Frantic vehicle action game Kirby Air Riders isn’t a brand-new game; rather, it is an enhanced and expanded version of Kirby Air Ride, released for GameCube in 2003. Today, Game Director Masahiro Sakurai appeared in a dedicated Direct presentation for the upcoming title, sharing details about its features and announcing a November release date.
There is a lot to cover here, so I recommend also watching the presentation for more in-depth details.
Here is a brief description of Kirby Air Riders, from Nintendo:
The Kirby Air Riders game is a wild action experience across land, sea and air that puts you in control of frenetic Kirby fun! Enhancing and expanding upon Kirby Air Ride, originally released for the Nintendo GameCube system in 2003, this new game will now give players a roster of riders to choose from, each with distinct characteristics and abilities. In addition, there are new Air Ride machines, returning game modes, and new Special moves! Kirby Air Riders is fast-paced mayhem from Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco Studios, Inc.
During the Kirby Air Riders Direct, Mr Sakurai shone a spotlight on several features, including riding techniques, boost charge, specials, riders, Air Ride machines, and copy abilities. Each Air Ride machine (or simply ‘machines’) has different forms and traits. They can sustain different amounts of damage, just like the riders. Most machines will glide through the air when you jump and reward you with speed if you make a perfect landing. You can also perform tricks like rail grinds, drifts, and more. The machines move forward automatically, so you’re not in control of their acceleration. The B button starts a Boost Charge and break. Releasing it activates a Boost Dash. The Y button is a Special button, activating your character’s unique Special move. Most characters have one Special, but Kirby has four — one per colour. Each rider also has traits that impact their machine’s weight, durability, and close-range attacks.
City Trial returns, now located on the floating island of Skyah. Drive around freely, collecting power-ups and attacking opponents to steal their machines or cause them to drop power-ups that can be used to upgrade your own. You’ll begin small and weak, but keep working until your ride is up to par. Random Field Events pop up unexpectedly, and you need to get there quickly. Events include Short Race, Dustup Derby, and more. Once you’re sufficiently powered, take your machine to a Stadium for competition.
Returning modes, per Nintendo, include:
- Air Ride Mode: In this mode, up to six riders can compete to cross the finish line first. Attack opposing riders and by hitting them you’ll gain small stars that increase your speed. What makes this experience unique is that you’ll compete by getting speed boosts via attacking! So go ahead and cut loose on your rivals! You can also follow the Star Slide – you speed up by following behind other riders and collecting the trail of stars in their wake. These extra speed boosts will help you leave your opponents in the (star) dust.
- Lessons: With all the different riders, machines, techniques and game modes – you may want a little time to practice. The Lessons mode allows you to learn the basics of the game and try out some of the more advanced gameplay mechanics.
Developed by Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco Studios, and published by Nintendo, Kirby Air Riders will be released on November 20 for Switch 2.
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