Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000)

by Christopher October 4, 2018

written by Christopher October 4, 2018 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2000
Genres: Adventure, Platform
Platforms: Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U
Developers: HAL Laboratory
Publishers: Gradiente, Nintendo

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards: A Sparkling Gem on the Nintendo 64

Released in 2000, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards marked a significant milestone for the beloved pink puffball, as it was his first 3D adventure and his debut on the Nintendo 64. With its charming visuals, captivating gameplay, and memorable cast of characters, Kirby 64 quickly became a fan favorite and remains one of the most beloved Kirby games to this day.

A Shattered Crystal and a Distant Land

The story of Kirby 64 begins in a distant land called Ripple Star, home to a powerful crystal that maintains the planet’s balance and harmony. However, the evil Dark Matter seeks to harness the crystal’s energy for its own nefarious purposes. A young fairy named Ribbon attempts to save the crystal by escaping with it to Dream Land, but during her journey, the crystal is shattered into 100 pieces and scattered across the world.

Kirby to the Rescue

As the crystal shards spread across Dream Land, they cause strange and wonderful things to happen. Kirby, ever the hero, sets out on a quest to collect all 100 shards and restore the crystal to its former glory. Along the way, he’ll encounter a wide variety of enemies and challenging bosses, each with their own unique abilities and attacks.

3D Platforming with a Kirby Twist

Kirby 64 introduced 3D platforming to the Kirby series, and it did so with aplomb. The game’s levels are large and sprawling, with multiple paths to explore and secrets to discover. Kirby’s signature copy ability returns, allowing him to inhale enemies and gain their powers, from fireballs to ice beams and even a giant hammer.

However, Kirby 64 also introduced some new twists to the copy ability system. For example, Kirby can now combine certain abilities to create new and more powerful attacks. He can also use his inhale ability to solve puzzles and access new areas.

A Colorful Cast of Characters

In addition to Kirby, Kirby 64 features a cast of charming and memorable characters. Ribbon, the young fairy who brought the shattered crystal to Dream Land, joins Kirby on his quest and provides invaluable support with her magical abilities.

Kirby also meets a variety of other allies along the way, including Waddle Dee, King Dedede, and even Meta Knight. Each character has their own unique personality and abilities, and they all play a role in helping Kirby save the day.

A Sparkling Gem on the Nintendo 64

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is a shining example of what the Nintendo 64 was capable of. Its colorful visuals, charming characters, and innovative gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of Kirby or 3D platformers. Whether you’re a long-time Kirby fan or a newcomer to the series, Kirby 64 is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

Key Features:

Kirby’s first 3D adventure
Collect 100 crystal shards to restore the shattered crystal
Copy enemies’ abilities and combine them to create new attacks
Explore large and sprawling levels with multiple paths and secrets
Meet a cast of charming and memorable characters
Defeat Dark Matter and save Dream Land

Critical Reception:

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards was met with critical acclaim upon release. Reviewers praised the game’s charming visuals, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

IGN: 9/10
GameSpot: 8.5/10
Nintendo Power: 9.5/10

Legacy:

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is considered one of the best Kirby games ever made. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, charming visuals, and memorable characters. The game has also been cited as an influence on other 3D platformers, such as Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is a true classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of Kirby and the creativity of HAL Laboratory.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.