The original Kirby Air Ride nailed it when it came to gameplay, but was lacking when it came to any kind of story or unifying thread. Just three modes, a ton of objectives — go. For Air Riders, it looks like longtime fans and enjoyers of Kirby Lore will have something to savor after all thanks to a fourth mode that brings the other three together.
Called Road Trip, the mode will present you with various options for challenges. These can be races in both Air Ride and Top Ride style, stadium contests out of City Trial, or even events exclusive to Road Trip.
Along the way you’ll gather up in-game cash that can be spent on items to help your run. The best of these appear to be Air Ride machines themselves, which effectively serve as your lives. Once a machine is trashed, you’ll hop onto your next one. If you’re all out of machines, you’ll have to retire your run instead.
One of the more novel elements is the ability to collect items or characters from the Kirby series as a whole to then have a little scene play out. For example, you might be able to grab a Friend Heart from Kirby Star Allies or instead pick up longtime mook Poppy Bros. Jr. You’ll then run into Whispy Woods, who’ll either get befriended by the heart or blown up by a Poppy Bros. bomb.
Your choice will determine where you head next on your Road Trip, but I’m here for the callbacks. Where else am I going to see Kirby 64’s Magman in the year 2025, or have Mr. Bright face off with Super Star’s weird Computer Virus boss? It’s not just past games that are getting love here though; the mysterious rider teased at the end of the first Kirby Air Ride Direct is a part of this mode as well, and may cross your path as you progress.
There’s even a full story mode cutscene that’ll accompany this mode, shown at the end of today’s Direct. This has some interesting implications, both on the nature of Air Ride machines and the involvement of two phenomenal forces in the Kirby series — the Star Rod and Nova. Fans of Kirby’s Adventure and Kirby Super Star will recognize both of these, and seeing them back in an Air Ride sequel of all places is as surreal as it is exciting.
What awaits at the end of your Road Trip? What’s the deal with the inorganic lifeform Zorah, shown at the end of the Direct? We’ll find out when Kirby Air Riders arrives on November 20th! You can pre-order your copy on Amazon today.
Check out more Kirby content
Kirby Air Riders is bringing back every track from the first game
Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride demo event set for November
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
