Kirby's Adventure

Kirby's back and the NES has him. Already a Game Boy legend, the rotund puffhead comes to the 8-bit system with six, count 'em, six big megs of action! If you aren't yet a fan of Nintendo's Kirby, you will be once you start playing this addicting game.

You Are What You Eat

Everything that made the hand-held Kirby's Dream Land enjoyable has been retained and improved in Kirby's Adventure. He still lives on the distant Art Deco-inspired star called Dream Land, and he's still battling his archenemy, King Dedede. This time the King has split the Star Rod into pieces, which means nobody in Dream Land can dream at night. Only Kirby can find the missing pieces in this side- scrolling search that takes him through seven immense levels and into combat with dozens of imaginative enemies.

As in his Game Boy debut, the Kirbster still runs and floats across land and sea, Hoovering up enemies and blowing them back out against oncoming attackers. He also swallows points, extra lives, and health-restoring foods. A major enhancement over the Game Boy version is Kirby's new ability to adopt his enemies' powers when he devours them, meaning Kirby's now armed with Hammers, Fire- Balls, Lasers, Porcupine-Needles, and over a dozen other abilities. A large display across the bottom of the screen tells you at a glance what ability Kirby's sporting, as well as his number of lives and your overall point total.

Dreamy Graphics

One of the best parts of this game is its overall look. The detailed monochromatic backgrounds on the Game Boy now explode with color on the NES. Hidden caves, desert pyramids, and churning oceans abound in the wonderful world of Dream Land. The special effects are, well, special. Pick any level, and you'll find innumerable graphic flourishes. For instance, as Kirby walks around the brick Butter Building in Level 3, it rotates past him (a rare effect in 8-bit games). Also check out the gorgeous flowing fountains in the Crape Garden, or the darkened castle chambers that only get lit when Kirby swallows a light. The only complaint is with the sprites: They're often too small to identify, and you miss some of their humorous details.

In addition, the sounds add a symphony of delights to the game. Each character has its own signature squeak and the music changes with each new encounter.

Kirbeus Maximus

Each level offers three Bonus Games: Crane Fever (the familiar carnival game where you pick up items with a crane); Egg Catcher (face off against the King in the ring); and the hilarious Quick Draw Kirby (see who's got the fastest Button A in the West). At the end of the game, after you've defeated King Dedede, expect two more rounds of wild shoot-em-up action. Whatever the challenge, Kirby's up to it, because the game's simple controls enable him to move easily and react quickly. In fact, the controls are as well-rounded and smooth as Kirby himself.

Grading on the Kirby

Kirby's Adventure is as good as the 8-bit Mario games, which is great news for NES owners. Now, instead of looking longingly at 16-bit systems, you can look in wonder upon the marvels of Dream Land, a place of endless fun and adventure.

Originally on the GameBoy, this popular title is now going to be enhanced for the NES. While the largest addition to this game is color, fans will find all new secrets and a lot more fun.

Like before, Kirby must travel through a variety of lands that are full of challenges. If you liked the GameBoy version, you'll love this enhanced cart. It's loaded with the action die-hard players demand in their adventures.

Eat your way to the next phase of the "Kirby" saga by Nintendo for the everlasting NES. This time Kirby is linking up with former foe King Dedede. The two are on a mission to save the Dream Spring. The Star Rod, a tool the spring derives its energy from, has broken into pieces. Kirby and the King must put the Rod back together to keep the Spring. Can you join the duo to save their dreams?