Kirbygames are some of the simpler platformers under Nintendo’s umbrella, often designed with entry-level players in mind. However, it is also a tradition for those releases to feature sub-games that serve different purposes. Some like variations of The True Arena addmore challenging boss rushes, while others are minigames with entirely unique mechanics - many spinning off as full experiences down the line.Kirby and the Forgotten Landshould have similar sub-games if it follows the trend established by 1993’sKirby Adventureon NES.
Announced during theSeptember 2021 Nintendo Direct,Kirby and the Forgotten Landwill be the pink puffball’s second adventure on the Switch after 2018’sKirby Star Allies, and his first ever as a 3D platformer. The scope of the game is still unclear, but sub-games are likely to return. They could be simple party games, but it would also be interesting to see HAL Laboratory bring back a more complex idea like the recurring Meta Knightmare mode.
RELATED:Kirby and the Forgotten Land Might Be Missing Some Key Characters
A History of Meta Knightmare Modes
The first Meta Knightmare appeared as an unlockable postgame mode inKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, a remake ofKirby’s Adventurereleased forGame Boy Advancein 2002. It had a simple concept: Players could re-experience the main story as Meta Knight, this time with a slightly different narrative focused around the mysterious anti-hero going on a journey to become stronger. Meta Knight plays like Kirby with a Sword copy ability, but has slightly different weight and flight physics using his wings
While that original take on the idea felt like a simple victory lap for players who enjoyed the base game, it would be expanded in a number of future titles.Kirby Super Star Ultra, a remake ofKirby Super Starreleased on DS in 2008, featured Meta Knightmare Ultra. This sub-game saw Meta Knight completing five adventures that Kirby already overcame inSuper Star Ultra: Spring Breeze, Dyna Blade, The Great Cave Offensive, Revenge of Meta Knight, and Milky Way Wishes. Helping Meta Knight through this gauntlet are brand-new special moves that can be activated as he defeats enemies, such as summoning a Sword Knight helper or a screen-clearing Mach Tornado.
What made Meta Knightmare Ultra really stand out from the pack was its introduction of Galacta Knight. WhereasMarx uses a wish from the comet Novato become an all-powerful god at the end of Milky Way Wishes, Meta Knight asks to fight the greatest warrior in the galaxy. Galacta Knight has become a staple endgame boss in the franchise ever since, and appears again at the end of the Meta Knightmare Returns mode in 2016’sKirby: Planet Roboboton 3DS. This final sub-game expanded Meta Knight’s capabilities even further.
RELATED:Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Whispy Woods Needs a Radical Redesign
How Meta Knightmare Could Fit Into Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby: Triple Deluxe, released in 2014 on 3DS, introduced a similar mode called Dededetour that let the titular King take over rather than Meta Knight. Both would also be playable again as Dream Heroes in the Guest Star ???? sub-game released withKirby Star Allies, but with less of an original story and no truly unique mechanics. AsKirby and the Forgotten Landis the second main entry in the franchise to release on Switch, it’s also the perfect opportunity for an expansive new Meta Knightmare mode.
Not a lot is known about the overarching narrative inKirby and the Forgotten Land, but based on what was shown in the reveal trailer there’s a potentially clear avenue to travel down. Instead of Kirby washing up on the shores of the eponymous Forgotten Land, Meta Knight could be shipwrecked after some accident on the Halberd. From there either he needs to find a way back home, or he could seek out true power from whatever entity inevitably appears in the endgame.
The most interesting ideas behind previous Meta Knightmare modes could return and potentially be more potent thanks toKirby and the Forgotten Land’s transition into 3D. Meta Knight’s unique take on swordfighting and special moves could have different effects across the Z-axis, such as creating a wider tornadoreminiscent of hisSuper Smash Bros.attack. It would also offer an excuse to bring Galacta Knight into 3D, especially after his potentially canon transformation into Morpho Knight duringStar Allies' Guest Star ???? mode. Whether HAL Laboratory goes this route with sub-games or takes things easier for the transition into 3D will have to be seen next year.
Kirby and the Forgotten Landreleases in spring 2022 for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Kirby and the Forgotten Land Should Bring Back The Crystal Shards' Ability Mixing
