There are two kinds of Kirby games: the original, inventive type or the standard traditional experience. Star Allies is definitely the latter. Feeling much like another version of Kirby’s Adventure Wii, Star Allies offers little new to the decades old formula. Thankfully, though, the core formula remains as fun as ever.
Just as in Adventure Wii, you can team up with up to three other players in local co-op. The twist this time, though, is that your teammates are Kirby’s enemies. Players one, two, and three will be playing as Waddle Doo’s, Umbrella Dee’s, and even boss enemies. A quick throw of a heart will make an enemy into a helpful ally (you will need to do this in single player as Kirby whether you’re playing with friends or alone).
You’ll be tasked with solving simple puzzles using all the power-ups Kirby and his friends have at their disposal. You’ll be able to mix and match powers, too. You’ll make fire swords, electric hammers, and my favourite: curling stones. There’s a lot of neat things you can do with each power and many will bring a smile to your face.
This is especially true when you’re buddied up with King Dedede, Meta Knight, and even the antagonist from Mouse Attack. Heading to a Dream Palace on the explorable map screens will let you team up with boss enemies from previous games. For any long-time Kirby fan, the attention to detail with each character is a joy. It’s a shame I can’t say the same thing about most of the level design.
There’s nothing here that will surprise a Kirby fan (other than perhaps the excellent final boss battles). You’ll fight most of the same enemies and bosses that you’ve fought hundreds of times before. You’ll solve a lot of the same puzzles (power-up mixing does help spice things up a splash), and you’ll even go to some of the same places. It’s very easy, too. Most of the time, you’ll be able to leave your teammates to the fighting if you’ve a team of four in single player. Star Allies does little to shake up the decades old formula.
This isn’t to say that I wouldn’t recommend Star Allies, however. It’s a fun game. While most of the level design is uninspired, there is the odd stage that shines. Personal highlights include an early stage where you run away from a giant ball made up of Waddle Dees, a stage where you go back and forth in a train made up of four teammates, and the spectacular Majora’s Mask-esque ending that turns into something out of Sin & Punishment.
Despite the overall lack of originality, Star Allies is a visually striking game. It’s sharp, colourful, and vibrant throughout. The soundtrack, too, is excellent. Collectible puzzle pieces add a layer of replayability, with unique Kirby artworks adorned with classic tracks to unlock. The Dream Allies will give great nostalgia hits, too.
The combat is better than ever, too, despite the ease of the game. There are more combos and power-ups than ever. Kirby’s been training for this one. The platforming is slick as ever as well, which certainly helps.
While Star Allies isn’t on the same level as Planet Robobot, Triple Deluxe, or Mass Attack (to name a few), it is a solid, if somewhat uninspired addition to the Kirby series. Buff King Dedede is a winner, anyway.
78%
Pro tip: After sucking an enemy in, try shaking the controller for some delightful HD Rumble use.
Toby Saunders' Rad Reviews 