8.3.2011

Kirby's Epic Yarn, a simplistic 2D platformer that takes the traditional elements of Kirby's previous games and throws a proverbial cat amongst the pigeons. Hurling Kirby into a world composed entirely of yarn while disposing of his ability to suck enemies inside of his body and steal their abilities seems like a crazy idea at first, taking away the very thing that made Kirby unique in the first place. However, Nintendo has a knack of getting things right, and this new adventure is for me a perfect example of how games, at least in the context of 2D platformers, should be done and how to keep them relevant.Kirby's new power is to be able to unravel the enemies of this new world,as well as changing some of the landscape around him in order to progress. He can turn at will into a car (allowing him to dash), a submarine (to swim) or a parachute (to descend slowly) and at the end of various levels there are power ups that transform him into a variety of different yarn creations. It is one of those deceptively simple mechanics that as you progress, leads to some amazingly creative level design.Simplicity is potentially the games downfall, but in reality is its best weapon. The game does in appearance seem, well, incredibly easy and it would be all too simple to right it off as a kids game. The presentation adds to this, everything has an overly `cute' look about it, the kind of sugar-coated, family friendly image Nintendo likes to convey about itself is ever present. I have even heard comments about this being a `girls game', but personally I feel seeing as videogames struggle so consistently to provide positive female portrayals within them, that to start placing games within genres of gender is not the most healthy approach to the medium. Besides, the very idea that a game is designed with either sex in mind should by all rights be considered absurd, and gaming as the most modern of artistic mediums is well placed to challenge gender roles even if it has failed to do so thus far. Perhaps this is another argument for another time. Back on topic, the point I am trying to illustrate is that this is a game that is for everyone, despite its appearances.As I stated, the beauty of Kirby's Epic Yarn is in its simplicity. You can not die in this game, being hurt by enemies merely makes you lose some of the gems you have obtained, and to an experienced gamer it may be a while before getting hurt by enemies is even an issue. But for a game that is apparently so childish, there is not an awful lot of handholding. No lengthy tutorial (only a basic introductory level is required), this is a game of discovery, where a curious gamer that explores levels and tries everything is rewarded with secret paths, hidden items and unique little areas of gameplay. This is owed to the two button simplicity of Kirby's actions, nothing needs explaining, as all actions are a natural extension of Kirby jumping and unravelling.Unlike many modern games Kirby's gameplay is its own reward. There is some motivation for collecting hidden items in the decorating of Kirby's and his friends house that you can do with those items. However, this is a feature that is for the most part redundant and unnecessary. The items are the prize for moving off the path that just takes you from a to b, but the real joy is the route taken. Quite simply put, Kirby's gameplay is fun, and I found myself compelled to collect as many of these items as possible simply as it meant getting more out of the level. Similarly the gems that you collect in game serve almost no purpose other than to get a high score, and this is a nice reminder that gamers once did not need inbuilt trophies or achievements to show off and motivate them to explore a game, the idea that you finish a level well, with a score to prove it, was enough. I tried with each level to get the gold star rating with no other reason beyond my own enjoyment, collecting every gem I could find and straying off the path to find any that were hidden. The real challenge in the game is getting the gold star ranks on some of the later levels, which rob you of your gems with ever more intelligent and fiendish level design.Aesthetically Kirby is actually very pleasing, the vibrant colours and creative world design is something that is synonymous with Nintendo games (and an altogether more positive one that the dumbed down, family image it's pushing these days with its Wii Fit and Wii Sports), and the yarn aspect of everything gives the design a uniqueness and is used cleverly. The `world' screens, where you choose the levels unlocked to play, are also visually impressive. Every time you unlock a new level an animation occurs on the world screen which actually alters the map in order to make the levels entrance attainable. Visually it could be described as a cross between New Super Mario Bros and Little Big Planet, and is further evidence of how a game can be more impressive visually with a good art direction and design than if it had been produced on powerful hardware with ultra detailed and realistic graphics. Certainly Kirby's Epic Yarn is much more appealing to look at than the mundane and uninspiring grey and brown of the Call of Duty titles.Ultimately, Kirby's Epic Yarn is everything a game should be. It is fun, and incredibly so. There is nothing to unlock or obtain in this game other than more levels if you achieve the best rank on the boss levels. It is an easy game, but it is a clever one. The level design is unique from start to finish and ever more interesting as you progress. This is not a game for kids, nor is it one for adults, it's something everyone can enjoy if given the chance, but it requires your constant participation. It keeps your thinking and problem solving at all times, and like all good games, you get out of it what you put it into it.To see more reviews and videogame theory/critism, subscribe to my blog at []

26.2.2011

Ever since Kirby 64 back in 2000, we haven't since a Kirby platform game on a home console in a long time. Nintendo. Good Feel and HAL Laboratory have finally ended the wait for another Kirby platformer with their new title, Kirby's Epic Yarn. This is a very different Kirby game to what we have seen over the past 2 decades, and it's something special. This might be one of the best Kirby games ever made.The story is that Kirby is walking around Dream Land and finds his favourite food, a tomato just sitting on a bush. Being Kirby and his love for food, he goes for it. But then a evil sorcerer appears named Yin-Yan who is not happy with Kirby eating his Metamato and sucks Kirby inside a glowing sock.Kirby wakes up in Patch Land, a world made out of Yarn and fabrics. He discovers that he himself has been turned into Yarn and has lost his sucking up power. After rescuing a boy named Prince Fluff, the boy explains that Yin-Yarn has torn up patch land into pieces that were tied together with magic yarn. Kirby and Prince Fluff team up to recover the 7 magic yarn that can restore Patch Land back together. The story is basic and it's great for the kids with a narrator telling the story in the style of a storybook. They will enjoy listening on.The gameplay is a basic 2D platformer which you play as Kirby going from each level to the next. You'll be collecting beads and treasures in every level, so if you love collecting things, you'll have fun playing the levels. The world and everything around you is made out of yarn and fabrics and you get to interact with the environment like going behind the scenery, pulling on buttons to scrunch the backgrounds together, spin yarn balls to reveal secret areas and more. It really works well and is something that will put a smile on your face. Unlike in other Kirby games, you no longer have the power to suck up enemies and gain their powers. This time you have a yarn whip to unravel enemies with and turn them into balls of yarn to throw at blocks and other enemies. Even though Kirby's sucking ability is gone, he still has transformations. He can become a car, a parachute, a submarine, a train, a dolphin and more. Each work well and even have their own sections of the levels to change the pace. The whole game can even be played in 2 player co-op with the second player as Prince Fluff, who has all the same moves as Kirby.The level designs are fantastic. Each of the 50 levels all feel different enough to leave you wondering what you'll be seeing next. In terms of difficulty, the game is very easy. It's impossible to die at all. If you do get hurt or fall down a pit, you lose some of the beads you collected. The game isn't about trying to survive, but the challenge comes in finishing each level with a gold medal by collecting beads and collecting every item in the game for 100% completion. It's designed so kids will be able to enjoy it as well so hence why the game is easy. But no matter how old you are, it's the overall experience that makes this a blast to play.The graphics are simply incredible. Everything from the levels to the characters is all made out of yarn, cloth and textiles. It's a sight to behold. If you like your art, you will love what has been done here.The soundtrack is fantastic. The music takes on some very catchy jazzy style themes along with some soft piano music that is very relaxing to listen to. There are even remixes of classic Kirby tunes that fans will appreciate.This Kirby game may be the most different to what Kirby games usually are, but this is not a bad thing at all. Kirby's Epic Yarn is a new and fresh take on the series and may be the best Kirby game yet. Fun gameplay, a brilliant original art style and it's great for the kids. No matter what age you are, pick this game up if you own a Wii or if you like simple 2D platformers. It's one of the console's best titles. 9/10

12.11.2014

Got this for my two daughters, and it is one of the few games they can play together without all the arguing that usually ensues. With one in 3rd grade, and the other in Kindergarten, it is very hard to find a game they can play together, without some sort of squabble. Either the game is too easy for the older one, and she gets bored due to lack of challenge, or it is too hard for the younger one, who winds up running out of lives for her character, or her character gets left behind. With Kirby, they both play on the same screen, but it seems like most of the time there are both easy and more challenging things to do, which keeps them both fairly happy. Also, the gameplay is such that your character never 'dies',the goal of the game is to complete different 'rooms', with each room having a different sort of puzzle to solve, while collecting goodies like gems or stars along the way. If you fall off a ledge, for example, your character doesn't die, you just lose a few of your goodies. Also, if one character gets too far ahead or behind the other, they do not die, they turn into a sort of 'angel' and floats to the other character, and when they get back together, it reverts back to the normal character, and play is resumed.Gameplay is clever, and has kept my kids entertained for quite some time. 'Kirby' is the character they control, they each get one of a different color. Kirby is made of yarn, as are most of the other characters (hence, the 'epic yarn' part of the game). Because he is made of yarn, Kirby can shape shift, as he goes into different worlds, which opens up new dimensions of gameplay. For example, Kirby normally walks, runs, jumps, etc. However, when he jumps into the water, he may transform into a kind of submarine, with special moves/abilities that he only has when he is a submarine. The same sort of thing happens when he goes into outer space, Kirby morphs into a UFO, again with special moves/abilities the kids need to figure out in order to get through that particular 'room'.The game starts out in Kirby's own 'room' which the kids can decorate as they wish. They can buy decorations, and even furniture with the stars and jewels they earned from solving the puzzles in other rooms. At first, I thought this was gimmicky, but I was surprised at how much my girls enjoyed decorating and re-decorating Kirby's 'room', personalizing it to their whim. Maybe it is more a girl thing, but they really enjoy that aspect of it, as well.All in all, a good game for younger kids, as there is at most some light cartoonish violence, but defeating an 'enemy' mostly consists of unraveling the yarn he is made of, and after a little time, they re-assemble themselves. Also, there character never 'dies', at worst they just lose some of their bonus points/jewels. Of all the games we own, this one probably is the one that the kids can play together on the best.For one or two players. If you have more than 2 kids, and want something as many as 4 people can play on at once, I suggest Mario Kart, or if your kids are older and can handle more cartoonish violence (like head bonking, no killing) try one of the Raymon Rabbid games. If you don't mind taking turns playing instead of playing simultaneously, I'd suggest the Wii House Party games.

28.9.2011

When first seen at E3, the buzz surrounding Kirby's Epic Yarn was the stunning visual design. The Nintendo Wii is never going to render a more realistic game than the XBox 360 or PlayStation 3, but Nintendo has long made games that exceeded standards on an artistic level, regardless of technical detail. With Kirby's Epic Yarn, Nintendo has taken its rotund, pink hero out of the world of fairly standard cartoon-like graphics and into a world fashioned out of fabric.From yarn to felt, cotton to denim, Epic Yarn is a game fully devoted to the driving conceit, that the story takes place entirely in an alternate universe where everything is made of cloth or cloth-associated materials (such as buttons).This change in visual design also extends to the gameplay, as Kirby is no longer able to swallow enemies for specific abilities (since he becomes a length of yarn). While taking away the core gameplay element of the Kirby franchise seems disastrous on paper, the feature isn't missed. If you like that part of Kirby games, there are plenty of them to keep you company, and this one is a welcome departure from the old style.Epic Yarn, Kirby has a star-studded yarn lasso he can use to grab enemies, ribbons, and buttons, at times changing the world itself by tugging on fasteners and strings. Kirby will also spend lots of time transformed into various forms of transportation, from a submarine to a train, a shark to a kind of cotton drill, a fire truck to a flying saucer. These elements pop up enough, and have enough of their own flavor, that they break up the light puzzle-platform action perfectly without overstaying their welcome. There are also boss battle levels like most Kirby games, and they're generally unique and fun.The game isn't very difficult, but again, this is a Kirby game, and the franchise has been historically easy, making the bar of entry relatively low. A young child can play the game fairly well, and an adult can spend extra time finding all of the hidden gems and treasure chests in the levels for high scores. Epic Yarn also supports cooperative play in the form of the Prince Fluff, who shares a similar body shape and identical abilities to Kirby, though he is blue and has a golden crown (and large eyebrows). Playing with a partner is fun, but it isn't necessary.The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, a downright stunning collection of tunes that eschew the traditional sounds most people associate with video games while also growing throughout. What starts out as piano in the early levels grows and evolves throughout the game, and there is a soundtrack room where the tracks can be enjoyed separate from play. That this score isn't available for purchase separately is very disappointing. Even against the beautiful, tight visual design, the soundtrack stands out.Kirby's Epic Yarn is a charming, inventive platformer that takes a venerated franchise and does something fun without completely abandoning the very core of the experience. It marries a beautiful soundtrack to devastatingly charming visual design, and the gameplay is varied and enjoyable. It's good, clean fun for all ages.

18.10.2013

This game... this game is...Adorable.Yeah, how can you go wrong with the most loveable video game character of all time being in a world of yarn? I don't know and they don't give me anything to say is wrong with the game "Kirby's Epic Yarn" and fantastically there's nothing wrong with this game.The game is bound to a "yarn world" where the villain doesn't even pose any threat or ill- willed dastardly plans. He just banishes Kirby to the world of yarn and you are greeted with Prince Fluff to stop the wizard in question. The game-play is where Epic Yarn shines the most with a quite unusual mechanic, its impossible to die. With that the challenge is henceforth put onto going through all the fluffy locations to collect: patches,music from the soundtrack, stickers to decorate a room with, and gems (in which you keep to the end of the stage to get a Gold Emblem for that area). But there's no need to do this as in Kirby 64, which poses a great deal of relief to play this game seeing as all the collectables are kinda "fluff" in a way. So if you just want to go through the stages then you can do just that. Since Kirby is turned to yarn his "copy abilities" are no longer effective and are replaced with "yarn maneuvers" to turn Kirby (or Prince Fluff) into various items from parachutes, trains, dolphins et cetera.For those guys who love to play video games Kirby's Epic Yarn is perfect for you and your intimate acquaintances. Seeing as this game is 2-player the latter player can control Prince Fluff to join on the adventure with Kirby and since dying isn't an option and you aren't required to get any of the collectibles, this game is a non stress maker and due to it's adorable yarn presentation with its "fluffy" atmosphere it will surely be the best co-op game for any relationship.The music is also charming by the way to go with every single stage.Kirby's Epic Yarn:with it's- fantastic visuals- great cooperative gameplay- delightful music- well made challenges- and a simple easygoing theme to the entire gameThis game is impossible to not please, with it being long enough so that the relative ease of the game did not become unsatisfying at the end of the campaign. Cutesy setup on all the visuals, abilities, music and challenges. Lack of death and failures when exploring areas and proceeding through enemy terrain. It is like when Yoshi's Island for the N64 tried to be the cute Nintendo game for the entire family. It was short adorable and was relatively easy. But it was way too short while Kirby's Epic Yarn can be played in small or large doses and it is very adorable no matter what.a 2-player experience that's just as good as a single player experience.Kirby's Epic Yarn - (9.5 out of 10)It's a perfect game and is worth getting a Wii or Wii U for alone and you should get it as soon as you get either console.-Charles HauensteinOwner of/ Reviewer of Kirby's Epic Yarn

6.12.2011

This is a great videogame if you're going into it with the right expectations. The game is a little on the easy side, which shouldn't be that surprising given that it is aimed at children, but this doesn't take away from the fact that it is a beautiful, well designed game.The graphical style of this game is perfect, it couldn't fit the game any better. There's not much that can be said about the graphics that hasn't been said before but this game is proof that you don't need extreme realism and cutting edge hardware to making a game that is incredibly visually appealing.The gameplay is very good. The levels are fairly easy but there is plenty of challenge beyond just getting to the end of the level between collecting beads and finding the hidden items.

30.12.2012

I have just recently been introduced to the almost disgustingly cute pink puffball known as Kirby and since this game was available at a good price and looked like my cup of tea, I decided to pick it up.Kirby, having been turned into a yarn version of himself, is enlisted by Prince Puff to help save his kingdom from the evil wizard Yin Yarn. As Kirby, you'll use your yarn whip to unravel button and fabric baddies, take on different forms such as a race car, choo choo train and spaceship to progress on certain levels and collect beads in order to unlock minigames and purchase items.The good news is it's a lot of fun and the controls are really simple. Also, if you're big on collection, like I am,

17.3.2011

Most will be aware of the ins and outs of the game so I'll keep this short and simple. The game has a host of levels taking place in all the usual platform-game locations (HOT areas, COLD areas, caves, fields, villages) and in some cases some more unusual ones (dinosaurs, comfy cabin away from the snow). It looks gorgeous and plays the same, it's good old-fashioned platform fun. The vehicle sections are spread liberally throughout the game, and none are used too often so they always represent a welcome change. Some magazine etc. reviews have equated the game's lack of lives (IE you can't actually be killed) as making the game too easy, but IMO this is a very simplistic view which ignores the fact that taking damage loses collected gems,

29.5.2011

Kirby's Epic Yarn is a fantastic purchase for anyone who wants to smile during their gaming or share a game with their family/young children. The graphics are beautiful and unconventional while providing for some interesting puzzles. The music is catchy and creative with an occasional remake of a classic Kirby tune. The story is presented like a children's storybook and is not very complex, but this is not a game you wish to purchase if you are looking for anything with intricate complexities. This game is adorable and engaging in its simplicity while keeping a player on their toes with subtle changes to the "formula" of gameplay. It has been a long time since I have played such a creative and enjoyable game.

30.4.2015

Kirby without his inhale ability? Well, plenty of Kirby titles have him lacking his signature move. Cannot really either when air goes right through.Yarn and fabric and thread? Oh my yes; Kirby yanks apart enemies with his heart? star and the background of the entire world of Patch Land is constructed in such a way that you see how it is fabric but it does not shove the aspect in your face. Everything compliments itself rather well. Found myself wanting to experiment with each button, unzip the hidden locations, walk behind fabrics and notice the budges.Mind-blowing music complimentary to a Kirby title? Triple yes. 50+ Remixes from past titles and new additions.

16.1.2011

I baught this game because i was watching a little bit of a gameplay trailer on youtube and reading ton's of reviews from Amazon. Granted i may not be 6 to 11 years old again, but it definitely is a pure platforming experience that brings me back a long time ago(I was 1 years old or so when the SNES was out). Enough about my past, when i first started the main menu screen, i could not help but to love it, the graphics were High Definition even though i do not possess a LCD or plasma screen(it probably would be 10X more beautiful) with Kirby turning into a cute car and waving at the screen in a few seconds or so.The difficulty of the game is largely criticised(or so ive heard)

26.2.2011

Kirby is the king of reinvention. From your side scrolling platform games of old to your 3D adventures, minigame mixes, paint and racing games Kirby has helmed them all and once again the pink ball of fluff has returned but in a very different guise, as a ball of wool. And boy is it good to see him again and i mean that literally because Kirby and his patch world are beautiful. Wich makes travelling through this sidescrolling platformer a joy.This platformer doesnt do anything piticularly new, its your basic Kirby adventure but in a wollen land with wool mechanics. Instead of Kirbys tradmark suck and spit move, Kirby now flicks a woolen whip which unravels enemies.

25.2.2011

This is one of those games that are usually bought for the kids but ends up being enjoyed more by their parents. Kirby is back and seems to have had a complete makeover. And this time around, he refuses to stay in the shadow of the other Nintendo characters.The game design is unique, fresh and beautiful, not to mention adorable. Kirby is enchanted out of his usual abilities and is trapped in a world made of fabrics. The design, however, is not just eye-candy, it plays an integral part in the gameplay which is equally imaginative and surprising.It is as if the gameworld is made up from cloth, loose threads and your grandmother's yarn basket.

28.2.2012

This is definitely one of the hardest games I've had to review. I'm rating it from two different perspectives. My perspective is that this is a 3/5 star game. But, for kids, this is easily a 5/5 star game. I'm averaging this out to 4/5 stars, though I definitely feel the game should otherwise be a 3/5 star from my perspective.From my view: The game is repetitive. The levels are beautiful, but I don't really remember many of them specifically. The music is great at times, but overly simple other times. The lava theme, specifically, is amazing. I really liked certain areas where the gameplay changed and it controls very very well. But, it just wasn't fun sometimes. It was clearly under challenging.

29.11.2010

This is absolutely one of the best games you will play all year. Note that I didn't say one of the best Wii games, but simply one of the overall best games to be released all year long. Everything about this game just works together beautifully. From the gameplay mechanics that work with the unique cloth aesthetic to the different sound design that accompanies every level, this game has almost no flaws worth mentioning.This is classic platforming game design that sits very close to perfection in most of the game. The levels are designed marvelously, often giving the player a few options on where to go but always making sure the objective is clear. The difficulty ramps up at a steady pace.

Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii) - Reviews

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