Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Wii U console. The game was released worldwide in 2015 and is a direct sequel to the 2005 Nintendo DS game, Kirby: Canvas Curse. In Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, players take control of Kirby, a small pink creature who must save his world, Dream Land, from the evil Claycia and her army. The game features a unique claymation art style, with everything in the game made to look like it is made out of clay. This gives the game a charming and colorful aesthetic that stands out among other Kirby games. Unlike traditional Kirby games, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a platforming game in which players do not directly control Kirby's movements.
While the player using the Wii U GamePad controls Kirby and draws rainbow ropes, up to three additional players can drop in and drop out of the fun at any time, using Wii Remotes or Wii U Pro Controllers to play as Waddle Dees. Waddle Dees can run along rainbow ropes, collect items, attack enemies and pick up Kirby if he needs a helping hand.
Every stage contains a Challenge door that, when Kirby enters it, presents a 15-second puzzle or endurance test with a Treasure Chest as the prize for success. When the player taps and holds Kirby when he has 100 point stars, he can do a Star Dash, which allows him to crash through metal blocks and pulverize otherwise invulnerable enemies like Cotta Knight.
Unlike traditional Kirby games, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a platforming game in which players do not directly control Kirby's movements. Instead, players use the Wii U GamePad's touch screen to draw lines for Kirby to roll along, guiding him through each level. This unique gameplay mechanic adds an interesting twist to the traditional Kirby formula, and requires players to think strategically about how to navigate each level.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, known as Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush in British English, is the sole Kirby title released for the Wii U in 2015. The game is distinct in that everything is rendered with a clay motif, with the opening cutscene even being an actual claymation. Known as a spiritual successor to Kirby: Canvas Curse, the game's genre is called a "touch platformer", and involves guiding Kirby through stages by drawing lines for him to ride upon to help him avoid hazards, collect items, and battle enemies. Almost all gameplay is handled by use of the Wii U GamePad's touch screen, with additional players joining in using an external controller such as a Wii remote.
In Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Kirby is called to adventure when his home planet Popstar has all its color (and hence, life) stolen by Claycia - a talented magical sculptor gone bad - who uses the color to build the seven distinct worlds of Seventopia. Claycia's former friend Elline finds and repaints Kirby and Waddle Dee so they can help her stop Claycia's machinations and try to knock some sense into her. The three battle their way through each world of Seventopia and confront Claycia in her palace in Purple Fortress, where they soon realize that she is being controlled by a malevolent entity named Dark Crafter. After freeing Claycia from this monster, Kirby chases after and defeats Dark Crafter, and is thanked by Claycia who restores Popstar to its old vibrancy.
As Kirby rolls through each level, players can also tap on him to make him perform various actions, such as attacking enemies or navigating obstacles. Kirby can also transform into different forms, such as a tank or a submarine, which changes the way he interacts with the environment. These transformations add variety to the gameplay and provide new challenges for players to overcome. In addition to the main story mode, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse also features multiplayer options. Up to three additional players can join in as Waddle Dees, assisting Kirby by collecting items and defeating enemies. This cooperative multiplayer mode adds a fun and social element to the game, allowing friends and family to play together. Overall, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a unique and enjoyable addition to the Kirby series. Its claymation art style and innovative gameplay mechanics make it stand out from other platforming games. Whether playing alone or with friends, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse offers a fun and charming experience for all players..
Reviews for "How Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Pushes the Boundaries of Platforming on the Switch"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to enjoy Kirby and the Rainbow Curse on the Switch, but I was left disappointed. The controls felt clunky and awkward with the touch-screen mechanic. It became frustrating having to constantly look down at the gamepad instead of the TV screen. Additionally, the lack of variety in gameplay and level design made the experience monotonous. Overall, it just didn't live up to the fun and charming experience I've come to expect from the Kirby franchise.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - Kirby and the Rainbow Curse on the Switch was a huge letdown for me. The game relied heavily on the touch screen, which was uncomfortable to use for long periods of time. The levels felt repetitive, and the lack of difficulty made it feel more like a game for young children. I found myself quickly losing interest and becoming bored with the repetitive gameplay and uninspired storytelling. I would not recommend this game to anyone looking for a fulfilling gaming experience on the Switch.
3. Max - 2/5 stars - Kirby and the Rainbow Curse on the Switch was a major disappointment for me. The graphics and art style were beautiful, but the gameplay itself was lacking. The touch-screen control mechanic felt gimmicky and forced, making it difficult to fully enjoy the game. Additionally, the levels were short and lacked depth, leaving me wanting more. Overall, I found the game to be a missed opportunity for the Kirby franchise and a forgettable experience on the Switch.
4. Lisa - 2/5 stars - I was excited to play Kirby and the Rainbow Curse on the Switch, but it fell short of my expectations. The touch-screen controls were frustrating and imprecise, leading to many instances of Kirby not going where I wanted him to. The levels were repetitive and lacked variety, making the gameplay feel stale after a while. While the vibrant colors and charming art style were appealing, they weren't enough to save the overall lackluster experience of the game.