Katey Khaos Reviews Kirby’s Epic Yarn

By Katey Khaos

Nintendo’s pink ball of … well … cuteness is back and better than ever! That’s right ~ Kirby is back in another epic adventure!

Here’s the story, in a nutshell: the evil Yin Yarn has managed to acquire a magic sock (don’t you wish I were making this up?) which has the powers to turn anything into yarn. His goal is world domination, and while trying to, well, globally dominate, he finds himself in Prince Fluff’s kingdom. Kirby manages to get himself entangled in the mess and teams up with Prince Fluff to help stitch the world back together.

So, now that you know the inside scoop on why Kirby’s kickin’ it in Yarn Town, let’s talk about the gameplay. For starters, the graphic style is nothing like any of its predecessors. The entire game is focused around a yarn motif ~ that’s right, each level is crafted in different fabrics and buttons which create an interactive gaming environment.

You’ll find that in each level, Kirby will be collecting beads and treasures. Oh, and I should mention at this time that you can’t die. That’s right. It’s impossible to die ~ instead, you simply lose those hard-earned beads (which, by the way, you can just pick up again). These items will help with the meta-game in Epic Yarn ~ decorating Kirby’s apartment. However, if you’re a huge Kirby fan like I am, decorating or playing hide-and-go-seek mini games isn’t nearly as satisfying as the crane or quick-draw games that appeared in Kirby’s Adventure for the NES.

Each level also contains new Kirby forms to learn. These forms can range from a tank to UFOs, and lots of stuff in between. Each will help you progress through the level, and most moves are level-specific. Although creative, these new forms don’t stand up next to inhaling an enemy and acquiring their powers, i.e. laser beam, sword, etc., as seen in previous Kirby games.

Boss battles may appear challenging at first, but like other Kirby games, there is a science about it. In this case, you’ll be looking for a weak spot (a button), and pulling at it to unravel the enemy.

Everything previously mentioned can also be played in co-op mode, where P2 can play as King Fluff himself. Note, though, that in some levels, it’s definitely worth it to have a buddy tag along with you. In some forms, having a second player will greatly enhance gameplay.

Despite a few shortcomings, Kirby’s Epic Yarn definitely feels like a Kirby game, although it has a more childish storyline and appearance. Epic Yarn’s pick-up-and-play style makes it easy for anyone to dive right in. Epic Yarn is cute, creative and has a few elements that even the most hardcore gamer can enjoy, even if he or she doesn’t want to admit it.

Title: Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E
Release Date: October 17, 2010