Kirby Air Riders Review – A Shockingly Great Ride

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Okay, so Kirby Air Ride originally came out on the GameCube ages ago, and honestly, it wasn’t a huge hit with everyone. Now, Kirby Air Ride for the new Switch 2 is launching with the console, which means there’s a lot riding on it! The developers have even said they were aiming for something like Mario Kart, and that just amps up the pressure. Look, it’s not quite as polished or deep as Mario Kart, but it’s seriously a ton of fun. It’s a really unique arcade racer and I’m genuinely enjoying it – it’s just different, in a good way!

Kirby Air Riders offers a ton of content. If you’re new to the original GameCube game, a detailed tutorial will guide you through everything from the basic controls to more complex techniques, and that’s where the game really stands out. Like the original, which many players may not have experienced due to the long gap between games, Kirby Air Riders is incredibly easy to pick up and play. You automatically move forward, steering is simple, and performing actions to win is straightforward and intuitive.

The game features a wide variety of tracks, characters, riders, and power-ups, all designed to add fun and unpredictable moments to the racing experience.

The game’s simple two-button controls are a double-edged sword. While they make Kirby Air Riders very easy to learn and play, some players might find it lacks depth. Because most actions are performed with just those two buttons, the gameplay can feel a bit too basic, leading to wins that rely heavily on simply pressing buttons quickly – similar to many other party games.

I’ve always appreciated how this developer strikes a good balance between making a game easy to pick up and hard to master, and they really delivered with Kirby Air Riders. It looks simple to control, but there’s a surprising amount going on under the hood – a lot of depth to really get into. Plus, the game has a ton of different ways to play, which honestly shouldn’t be that surprising considering who made it, but it’s still a really nice surprise!

The game offers a lot of variety in several ways. There are numerous tracks, characters, riders, power-ups, and items, all of which add exciting unpredictability to the gameplay. Each ride handles differently, changing how you move and race, and even affecting your strategy. The character you choose also matters, as each one has a unique special ability that can give you an edge. Beyond these abilities, you can collect power-ups by breaking boxes, and just like in Kirby, you can absorb enemies and even other racers to copy their skills – like shooting fireballs or attacking with explosive spikes – adding even more options to the races.

Besides quickly jumping into individual races, you can try Top Ride mode for a short and simple racing experience that’s still a lot of fun.

Beyond that, your skill with the basic controls definitely impacts how you play. Kirby Air Ride is simple to pick up with just two buttons, which is great for players who want a quick and easy experience. But for those wanting to really master the game, there’s a surprising amount of depth. You can learn to use boosts, jumps, gliding, perfect landings, drifting, and other techniques, but it takes practice and precision to do them well.

Successfully completing a lap or race is incredibly satisfying, and the game’s fantastic track design makes it even better. The courses offer a great mix of new and familiar locations, and each one is a joy to play. They’re visually stunning, filled with thoughtful details, and embrace a thrilling sense of controlled chaos that keeps you engaged. You’ll enjoy running each track over and over again, feeling like you’re always on the edge of control.

The game offers lots of content to help you improve your racing skills in different ways. Besides the standard races, you can try Top Ride mode, which is a quick and easy way to enjoy shorter, simpler races. It features simplified controls, shorter tracks, and a bird’s-eye view, making it a fun diversion, though it’s generally just a lighthearted break from the main game.

The City Trial mode is the highlight of the game, truly showcasing its fast-paced and unpredictable gameplay. Each run throws players into a mix of different challenges – races, drag races, time trials, and battles – letting them experience the variety of ways to play Kirby Air Riders. If you’re looking for something to keep you playing for a long time, City Trial is where you’ll find it.

Most fans weren’t expecting a follow-up to Kirby Air Ride, but Nintendo and Bandai Namco have teamed up to revive the beloved GameCube game with a vibrant new installment.

Honestly, I’m having so much fun with this game, and a big part of it is how rewarding it feels to play! There’s just so much to unlock – new tracks, characters, rides, ways to customize everything, even music! It’s a seriously long list, and no matter what I’m doing, I’m constantly unlocking stuff. It makes an already addictive game even harder to put down, because you’re always working towards something new.

No one really anticipated a follow-up to Kirby Air Ride, but Nintendo and Bandai Namco have teamed up to revive the beloved GameCube game in a surprisingly vibrant and exciting way.

This game was reviewed on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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2025-12-01 22:12