Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Games review
As of Oct 22, 2026, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is rated 85/100 on Metacritic (142 critic reviews), and 85/100 on OpenCritic (151 critic reviews). Each source is shown in its own units, never blended into one score.
Different sources measure different things, so each is shown in its own units and never merged into one number.
Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land worth it in 2026?
Kirby and the Forgotten Land successfully transitions the franchise into 3D platforming, earning matching 85/100 scores across both OpenCritic and Metacritic. Sampled reviewers widely praise its whimsical charm, inventive Mouthful Mode, and breezy accessibility, though real challenge is largely confined to hunting down hidden Waddle Dees and completing secret objectives. On the downside, individual critiques caution that the core design plays things safe, with one reviewer noting that the game's initial joy burned out well before the credits. It stands as an imaginative, feel-good platformer best suited for those who appreciate relaxed progression over demanding hurdles.
Players looking for an inventive, delightfully whimsical 3D platformer with relaxed pacing and optional completionist goals.
Anyone seeking demanding core platforming, as the main path offers little resistance and isolated reviews note the safe design can cause its early spark to fade.
AI-generated editorial synthesis of the source scores and sampled review themes, not a hands-on test. Reviewer experiences and allegations are not independently verified facts.
Pros
- successful 3d platforming8
see reviews +-
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an adorable 3D platformer that feels like a major step forward for the long-running franchise.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land successfully warps the series' classic mix of ability-based combat, platforming, and secret hunting into the third dimension.
- Kirby's long anticipated move to 3D platforming sees the series step up to a new level of invention and wonder.
- inventive gameplay5
see reviews +-
- Kirby's long anticipated move to 3D platforming sees the series step up to a new level of invention and wonder.
- Kirby's latest adventure is an absolute treat and one you won't want to miss. With more open platforming in an eye-grabbing 3D world, a generous helping of fantastic features in Wa...
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the biggest and most inventive entry in the long-running franchise.
- charm and whimsy5
see reviews +-
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an adorable 3D platformer that feels like a major step forward for the long-running franchise.
- Unless you’re aiming to find every Waddle Dee and complete every secret objective, Kirby and the Forgotten Land won’t challenge you, but it sure as hell will keep you smiling. Most...
- Kirby thankfully remains as charming as ever and this new adventure can effortlessly provide hours of glee.
- accessible difficulty4
see reviews +-
- Unless you’re aiming to find every Waddle Dee and complete every secret objective, Kirby and the Forgotten Land won’t challenge you, but it sure as hell will keep you smiling. Most...
- Try it if you're looking for a break from the punishing difficulty you might be finding in other games these days.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a little safe at points to make it a proper all-timer, but I’m not sure that was ever the intention. It’s a game that is easy to like, can be played...
- mouthful mode feature3
see reviews +-
- Kirby's latest adventure is an absolute treat and one you won't want to miss. With more open platforming in an eye-grabbing 3D world, a generous helping of fantastic features in Wa...
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a little safe at points to make it a proper all-timer, but I’m not sure that was ever the intention. It’s a game that is easy to like, can be played...
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a great big colourful joyride of an adventure for our little pink pal. This first fully three dimensional mainline entry in the franchise is burstin...
Cons
- fading appeal1
see reviews +-
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land burns too brightly, too soon, and that initial joy was hard to recall by the time the credits rolled.
- overly safe design1
see reviews +-
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a little safe at points to make it a proper all-timer, but I’m not sure that was ever the intention. It’s a game that is easy to like, can be played...
Themes and quotes are drawn from 20 sampled reviews with text. Each score above uses its source's displayed count. Theme counts are how many of the sampled reviews mention each point.
Rated near Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Closest scores in games, on the same source.