[Update: Fri 24th Sep, 2021 00:15 BST]:
Well, who could have guessed: there's a new Kirby game in the works, and it's called Kirby and the Forgotten Land. It's a 3D open world game set in a post-apocalyptic city, with Super Mario Odyssey-meets-The Last of Us vibes.

[Original: Thu 23rd Sep, 2021 17:10 BST]:
Just a few hours ahead of the Nintendo Direct and we're already getting news trickling in, thanks to what was perhaps an accidental upload of a new Kirby game onto Nintendo's Japanese "upcoming releases" page.

The page has already been taken down, of course, although it may well work again after the Direct, but we can still see the game on the release schedule, where it's slated for Spring 2022:

According to our trusty Google Translate, the name translates to "Kirby Discovery of the Stars", or "Kirby's Dream Land Discovery". Looks like it'll also be getting a physical version, assuming that's what "package version" means.
We won't have long to wait to find out more, as the Nintendo Direct airs tonight at 6pm Eastern, 11pm BST. Also, as our resident video chap Jon Cartwright pointed out, it doesn't half look like Kirby's gone to Nier Automata.
Comments 305
This immediately gives me an impression of the cancelled 3D Kirby game, because of the prominent use of skyscrapers.
Are we finally getting that game?
@RupeeClock let us whisper of dream
Would be interested if they stop making the games so extremely easy. I loved the NES game though
Super excited. Was anticipating some new pink puff shenanigans!
I just shouted yes out loud. Jesus. I hope this is real in some degree. Please.
Can’t stand Kirby games
Neat.
Still hoping the direct announces some dlc for kirby fighters, but I also don’t see it as likely.
Apparently Bayo 3 has also been scheduled for a 2022 release.
Hopefully this one isn’t offensively easy. Just give me something substantial.
Hey now, ok, this has been in development for a while now, but did you really have to spoil this reveal just before the Direct?
(I mean, it looks awesome and all...but come on!)
If it's just another super easy, generic 2D platformer then I'll probably pass on it this time around. Hopefully it turns out to be something more interesting.
On a side note, I hate seeing this type of thing hours before the Direct. Ruins the surprise.
Bayonetta 3 is also now scheduled for 2022, so it seems like that will show up in the Direct.
Kirby games are always good fun! Sometimes way too easy, but always fun. The picture reminds me of Mario Odessey. How cool would that be?!
Kirby just couldn't keep his big mouth shut.
Star Allies felt like such a big love letter to the series, that could have doubled as an end to the franchise if they wanted it to.
So I'm very interested in seeing where the series goes next!
(Personally, I hope it's not another 2D platformer, because I miss the "weird" era of Kirby games.)
looks like a post apocalyptic world setting. hope it's good
@Lord why? too easy? too cutesy?
I cross my fingers it's like Kirby 64, as that is the most fun Kirby for me. But I expect it just to be more of the same. =(
Should this not be marked as a SPOILER? I guess we are still the best part of 6 hours out from the Direct so it'll be everywhere between now and then, but still, I didn't expect it plastered front and centre !!
This promo art is really nice. If this game is substantial I'll be hype
I hope it's 3D this time. The Kirby games are nice and cute, but too formulaic compared to Mario, Zelda, and DKC.
meh. Don't care about Kirby much
Post apocalyptic Kirby? I'm down.
Makes sense for a 2022 release since next year is Kirby’s 30th anniversary. Hopefully we get a trailer during today’s Nintendo Direct.
Dang it. Right before the Direct, too. Like, I'm excited for this game now, but could you at least not have it right on your front page?
Kirby is the Call of Duty spinoff we didn't know we needed
@chipia THIS is my exact issue with the games. I really wanted Star Allies but wow it seemed easy from the demo.
I think the Gameboy game and Adventure on NES were the best of the best. 2, 3, and epic yarn were great too but all others seem like I’m playing a game just going through the motions.
I don’t want brutal difficulty but something that challenges me would be great.
Alright, I'm excited now. Haven't played too many of those besides the ones on Switch Online, but this might be my entry into the series. At least into the 2.5/3D ones anyway.
Majin Kirby buu.
Me like candy!
Sorry cant help it lol.
But yeah a new kirby game is def welcome.
Should be a spoiler warning when it's less than 6 hours before a Direct.
After everything that happened in Star Allies, I’m interested to see what more this can add to the Kirby lore.
If this is a return to Dreamland, with all the tie backs to the original game at the end of Soul Melter EX mode, perhaps we’ll be getting a follow up to what happens after the special alternate boss battle?
I hope it's a full fledged Kirby title and not a free to play one.
Nintendolife PLEASE STOP POSTING LEAKS OR RUMORS ON THE DAY A DIRECT IS BEING HELD! Articles like these ruin Directs.
Or at least make the entire title "spoiler new game leak" without describing the game.
If its another easy 2d romp then I'm not interested, Kirby needs to be evolved desperately
Good leak, cause i really don’t care about kirby
@jrt87 because they sell well
People who are complaining about being spoiled with announcements before a direct...THAT'S YOUR FAULT. I don't understand why people get so upset when they themselves made the decision to go online in the first place. If you're so worried about being spoiled then idk...maybe stay off the internet perhaps?
With that being said, this game looks pretty good. Need more info on it if it's real.
Headlines like these kinda ruin the surprise for the direct, don't you think?
KIrbY: Automata!? I'd be down for a kirby made by Platinum.
Nice! I am always interested in Kirby games and I also always find them to be rediculously overpriced. Hopefully this means Star Allies will finally go the clearance bin. ✌🏻
Why did yall have to spoil this for me, I mean I'm up for a new kirby game and everything but this is probably like one of are last Showcases so I would have been cool if I hadn't know about little we have. still I can't wait for the game, Can't wait to see some gameplay hopefully.
I'm down for more Kirby, the perfect 2D platformer to play with my five year old. We both really enjoyed playing Kirby Star Allies together, so a new Kirby game would be a big hit with us.
I thought Star Allies was kinda dull, however the skyscrapers have me hoping that we might be getting another "Planet Robobot", which was fantastic, so I'm optimistic.
I was hoping for a 3D Kirby game to be announced at this Direct, and this seems to be it, so I'm glad that it's getting shown off. But man, I wish they didn't leak this, I wanted to be surprised when it was shown off. I'm kind of angry about this one being leaked.
Won't be convinced to buy this unless the trailer is good. Star Allies killed most of my interest for Kirby.
For the love of all that’s good in this world, please don’t let this be another Star Allies. 😩
Ugh. Why spoil it hours before the Direct? Very disappointed in you NintendoLife.
I agree with other comments requesting that Nintendolife don't post big spoilers for directs. Especially big front page titles and images that can't be avoided. Maybe just put a Nintendo Direct image with announcement spoilers, click at your own risk.
For clarification: Hoshi no Kirby, which translates to "Kirby of the Stars", is the title of the series. So the apparent title is "Kirby of the Stars: Discovery".
I kind of hope it's called "Kirby's Discovery Journey" in English.
And yes, this should be a spoiler. Maybe I'm nitpicking too much but this is a little irresponsible for a website.
The backgrounds makes the game looks like Kirby Automata lol
@KateGray I know it's probably better for traffic this way, but ideally this would've been hidden behind a spoiler tag. The way it is displayed on the front page kinda ruins the surprise for people just browsing the website. Just my two cents, but hopefully you can consider reporting on leaks in a different manner so close to their reveal.
@Nephestinus source?
@BeetleSpider99 Sure, I know I should just block websites like Nintendolife on Direct days. But it would be some decency to just not post the game title / screenshot on the main page.
This is absolutely the worst way to release info about a game that's not officially announced yet.
@Octane I agree. Maybe they could have something like Reddit where they have the spoiler blurred out unless you click on it.
I’ve been wanting a good Kirby game on Switch for ages, so I hope this is it. I really didn’t get on with Star Allies, but I loved Kirby’s Adventure on Wii and would dig something similar.
@RupeeClock I hope so.
@GrailUK my thoughts exactly … it’s like the direct is in mere hours.. I can imagine this was going to be one of the few, and maybe only 2?, 1st party games announced this direct. Why spoil what little we got ha
No more spoilers please. You just ruined what would have been a huge surprise for me
@Octane Thank you, Truth be told I was a little mad it wasn't hidden, bc were probably really not getting much here, And I had no choice, It was just bam When I opened it up.
I love me some kirby. Super relaxing games. I don't mind the more recent games being too easy only because they always have something like a true arena mode to really test your skills. Sit back and relax or pull your hair out, the perfect balance for everyone!
@SeantheDon29 What was wrong with SA I never played it but wasn't it a good kirby game? or was it just to easy?
@nessisonett There are challenging Kirby games?
Also, reporting on leaks hours before a direct presumably doesn't help the site's relationship with Nintendo, which, in the past has seemed quite strong considering that Nintendo has sited Nintendolife for review scores.
To be fair...can a new Kirby game really be spoiled? Especially if it's just the presumed title?
They release a new Kirby game every 15 months.
@HamatoYoshi Same site that listed Kirby also listed Bayo 3 but the link takes you to a broken site so i cant link that one.
It is said to release in 2022 same as Kirby
Dude...every year we get a new Kirby game... Would it kill the teams at Nintendo to throw us a Star Fox or F-Zero once in a while??
@BloodNinja I only played one kirby game, But I would say TD was a hard kirby game, well not the base game anyway, post game was like about hard ok in my opinion, Its was the first kirby game I really played so maybe I just sucked. XD.
@neogyo Indeed. This gets a massive BOOOO! from me. (But not an aggressive booo I will add, more a disappointed one.)
@Snatcher I don’t know what TD even is, so don’t worry
Kirbo has finally discovered his odyssey
Star Allies was utterly forgettable and generic, and I’m surprised that it’s taken THIS long for a new Kirby game when the 3DS was almost getting a full Kirby game every year.
Here’s hoping for something just a touch more ambitious.
OMG OMG 😲 I can't look but uhhh
@chipia the nes game is very easy. Series is entry level and post game stuff is where the challenge is at. The later games are no less easy then Adventure lol.
Kirby games are usually easy for casual playthroughs, if you want that 100% completion is a little more complicated than usual. Even parts of the final bosses can be a little challenging. I remember Magolor and Queen Sectonia handing my rear to me a few times.
You can also do challenges like beating The Arena or The True Arena, without an ability. The latter will give you a run for your Kirby skills.
@Silly_G it's taken a long time because they really have to work on translating abilities into 3D
YEEEEAAAAAH BABYYYYYYYY
Looks like someone at Nintendo of Japan is getting fire soon.
Here's hoping it's an awesome change to the status quo. I love Kirby, but even I've been slightly disenfranchised with the games since 2018. A bold, ambitious game is overdue.
@Streetsoforion HAL works on Kirby exclusively so if you want new entries for those games then maybe they need their own 2nd party dedicated studios or Nintendo needs to put more towards them. More Kirby games isn't why you aren't getting F Zero. Kirby is quite popular in Japan
@BloodNinja True Arena and Soul Melter is where the challenge is in a Kirby series but the series is entry level and the main campaigns are not meant to be very hard.
@Kirby_Girl They also make BOXBOY! and Part-Time UFO.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this. My offspring would be super excited, but I just can’t get into the games myself. I don’t understand why Kirby‘s so highly rated?
Will they ever make a 3D Kirby game? Probably not. Unless this one is and then I am happy to be wrong.
@Lord I love them ❤ and buy Nintendo consoles for them
Let's freaking go! It's new Kirby season!
@Kirby_Girl I already knew they were entry-level
@RupeeClock I hope so!
Oh hell yeah! I was so excited that I finally ended up making an account here! I was craving a new game in the series. As much as I liked Star Allies, I was kinda getting tired of running through Guess Star mode lol.
I like Kirby. Would be great for my squadron! His name even rhymes with Peppy!
@TSR3 great entry level series with challenging post game modes and boss rushes and great charm and tunes. It's been around for 30 years!!! It's doing something absolutely right. Ppl either don't get it or it's not for them but something doesn't survive 30 years without doing something right. Especially when it's 2nd party and not even one of Nintendo's more funded 1st party titles. Kirby is impressive. My fave series. This and Hollow Knight are my most anticipated games
@TSR3 Because they’re fun games despite how easy they usually are. Plus the bonus content usually provides enough challenge for someone who usually craves it.
@TSR3 He’s cute and cuddly and beats up demons, black holes, and elder gods. Kirby final/secret bosses have a long history of mood-whiplash... Plus, I find the lore unnecessarily, legitimately interesting. They didn’t have to do this for a game like Kirby, but they did and I appreciate the effort and attention to detail.
@NerdyBoutKirby they also worked on Earthbound and smash bros. Hal works on other stuff but Kirby is their bread and butter.
@Bolt_Strike
I don't think there is anything that indicated that this is a 3D Kirby game. It could be, but the title and website image art don't indicate that at all.
Folks, the leak was done on Nintendo's own website. We are not leaking it, just reporting on it! Please be kind in the comments, our day is already chaotic enough 😅
The entire series is called "星のカービィ" in Japan. It's probably just "Kirby Discovery" in the west
@Kirby_Girl Can't forget the original Pokemon Snap!
@westman98 The image shows a 3D city and the title uses the word "Discovery" which implies exploration is a major gameplay element. It's not confirmed, but based on how this game seems to be marketed it's most likely a 3D game.
@NerdyBoutKirby oh yahh!! Of course
An open-ended 3D Kirby platformer would be pretty cool. As good as some of them have been (looking at you, Planet Robobot), I'm pretty much over 2D Kirby games for a while.
@KateGray Kate I can't work at my Job because this news is exciting me so much LOL Hang in there and ty.
@Octane agree 100%
….And with this I’ll just avoid the internet until it’s time for the Direct.
@Bolt_Strike could also be a great cave offensive or Amazing Mirror-styled game.
I’m okay with it being 3D as long as it doesn’t turn out like the time Mega Man tried to go 3D.
@Snatcher Well, considering it launched unfinished with barely any content, 'free dlc' that was spoon fed to us in over just one year despite being full price, the fact that the game had little to zero difficulty, even for a Kirby game, thanks to the buddy mechanic which is required to even progress in the game at certain points.
Don't get me wrong, I like Kirby games, KD3 being my favorite, but SA was a huge step down in quality from his previous titles and it just felt rushed at launch.
@KateGray We still love you Kate. (I'm just a bit deflated, but not much)
this better be 3D I'm tired of 2D Kirby games
Kirby sells. Star Fox and F Zero are dead genres.
@FoxMcCloud Kirby as a member of Star Fox sounds good, until you realise he just blows up all the time.
@Kirby_Girl here's a doctor's... I mean, journalist's note for you:
DEAR BOSS,
I'm afraid Kirby Girl will have to take the day off for Kirby-related reasons. Please understand that this is an emergency and requires the utmost respect and patience.
Yours kirbily,
Kate
@Nephestinus we may finally see something of it later!
@KateGray LOL 😆 TY I think this will get me off the hook hahahha
Oh baby!! This is one of the hopes I had for the Direct, I desperately want a new Kirby game, been playing all the old ones like crazy
@Purgatorium Kirby as a franchise is estimated (Ninte do sales data across all platforms ever) to have sold almost 4 times Star Fox.
BUT... Kirby has also had four times as many games as Star Fox. So, it seems to me, Star Fox is worthy of a chance.
@HamatoYoshi Let's hope so!
Just because it was listed there doesn't mean we'll see anything but I really hope we do!
What's Kirby doing in New Donk City?
"Yours kirbily"
"Kirbcerely"
"Kirbiest regards"
"I remain your kirbedient servant"
I'm hyped for this game, NGL.
@TheBigK me too. I'm replaying RtDL and Planet Robobot while I waited lol
Also beating Metroid Returns before the release of Dread!!! o.o
This has to be legit. Remember that unfinished Kirby website that launched too early? Book excerpt and all that? This means something
@nocdaes Omg, we need a bigger ship!!!! And we don’t how good a pilot Kirby is… He could “suck”’ 😂
@StardusterEX Possibly, but HAL was also teasing that their next Kirby project was something even bigger than previous games, and a GCO/AM style Metroidvania wouldn't quite fit the bill. Now, it could be a 3D GCO/AM style game instead of the 3D sandbox/open world game a lot of us are probably envisioning when we think "3D Kirby", but I don't think they can make exploration bigger than previous games without 3D at this point.
Really disappointed in you NintendoLife for not marking this as spoiler and blasting it on the front page. It doesn’t matter that Nintendo themselves leaked it, you could be more respectful to your viewers and say “Nintendo leaked new game hours before direct” and for those interested in knowing what it is can click the article itself. We don’t just come here for news, I for one like to read the random, talking point and soapbox articles. So coming into this site today I am very disappointed in you guys. Please do better next time.
I hope Sakurai gets a break sometime soon
Here's hoping this one retains the Super Star movesets and Helper system.
@chipia Eh, I thought Kirby's Adventure (and Nightmare in Dream Land) were "too easy" as well. Kirby was meant to be an easy franchise, after all.
@nocdaes That's an interesting point but it doesn't quite tell the whole story. Kirby still sells well while Star Fox sales were declining. I agree that Star Fox deserves another chance. It would have to be really good though. It's risky.
@Purgatorium Yep, I agree. I honestly think a new Star Fox game will only happen if Nintendo port Zero across from Wii U first and it sells a couple of million units - that's at least a lower risk for them. The fact Nintendo still haven't ported Zero is very frustrating.
Here's to hoping for a new Star Fox game later today then
@KateGray the thing is, Kate, you totally rule so I will easily forgive you.
Of course I can’t wait for the Western Angry Kirby marketing. The passion! 😡
@Bolt_Strike
I don't think the 3D city means anything as it is just promo artwork. Nintendo sure as heck won't use 2D artwork to promote a game with 3D character models lol.
Same thing with the "Discovery" subtitle.
@nocdaes
The fact that most of the Wii U games that can be ported haven't been ported yet bothers me.
@StephenYap3 @Kirby_Girl Just my opinion, but I found Kirby's Adventure more difficult than later games. It's not very difficult but some bosses can definitely kill you if you are not careful.
Still more difficult than e.g. BOTW where you are literally invincible with endless healing items, yet most people don't complain about zelda's difficulty.
@Sourcecode That's an interesting way to think about it, but does that mean we are getting a new console soon? What with the price drop and everything, they could be. I heard a leak about someone talking about "the thing after the Switch" but I don't think we are close enough YET. Don't quote me on that. But OLED exclusives, promoted by Kirby?
@ModdedInkling Mario 3D World was maddening, but it did come eventually - and had a reason for the late arrival with the new content. I still think Nintendo messed up delivering so much Mario all in quick succession though and 3D World should have come earlier.
@chipia lol you should really play Kirby Star Allies soloing an ability in Soul Melter. It makes Adventure's bosses look nothing and they certainly not hard to begin with.
Honestly on the day of a direct this place should be safe and have spoilers labelled!!
Wish it hadn't been leaked, but we still know very little. The key art is really intriguing, too. A modern city overgrown and ruined? Hyped
Kirby Nier crossover.
Yawn 🥱
The same old boring franchises getting rolled out time and time again.
Meanwhile Wave Race, 1080 Snowboarding, Pilotwings, F-Zero and Excitebike haven’t had a new entry in years 😞
Removed - inappropriate language
@AW1Long I don't think sakurai has directed these Kirby games for a very long time. I think Kirby superstar in '96 was the last one he directed
Calling it now, this is the mythical 3D Kirby game we've been waiting for.
the last of us: Kirby edition
@Crockin According to Wikipedia, it was the Amazing Mirror. But dang, I thought he still worked on those. Gotta look into it more
Indie devs need to crack open the excitebike-like genre.
@AW1Long technically a consulting role there, but it does look like he directed air ride. But yeah he's been his own thing with Sora for a while
@AW1Long he advised on Amazing Mirror but did not direct it himself. Last game he directed was Air Ride.
@KateGray No hate, Just, would have liked not to have gotten spoiled as I don't check the site on these days.
@SeantheDon29 how do you make an already easy series, even more easy? Ya sounds a little boring.
@westman98 Of course it means something, they don't just arbitrarily come up with some random images and titles to slap on the game. The box art and title are key pieces of marketing that conveys what the game is about. So we know at the very least that we'll be adventuring through an abandoned city and "discovering" something. And usually when they use things like large desolate areas, large cities, and buzzwords such as "explore" and "discover", they're trying to market the IP in question making the jump to 3D/open world.
@Jamie_R For the most part, the IPs they've left behind didn't sell (there's been a couple of other cases such as Metroid and DK, but Metroid is coming back into relevance and DK is rumored to be on the way as well). They could definitely use some more variety, but they'll probably do so with new IPs. If they can create a few more Splatoon-esque success stories that'll do more to shake things up from the usual suspects (we might already have a second on our hands with Ring Fit Adventure).
@Snatcher to Star Allies credit it has the hardest bosses in the series when doing soul melter boss run. Very brutal. The game campaign was easier tho due to the fact that the director wanted to play the game with his very young daughter. The game was also lacking at launch but now we see why. They were working on this but still wanted to put out out a fanservice tribute for the 25th anniversary. So it runs on similar framework as the previous games.It's definitely juicier for long time fans but I'd recommend Planet Robobot over it to any reg player dipping into the series. Understandable tho. I didn't mind it but I needed palette cleanser between bouts of Dark Souls but I get ppl needed more. I do think it's a weaker entry to the previous games in the same style but overall still really enjoyed aspects of it and all the post game stuff.
@HammerGalladeBro every kirby game in japan is called "hoshi no kirby" though. realistically it would just be "kirby discovery"
@Snatcher You don't even know the half of it, friend. I couldn't even make it past the second world of the game because of how bored I was. Do yourself a solid and save your money either on one of the earlier Kirby titles or wait for a steep drop in retail price if your really interested.
But what if this game is different? That's why we look forward to the next games, always
a post-apocalyptic Kirby game?
i don't know why, but sold!
@KateGray This is exactly what I was thinking lol. Nintendo themselves already put the games existence out there in the wild. They prematurely announced it and news websites are merely reporting on it.
By the way, the games name actually translates to 星のカービィ:ディスカバリー which just means "Kirby of the Stars: Discovery"
@Dingelhopper I like the sound of that name. What about y'all
I can always go for a main Kirby game. Still hoping we get a game similar to the 3D Mario games.
I wish Nintendolife used spoilers instead of headlines like that! With a direct today any surprise Kirby announcement is ruined.
Genuine question, why couldn't this article be titled something like "New game leaked on Japan's Nintendo website - click for more" or something along those lines? It would help NL readers who don't want to see any potential spoilers before the direct.
@Oaf7724 Then it sounds like a virus link or spam I guess. We all have our preferences
@SeantheDon29 @Kirby_Girl So it sounds like everypart of the game is easy, But the bosses? I think I will wait for a big price drop if this is the case.
Let's hope this one doesn't play itself. And there is more content for what inevitably will be a full priced game.
Kirby isn't hard and its target audience isn't gamers that like hard games.
@nocdaes
It's especially crazy considering Nintendo teased us twice with the Captain Road port, and then 3D World being featured in Super Mario Maker 2.
At the very least, they gave us a substantial amount of new content like they should've with all of their Wii U ports.
If we keep going, we can lead a record for comments on a post! Someone, say something controversial
Meh, why do Nintendo release so many Kirby games, they make like two or three for each consoles, and they're all as dull as the next one. Bring us back F-Zero, Pilotwings, or something. There are millions of quality 2D sidescrollers on the indie scene, we don't need more .
I guess I'm not the target audience.
Who needs Star Fox, F-Zero, Wave Race, Donkey Kong... when Nintendo give us Kirby after Kirby...
/sarcasm
@AW1Long What I mean here is people seem pretty interested in this Kirby thing, though so many people claim to not really like these games. I'm not one to be a Kirby fan, but I think every franchise deserves a second chance. Except for Doki Doki, of course
@Purgatorium I like hard games and I still like Kirby because Kirby is more of "How you play it" kind of game. I mean I'm playing through Sekiro and up to the boss fight with my father atm. I've played a version on Dark Souls where being cursed as a status aliment STACKED, I've played through Hollow Knight multiple times.
Kirby has stuff going on under the surface but yes it's main goal is to get new folks into gaming. Still enjoy it!
After a multiplayer-centric game (allies) and tons of "filler" games, are we finally gonna get a great Kirby game again? Maybe even 3D? I hope we see it in the Direct tomorrow!
@Agent069 Nintendo doesn't make them, that's why! HAL LABS does. If you want those other games then gonna have to get Nintendo to notice.
Yessssssss. My sister is a smash Kirby main, and she has never played a Kirby game before. Let’s hope I can use this to introduce the series to her.
60 fps please. Didn't touch the first Switch Kirby game due to the low framerate.
@Kirby_Girl Yeah, I should have been more nuanced. Obviously people like different kinds of game, hard, easy, chill, fast, etc., etc. It's weird to see people complain that Kirby is easy. There's a lot of posturing involved and it's silly.
@evanc oh I know. I was just replying to the fact that the say the title is "Kirby Discovery of the Stars"
Please don't report on leaks guys. This was very upsetting. Especially right before a Nintendo Direct.
@Oaf7724 "Genuine question, why couldn't this article be titled something like "New game leaked on Japan's Nintendo website - click for more" or something along those lines? It would help NL readers who don't want to see any potential spoilers before the direct"
Exactly. I'm pretty sure they HAVE done this in the past, too.
@Purgatorium that's because gamers in general think there's a template in which all games need to be based on. They forget that there are different audiences and levels, etc. I also find it perplexing. It's always weird in general when ppl both complain a game is too hard or too easy. Chances are there's a reason why Dark Souls with its heavy atmosphere wants to evoke some helplessness while Kirby with its more cheerful inviting style wants you to just experience a power trip. If they added higher difficulty I wouldn't mind but I never hated on Kirby for prioritizing its goal. Kirby helped me be the Soulslike player I am now, a new audience deserves that joy and to develop that cordination. HAL LABS is always considerate to older fans by adding collection, post game content, and harder and harder boss rushes. It's cool. This new game might have more modes. I don't know yet!
@Clarice It's not so much that a Kirby game can't be spoiled, it's more that now when it comes up and takes ten minutes in the direct I'll be like "oh here's that Kirby surprise that was ruined."
This coming from someone who couldn't care less about Kirby games.
A leak already?! That was fast...
If it's another 30fps Kirby game like Star Allies, then I'm going to pass this time.
wasn't this direct supposed to be about winter games. . how many are going to be 2022 and then get delayed at last minuet I hope there is new Mario/ donkey long or something big this year to along side Metroid and my shiny new oled. its going to be a long wait till xmas day. From me to ME lol
@Clyde_Radcliffe YES
@GamerGuy82 It's very typical that Nintendo Directs "focus" on games in a particular timeframe but have a few announcements that are further in the future. We probably won't have that many new games announced, they're probably saving more for a Spring Direct or E3.
Hate to say it, but “trusty” and “Google Translate” don’t belong in the same sentence…
No! Keep that pink puffball away, he is the siren of console doom!
@Old-Red well ok then. I see a lot of complaints about this article, so maybe the author Kate Gray will do better next time to consider the feelings this caused for Nintendo fans hyped for the direct. ✌🏻
Coming to say I'm disappointed that Nintendolife spoils people via article headlines. Just so you know, people with the Google app will get article headlines based on their interests, and you just spoiled everyone with an interest in Nintendo that has this feature. I enjoy Nintendolife articles, but this I'm offended by. But you got my click, so I guess you win. Yuck.
@GamerGuy82
When do you think winter starts?
This looks amazing. I've wanted a 3D Kirby for so long!! Instead of Kirby Galaxy we're getting Kirby Odyssey, which is fine by me. Still everything I could have wanted and more based on the full trailer. So hype!! 3D Kirby YES
Looks fly. Always up for some new Kirbo.
Finally, a 3D Kirby game for the modern age. Let's just hope it's not Star Allies levels of easy.
This is the first 3D Kirby, right? People are comparing it to Odyssey, and they may be right, but the post-apocalyptic aesthetic reminds me of Breath of the Wild or even The Last of Us...
Well, I hope Kirby's 3D debut is decent. I'm not the biggest Kirby fan, but I do like some of the games in the series...
Nice to have a true 3D Kirby game this time. Kirby like Sonic, Earthworm Jim, and Mega Man are one of few loveable mascots from the 90s that struggle to evolve into 3D.
Alright, this exceeded by expectations. A 3D Kirby. I've been waiting for Kirby to do something exciting for a very long time, as the 2D platformers had grown really stale. This is certainly that something exciting.
Looks like between this and Pokemon Legends Arceus, Nintendo is going to have an exceptional start next year.
proceeds to cry in the corner in both joy and sadness
Somehow gave me Wario World vibes.
I hope it's good! Looks nice art-wise.
For some reason I thought it was animal crossing the first couple seconds of the trailer...they really made you guess what the heck was happening.
This being spoiled just before the direct has left a really sour taste in my mouth. I wouldn't consider myself a big Kirby fan, but a 3D Kirby interests me so much that this probably would of been my favourite announcement if it was a genuine surprise.
Instead, I was hoping for something else to fill the surprise and didn't find anything.
I am genuinely looking forward to this though. Looks like it will be solid.
I'd play this. Last Kirby game i liked was epic yarn.
Those environments look amazing. Can’t wait for this.
Gorgeous I'm soooooooo hypee!!!!
@Harmonie luckily that’s not the case
@Steel76 nah, 2d games are much cheaper to make.
For me, this was the most impressive-looking game of the whole show. I'm not saying that as a criticism of the other games, it genuinely looked great. A really welcome surprise to see a Kirby game with what looks like a substantial budget behind it.
@Stubborn_Monkey That kind of depends on how you consider Blowout Blast.
Oh wow, this looks really good. I can't believe I'm genuine hyped for a Kirby game - it's great to finally see a Nintendo 3D platformer that isn't Mario.
I hope Yoshi makes a similar jump, and that Donkey Kong makes his 3D return as well.
Not a Kirby fan, but this one actually looks interesting. Will definitely keep an eye on it.
Meh, I'm a bit underwhelmed by what I saw of it. Aside from the abandoned city environment (which was leaked) and "OMG 3D!" it looks so plain and so linear. Maybe if it was more open world or there was more stuff going on, I'd be more excited, but as is, they need to show more to impress me.
Why does this have so many comments compared to the other reveals? Do people not like the idea or something?
@Entrr_username Because it was leaked ahead of the Direct and NL just updated the article covering the leak when the game was officially revealed.
@PigmaskFan Right, I'm not very familiar with Kirby (least of all with the spin-offs / mini-games). I do have good memories of playing Dream Land 2 on Game Boy, though.
This looked pretty good - a 3D Kirby seems looong overdue.
I’m not about to preorder, though, unless the kiddos put it on a Xmas list 🎅🏼
This is gonna be the next Mario Odyssey. The next must-play Switch experience. I'm on-board.
It looks similar to super mario odyssey im not sure about it ill wait when I see more footage of the gameplay
@faint Indeed. The game looks great! =)
I'm impressed tbh. It must have been such a task to translate Kirby's abilities into 3D considering the greater directional mobility now. Add Kirby's ability to suck things up and his other movement quirks, it's very cool. This looks like just the first world of the game and we still don't know the other levels and abilities that have all been brought over to this game. He also thankfully moves pretty smooth and quicker then sluggish games like K64 where he moved like he had bricks for feet.
This looks like a Kirby game that's inspired by the atmosphere of Darksiders III with the play style of Super Mario 3D World. Kirby is no stranger to going off the beaten path with games like Dream Course, Avalanche, Pinball, Block Ball, Air Ride, and Star Stacker, but it should be interesting to see how Boo Diddley's pink cousin fares in an adventure game that's not a side-scroller.
@Clarice As if writing this, you can still get Star Allies for $45 from Target. In USA at least.
Finally a 3D Kirby game! Now I'm hoping the new DK game will be 3D also.
A Yoshi 3D platformer is also long overdue imo.
Looks great. Reminds me of odyssey!
Also I don't get everyone saying "OMG Kirby is open world now". Look at the trailer, did it look like you could go anywhere on the map? I saw a lot of linear paths that funneled you down a certain path and a lot of Sprawling Savanna-esque open fields. This doesn't appear to be open world. It might be, it's too hard to say with what they've shown from those clips, but it looks more like 3D World than Odyssey or Bowser's Fury.
This and Bayonetta 3 were the highlights of the direct for me. I'm pleasantly surprised by the footage. I dont even care if it's kind of easy. Kirby games are supposed to be relaxing. The only thing I hope is that it's not too barren or devoid of puzzles/exploration. But I'll wait and see what the reviews have to say about that.
@GregamanX That's my biggest concern too, and the footage doesn't look very encouraging in that regard. The areas do look pretty barren and do look pretty linear. We didn't get a good look at the level design so there's a chance I'm wrong and there's more hidden, but I don't have a good feeling about it being fun to explore from what we've been shown.
@Bolt_Strike
I don't think everyone is assuming that this will be open-world or open-ended (heck, half of the 3D Mario games aren't even open-ended). Most people are just glad that Kirby has made the jump to 3D.
@Bolt_Strike it could really be the opening areas of the game where things are kept relatively simple for people to adjust moving Kirby in 3D. Remember, most Kirby games have incredibly easy opening areas.
Thanks for the spoiler NintendoLife lol why did you do this?
Ahh, people have such high hopes, that’s so cute.
Like everyone said, probably too easy, but honestly something about this looks pretty awesome. It feels like a mix between Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World
Do one NintendoLife. Glad I avoided the web today- this was a fun reveal for me and my brother, would’ve sucked if I knew what it was beforehand.
Just say “a title from the upcoming Direct has leaked” and put the info after the jump? I know you want clicks and you more than likely did this just to incite anger at the spoiler and get engagement that way but man. I know, being annoyed about an advertisement being spoiled isn’t even close to being a hardship and anyone who had it spoiled will live but come on. You can report on this stuff while being tactful to the community that supports you.
@Lord why tho
@westman98 Not everyone, but I have seen several comments say "open world" This certainly does NOT seem to be open world. It could open up later on in theory, but I think if it did, they'd be promoting those later sections. The fact that they only promoted linear sections shows that it probably isn't open world. My money's on this being either a 3D World-esque linear platformer, or a Great Cave Offensive/Amazing Mirror-esque Metroidvania.
@Bolt_Strike I'm okay with that. I very much enjoyed 3D world. Just played that with my friends. Linear doesn't equal bad. Just more concentrated. Could also lead to open world in the future. This first step is still important.
@Stubborn_Monkey First mainline 3D Kirby game. There's been bits and pieces of Kirby in 3D but they've mostly been spin-offs (Air Ride, Blowout Blast)
I just love that look on his face when he woke up. “…water…need water!”
Not gonna lie, my first thought when they panned to Kirby discovering the foliage was “Sweet Hylia, he is gonna eat that whole island isn’t he?” Kirby is the villain y’all.
I have been wishing for an actual 3D Kirby game ever since Mario 64 came out. Air Ride was good but not really what I had in mind...
25 years and it finally happened! This will be a pre-order for me, very much looking forward to trying this out. But I'll try and set my expectations low.
So, "Kirby's Real Land", it seems.
The forgotten city was reminded me for actual place... Hashima Island.
@Bolt_Strike
I'm not sure this trailer tells us much about the design and structure of the game, but with that being said, there is nothing wrong with a linear Kirby game if that's indeed the case.
Kirby and the Forgotten Lands at least seems to have an apocalyptic city theme that ties everything together, whereas Mario 3D World was a collection of "generic-looking" albeit very well designed linear levels.
This isn't "open world". Can't wait, looks like a lot of fun.
This looks REALLY good! I’m as worried as everyone that it’s going to be a baby game, but as long as it’s solid and straightforward and not an over-tutorialized slog with an annoying story I think I’m in.
Also, The Last of Us is not the only game, or even the first game, or even the first Sony published game to do an overgrown post-civilization setting. You Zoomers....
Looks awesome, but I hope they at least make it "somewhat" challenging this time. I know Kirby is meant for younger gamers, but Star Allies was so easy a CHICKEN could beat it... blindfolded
@Bolt_Strike The official Nintendo site mentions stages, but it does seem like exploration is going to be a focus considering the game is literally called "Kirby of the Stars: Discovery" in Japan
Why hello there Mario Odyssey engine. Tis looks promising.
@westman98 Inherently no, there's nothing wrong with a linear game, but there doesn't seem to be as much going on with the levels as there was in a game like 3D Land or 3D World, it looks fairly empty. And while narratively that might make sense for it to be empty, gameplay wise it's not going to be much fun if you have a series of linear levels with nothing to do. Open world games at least make up for it with sheer size and freedom, but this game doesn't seem to have that going for it.
I hate to be a Negative Nancy, I've been waiting for 3D Kirby for years and I want to be excited for it, but this game doesn't seem to feel like the big step forward a lot of us were hoping 3D would bring for Kirby, it just seems like RtDL/TD/PR/SA but in 3D.
Nintendo really has a big year for 2022 huh?
Metroid Prime 4
Pokemon Legends Arceus
Breath of the Wild 2
3D Kirby
Splatoon 3
Bayonetta 3
New Switch Online
Mario + Rabbids 2 (not interested but still coming)
Super Mario Movie
And hopefully a few more surprises.
@Yoshilapin knowing Nintendo, there will be a couple more surprises next year
@anoyonmus you're right, surprised as in likely a few of these titles delayed as they warned in the beginning of the direct 🤣🤣🤣
Game looks great and I don’t seem to remember if Nintendo ever released a full 3D platformer with Kirby in the past. Might get it, I just hope is not too easy like almost every Kirby game in the last decades
@Yoshilapin Oh I don't think we're even close to done. What about the rumored DK, Xenoblade, and FE games? Are we getting Odyssey 2? What's happening with Mario Kart?
We could easily see more games like that announced in a Spring Direct and E3. 2022 is going to be utterly packed.
@Flashlink99 No, this is the first main series Kirby platformer that's fully 3D.
Nothing against Kirby, but I'd much, MUCH rather have had a Mario Kart 9 announcement.
Nothing says your favourite franchise is dead as seeing an apocalyptic coconut mall! 😂😂
You're gonna play Mario kart 8 some more and like it damnit! 😂😂
I Love how this looks, it seems like a fresh way to go with Kirby so I'm really excited! (It reminded me of the first time you enter new Donk city, one of my favourite odyssey moments! )
It looks like a fun game to me. A little bit like Super Kirby Odyssey, which sounds awesome to me!
Oh my, more drama, now for a Kirby "Land" (Open world) in total 3D?!, seriously people, is very worrying this, but, oh well..., is internet, other day more.
...
Ok, Leaving aside that drama, I am interested in this Kirby, just with that entrance trailer it draws a lot of attention, we will have to wait for more videos and more info to know what this new adventure is about; and, very intriguing that world where Kirby is
For me this is a big announcement. Finally, 3D Kirby. It's even open world and looks dang good
@Bolt_Strike I do so badly want another FE game 😭😭😭😭
A Mario Odyssey 2 & DK would just be icing on the cake. If they release all that, switch is undeniably the best Nintendo console of all time.
(The only other thing thru would need is pokemon stadium 3..🥲 but no one has begged for that one 😭so we likely won't get it )
@nocdaes All trailers automatically have spoilers, so no need to mention it.
Kirby lost his flying ability? 😢
@AtlanteanMan There has never been a full 3D Kirby game like this. But yeah, you'd rather just have MarioKart 9.
This is why Nintendo doesn't listen to their fans.
@Yoshilapin I wouldn't count Metroid Prime 4 for 2022. Feels too early with the recent hiring spree, the start of the project by Retro and COVID19 enforced regulations.
It will be 2023 at the earliest.
What a pleasant surprise!
@sanderev We each have our own tastes and IPs we would prioritize given the choice. This Direct just whiffed for me personally aside from the ACNH DLC and Triangle Strategy announcements. And like it or not, the Switch's life cycle is creeping well into its latter half. If certain IPs are going to be visited this gen (or avoid Nintendo's habit of holding some of their biggest ones for hybrid cross-gen launches), they'd have to be announced soon, especially given the sort of lead times we've seen with BotW 2 and Metroid Prime 4.
@Bolt_Strike
What's your definition of "empty"?
To me, this game doesn't look any less "empty" than the linear 3D Mario games (Galaxy 1/2, 3D Land/World) in terms of points of interest and enemy variety.
I’ve messed with some Kirby games, for me at least they come and go.
But this looked really impressive, one of the stars of the show.
A game I would had wanted for the N64. I'm excited for this regardless!
Looks promising, and it's the only new previously unannounced game that we saw in the whole Direct.
The desert area reminds me of that famous "Kirby GCN" game that was cancelled a while back. I remember how badly I wanted that game being one of the first concepts for a 3d Kirby adventure game. Needless to say I'm getting this new open world Kirby day one. Just what the doctor ordered.
Holy shhh, it's even better than what I expected. I'm really excited on how big it'll be
@AtlanteanMan Nintendo and their studio's are continuously working on new games. And I'm sure someone at Nintendo is already working on a new MarioKart game. But with the way the current MarioKart game is still selling there is absolutely no reason to rush it. There has NEVER been a Kirby game like this, and the current Kirby game isn't selling as much these days. So yeah, making a new one can easily get priority. Also the team that makes Kirby games never touched any of the MarioKart games.
I am very happy with this announcement. And I will 100% buy this game.
I think we won't see MarioKart 9 until the next Nintendo console. Or at least 2023.
Also DEMANDING Nintendo to make the games you want is NEVER going to work. Just wait, see and enjoy the ride. And seeing how many people post like you do, well.. I would just ignore posts like that if I were Nintendo.
@Classic603 well it's definitely not SPRING.
I love the vibe it gives off... Like Kirby X The Walking Dead lol
I’m happy about this game. It looks amazing and I’m a big fan of Kirby so are my kids.
This actually looks really fun, love the setting. It reminds me of the abandoned theme park opening of Spirited Away. I found Star Allies polished but a bit simple. Hoping theres a bit more challenge to this.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land of Us
@GamerGuy82
Your comment was complaining that instead of "winter", games were saying 2022. As if winter started in October. You get like 2 weeks of winter before the new year
@Classic603 in fact i said
wasn't this direct supposed to be about winter games. . how many are going to be 2022 and then get delayed at last minuet .
So agian showing spring content is now winter they really need to proof read who is putting i fo out about the direct.
Secondly i hardly call my comment complaining . More of an opinion and we all have them but you do.
Enjoy ur games try not to be a jerk 👍
Ugh, it still doesn't have a proper automatic behind-the-back camera! Why is it that Monolith Soft is the only Nintendo studio that can figure out the basics for a good camera in 3rd person 3D games?!
@GamerGuy82
Clearly still saying that 2022 doesn't count as winter at all, but alright dude. You do the same.
I am Legend, Kirby edition.
I've always viewed Kirby games as watered down Mario games. This one looks promising so far. I'm interested at least in the visuals.
I love Kirby Super Star, but I've never been the biggest fan of the series. That being said, I really like the look of this.
Hmm, I am happy that its not a filler game or multiplayer-centric. And its nice that they are going the 3D route. But its sadly not free-roaming (Mario Odyssey) 3D. It all looks fixed camera angles and lineair paths. I also wonder if you can fly (probably not) and if it is set in our world.
@dkxcalibur I don't think Kirby is anything like Mario. Mario is a precision platformer while Kirby is an action platformer. Never felt they were alike.
@westman98 Most of what was shown is just linear paths or fields with 1 or 2 enemies. There's very little in terms of star coins, blocks, food, or puzzles to use your copy abilities on, that kind of stuff would make the levels feel more gameplay-rich (without interfering with the post-apocalyptic theme of the game). 3D Mario games have been much better in terms of providing that.
@westman98 Here's an example (split this up into two posts to avoid making it too long):
Look at everything there is to do in this section of 3D World, you have roller platforms with enemies on them, you have coins to collect, and clear pipes to go through.
Now look at Kirby. You've got this entire first floor area of the shopping mall and what do they have there? Two enemies. That's it as far as we can tell (there might be something hidden to collect, but aside from that, nothing).
That's basically my issue. Mario is getting much more out of its level design by packing it with various gameplay elements. Kirby mainly seems to be empty fields with a couple of enemies scattered about.
@Bolt_Strike
I'm not sure much can be gauged by directly comparing selectively chosen screenshots like that.
@westman98 Those are pretty typical of what's seen in the entire game in 3D World and the entire trailer for Kirby. Go through the trailer and the screenshots on the official website for Kirby and gameplay videos of 3D World and you'll see much of the same thing. You can probably cherry pick a few exceptions, but overall this trend holds for everything we've seen so far of Kirby.
@Bolt_Strike I too would be much more willing to give Kirby a shot if it wasn’t so easy. I don’t understand the fascination with making games so easy a three year old could play. I got my nes at six years old and finished super Mario. I sound like a grumpy old man and sure this game may not be for me. But where is fzero star fox donkey Kong punch out then?
@BeetleSpider99 Because they didn’t have to specify which game it was in the headline. GameXplain did it better with the title: “Familiar Franchise Installment Leak Ahead of Direct”
@Bolt_Strike
I say the comparison is not apt because this Kirby game is set in a somewhat realistic-looking world, you won't see things like randomly rolling platforms or clear pipes like what you'd see in Mario 3D World (at least not very often). My bet is that you'll likely be interacting with the realistic environment itself and exploring hidden areas within the apocalyptic world.
This game has only just been revealed with a single trailer, so maybe I'm wrong and the rest of the game is just an empty field with a handful of enemies scattered throughout, but so far that doesn't look to be the case IMO.
@Sourcecode I do not see Nintendo replacing the switch entirely anytime soon. It’s their second bestselling console of all time, and unlike the wii, 3ds and wii u, it is somewhat modern and is consistently receiving high quality third party support. Most that will happen is new hardware in the same ecosystem
@westman98 You're missing the point. It's not about specifically having clear pipes or rolling platforms, but having something similar that's thematically appropriate. In this case, having things like lots of breakable walls, debris that you can clear and solve puzzles in (there were a few, but not enough), and collectibles scattered about would make the gameplay feel lively while leaving the actual setting to feel desolate.
Also what game are you looking at where this DOESN'T look like an empty field with a handful of enemies scattered? Maybe a handful of scenes shown look good, for example I like this one.
But there are far more like that shopping mall than this one. I would hope that future updates show less empty looking levels, but this is not a great first look at the game.
@Bolt_Strike
I'm personally expecting a decent amount of interactive elements and systems in the game as you have described, just not as obviously noticeable like rolling platforms or clear pipes in Mario 3D World. Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but I like what I have seen.
I think the goal of this trailer was to show that this is a mainline 3D Kirby game that retains gameplay elements from the 2D Kirby games while being set in a post-apocalyptic game world, not to unveil specific details about the game's structure and design - heck, we still aren't entirely sure if the game is linear, open-ended, or a mix of both.
@westman98 Well they haven't explicitly stated what it is, but if you look closely at the level design, there are some clues that indicates it's going to have some level of linearity. The level design shows a clear A to B progression, a lot of the background areas seem to be closed off and unexplorable (see: the barriers below the escalator that seem to signal the first floor behind it is not part of the level, the section below the Warp Star segment being completely empty implying we can't go there), and the camera seems to automatically pan as we progress implying no camera control. We don't know entirely to what degree, there is a chance it could be a Metroidvania-esque maze like Great Cave Offensive and Amazing Mirror, but it's pretty clear just by looking at it this isn't a BotW style open world and probably isn't even an Odyssey style sandbox (I mean, I guess technically it's still possible, but with the footage they've shown it's unlikely what we're seeing are short levels branching off from a big sandbox, this is probably the meat of the game's levels). Still a lot of wiggle room even without it being either of those two styles, but anyone going into this game thinking it's going to be this vast, open, explorable 3D platformer is going to be disappointed.
People actually complaining about something being too easy, lol .. What a world we live in 😂
A 3D Kirby game is amazing news. Looking forward to it's next showing where we will have a clearer picture of what it's about. So far it looks promising.
Looks a bit sparse and empty
Please just never report on leaks ever again. It popped up right on my Google feed. It really hurt.
@Bolt_Strike
Oh, I don't think anyone expects this game to be as open as Breath of the Wild. It probably won't even be as open-ended as Mario Odyssey (or 64/Sunshine).
But Mario Galaxy 1/2 and 3D Land/World were extremely linear games, and it is definitely possible that Kirby is more open than those while still being somewhat linear. You have to remember that this is still a Kirby game, not a Mario game with a Kirby skin, so it will target a very young audience and will probably be very easy to complete outside of the last boss(es) in the game. A Kirby game also won't have the same budget/manpower/resources as a Mario game, so don't expect some epic 95 Metacritic game out of this.
This actually looks like the best Kirby game yet! Kirby meets Mario Odyssey.
People expecting this to be an open world or Super Mario Odyssey-like game, they're going to be really disappointed.
This will be more like 3D Land/World...
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