bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo Kirby Super Star Ultra

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Brings a forgotten classic back to life

Weaknesses: A bit short and a bit too easy

Summary: Kirby Super Star was originally a late-cycle Super Nintendo game. As such, it got forgotten in the days when everyone was upgrading to the Nintendo 64. This Nintendo DS version brings the classic 2D Kirby action game back to life. It is essentially the same game with a few unique DS features. The game was seemingly made for a portable system as it is essentially 6 smaller games. These are perfect for short bursts of portable gaming time. These parts of the original game are essentially the same as before. The DS features include the ability to play coop with a second system with or without a second copy of the game. However, if the second player does not have the game they are simply using their DS as a controller in the first person's game (meaning they have to look at the other DS to see what they are doing). Still, this is a nice touch that adds even more fun to the original game. Also new to the DS are video sequences at the beginning and endings of the levels. These are well done and a bit of present-day polish to the classic game. If you have likes any previous Kirby games this is a must-buy as it is a perfect fit for the DS.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 03 Weeks

Strengths: Kirby Super Star Ultra has alot of high quality full motion video that's made specifically for the DS game.

Weaknesses: Kirby Super Star Ultra has a slightly easy level of difficulty.

Summary: Instead of one, long platformer, the game is broken up into six shorter stories with events that seem to interweave between them. Each game is a short hour or two of Kirby action that fits the pick up and play model of the portable system. Nintendo definitely put a lot of effort into making the game feel like a native Nintendo DS original. Kirby Super Star Ultra definitely is a fun, quality DS adventure. The short and sweet adventure actually feels at home on the Nintendo DS, but the slightly easy level of difficulty might make this one a short-lived addition to your Nintendo DS library.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Playful game design. Friendly, accessible levels to all player skilltypes.

Weaknesses: Despite the solid gameplay, this game may be too easy for a hardcore gamer.

Summary: Kirby returns to the Nintendo DS in this expanded remake of "Kirby Super Star", released late in the lifespan of the Super Nintendo and was likely overshadowed by newer consoles and other games. From the start, you can play the adventure mode in a single player mode or co-operatively play with a friend via DS Wireless connectivity, who will control the helper assisting Kirby. Also, minigames are open from the start, making this a great pick-up-and-play game. The first level in adventure is only four levels in length and can be completed in 15 minutes or less, unlocking three more levels that can be completed in any level, giving the game more of a Mario Party feel in the design of the level-selection screen.Overall, this is a great game - although it is easy. Players of all ages will enjoy this game but hardcore gameers may want to move on to more challenging games once they've quickly mastered this remake.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 9 Days

Strengths: Upgraded Remake of Kirby Super Star for the SNES, new partner system is cool, lots of game modes and replay value, Classic Kirby gameplay

Weaknesses: Single card co-op is relegated to the second player looking at the first player's DS screen

Summary: This game is for anyone who enjoys simple platforming mixed with outrageous power-ups. It's a remake of the SNES version of Kirby Super Star which is probably one of the best Kirby games ever made. This revamped version finds a new home on the DS and it fits perfectly. Kirby Super Star Ultra contains a LOT of different games which vary from mini-games to full on story adventures. The difficulty doesn't increase too much as you tackle each story but the fun factor definitely goes up as you encounter newer foes to copy or turn into helpers. In this game, as well as the orginal, you can opt to turn your enemy into a helper. After you suck in an enemy you can press X to release him and he will fight alongside of you until you dismiss him. This works fairly well but can be a hinderance when he kills an enemy you want to copy. A second player can join in and take control of the helper if they have a seperate DS. But if they don't have the game then the single cartridge download forces the second player to look at the first player's DS screen in order to control the helper. This can be annoying so you might want to play co-op with multi-card play. The graphics are on par with other current DS iterations of Kirby games and the new animations for new powers are also really nice. All the classic tunes, such as Green Greens, from the original are included. Kirby may seem like a character made for kids but his appeal really is universal (just take a look at him in the Smash Bros. Series, he can hold his own). Overall this is a great game and well worth a purchase if you are a fan of Kirby or just like fun platformers where you steal enemy powers. Oh ya, Meta Knight is an unlockable playable character!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Excellent gameplay and variety.

Weaknesses: May harm people who don't like cute pink blobs. Some mini-games are sort of lame.

Summary: Kirby Super Star Ultra is a fantastic game, featuring several unique takes on the Kirby theme, ranging from exploration and treasure-hunting to boss rushes to mad dashes through timed levels. Super Star is likely the best Kirby game ever, with lots of interesting power-ups and abilities to keep things fresh. Highly recommended for 2D action/platformer fans.