Dang you, Kirby, and your awesome game! This pink is more than just for girls.
Kirby Superstar Ultra is HAL Laboratories and Nintendo's modern-age remake of the SNES fan-favorite Kirby Superstar game, which many have considered the best game the Kirby series has ever seen. To those that may be unaware of this title, in either past or present form, it's only fair to tell you that this isn't merely a single game we're talking about. Kirby Superstar was big for its time because it was able to present multiple adventures in one package, and the re-vamped Ultra game takes it a step further.
Starting with Spring Breeze, Kirby Superstar Ultra (KSSU) offers the seven original games originally presented in the original Superstar. While non of these games would be considered full-fledged on their on, they all serve a great purpose by pacing the game along for virtually anyone that's playing the game. Once you beat a game or a set of games, a new group of games become playable, until you round out the game's 11 different tests. While the majority of these games can be beaten fairly quickly, the entire experience will still require the dedication that is required in any other platformer.
KSSU may be the very game that proves Nintendo's commitment to providing "Fun for Everyone" approach and throws away any concerns that the company is only focused on the "casual" experience. The game's setup is created so that whether you have a few minutes or a few hours to get the main experience, you can do so without much worry. The game also does a superb job of introducing newcomers into the game, and at the same time, picking up the challenge level later on, so more experienced gamers can still enjoy the game later on. In an age where so much is made about who a game is aimed at, KSSU is one of the rare games that doesn't really have this problem.
Of course, appeal means nothing if the games themselves aren't enjoyable, and Kirby's latest DS adventure(s) is platforming goodness that is becoming harder to find these days. In addition to the expected Kirby gameplay, a few games mix up the Kirby formula in their own way. For example, the 'Great Cave Offensive' is a game more focusing on you using Kirby's unique copying abilities and skills to get the game's various and exotic treasures, while still fighting off bosses and moving to different areas. 'Revenge of Meta Knight', on the other hand, forces you to pick up the pace, by giving you a time limit to complete the entire game. Then, 'Gourmet Race' is simply a platforming racing game where you not only compete for the best time, but food, as well.
The original KSS package would have held its own very well on the DS served just as what it was, but Ultra wasn't just satisfied with giving an old game a minor facelift and calling it a day. The four new additions in Ultra are even more challenging than the game's older titles, and offering new bosses to take on as well. By the time you're done with this game, you will have been tested by the new bosses and modes, but to the point where you're satisfied with your progress. To top things off with the package, this new version also provides three new touch screen activated mini-games to enjoy, with the original games two mini-games to be unlocked later on. Longer story short, the value of this game can't be stressed enough.
The presentation of Kirby Superstar Ultra is also greatly impressive. The 2D graphics have been given a nice boost from the original game, and the levels are just a colorful and a joy to play on as they've ever been. The sound quality has also seen some nice changes, but what really makes the game stand out here is its catchy soundtrack, which may be the best in the series. To those that have played previous Kirby games or has played his/her fair share of the Super Smash Bros games in recent years, chances are that you feel well at home with many of the games tunes. The game also boasts some awesome CG cutscenes, and everywhere you turn, you'll bound to run into something that puts a smile on your face.
I admit... Kirby Superstar Ultra has many of the qualities that I personally would love to see in a lot more games today. The game is incredibly easy to pick up, but it tends to play at your schedule. And whether you're a Kirby veteran or someone that has never even seen the guy, there's no shame in playing this game, as it does a superb job of catering to gamers of various ages and skill levels. It's also a game that never takes itself seriously, except in the one area that it should, which is the overall gaming experience. Normally, I try to keep personal opinions out of game reviews as much as possible, but I'm more than willing to make an exception here!
Outside of New Super Mario Bros., Kirby Superstar Ultra has to be the game that this game reviewer would recommend more than any other DS title. KSSU is also quite possibly the cream of the Kirby crop now. It's a superb example of how an old game can transform into to modern-day greatness, and more importantly than anything, I can't think of many gamers who, with an open mind, would find this game unenjoyable. It's shocking to see that not many games over the years have tried to duplicate the formula set by the original Kirby Superstar, but the one game that does pulls it off big time!