Kirby Air Riders Review, Gameplay Impressions, Videos and Features

Kirby Air Riders is an exceptionally unique experience launching at the perfect time for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Sandwiched between games that are predominantly solo-player experiences like Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and next month's Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders provides Nintendo fans with another much-needed multiplayer experience. While the game is jam-packed with content, including modes for solo play, Kirby Air Riders is the perfect blend of racing and combat for gamers looking for a fantastic party game this holiday season.

Even with Mario Kart World being the premier launch title for Switch 2 in June, Kirby Air Riders sets itself apart in many ways to become a must-play for Switch 2 gamers.

Gameplay Impressions

Fans may wonder why Nintendo would release two games in the racing genre in such a short time period in the launch months of their new console but those questions are quickly set aside because Kirby Air Riders is completely different from other racing games. Directed by Masahiro Sakurai of Super Smash Bros. fame, the aggressive gameplay makes it more a combat driving game than a traditional racer or party racer like Mario Kart. 

The gameplay is reminiscent of a roller derby because so much of the race is about gaining power-ups to attack other drivers en route to the finish line. Since the machines automatically accelerate, gameplay feels more like an on-rails shooter because that's where most of the decision making and combat plays a role for the player but still needing to navigate the course and obstacles.

While the control scheme is very simple because only a few buttons are required for actions, players can drift, inhale NPCs and items for certain abilities, take flight off ramps and build up to unique Special Attacks during the flashy combat and racing. It helps that the Tutorial mode is fantastic in clearly showcasing each specific action in addition to advanced mechanics. Even for those who have played 2003's Kirby Air Ride, the Tutorial should be the first stop to get accustomed to the unique gameplay. Players can also watch replays of certain races to see how each racer performed and to better understand the different techniques.

Races are absolutely jaw-dropping spectacles that are meticulously crafted so that there's no wasted opportunity to present an awe-inspiring experience at every moment. Each distinct track features different layouts depending on the mode. These are some of the most diverse and dynamic courses in Nintendo's exceptional history of racing games. Most courses feel like a mix of Mario Kart and F-Zero while incorporating the Kirby style and flair that people are familiar with from the series. There's obstacles, shifting camera angles, verticality and depth throughout the many courses available that sometimes it feels like riding a dynamic rollercoaster. Races are quick, so there's always the itch for 'just one more race.' 

Similar to Smash Bros. Ultimate, there's tons to unlock, including new drivers and machines. There's many details and easter eggs packed into the courses that it can be difficult to appreciate while races are actually happening until watching back on replays or watching others play, but the clear attention to detail and overall care is evident immediately. A standout of the game is the incredible variety, which makes it an ideal party game alongside Mario Kart World. Both games are unique racers, while Kirby Air Riders is perfect for extremely quick matches compared to Mario Kart World and other racing games. 

The Top Ride mode is a quick, top-down style racing that feels similar to the old-school RC Pro-Am series from the NES but far more intense and chaotic. These races can be completed in less than one minute so it's the perfect pick-up-and-play mode and especially for gamers who want to play quick matches with friends or family.

The City Trial mode is one of most adrenaline-fueling, jam-packed modes in a racing game. Players are driving around a big open area with many other racers collecting various items and power-ups. As drivers are speeding by, there will be plenty of attacks and collisions. This feels reminiscent of the Balloon Battle from Mario Kart but with a heavier 'destruction derby' vibe that will generate endless fun and chaos. While in the City Trial mode, players can also hop into the Stadium mode to play more than a dozen diverse minigames. For example, easily one of the most thrilling minigames is Drag Race, where four drivers speed down a single lane to cross the finish line first. 

Aside from the multiplayer suite, Road Trip is the star of the show that will keep players entertained. This story mode allows the player to level up drivers and experience a ton of different types of minigames and races. Players will drive down a multitude of courses and each checkpoint typically contains one of three potential minigames for the player to choose, which may include a unique variable on the typical minigame. Each of these checkpoints will also feature potential rewards, such as upgrading boost or obtaining currency to spend at the shop to improve stats or unlock machines. 

The RPG-esque nature of the leveling system allows the player to have a greater sense of agency and control into how they want to build their character throughout the journey. It's always rewarding to level up and feel the driver's improved stats over the course of different races and minigames. The story mode contains epic cutscenes that are a pure treat for Kirby fans. The story mode is an unpredictable and wild adventure that could easily be turned into a full-length feature film because of the grand-scale action and fantastic soundtrack. 

Conclusion

Overall, Kirby Air Riders is a phenomenal alternative to Mario Kart World that fills a unique void in the Switch 2 library. It expertly blends vehicular combat with the unpredictability of racing. Featuring stunning graphics, vibrant colors and movie-quality art style that are all among the cleanest ever on a Nintendo platform, Kirby Air Riders is a true showcase for the Switch 2.

The presentation is similar to the Smash Bros. series so it will be a familiar experience for fans of Sakurai's unique style but mixed with a Kirby aesthetic. The combat is simple to understand so that gamers of all ages can play and have fun but those who choose to master the intricacies will surely create some of the most memorable moments in a racing game.

Kirby Air Riders checks every box for Nintendo gamers as it comes complete for solo and multiplayer experiences. Packed with collectibles and various modes, Kirby Air Riders is another spectacular release for the Switch 2.