Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Over the year's, Kirby has cemented himself as being an iconic, albeit under-appreciated character in the Nintendo universe.  While games in the Kirby series were solid in their own right they weren't necessarily innovative and were generally minimalist interpretations of other side-scrolling platformers like the Mario or Donkey Kong series.  Although Kirby Canvas Curse did make use of the Nintendo DS's stylus, this was as far as the series would go to being truly innovative; however with Kirby's Epic Yarn having recently debuted at this year's E3, people can't help but talk about (or oggle over) this refreshing change in the Kirby series. 

Kirby's Epic Yarn is presented in a world made entirely of textiles, even the character himself.  In the latest Kirby game, the pink puff has been stripped of his iconic swallowing ability, instead relying on yarn to unwind enemies, swing from platform to platform or grab zippers and flaps in order to unlock items and progress through the level.  This change in environment interaction and gameplay serves as a creative slant to a generally mediocre, side-scrolling platformer  and lets players explore every nook and cranny of their surrounding environment in order to find various secrets.   This concept feels new and refreshing and certainly adds some flair to the game as a whole. 

If that weren't enough, Kirby's Epic Yarn also incorporates a co-op system in the light of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.  While not nearly as competitive Epic Yarn still allows players to duke it out, even if in a more subtle fashion. Players still get in each other's way, however, which can prove to be annoying when intentions are misconstrued.  At the same time, characters will need to work together in order to progress.  At one point in the game, both characters morphed into a giant machine where one character punched with an enormous, gloved fist and the other shot missiles from the top.  At the end of the day, the co-op isn't nearly as good as in Kirby's Dream Land 3, but it's still a nice addition to an already enjoyable game.

Kirby's Epic Yarn has been noted as being one of E3 2010's biggest surprises and for good reason.  With the game being released on the Nintendo Wii this fall, it's definitely not worth missing. 

Lv42′s E3 Favorites

E3 has come and gone, and of course that mean's that there is plenty of time to talk about what we liked, or in some cases, didn't. Each of our writers has outlined (roughly) two things that they were most excited about at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

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