Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

game

2022, Platform, Adventure

WISE
89%

WISE Score

82%

IGDB

Nintendo's first 3D Kirby adventure is a bright, silly, co-op-friendly platformer where a pink puffball saves the day by literally eating his problems.

Where to Play

Nintendo
Nintendo
Screenwise Verdict

This is the Kirby game that finally nails 3D platforming, and it's a genuinely delightful family experience. The tone is relentlessly cheerful without being cloying, the co-op mode actually works (no fighting over who gets to be Player 1), and the lack of monetization nonsense means you get the whole game when you buy it—imagine that.

It's not going to blow your mind if you're coming from Breath of the Wild or Elden Ring, but that's not the point. This is accessible, polished, and genuinely fun for the 8–12 crowd, with enough hidden secrets to keep completionists busy. The difficulty is forgiving enough that younger kids won't rage-quit, but the optional challenges give older players something to chew on.

If you're looking for a game you can actually play with your kid (not just watch them play), this is a solid pick. Just set some boundaries around session length, because the 'one more level' pull is real.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8–14, though younger kids (6–7) can enjoy it with co-op help from an older player. Teens and adults who like Nintendo's charm will still have fun, but it's clearly aimed at the elementary-to-middle-school crowd.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Bright, cheerful tone with cooperative two-player mode that encourages teamwork. Models perseverance through 'try, try again' gameplay without punishing difficulty spikes. The whimsical, silly aesthetic keeps things light and emotionally safe. No harsh language, mean-spirited content, or stressful pacing—just a pink puffball rescuing adorable Waddle Dees in a post-apocalyptic world that somehow feels cozy.

Imaginative
88

Nintendo's first 3D Kirby game delivers creative exploration through abandoned malls and mysterious structures. The copy-ability system (inhale enemies to gain their powers) encourages experimentation and problem-solving. Hidden collectibles and secret objectives reward curiosity. The 'Mouthful Mode' mechanic—where Kirby inhales cars, vending machines, and other oversized objects—is genuinely inventive and weird in the best way. Not groundbreaking, but solidly imaginative within the platformer genre.

Safe
95

ESRB E10+ for mild cartoon violence—no blood, profanity, sexual content, drugs, or alcohol. No in-game purchases, loot boxes, or online chat. The two-player co-op is local only, keeping social interactions in the same room. Optional Amiibo support provides minor bonuses (coins, fruit) without creating pressure to buy. The 'collect-everything' design can lead to long sessions, so screen-time awareness is the only real concern. Extremely safe for its target age group.

Enriching
78

Develops hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving as players navigate 3D environments and tackle puzzles. The difficulty curve teaches persistence without excessive frustration—later stages and mini-games offer optional challenge for skill-building. Co-op mode creates opportunities for shared problem-solving and communication. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused platforming rather than deeply educational content. Still, the exploration and completion mechanics reward planning and attention to detail.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Local co-op lets parents or siblings team up without needing two copies—perfect for shared screen time that doesn't feel like babysitting
  • Low-to-moderate difficulty makes it accessible for younger kids while optional challenges keep older players engaged
  • The 'Mouthful Mode' mechanic (Kirby inhaling cars, vending machines, etc.) is genuinely creative and hilarious
  • No surprise content, no microtransactions, no online strangers—just a complete, polished game that respects your time and wallet
  • Rewards exploration and persistence without punishing failure, making it a good entry point for kids learning platformer skills
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What to Watch For

  • The 'collect everything' design can hook completionists into marathon sessions—consider setting level-based stopping points
  • Some later mini-games and challenges can frustrate younger players; co-op mode helps smooth over tough spots
  • It's pretty easy overall, so kids who've mastered Mario Odyssey might find it a bit too gentle (though the post-game content adds difficulty)

Conversation Starters

  • "Which copy ability is your favorite, and how would you use it in real life?"
  • "The game is set in an abandoned world with old malls and buildings—what do you think happened to all the people?"
  • "When you get stuck on a hard part, what helps you keep trying instead of giving up?"
  • "If you could inhale something huge like Kirby does in Mouthful Mode, what would you pick and why?"

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