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Games You May Have Missed: Kirby’s Epic Yarn
by on 2011-09-15 at 15:35 (9784 Views)
When it was unveiled over a year ago at E3 2010, Kirby’s Epic Yarn was the unexpected game that captivated me. The trailer that depicted a colorful world where Kirby and many familiar faces appeared to have been trapped too long in a fabric store was simply adorable. While I was able to evade this game’s charm for a time, the aura of cuteness continued to claw at my mind with sugar coated fingers until it was simply too irresistible to oppose.
Before I begin, let me say this: Kirby’s Epic Yarn is a game which is very clearly meant for young children. From the serene gameplay, to the storybook narrative, to the playful soundtrack, to the fact that it is impossible to actually die (more on that later), it is very obvious that this game was designed for younger gamers. However, that’s not to say older gamers cannot enjoy it. Like many of you, I grew up playing video games, and one of the games I loved playing on the original Game Boy is Kirby’s Dream Land. While many of the game franchises I played as a child have also grown up and become more complex and challenging, the one that has continued to stay lighthearted and simple has always been Kirby. True I have never been able to get one-hundred percent completion in Kirby’s Adventure and to this day cannot beat Milky Way Wishes, but to me, Kirby has remained the ideal introduction to video games that Masahiro Sakurai envisioned nearly two decades ago. And would you really expect anything different from a character who is an adorable pink ball of cute?
Kirby’s Epic Yarn opens with the loveable puffball being sucked through a magical sock into the world of Patch Land. In this world everything, including the inhabitants, is made of cloth, yarn, buttons, and other similar fabric-based items. Even Kirby’s appearance transforms from his familiar pink sphere to an analogous pink outline upon entering this new world. Unfortunately, Patch Land’s gentle appearance conceals a world full of turmoil and tumult. An evil sorcerer named Yin-Yarn has stolen the magic yarn that holds the very fabric of Patch Land together and has unleashed his hordes of minions to conquer the once tranquil world. Kirby teams up with Prince Fluff, Patch Land’s monarchial figure, in hopes of traversing this unique world, collecting the magic yarn, and finding a way to return to Dream Land. Told as a simulated storybook, their adventure sends them across the various areas of Patch Land, ranging from the fiery Hot Land to the cold expanses of Snow Land, and even the delicious landscape of Treat Land. As unique as the idea of yarn-based character designs is, it only offers a taste of the inspiration that went into creating these fun worlds. Each world contains a variety of levels that are shaped by the overarching theme of the world and incorporate items and landscape that ooze creativity and help immerse players in the endearing narrative.
Those who have played Kirby games before will also be welcomed back by the lighthearted tunes that permeate this game. Also taking cues from the world themes, the music feels faithful to the Kirby franchise and helps players lose themselves in Patch Land. Even better, a number of tunes are updated renditions of familiar songs from previous games. As a longtime fan of the Butter Building theme, hearing it fully orchestrated in Epic Yarn just made me smile.
Throughout their journey Kirby and Prince Fluff encounter yarn-based versions of Kirby’s familiar adversaries as well as enemies unique to Patch Land. When it comes to battling these opponents, long time fans of the Kirby franchise might feel a little disoriented due to the changes brought about by Kirby’s new form. Yes, Kirby does return to his side-scroller roots, but due to his new hollow form, he is unable to perform his familiar inhalation and copy-ability moves. However, this new form also grants Kirby a number of new abilities. Instead of being able to consume his enemies, Kirby can throw a yarn lasso that unravels his enemies. He can also wrap them up and hurl them against other opponents or obstacles, similar to how he could spit out stars after consuming enemies. Although he doesn’t have his copy ability, since Kirby is essentially a collection of yarn, he is able to rearrange himself into a variety of forms to suit the different circumstances he encounters in Patch Land. Need to get somewhere fast but no Wheelies to consume? No problem! Just transform into a car and speed away. All those times Kirby had to keep the Stone ability through a level because there was only one Rocky at the start are a thing of the past now that he can change himself into a weight. He also has several other transformations that fit Patch Land such as the ability to unravel himself into a snake, swing from a button like a pendulum, or become a top to unravel a loose thread. At many points throughout the assorted levels Kirby also gains the ability to change into a number of powerful and unique forms which come with new gameplay aspects. These range from the races in his off-roader form, arcade-style shooters from the rocket and star-shooter forms, and the devastating TankBot form. Nintendo has succeeded in conveying the same feelings and experiences, even without including the copy-ability that so many gamers have been accustomed to seeing from Kirby.
As I mentioned earlier, while many older gamers have fond memories of it, the Kirby franchise was conceived of to serve as an introduction to gaming. Honestly, if I had a child, Epic Yarn would be the game I would use to introduce them to gaming. Frankly, it would probably serve as an exceptional introduction to anyone who has never played a game before, regardless of age. Simply put, Epic Yarn is easy. Many of the enemies ooze so much adorability (looking at you Waddle Dee) that they could not be a threat if you removed all the ribbons and bows -- which might actually unravel them since they’re made of yarn and all... Arguably one of the biggest indications that the game is meant for children is the fact that Kirby cannot die. Throughout the game, Kirby collects beads which are used to earn rankings at the end of each level. Should he hit an enemy or fall into a pit, he merely looses a few and continues on his journey relatively unhindered. And while more experienced gamers will try to ensure they have enough beads at the end of every level to merit gold medals (something you realistically should be doing if recess is not your favorite part of the day), not being such a completionist does not take away from the game at all. To be perfectly honest, while there were only a handful of levels that even required a second run-through to earn all gold medals, I never felt that fact detracted from my enjoyment of the game.
If you’re looking for a challenge, Kirby’s Epic Yarn is about as far from it as I imagine a game can be. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a simple and enjoyable game, perhaps to introduce someone to the video game experience, then it is the best example I can think of, save for maybe Shadows of the Colossus for someone older. One aspect I didn’t get to enjoy, and lament not being able to experience, is the coop gameplay feature. If you’re playing with a friend, they take on the role of Prince Fluff in what I hear resembles the gameplay of New Super Mario Bros. On its own, yes, Kirby’s Epic Yarn is a simple and straightforward game. There are no complicated puzzles, there are no surprising plot twists, and the gameplay is easy. Yes, this game is fun and creative and the only real strike against it is the lack of a challenge, but honestly, because of that strike I don’t know if I can recommend this game to everyone. Personally, I really enjoyed playing it, but I am especially fond of the franchise as Kirby’s Adventure is one of me three favorite NES games, so your mileage may vary. Still, if you’re looking for a nice, simple, and enjoyable experience to relax with when life gets rough, Kirby’s Epic Yarn will easily provide that warm feeling of respite.
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Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. ~ Anais Nin
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