Kirby games don't often end up having interesting stories at face value, but they do have hidden backstory elements and brick nods to older entries written cleverly within pause screen flavor text, occasional dialogue, and visual hints to keep story and lore oriented gamers invested as well (so much to the point there's a series of videos called "What is Kirby Canon?"). Though the main focus of Kirby definitely lies within it's more obvious elements such as the satisfaction of plowing through levels and the sheer feel of happiness in it's adorable aesthetics, they make sure most of the time not to forget about the other guys outside of their target audience who might want to give it a try.
I just watched a trailer for kirby triple deluxe titled 'kirby sure is exciting' then remembered what Digi said about kirby being overpowered. oh god....this makes so much sense.
Other things imo that make Kirby games good is that he can change form, attain other powers(but requires thier defeat), has a great array of color in his worlds, lives in a well developed live an breathing world of its own, and has a catchy tune.
I haven't played any Kirby games, but I do recognize what you're talking about. Despite being a sucker for insane challenges in games which demand my full undivided critical thinking and systematization skills, I sometimes play Cut The Rope for the sheer catharsis. I beat probably 95% of the levels in Cut The Rope with a full 3 stars in my first few tries. And even with the added level packs I can 100% the game in an hour or so. But I still play it for petty gratification.
My hell is the android game Dots. I always knew it was a matter of time before one of those casual swipe-fingers-on-screen games would get its hooks in me, and that was the one. To say that it's tactical would be a slight overstatement.
lately I've been wondering why Kirby games feel so good to play and while none of them feels really hard or challenging, everybody loves Kirby... thanks, now I get it, and I love the series more than ever =D
I love Kirby! I own every Kirby DS game there is(Canvas Curse, Squeak Squad, Superstar Ultra, and Mass Attack) as well as Nightmare in Dreamland and Amazing Mirror. Hell, Nightmare in Dreamland was my very first video game and Canvas Curse was what made me want a DS.
This is exactly what I've been thinking lately. I constantly hear people talking about "The good ol' days of hard-ass difficult games" like Contra, MGS, Castlevania. However, I don't remember anything about my childhood relating to that and I played Doom 2,3 Quake, all on hard difficulties as a 5 YO. When I think of childhood games, I think of Kirby and Yoshi's Island which, surprisingly, I've never played as a child!
One of the newer game series that really reminds me of the Kirby games is the Prototype games. You start the game completely over powered almost in every way, then you only get even more powerful as the game progresses. Much like Kirby you have an arsenal of super moves that are the equivalent of hitting the easy mode button. I am not complaining at all though, sometimes it is just fun to just steamroll your enemies without putting much thought into it.
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror was the first game I completed 100%, I remember playing it for hours when I was a kid, it's a shame my GBA doesn't work anymore. But luckily bought a DSi and two Kirby's game. I agree they are very easy but there was one game in DS that I found very difficult, the one with many mini games. I don't remember the name, but there was a minigame where you had to battle several bosses in a row, it was almost a herculean task for the 15 year old me. I always thought that the most entertaining part of Kirby's franchise was the several powers that we could get, but now I suppose that it's because it's very gratifying. Thank you for this analysis, Digibro! It was wolderful.
Almost every time I'd go to my best friend's house while growing up, we'd spend a few hours doing a full 100% clear of Kirby's Superstar and play the Samurai Duel game. Good times.
OMG, i hadn't noticed how short kirby games were untill now... literally, about 2 years ago i played kirby, nightmare in dreamland for the gba at a tacobell... i beat it in 8 hours waiting for my cousin to get off work...
i loved the first gameboy kirby, what sold me on it the most was the unlimited flight, it was the first game that ALLOWED me to do things, rather than restricting me on every damn turn.
God i remember the very two first kirby games i got to play growing up as a 90's kid back in the days .they were gba's kirby nightmare in dreamland and N64's kirby and the mirror poll or pool guardian.fun tines digi!really like this patreon requeated review you did man.keep up the epic work .lolz no pun intended on kibys epic yarn lmao.see ya
Oh wow, I loved the little digi at the end. He looked slightly better then your current one, but eh, he is cool too. Nice video, really makes me rethink what makes a game 'good'
Hey digi, do you know why some Kirby games have dark sides? Blood from 02, the Dark Matter, Magolor Soul, Marx Soul, why do some things want to scare kids in these games? They seem to go against the game's cute concept.
***** Pretty sure I was drinking forties in Vic's room once, playing Kirby 64. Much more relaxing than trying to play MGS while drunk. The appeal of this game is timeless.
As a big Kirby fan. I wholeheartedly agree with what you said. Kirby games are not about the challenge, they're more about the enjoying the ride. Seriously, look at the visuals and listen to the music. If you want memorable stuff from Kirby games, those are the things you should be looking for. And everything is so freaking adorable, even the enemies (most of the time). The Game Grumps playthrough of Epic Yarn pretty much can summarize all of this. I am seriously looking forward to playing Triple Deluxe on the 3DS. It's gonna be freaking sweet
It would be interesting to hear what Digi thinks of the two other games that don't seem to follow the formula, Mass Attack and Canvas Curse. They do seem to have that gratification, but they certainly are not like most other Kirby games and I was hoping to hear what he thought of that.
I'd like to add that, as the series went on, Kirby quickly became a series that was piss-easy to complete, but extremely difficult to 100%. A child could pick up Kirby's Return to Dreamland, or Triple Deluxe when it comes out over here, and not have trouble with anything until, like, Egg Engine. Even then the game's checkpoints and variety in powers means that "challenge" is still stemming from self-imposed requirements. To merely "get through" the game is a child's first challenge in gaming. To "finish" the game to experienced gamers means a hell of a lot more. (The main complaint about Epic Yarn is that you can't die, but getting good ranks on the bead collecting is still a major challenge for _us_ to take on.) Very few series can balance these two extremes well.
Kirby games aren't always easy! "The Arena" is actually a pretty tough cookie, and then there's "The True Arena" which to me a pretty long time to beat! So there is challenge in this franchise!
Honestly because Kirby games are so gratifying if I'm in a bad mood I'm far more likely to put in a Kirby game or even one that I've gotten so good at that it doesn't provide a real challenge anymore over a game that is challenging like Mega Man X or a game with an in depth story line like Mass Effect. While I may have died several times or exited out of a level on a Kirby game it's more so because I'm a sucker for collectibles even if they aren't essential.
While I do like the new style you're going for in your MLP videos, I do hope you keep your classic style for everything else. Like this video. This video was awesome. My favourite Kirby game is definitely Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. For the first time ever Kirby's copy abilities were actually game-structure relevant. It was a Kirby Metroidvania game where, instead of gaining powers over time to let you explore new areas, you have to bring a certain copy ability to an area in order to unlock it. It was great. It's also one of the most open-ended platformers I've ever played-in no other game has _going through a level backward_ been a valid, if discouraged, way to progress.
Wow. Kirby. It's the game I've obsessed over for a while now, and I even named myself after it. However, Kirby is unique. It expands to all sorts of people with different tastes in gaming. Let me explain why. There's cutesy graphics, simple stories, but there's a challenge out there for the more experienced players. It doesn't just appeal to children, but adults. Not many adults should be ashamed in liking Kirby games, as they attempt to appeal to all ages, player types, and genders. The simplicity of Kirby games is what makes it what it is, as when playing them, you can just sit back and relax, especially Kirby's Epic Yarn. However, games like Kirby's Return to Dream Land give more of an "action-like" vibe, but still stay true to its roots. It's hard to feel in a bad mood while playing a Kirby game (unless you're doing The Arena), and I like it that way. It can be either easy by floating over every obstacle, or hard if you want to face the true challenges, such as the boss endurance modes. Another think that I like about Kirby games is that they avert dark atmospheres like most non-Nintendo games have these days, and stay silly, something I like. It's just like one of my personalities, as it stays silly and gives out a vibe that children have. It's impressive that an adult could make such a game styled that way.
I had a deprived childhood so I never had the chance to play Kirby games growing up, (and even in my adult hood, I hardly have any disposable income so I *still* can't buy them) but it sounds like these games would do wonders for relieving stress! :)
A lot of the old games can be bought on the 3DS market place for like 4 to 8 bucks, though I've always thought that's a little much for ancient games that can be beaten in a couple hours.
Kirby games are a blast and this is largely due to the fact that you can be so versatile and as Digi put it over powered. Though it is true to say powers like super sword that literally plow levels is only a recent innovation they were not required to be over powered. I myself can blast through Kirby nightmare in dream land my favorite kirby game a lightning speed and without any super versions of copy abilities to chose from as some abilities are literally rape incarnate. I remember the first time I discovered that the holy trinity of basic powers Spark Freeze which is not to be confused with ice which shoots ice forward and needle whom all protect kirby from all sides could be used in motion by jump attacking. This allowed me to literally plow though stages without fear once I learned the timing. At the same time even many bosses fell to the powers without much work due to their unlimited supply and constant damage factor, you can literally go into the first boss of the game whispy woods with one of these powers and sit next to him with the attack button pressed and end him in seconds. If these games were not so easy, so gratifying and fast, if kirby did not have a life bar and died in one hit would flop harder than a stone magicarp on land.
***** Add that to my personal fave the freeze abilities tendency to turn foes into blocks of ice that can then be used as projectiles and your about as over powered as you can get without using the UFO power. Also I downloaded chrome and now I can magically use the youtube comment system >.> so discussion is possible meaning your videos are going to be fun ^-^
one of the reasons i like kirby is the fact that it doesn't make me want to rip my hair out (most of the time). I hate the fact that, although i love video games to no end, i usually can't get through a loz game or even mario game without looking up a playthrough. I'm honestly a terrible gamer who's never beaten a champion in pokemon without help or even fully completed an entire game on my own. Except kirby. It really makes me feel better about myself, because i'm constantly attacking myself over the fact that i waste so much time on video games i suck at when people can do these things easily. It's worse when I watch let's players mess up on level 59 and say 'ugh i'm so terrible at this game you all must hate me' when I can't get over a small hill on level 3. But my point is, i never need any help to finish a kirby game. It cheers me up and makes me feel better about myself. They're also not the only games like this, i'm good at minecraft because most of the game is being careful and not climbing your way through pre-generated levels. Even when people are better than me, I can't say "but they easily got over that hill" or something because everything about minecraft is different. That's not to say i enjoy these games more than others, though. Even though i needed someone to basically hold my hand through Majora's Mask and The Last of Us, i enjoyed those games more because of the story, darker themes, and how memorable they are. I mention something like a floormaster or a clicker and everyone'll remember the first time they saw one in game, how it scared them by jumping out at them in a specific place, and how they related to the story. Where as if i mention a gordo people will have to think to even know what i'm talking about. Scarfies are a different story. Also, Portal 2. About the time i got into the ruins of old aperture in Portal 2, i got stuck and so frustrated that I had to walk away for a bit. I had to look up a playthrough at least 3 times if not more when playing through portal2, and really got rage-y when i couldn't figure out the boss fight on my own. And Portal 2 is my favorite game of all time. tl;dr, i like kirby because it's easy and makes me feel good about myself, but doing the opposite with a game isn't all that bad. I still prefer games with a story.
I like Kirby because I can eat things endlessly. I seriously will discard some of my favorite powers just to eat a Waddle Dee. I think I'm living proof they were at least right about the girls and food thing. xD ((Warning, more opinions ahead. )) Either way, the one Kirby game I have is for a Nintendo DS Lite, and I don't even remember it's name, and my favorite level is the level where I can go around eating everything without transforming. My favorite Kirby game would have to be Squeak Squad, which I was only ever able to play because my cousin let me play her DS Lite whenever she came over to visit ((Yes, this was before I had my own gaming system)). I liked the idea of combining the abilities to make new ones, and the ability to dig in certain areas, something I missed when I wasn't able to play the game anymore. Kirby games aren't necessarily calming or refreshing to me((I would even go as far as saying they're frustrating)), and I see them as more of a way to pass the time, but this may be because I never played a lot of Kirby games myself. Also, I suddenly think of Starfy. Why am I typing this?
I have to say, I was a little hesitant about your non-pony uploads, fearing this would become a less analytical channel, but you have certainly subsided my fears in that. You're very right about Kirby, and this does tempt me to buy more Kirby games.
I haven't played many Kirby games, but I played Crystal Shards and some GBA game. Well... Two GBA games, actually, one of them being with all the... mice. I wanna play some now. I need some on my 3DS. >_>
Kirby games are the best. If a harder game is making you rage quit play some Kirby! It will make you feel happy and remind you why you like to play video games. My favorite game is Kirby Crystal Shards. I also really love Epic Yarn. Though I will admit that game can get to you if you're trying to get a gold medal on every stage and collect all the items. XD
This is why I like Kirby so much..And yes, I am a girl, and technically not 18, so pretty much a kid, but I just can't get into games that not only don't have a narrative but are DIFFICULT.. Don't ask why, I just like being good at things. Exactly how Digi explained here. Cool video.
You have noooooo idea what you are missing out on hes not a Nintendo all-star for nothing and to this day people still go back to super star like its a religion.
though all of this is thrown away in Kirby Super Star Ultra... God damn that game is tough to 100%... or I just suck which I do tend to do in video games. Though great video people like you tend to make people think deeper into everything and make the "It happens cause it just does" mindset kind of leave and make us think but why does this happen. Thank you for changing the way at least I think for the better.
Hmmm, are you familiar with Idea Channel? 'Cause they did this episode on the idea that games can be meditative. They talked mostly about bullet hell games, but, watching this, I thougth Kirby might be a good example too. That relates to what you said about the appeal of Kirby having a lot to do with the feel you get from playing it, from the feeling of being bad-ass to just the appeal of the world, sprites, controls and all. Episode of Idea Channel: Can Bullet Hell Games Be Meditative? | Idea Channel | PBS Digital Studios
While Kirby seems like an amazingly fun game series, the only one I've ever actually played is Kirby's Air Ride. I don't even own it, I just play it at a friend's house with infinite health turned on in so we can mess around in City Trial and get random bursts of speed. I've only ever done the actual races once.
I'd recommend Kirby's Return to Dreamland for the normal Wii. It's the best game in the series as it has a ton of interesting powers to use, lot's of bonus content, and is one of the best looking games for the system. If you're up for some retro games than the Kirby Anniversary Collection for the Wii is also something to recommend but not all of those games have aged well so it might be less appealing to non-fans.
for me kirby has seen a little girly and not meant for boys then i saw game grumps play it and saw how colourful the world was and how satisfying the game could be. Also with this analysis i definitely see kirby game are fun easy and soothing. Im gonna buy some ds Kirby games.
Re: the "kids and girls" section, I don't think I worded it well. What I meant to say was that, the reason for Kirby's existence is most likely that Nintendo wanted to draw very young kids and girls into gaming, especially because the female gaming demographic was much smaller at the time. When I say it's surprising that gamers like the game, I didn't mean for it to be mutually exclusive from "girls," I mostly meant referring to the non-gaming girls that the game was aimed at.
Does it say anything about our society that you need to spell this out - and that you will likely still get flak for it?
What I like about Kirby is a sense of exploration. Not just of the levels itself, though there is always a lot to find if you're willing to look, but also of the powers. And the level design reflects this. While I have to agree that most levels don't look or feel unique, there's always puzzles that challenge you to use your powers in unique and exciting ways.
The other thing where the series shines is the bosses. Sure, almost every game will have you face off against Wispy Woods and Dedede, but there's always unique bosses like Wham Bam Rock, the Video Game Virus - which is hilarious in its mocking of RPG tropes - or Mr. Shine and Mr. Bright.
I forgot how much I love kirby games... shiz, I am gonna have to see if there's a ds or 3ds one. Personally I love kirby BECAUSE it's not too intense. There's something to be said for a game that is laid back and just fun. I assumed when you said it's surprising it appeals to "gamers" that you were including in that category anyone that takes gaming really seriously. Anyone that didn't take it that way just takes things way too seriously. I don't consider myself a gamer because I would rather watch video games than play them, with the exception of harvest moon or pokemon. I do enjoy the medium though and look forward to finding out where it goes in the future. Go kirby!
I don't care what anyone says, I loved epic yarn.
Oh, and Digi, you had a little typo at the end there! "This channel is funded by VEIWERS like you!"
Ducksquack Blame Munchy for that one, though I didn't notice till you said something, so thanks.
So.. what you said with Kirby´s description... Kirby is the Chuck Norris of Videogames?.. =P
I've always felt that Kirby's mission statement "perfecting the fun of the easy game" and has always done it well. There are tons of crappy, easy kids/shovelware games that are just boring as heck because they're poorly designed, whether it be due to visuals, controls, or lack of flow. Kirby, however, polishes "easy and accessible" to a mirror (and adorable) shine. Even now as an adult, it's always fun and relaxing to kick back and pop in a Kirby game, and let the "awwwws" happen as they rightfully should.
My brother likes Kirby games but he loves really hard games. Although he usually does "One life boss battles" on Super Star Ultra, he also likes the main stories. I should really ask why. I also like Kirby since I'm honestly the target audience, a girl who doesn't play tons of video games. However there is one reason I really enjoy Kirby games
Meta Knight is love, Meta Knight is life
I like kirby games because it's so easy and fun. I always knew it as an easy and fun game. I adore storyline and character developing games, but this game is so feel-good that it doesn't need that. It's just a straight-forward platformer :P
Kirby 64 is by far the best Kirby game out there, at least in my opinion. The very notion of combining powers for up to three dozen different abilities by itself makes it stand out. For a game like that to inspire the player to mix and match to find the one that's best, it really puts a smile on my face.
Music wasn't bad either.
+K4RN4GE911 I _loved_ that concept. I just wish the game was faster. From what I remeber it was pretty slow...
So who else who plays Air Ride pretty much only does City Trial? Love that mode.
I really like Top Ride personally, but City Trial is really. Wish that game got a sequel.
^__^ I love Kirby! It was just always a lot of fun for me when I was a kid. I liked how every game was different and unique even though it was basically formed from the same ideas. Aww...Now I really want to go play some Kirby games... >.>
the Kirby games are very relaxing and fun I got epic yarn and I play that a lot with my sis
Kirby is so awesome, but I only just recently played Kirby games(recently as in maybe a couple years ago when I played Epic Yarn at my friend's house.) Sadly as a kid, the only Kirby experience I got was that Kirby anime probably nobody even knows about, 'cause if I watched it now it'd probably be stupid haha.
I watched the anime when it was airing on WB (I think?), remember it being fun but having too much focus on characters who aren't Kirby lol.
Omigosh no wonder I love Kirby so much; it's because its something I can feel really awesome at. :D
I love the Kirby franchise, when I was younger I had so much fun with the SNES game together with my little brother, it was just perfect to play together and my brother, who just wasn't as good at video games as me, could feel powerful and useful. Our favourite thing was my brother having that wheel-power, making him wheelie or something, a uni-motorcycle and I as Kirby could hop on and and he could drive me around while I shoot at enemies. It was just great fun.
I also love how Kirby, while being all cute and colorful, has some really wicked enemies which just creates such a nice contrast to the rest of the world. Also Metaknight is awesome.
Kirby himself is pretty awesome too, because he can be cute and badass and I also like the notions of some fans that he's some kind of eldritch abomination that eats and eats and eats and steals your soul by eating you. It's a great alterative way to look at him and totally subvert his cute apperance by having him be a monster in sheeps clothes. xD
Though as I got older I have to admnit I would love a Kirby game that is a bit more challenging and longer and while gimmicky Kirby games are fine I would prefer to have them be spin-offs of a real core series.I just couldn't really enjoy Epic Yarn, Canvas Course and Mass Attack as much as the others.
Though I rather have them try new things than copy&paste the games like Nintendo seems to do with some other franchises...
You didn't enjoy them as much cause they're spin-offs (epic yarn technically isn't, but it changes so much it might as well be)
Smooth McGroove right out of nowhere, I approve.
I think something worth mentioning is that while the Kirby games are easy, they provide rewards for skilled players. The levels and bosses can just be beaten by minimal effort but it's totally possible to plow through them in a skillful manner as well and without any exploits or anything.
Most "kiddy" games like the lego titles don't encourage or even allow for skillful play. The games are too limited in what you can do and offer no potential depth. They're fun in their own right but Kirby shines in that it doesn't hold a player's skill back and makes it'self very replayable.
There are also some bonus modes in some Kirby games like the Challenge Rooms in Return to Dreamland that are balls-hard to do. (It took me a ton of practice to get a Platinum Medal for every Challenge Room in that game) so even if the main game is a joke from a difficulty standpoint the game still offers fun for the "Hardcore" games outside of it.
I don't care much for Digi's new style of Pony videos, but if he's also moving into doing more analysis like this I'm not sure I mind too much. Good video.
I love the Kirby franchise! I find being a badass who can plow through anything while being totally adorable.
It's also kinda nice that you don't often have to back track to get 100% completion.
Just gotta say, Kirby has been my favourite video game character for many, many years, since I first played his game on the nes when I was a kid.
I freaking love Kirby
There's also the fact Kirby games do end up adding challenging stuff within it's core as well to keep the core gamers invested. Stuff like "Extra Game" and "The True Arena" for example. Kirby games don't often end up having interesting stories at face value, but they do have hidden backstory elements and brick nods to older entries written cleverly within pause screen flavor text, occasional dialogue, and visual hints to keep story and lore oriented gamers invested as well (so much to the point there's a series of videos called "What is Kirby Canon?"). Though the main focus of Kirby definitely lies within it's more obvious elements such as the satisfaction of plowing through levels and the sheer feel of happiness in it's adorable aesthetics, they make sure most of the time not to forget about the other guys outside of their target audience who might want to give it a try.
YYYYYYYEEEEEESSSS!!!!! I love Kirby Games, there so much fun to play through and beat. And I never get broad when I play one.
I just watched a trailer for kirby triple deluxe titled 'kirby sure is exciting' then remembered what Digi said about kirby being overpowered. oh god....this makes so much sense.
Kirby sucks and blows!
That's why it's awesome
Nappa: AHHHH I see what you did there!!!
This is something I'd have expected with the quality taken to youtube channels that focus entirely on explaining about video game goodness o.o
Other things imo that make Kirby games good is that he can change form, attain other powers(but requires thier defeat), has a great array of color in his worlds, lives in a well developed live an breathing world of its own, and has a catchy tune.
I haven't played any Kirby games, but I do recognize what you're talking about. Despite being a sucker for insane challenges in games which demand my full undivided critical thinking and systematization skills, I sometimes play Cut The Rope for the sheer catharsis. I beat probably 95% of the levels in Cut The Rope with a full 3 stars in my first few tries. And even with the added level packs I can 100% the game in an hour or so. But I still play it for petty gratification.
My hell is the android game Dots. I always knew it was a matter of time before one of those casual swipe-fingers-on-screen games would get its hooks in me, and that was the one. To say that it's tactical would be a slight overstatement.
***** thats me and slider puzzles, shit like unblock me. theyre stupidly easy but the game has somewhere well over 100,000 levels.
blindskywatcher I've been playing Cookie Clicker almost nonstop for the past few months for probably the same reasons.
lately I've been wondering why Kirby games feel so good to play and while none of them feels really hard or challenging, everybody loves Kirby... thanks, now I get it, and I love the series more than ever =D
I love Kirby! I own every Kirby DS game there is(Canvas Curse, Squeak Squad, Superstar Ultra, and Mass Attack) as well as Nightmare in Dreamland and Amazing Mirror. Hell, Nightmare in Dreamland was my very first video game and Canvas Curse was what made me want a DS.
Oh god, Kirby! It's soooo good. I could play these all day everyday.
This is exactly what I've been thinking lately. I constantly hear people talking about "The good ol' days of hard-ass difficult games" like Contra, MGS, Castlevania. However, I don't remember anything about my childhood relating to that and I played Doom 2,3 Quake, all on hard difficulties as a 5 YO. When I think of childhood games, I think of Kirby and Yoshi's Island which, surprisingly, I've never played as a child!
One of the newer game series that really reminds me of the Kirby games is the Prototype games. You start the game completely over powered almost in every way, then you only get even more powerful as the game progresses. Much like Kirby you have an arsenal of super moves that are the equivalent of hitting the easy mode button. I am not complaining at all though, sometimes it is just fun to just steamroll your enemies without putting much thought into it.
Yes, you perfectly captured the appeal of Kirby =3
Also, Yes for Shout Out to Kirby Air Ride, a very under appreciated game =D
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror was the first game I completed 100%, I remember playing it for hours when I was a kid, it's a shame my GBA doesn't work anymore. But luckily bought a DSi and two Kirby's game.
I agree they are very easy but there was one game in DS that I found very difficult, the one with many mini games. I don't remember the name, but there was a minigame where you had to battle several bosses in a row, it was almost a herculean task for the 15 year old me.
I always thought that the most entertaining part of Kirby's franchise was the several powers that we could get, but now I suppose that it's because it's very gratifying.
Thank you for this analysis, Digibro! It was wolderful.
Super star ultra XD I know waaaay to much about kirby
Almost every time I'd go to my best friend's house while growing up, we'd spend a few hours doing a full 100% clear of Kirby's Superstar and play the Samurai Duel game. Good times.
OMG, i hadn't noticed how short kirby games were untill now... literally, about 2 years ago i played kirby, nightmare in dreamland for the gba at a tacobell... i beat it in 8 hours waiting for my cousin to get off work...
i loved the first gameboy kirby, what sold me on it the most was the unlimited flight, it was the first game that ALLOWED me to do things, rather than restricting me on every damn turn.
I love kirby so much. My favorite is Kirby and the magic mirror.
Eeeeey! Digilama is back and about one of my favorite franchises!
God i remember the very two first kirby games i got to play growing up as a 90's kid back in the days .they were gba's kirby nightmare in dreamland and N64's kirby and the mirror poll or pool guardian.fun tines digi!really like this patreon requeated review you did man.keep up the epic work .lolz no pun intended on kibys epic yarn lmao.see ya
Digibro, you nailed it once again. Great analysis!
Oh wow, I loved the little digi at the end. He looked slightly better then your current one, but eh, he is cool too. Nice video, really makes me rethink what makes a game 'good'
Kirby always makes me so happy XD especially Epic Yarn. Return to dream land though is just kinda lonely to play by myself.
Yes! Kirby's Yarb is so good, I have beat the game over and over again!
Hey digi, do you know why some Kirby games have dark sides? Blood from 02, the Dark Matter, Magolor Soul, Marx Soul, why do some things want to scare kids in these games? They seem to go against the game's cute concept.
that is why i love kirby games!!! :D cute and adorable and fun turning into a dark twist that is sometimes even creepier then horror games
***** Pretty sure I was drinking forties in Vic's room once, playing Kirby 64. Much more relaxing than trying to play MGS while drunk. The appeal of this game is timeless.
As a big Kirby fan. I wholeheartedly agree with what you said. Kirby games are not about the challenge, they're more about the enjoying the ride.
Seriously, look at the visuals and listen to the music. If you want memorable stuff from Kirby games, those are the things you should be looking for. And everything is so freaking adorable, even the enemies (most of the time).
The Game Grumps playthrough of Epic Yarn pretty much can summarize all of this.
I am seriously looking forward to playing Triple Deluxe on the 3DS. It's gonna be freaking sweet
Awesome! I loove the Kirby games!
I just like how cute kirby is when you press the down button lol
I love kirby games too!!! :D and I see you also love the game grumps!! I give this video a TEN OUTTA TEN!!
Starting to love the dinosaur guy... Good job.
That description.......WHAT DOES THAT REMIND YOU OF!
always wanted to get into the Kirby games. I may have to get one of those anniversary bundles just to get a lot of the games at once
Grew up on Dream Ride. That was the best thing to happen to my Game Cube ever
I need to play more Kirby games.
Awesome analysis! Kirby is my favorite Video Game series!
Kirby Nightmare in Dreamland on the NES was super difficult. When I was a kid at least lol
Yeah! Kirby. I love Kirby, my little brother is Kirby, sadly I've only played 3 games.
Darn you digi now I really cant wait for the new Kirby on 3ds/2ds
Kirby 64 and Air Ride are my favorite.
It would be interesting to hear what Digi thinks of the two other games that don't seem to follow the formula, Mass Attack and Canvas Curse. They do seem to have that gratification, but they certainly are not like most other Kirby games and I was hoping to hear what he thought of that.
I'd like to add that, as the series went on, Kirby quickly became a series that was piss-easy to complete, but extremely difficult to 100%. A child could pick up Kirby's Return to Dreamland, or Triple Deluxe when it comes out over here, and not have trouble with anything until, like, Egg Engine. Even then the game's checkpoints and variety in powers means that "challenge" is still stemming from self-imposed requirements. To merely "get through" the game is a child's first challenge in gaming. To "finish" the game to experienced gamers means a hell of a lot more. (The main complaint about Epic Yarn is that you can't die, but getting good ranks on the bead collecting is still a major challenge for _us_ to take on.) Very few series can balance these two extremes well.
Kirby games aren't always easy! "The Arena" is actually a pretty tough cookie, and then there's "The True Arena" which to me a pretty long time to beat! So there is challenge in this franchise!
holy shit i didnt think this would still be up
The part at 3:22 also has a lot to do why kirby is often depicted as a complete psychopath lol.
Honestly because Kirby games are so gratifying if I'm in a bad mood I'm far more likely to put in a Kirby game or even one that I've gotten so good at that it doesn't provide a real challenge anymore over a game that is challenging like Mega Man X or a game with an in depth story line like Mass Effect. While I may have died several times or exited out of a level on a Kirby game it's more so because I'm a sucker for collectibles even if they aren't essential.
Kirby tied to a string with Wrecking Ball in the background.
😆
Kirby's air ride best racing game I still play
While I do like the new style you're going for in your MLP videos, I do hope you keep your classic style for everything else. Like this video. This video was awesome.
My favourite Kirby game is definitely Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. For the first time ever Kirby's copy abilities were actually game-structure relevant. It was a Kirby Metroidvania game where, instead of gaining powers over time to let you explore new areas, you have to bring a certain copy ability to an area in order to unlock it. It was great. It's also one of the most open-ended platformers I've ever played-in no other game has _going through a level backward_ been a valid, if discouraged, way to progress.
This is why kirby is the most powerful character ever
Wow. Kirby. It's the game I've obsessed over for a while now, and I even named myself after it. However, Kirby is unique. It expands to all sorts of people with different tastes in gaming. Let me explain why.
There's cutesy graphics, simple stories, but there's a challenge out there for the more experienced players. It doesn't just appeal to children, but adults. Not many adults should be ashamed in liking Kirby games, as they attempt to appeal to all ages, player types, and genders.
The simplicity of Kirby games is what makes it what it is, as when playing them, you can just sit back and relax, especially Kirby's Epic Yarn. However, games like Kirby's Return to Dream Land give more of an "action-like" vibe, but still stay true to its roots.
It's hard to feel in a bad mood while playing a Kirby game (unless you're doing The Arena), and I like it that way. It can be either easy by floating over every obstacle, or hard if you want to face the true challenges, such as the boss endurance modes.
Another think that I like about Kirby games is that they avert dark atmospheres like most non-Nintendo games have these days, and stay silly, something I like. It's just like one of my personalities, as it stays silly and gives out a vibe that children have. It's impressive that an adult could make such a game styled that way.
I love how cute your dino self is! /)^3^(\
I also helps have some of the catchiest tunes ever
Kirby Super Star is still my favorite from the franchise... :)
god why do you have to make me fall in love with kirby again?
I had a deprived childhood so I never had the chance to play Kirby games growing up, (and even in my adult hood, I hardly have any disposable income so I *still* can't buy them) but it sounds like these games would do wonders for relieving stress! :)
A lot of the old games can be bought on the 3DS market place for like 4 to 8 bucks, though I've always thought that's a little much for ancient games that can be beaten in a couple hours.
Oh sweet! :) Yesterday I got a $20 dollar nintendo e shop card with some of my left over birthday money from February, so I'll definitely look 'em up!
Kirby games are a blast and this is largely due to the fact that you can be so versatile and as Digi put it over powered. Though it is true to say powers like super sword that literally plow levels is only a recent innovation they were not required to be over powered. I myself can blast through Kirby nightmare in dream land my favorite kirby game a lightning speed and without any super versions of copy abilities to chose from as some abilities are literally rape incarnate.
I remember the first time I discovered that the holy trinity of basic powers Spark Freeze which is not to be confused with ice which shoots ice forward and needle whom all protect kirby from all sides could be used in motion by jump attacking. This allowed me to literally plow though stages without fear once I learned the timing. At the same time even many bosses fell to the powers without much work due to their unlimited supply and constant damage factor, you can literally go into the first boss of the game whispy woods with one of these powers and sit next to him with the attack button pressed and end him in seconds.
If these games were not so easy, so gratifying and fast, if kirby did not have a life bar and died in one hit would flop harder than a stone magicarp on land.
Yeah, in that clip at the start of the video, I'd just wrecked Wispy Woods in literally three seconds with the needle power in Kirby's Adventure.
***** Add that to my personal fave the freeze abilities tendency to turn foes into blocks of ice that can then be used as projectiles and your about as over powered as you can get without using the UFO power.
Also I downloaded chrome and now I can magically use the youtube comment system >.> so discussion is possible meaning your videos are going to be fun ^-^
one of the reasons i like kirby is the fact that it doesn't make me want to rip my hair out (most of the time). I hate the fact that, although i love video games to no end, i usually can't get through a loz game or even mario game without looking up a playthrough. I'm honestly a terrible gamer who's never beaten a champion in pokemon without help or even fully completed an entire game on my own. Except kirby. It really makes me feel better about myself, because i'm constantly attacking myself over the fact that i waste so much time on video games i suck at when people can do these things easily. It's worse when I watch let's players mess up on level 59 and say 'ugh i'm so terrible at this game you all must hate me' when I can't get over a small hill on level 3. But my point is, i never need any help to finish a kirby game. It cheers me up and makes me feel better about myself. They're also not the only games like this, i'm good at minecraft because most of the game is being careful and not climbing your way through pre-generated levels. Even when people are better than me, I can't say "but they easily got over that hill" or something because everything about minecraft is different.
That's not to say i enjoy these games more than others, though. Even though i needed someone to basically hold my hand through Majora's Mask and The Last of Us, i enjoyed those games more because of the story, darker themes, and how memorable they are. I mention something like a floormaster or a clicker and everyone'll remember the first time they saw one in game, how it scared them by jumping out at them in a specific place, and how they related to the story. Where as if i mention a gordo people will have to think to even know what i'm talking about. Scarfies are a different story.
Also, Portal 2. About the time i got into the ruins of old aperture in Portal 2, i got stuck and so frustrated that I had to walk away for a bit. I had to look up a playthrough at least 3 times if not more when playing through portal2, and really got rage-y when i couldn't figure out the boss fight on my own. And Portal 2 is my favorite game of all time.
tl;dr, i like kirby because it's easy and makes me feel good about myself, but doing the opposite with a game isn't all that bad. I still prefer games with a story.
Smoking digi at the end lol a good 1 up to all the people who didn't like it.
I love Kirby!
Oh me too!
Best Kirby character? Whispy Woods. Because it makes a good punchline for this joke.
I like Kirby because I can eat things endlessly. I seriously will discard some of my favorite powers just to eat a Waddle Dee. I think I'm living proof they were at least right about the girls and food thing. xD
((Warning, more opinions ahead. ))
Either way, the one Kirby game I have is for a Nintendo DS Lite, and I don't even remember it's name, and my favorite level is the level where I can go around eating everything without transforming. My favorite Kirby game would have to be Squeak Squad, which I was only ever able to play because my cousin let me play her DS Lite whenever she came over to visit ((Yes, this was before I had my own gaming system)). I liked the idea of combining the abilities to make new ones, and the ability to dig in certain areas, something I missed when I wasn't able to play the game anymore. Kirby games aren't necessarily calming or refreshing to me((I would even go as far as saying they're frustrating)), and I see them as more of a way to pass the time, but this may be because I never played a lot of Kirby games myself. Also, I suddenly think of Starfy. Why am I typing this?
Canvas Curse had completely different gameplay than regular Kirby games. I remember it being hard as shit sometimes too.
I must be doing something wrong, I found Kirbys Fun Pack really challenging xD
I have to say, I was a little hesitant about your non-pony uploads, fearing this would become a less analytical channel, but you have certainly subsided my fears in that. You're very right about Kirby, and this does tempt me to buy more Kirby games.
Someone should link IGN's Jose Otero this video, like for real.
ya! Digisaurus stays!!! :D
I haven't played many Kirby games, but I played Crystal Shards and some GBA game. Well... Two GBA games, actually, one of them being with all the... mice.
I wanna play some now. I need some on my 3DS. >_>
Kirby games are the best. If a harder game is making you rage quit play some Kirby! It will make you feel happy and remind you why you like to play video games. My favorite game is Kirby Crystal Shards. I also really love Epic Yarn. Though I will admit that game can get to you if you're trying to get a gold medal on every stage and collect all the items. XD
2:32 META KNIGHTS SWORD :D
2:35 and that's why american kirby is hardcore. :P
This is why I like Kirby so much..And yes, I am a girl, and technically not 18, so pretty much a kid, but I just can't get into games that not only don't have a narrative but are DIFFICULT.. Don't ask why, I just like being good at things. Exactly how Digi explained here. Cool video.
Ive never played a kirby game. Oddly enough i don't feel like I'm missing out.
You totally are :p they're awesome.
You have noooooo idea what you are missing out on hes not a Nintendo all-star for nothing and to this day people still go back to super star like its a religion.
though all of this is thrown away in Kirby Super Star Ultra... God damn that game is tough to 100%... or I just suck which I do tend to do in video games. Though great video people like you tend to make people think deeper into everything and make the "It happens cause it just does" mindset kind of leave and make us think but why does this happen. Thank you for changing the way at least I think for the better.
WHAT ABOUT KIRBY'S TILT N' TUMBLE!?
That shit was hard...
Yeah uh, Kirby Air Ride has 360 achivements. And they're all HARDECORE;. THE SUPREME!!
It's also because of the underlying darkness within kirby games, i.e. zero, dark matter and so on.
Hmmm, are you familiar with Idea Channel? 'Cause they did this episode on the idea that games can be meditative. They talked mostly about bullet hell games, but, watching this, I thougth Kirby might be a good example too. That relates to what you said about the appeal of Kirby having a lot to do with the feel you get from playing it, from the feeling of being bad-ass to just the appeal of the world, sprites, controls and all.
Episode of Idea Channel:
Can Bullet Hell Games Be Meditative? | Idea Channel | PBS Digital Studios
While Kirby seems like an amazingly fun game series, the only one I've ever actually played is Kirby's Air Ride. I don't even own it, I just play it at a friend's house with infinite health turned on in so we can mess around in City Trial and get random bursts of speed. I've only ever done the actual races once.
I'd recommend Kirby's Return to Dreamland for the normal Wii. It's the best game in the series as it has a ton of interesting powers to use, lot's of bonus content, and is one of the best looking games for the system.
If you're up for some retro games than the Kirby Anniversary Collection for the Wii is also something to recommend but not all of those games have aged well so it might be less appealing to non-fans.
for me kirby has seen a little girly and not meant for boys then i saw game grumps play it and saw how colourful the world was and how satisfying the game could be. Also with this analysis i definitely see kirby game are fun easy and soothing. Im gonna buy some ds Kirby games.
I believe were not looking at the real issue... Y U A DINOSAUR?!? :3
MORE DIGISAURUS :D:D