Every Kirby Game, Ranked Worst to Best

Kirby is a classic Nintendo character and a long-standing series. Since first appearing in the early 1990s, new Kirby games have been consistently released. What makes the series stand out is its variety – Kirby games can be easygoing or challenging, relaxed or innovative – but they always maintain a magical and welcoming feeling that appeals to everyone.

This list ranks only the core Kirby platforming games, leaving out spin-offs like Kirby Air Riders, puzzle games, and multiplayer titles. While those other games are enjoyable and popular, it wouldn’t be a fair comparison. Even among the main platforming games, some are stronger than others – some were groundbreaking, while others didn’t quite live up to their potential. Here’s a ranking of every main Kirby platformer, from least to most enjoyable.

14) Kirby’s Dream Land

While Kirby’s Dream Land is important as the game that first introduced Kirby, it’s a fairly simple game. Released on the original Game Boy, it doesn’t include Kirby’s signature copy abilities, which makes the gameplay feel quite basic, even for its time. The levels are short, there aren’t many different enemies, and the game isn’t very challenging.

The game looks cute and simple, using basic graphics and repeating elements. The story is easy to follow – Kirby just needs to get his stolen food back from King Dedede. While it’s fun for those who remember it, it feels more like an early idea than a complete Kirby game. It’s important because of what came after, not for how it plays, which is why it’s generally considered the weakest entry in the series.

13) Kirby Star Allies

Kirby Star Allies tried to be a grand tribute to the entire Kirby series, but it didn’t quite succeed. The game’s main idea is to team up with allies – even familiar faces from past games – to battle enemies. Playing with friends is enjoyable, but going it alone can feel like the game is playing itself too much.

The game looks great, with bright and well-made levels, but it’s surprisingly easy for most of the playthrough. Boss fights aren’t very challenging, and finding hidden areas doesn’t feel rewarding. While the later parts of the game and appearances from familiar characters are a nice touch, the core gameplay feels unfinished. It’s fun, but ultimately a bit of a letdown considering how much potential it had.

12) Kirby & The Amazing Mirror

This game tried something new with a sprawling, interconnected world to explore, similar to games like Metroidvania. However, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror doesn’t quite pull it off. It can be hard to find your way around, and sometimes it feels like you’re wandering without a clear goal. This style of gameplay didn’t really fit the Kirby series.

The ability to copy enemy powers is still enjoyable, and the way the game connects with multiplayer was innovative for its era. However, the levels aren’t as well-designed or fast-paced as in other Metroidvania games. While it’s an interesting attempt at something new, it doesn’t quite succeed, which unfortunately holds it back despite its originality.

11) Kirby: Triple Deluxe

With Kirby: Triple Deluxe, the series returned to its classic style of gameplay, emphasizing levels you move up and down and a sense of depth. The new Hypernova power offered creative puzzles and exciting moments, proving Nintendo was willing to try new things.

The game looks and feels nice, but it doesn’t take many risks. The levels are well-made, though not particularly inventive, and the story is simpler than even previous Kirby games. It’s a good game overall, but it doesn’t really stand out, making it an average title.

10) Kirby: Squeak Squad

In Squeak Squad, players focus on finding treasure chests and keeping track of their special abilities using an inventory. This makes the game more strategic, letting you save abilities for when you really need them. The game also features a cute group of mouse thieves called the Squeaks, who fit right in with the world of Super Mario!

Kirby’s latest game has a cheerful story about recovering stolen cake, but the gameplay can get a little samey. The levels are well-made, though not particularly remarkable. It’s an enjoyable game to play on the go, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential and isn’t especially unique.

9) Kirby: Planet Robobot

Kirby: Planet Robobot adds a cool mechanical twist to the classic Kirby gameplay with the introduction of the Robobot Armor. This armor completely changes how you play, offering powerful combat and puzzles that are different from typical Kirby levels. It’s a brand new feature for the series, making this game stand out from the rest.

The game’s sci-fi style feels new and exciting, and the boss battles are particularly well-done. While it still feels like classic Kirby, the new armor abilities keep the gameplay from becoming repetitive. Its inventive design and polished presentation make it stand out, but it does stray from the series’ traditional focus, which holds it back from being truly exceptional.

8) Kirby’s Dream Land 2

This new game brings back the popular copy abilities and animal helpers from Kirby’s Adventure, making the gameplay much more interesting. Each animal friend changes how Kirby’s abilities work, so players are encouraged to try out different combinations, much like they do when absorbing enemies.

Despite its adorable appearance, the game has a surprisingly serious and melancholic mood, suggesting deeper, more complex themes. Although restricted by the console’s capabilities, it boasts a strong atmosphere and improved gameplay, representing a significant step forward for the series. It’s a simple yet cleverly designed game that surpasses its predecessors and helped establish the now-common trend of Kirby games masking apocalyptic storylines with a cute facade.

7) Kirby’s Dream Land 3

Following the success of previous games, Kirby’s Dream Land 3 really focuses on telling a heartfelt story with a beautiful artistic style. Its unique, crayon-like visuals are still impressive, and the gameplay builds on what came before, making it even more polished and enjoyable.

The game motivates players to assist characters they meet with optional side quests, which makes the levels feel more meaningful. Although the battles aren’t very challenging, the game’s strong story and imaginative design make it special. It’s considered one of the most touching Kirby games, and it introduced many characters that fans still love today.

6) Kirby’s Return To Dreamland Deluxe

This updated game takes a classic Wii title and makes it even better with new content and helpful improvements. It’s designed for up to four players to team up and play together, and features well-crafted levels. Importantly, it’s also fun to play by yourself, giving you options for both cooperative and solo experiences.

The game is visually exciting thanks to its special abilities, and it maintains a great tempo throughout. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it perfectly captures the classic Kirby experience with updated graphics and gameplay. It’s easy to pick up and play, beautifully refined, and consistently enjoyable. Plus, it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone new to the Kirby series.

5) Kirby Super Star

Unlike most Kirby games with one long story, Kirby Super Star is actually a collection of several shorter, self-contained games. This keeps things interesting and lets each game showcase different abilities. Though sometimes seen as a side story, it still feels like a classic Kirby adventure, but with plenty of new and unique twists.

Adding helpful characters made it easier and more fun to play with others, and the ability to copy enemy powers was improved. Because it was so innovative and offered lots of ways to replay, this game became a fan favorite. Plus, the mini-games in this collection influenced the design of later games in the series and introduced mechanics that would be used in future titles.

4) Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Kirby’s Epic Yarn is a completely fresh take on the series, replacing fighting with creative platforming and puzzles that involve changing Kirby’s form. The game’s beautiful yarn-based art style makes each level look like a handmade craft. It was so successful that it inspired Yoshi’s Woolly World, a particularly delightful and well-loved game on the Wii U.

Though not challenging, this game is incredibly imaginative. Each level is beautiful to look at, and the calm speed makes for a surprisingly peaceful experience. It demonstrates that Kirby can succeed even without a lot of fighting, proving how adaptable the series can be. Nintendo really took a chance with this unusual game, and it definitely worked out.

3) Kirby’s Adventure

Kirby’s Adventure was a turning point for the series, defining what Kirby games would become known for. It introduced the now-famous copy abilities, instantly setting it apart from games like Mario. These abilities drastically change how you play, rewarding players for trying them all out. It’s fair to say the series wouldn’t be around today without this game, and it remains enjoyable and impactful even now.

The game features well-crafted levels, challenging and memorable bosses, and hidden secrets that make exploring worthwhile. Considering it was released early in the NES era, it’s surprisingly ambitious. Despite the limitations of the hardware, the graphics and gameplay were truly impressive for their time. Its lasting impact is undeniable, solidifying its place as one of the most significant Kirby titles ever created.

2) Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

What makes Kirby 64 special is its ability combination system. By mixing different copy abilities, you unlock completely new powers, which makes exploring each level more interesting and rewarding. This feature really enhanced the story, but it wasn’t the only highlight. The multiplayer mini-games, particularly Checkerboard Chase, kept players coming back for more even after finishing the main game.

This game tells a surprisingly touching story with some surprisingly dark moments, culminating in a memorable and somewhat unsettling finale. Despite its simple graphics, the gameplay and overall atmosphere are excellent. It’s easily one of the most creative Kirby titles, and it’s a beloved game among fans for a good reason. If any game in the series deserves a remake, it’s Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.

1) Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a fantastic achievement and arguably the best game in the series. Moving to a fully 3D world was a bold move that really succeeded. The game’s levels are brilliantly designed, offering a great mix of exploration, jumping challenges, and battles, all set in some of the most visually impressive locations the series has ever seen. Plus, it was wonderful to see Bandana Waddle Dee play a bigger role!

As a long-time Kirby fan, I have to say this new game is incredible! It’s got this really fun, creative twist with the ‘Mouthful Mode,’ but it also surprised me with how emotionally engaging the story is, especially considering the post-apocalyptic world they built. What I love most is that it feels true to everything I adore about Kirby, but it’s also not afraid to try new things. Honestly, it’s not just the best Kirby game ever, it’s easily one of Nintendo’s best platformers in years – and it looks amazing on the Switch 2!

The history of Kirby games showcases Nintendo’s knack for creativity while remaining true to what makes the series special. Starting with simple games and now featuring fully realized 3D environments, Kirby continues to evolve, demonstrating that even gentle heroes can be incredibly memorable. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a perfect example of this.

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2025-12-29 00:17