Two classics come back...Part One

I had the chance to play two of Nintendo's latest titles for the Wii. The Wii has proven to be the platform for family and casual gameplay. Before I had kids I played a lot of Playstation. The difference is I was playing games like Splinter Cell, Metal Gear Solid, Stars Wars Battlefronts and the like. They were games about war and espionage. Not family-friendly.

The Playstation is gone now. We have the Wii. I've already raved about New Super Mario Brothers for the Wii. As new games come out I get more excited about this game system. Nintendo has made playing video games not only family appropriate, but also family fun. Up to four players at a time means less arguing over taking turns. Childish themes with solid gameplay means even adult can have fun without going over the kids' heads.

Now Nintendo has brought back two classics. Kirby returns in Kirby's Epic Yarn. For those who don't remember this puffy, pink hero, Kirby came out for Gameboy and the NES in 1992. He could suck in enemies and copy their attacks.The game did well and a long series of sequels has come out for the various Nintendo platforms over the years.

Kirby returned this year. Unlike Super Mario Bros., which seemed to harvest the very best from Mario games and incorporate them into one title, Kirby Epic Yarn puts Kirby into a new world with new problems and new ways to solve them. In the fabric-and-thread universe of Epic Yarn, Kirby cannot suck enemies in, he has no 'in'. He and all his surroundings are cast in yarn. Instead he must shape shift or unravel his opponents as he may. Beads, buttons, and patches are the currency of the land and you'll have to collect them to move forward. The graphics are beautiful and the challenges are interesting. There's extras for those who love extras, but the main storyline is engaging (to a child) and will keep you moving. The game is not difficult; many enemies don't even hurt you, you just bounce off them. When Kirby falls in battle, you're carried back into action by a yarn-angel right where you left off, sans your collected beads. You turn the Wii remote side-ways (also like Mario) to play and only use two buttons and the directional pad to control Kirby. This is about as simple as it gets in video games. This is an excellent game for the ten and under set. My kids loved it.

If your looking for a new game this season to share with the family, give Kirby Epic Yarn a try.

Next post, Donkey Kong Country Returns.