Kirby 64 had a lot to live up to, being the reason I purchased my Nintendo 64. Luckily, it did not disappoint.
Gameplay:
Control
Kirby controls exactly just as you would expect him to. Left moves him left, right right, up inflate him, A jumps & B inhales/exhales/uses current special power. The new addition of combination powers is where the C buttons come into play. Press once to bring up a crystalized version of Kirby's power. Press it again to throw the crystal. If it hits an enemy with a special power, the crystal combines with the new power. Kirby can then re-inhale the crystal to obtain the new power.
Stages
Kirby 64 has 6 worlds to explore and 3-4 stages to each world, depending on the world. Hidden 3 to every stage are crystal shards. Collect all of them and the true final boss of Kirby 64 is unlocked. Acquiring these shards ranges from very easy (just lying on the path) to slightly complicated. For instance, to get one shard, you are required to create an object out of a collection of blocks by only destroying the right ones. However, the correct object is randomized each time you enter the stage. Your only hint is the painter girl is painting the correct item in the background earlier in the stage.
Graphics:
Kirby 64 is a 2D side scroller drawn with polygons. As complicated as this sounds, it's basically just Kirby moving left/right & up/down while a camera occasionally rotates to give the stage a bit more depth. The system works rather well. It's nonintrusive and doesn't make the control confusing.
The graphics themselves are rather well done. They most certainly aren't the best the Nintendo 64 has too offer, but they most certainly get the job done. In addition to that, the game has a nice bit of style to make it look like a story book. Not as childish as seen in Yoshi's Island, but still a nice touch.
Sound:
Expect to hear a lot of classic Kirby tunes. They make up more than half the soundtrack. Not being completely dominated by either classic songs nor new songs gives the soundtrack of Kirby 64 a nice balance. Sound effects are also well done. Every sound a character makes is exactly as you would imagine it.
Value:
The addition of the crystal shards gives a nice bonus to an otherwise quick game. Kirby 64 also has a number of multi-player mini games nice for short bursts of fun with a few friends. Not much else, but bonuses/replay value has never been a strong point for the series. Never the less, it still gets extra points for coming together as such a nice package.
Conclusion:
Like I said earlier, Kirby 64 had a lot to live up to, not only selling me my Nintendo 64, but also as compared to previous entries into the series. Kirby 64 is a worthwhile purchase for any Nintendo 64 owner. Rent only if you are still hesitant after reading my words. Otherwise, this is not one to be left on the store shelf.