 |
| Title: |
Kirby's Dream Land |
| Publisher: |
HAL / Nintendo |
| Features: |
GameBoy, Gameboy Pocket |
| Format: |
Platform |
| Reviewer: |
Ben |
|
 |
|
Introduction
Kirby is one of Nintendo's mascot stars.
Contrary to popular belief, Kirby's first game was not Kirby's Adventure for the NES, but a small Gameboy game
in 1991 called 'Kirby's Dream Land'. Kirby became another of Nintendo's mascots in their growing army, although
he would appear with little hype. Kirby's Dream Land is an addictive, but short, outing for the Gameboy which had
some great moments of play.
Gameplay
Kirby's Dream Land created a platform style of gaming all of its own. Rather than jumping on top of enemies, the
lead character would suck them in like a vacuum cleaner and spit them out back at other enemies. It's great fun,
and as Kirby said in the manual, it gives the enemies a 'taste of their own medicine!'. Kirby is very talented
as he is able to fly through the levels without any real limit - something that Mario has never been able to do.
However, Kirby's Dream Land had one major flaw - it's far too short. The game has in total only five levels, with
a big boss brawl at the end. The levels are relatively easy to pass, as are most of the bosses. Hal tried to fix
this with a second adventure with more difficult enemies, but the end result is that you are still playing the
same game. However, progress far enough in the second adventure for a cameo appearance from another Nintendo character...
Final Comments
Kirby's Dream Land is a great game for the Gameboy. The graphics are clear and easy to see, even if you don't have
a Gameboy Color or Gameboy Pocket, and the music is a happy, jolly set of tunes that can really get you humming.
However, it's big letdown is the length. Five stages is far too short for a game, and being on Gameboy is no excuse!
Just take a look at Donkey Kong Land! It's not as though this was the first time that Hal programmed for Gameboy
(they also created the 'Adventures of Lolo' puzzle games.)
Should you play this game? Most definitely. It's great fun, and really easy to learn to play. Should you buy this
game? Not necessarily. The length of the game (or lack of it) will disappoint many gamers, but grab it if you happen
to see it for a reasonable price. |
