Released in 1992 for the GameBoy, the original Kirby game introduced a clever new game play mechanic in addition to running and jumping through levels.  Kirby, a cute pink marshmallow-like creature, can also inhale air, allowing him to fly and also literally swallow his enemies.  This lead to the most unique aspect of the series; Kirby can gain the abilities of his enemies by inhaling them. 

Now, 8 years later, Nintendo has released the fifth game in the series, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.  The story involves evil “Dark Matter” stealing crystals from fairies on some far away planet.  Like the earlier games, the plot is meaningless and has no bearing on the game play.  Also like the earlier games, Kirby 64 remains essentially a side scrolling platformer.  The graphics are now drawn in 3D, but the action still takes place in a 2D field of movement as Kirby makes his way from left to right across colorful pastel worlds. 

The game is divided into multiple worlds (with such names as ‘Rock Star’ and ‘Pop Star’) with four or five levels apiece.  The goal is simply to survive each level while attempting to collect missing pieces of the crystal, which are generally well hidden.  It is unnecessary to collect the crystals to complete a level, but to see the best ending all the shards must be collected. 

The simple and colorful castles, clouds, deserts, and caves that come to life in 3D are faithful to the series.  Unfortunately, these graphics don’t stand up well to modern games.  With its low resolution, extremely simple textures, and blurry dithering, Kirby 64 looks more like an early N64 game rather than something from the company that recently brought us Donkey Kong 64.  The game’s music and sound are also very simple.  Though the tunes fit the game and are never grating, they would sound more at home on the GameBoy rather than on the N64.  Still, neither the graphics nor sounds detract from the game.

What really stands out in Kirby 64 is the precise control and interesting powers.  The d-pad is combined with just two main action buttons to jump and inhale enemies.  The new twist added to Kirby 64 is the ability to combine powers.  Inhale two rock type enemies to change Kirby into a hulking rock version of himself.  Fire and spikes create a flame sword that can be wielded or thrown at enemies.  Discovering all the possible combinations (some useful, some not) is the most interesting aspect of the game.  Unfortunately, at less than a quarter of the way through the game, all of the powers and combinations have already been introduced.  All that’s left is to use the strongest powers available to force your way through relatively generic platform game level design. 

Simple multi-player modes, mini-games, and the possible lure of collecting every crystal in the game may hold a lure for some players.  But the primary enjoyment of the game is removed far too quickly.  The simple, tight control, cute characters, and non-violent gameplay make this a perfect game for younger children.  Older players looking for classic Nintendo gaming are encouraged to rent, but may not get their money’s worth from a purchase.