In a recent Nintendo Direct broadcast, Masahiro Sakurai previewed a new exclusive game called “Kirby Air Riders” for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on November 20th. During the presentation, Sakurai humorously compared his latest creation with “Mario Kart World,” another exclusive racing game that was launched in 2025. While it’s unusual for Nintendo to release two racing games so close together, fans of “Kirby Air Riders” can rest assured – after playing the game myself, I can confidently assert that Sakurai and his team at Bandai Namco have crafted a unique experience that sets itself apart from “Mario Kart World.
In simpler terms, for those not familiar, Kirby Air Riders is a follow-up game from 2003 originally released on Nintendo GameCube. Unlike many other racers, its control system stands out due to vehicles moving forward automatically. Instead of constantly pressing buttons and moving the control stick, you use buttons for speed boosts, drifts, and special attacks. The stick is used to steer and execute a Quick Spin attack. As someone who didn’t play the original Kirby Air Ride, I must admit that the control system takes some getting used to. Most racing games follow standard controls, so adjusting to Kirby Air Riders might need a bit of mental readjustment, especially after playing plenty of Mario Kart World.
Getting Players Acclimated
Adjusting to the controls in Kirby Air Rider might take some time, but luckily, this game comes equipped with handy assistance for players. For instance, before diving into a race, Nintendo provides tutorial lessons that allow you to practice individual moves like boost or Quick Spin. These lessons are not limited to just pre-race preparations though. In the midst of an intense race, I momentarily forgot which control stick activated the Quick Spin. Frequently attempting to execute it with the wrong stick during the heat of competition, the game subtly prompted me with a helpful reminder about my mistake.
In contrast to Nintendo’s popular racer, Mario Kart, where players often swiftly choose a preferred character due to categorization, Kirby Air Riders offers a distinct experience. Instead of being confined to categories, each Kirby character possesses unique skills, encouraging players to experiment with them and switch between them in varying scenarios. For instance, one of the characters I enjoy playing as is Knuckle Joe, who can unleash a barrage of punches on opponents, reminiscent of his abilities in the main Kirby series. This feature adds excitement during Air Ride mode, but it truly shines when players explore the revamped City Trial.
City Trial: The Game’s Big Draw?
In the preliminary view, Nintendo granted us access to examine two race tracks from Kirby Air Rider’s game, both of which appeared to make excellent use of the new Switch 2 hardware. The game ran flawlessly during the preview, with one standout course featuring striking water effects. The developers have skillfully managed to maintain that signature Kirby aesthetic, characterized by vivid colors and lively settings. Although it’s premature to gauge the game’s depth from a single-player perspective at this point, it’s unlikely that devotees of the original will be underwhelmed by what has been revealed thus far. City Trial mode, while not the main attraction in Kirby Air Riders, seems to hold the most appeal for both fans of the original game and newcomers.
Similar to the original Kirby Air Ride, City Trial is a mode where players race across a map to gather vehicle enhancements or switch to a new one. In this mode, players have a certain timeframe to amass as many upgrades as they can, which boosts attributes like HP, handling, and so forth. Once the time runs out, players move on to a stadium setting where they engage in challenges utilizing these improvements. The game will suggest suitable challenges based on the vehicle configuration the player has, with a variety of options available. During my playtime, I sampled Gourmet Race, a challenge centered around eating; Kirby Melee, a combat-heavy battle involving various enemies; and Dustup Derby, a multiplayer contest focused on battling opponents.
Masahiro Sakurai at His Best
City Trial offers a diverse range of choices, reminiscent of the charm found in Kirby Air Riders as a social gaming choice. Although I initially found the controls challenging, I suspect that once mastered, the game will be simple to learn yet hard to excel at – much like Super Smash Bros. In fact, this sense of accessibility with depth is a trait Sakurai’s latest work seems to share with the popular fighting game series.
As for Kirby Air Riders, enthusiasts of Nintendo’s Smash Bros. fighting game franchise will appreciate its aesthetics. The menus and fonts echo the series, leading me to believe that perhaps Xander Mobus was involved – though I can’t confirm this collaboration. However, there’s an announcer in Kirby Air Riders that shares a striking resemblance to the one from Super Smash Bros., which could be a purposeful reference.
Over the brief period I’ve played Kirby Air Riders, it has left me quite captivated. It retains that endearing Kirby charm, and the gameplay is engaging, particularly when playing with a team. The developers have skillfully mined Kirby’s over three-decade legacy, creating something fresh instead of relying solely on the original GameCube game. This gives Kirby Air Riders an unique racing feel that holds its own against Nintendo’s renowned Mario Kart series. Although Switch 2 doesn’t have a new Smash Bros. installment yet, a new Masahiro Sakurai game is always exciting news.
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2025-08-20 10:10