Kirby Star Allies is an approachable Nintendo Switch platformer built around turning enemies into allies, combining abilities, and playing local co-op with up to four people on one system. Critics generally found it charming and enjoyable, but divided over its low difficulty and lack of a major new idea. It is a better fit for relaxed play, younger players, or friends and family than for anyone seeking a demanding platformer.
What critics thought of Kirby Star Allies
Metacritic lists a 73 Metascore from 83 critic reviews, classed as mixed or average. Its review breakdown is 42 positive, 39 mixed, and 2 negative. Those figures, shown on the page accessed in 2026, reflect a split response rather than a consensus that the game is either a standout or a failure. Metacritic’s review page includes examples of critics praising the charm while objecting to the ease or limited innovation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Kirby Star Allies - Nintendo Switch | $52.89 | Buy on Amazon |
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![Switch - Kirby Star Allies - [PAL EU - NO NTSC] (Non-US Version)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hC6evoJTL._SL160_.jpg)
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Switch - Kirby Star Allies - [PAL EU - NO NTSC] (Non-US Version) | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Yoshi's Crafted World - Nintendo Switch | $52.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Nintendo Life’s 2018 review gave the game 7/10. Mitch Vogel praised its relaxing appeal, music, visual environments, and variety of powers, but argued that the short campaign, low difficulty, and familiar design may leave longtime fans wanting more. The score and review are an individual critic’s judgment, not a measure of every player’s experience. Read Nintendo Life’s review.
How the Friend mechanic works
Kirby uses Friend Hearts to charm enemies and bring them into the party. Nintendo describes a party of up to four characters; in solo play, companions can follow Kirby under AI control. Abilities can also be combined with elements to create friend abilities, adding ways to interact with enemies and obstacles. The hook is welcoming and gives the game its identity, though Nintendo Life’s review found that the combinations and helper AI did not create much extra challenge or novelty.
#1 Best Overall
- Use friend hearts to charm enemies and they'll fight alongside you! drop-in/drop-out co-op: up to three other players can take control of Kirby's new friends
- Play through the entire game with up to four players or with CPU friends Kirby and his friends have fresh moves thanks to new and expanded Copy abilities
- Combine abilities with elements such as wind and water to create new friend abilities some bosses and enemies are weak to certain elemental attacks, so remember to Strategize
- Battery: no battery used;Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Cartoon violence
The game draws on familiar Kirby abilities and characters as well as its new ally-focused play. That range and the cheerful presentation are strengths for players who enjoy Kirby’s established formula; players looking for a substantial reinvention may find the central idea and level design too familiar.
Is it good for solo play and local co-op?
It works both as a solo game with AI companions and as local multiplayer for one to four people on a single Switch system. Nintendo says each multiplayer participant needs a compatible controller, so plan for one per player if you want a full group. Solo play does not require extra controllers. Nintendo’s product page lists the one-system player count, and Nintendo UK’s page gives the controller requirement.
Co-op makes the game more sociable, but it can also make an already forgiving adventure easier: a full team can overwhelm many enemies and bosses. Nintendo Life notes that multiplayer’s appeal is clearest when played with friends. Choose it for relaxed group play, not for a co-op challenge that demands careful coordination.
Difficulty: welcoming, but rarely demanding
The accessible pace is one of the game’s clearest strengths for casual players and younger audiences. It is also the most consistent reservation in the reviews: experienced platform-game players may find ordinary stages and encounters too easy, especially with several allies helping Kirby. Nintendo Life describes the game as fun and relaxing while warning that a full team can reduce the challenge further.
Rank #2
- A free demo of Kirby Star Allies is available; you can download it from Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch
- Recruit up to three enemies as helpers by hitting them with hearts
- Returning copy abilities include sword, fire, water, bomb, broom and many more
- Up to four players can join in with the horizontal Joy-Con controller configuration or eight Joy-Con with four Joy-Con grips
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the international version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions.
One later mode changes that balance. Nintendo describes Heroes in Another Dimension, added through a free software update, as a challenging mode. It offers a more demanding option, but it does not erase the easygoing nature of the main adventure.
Campaign length and what you can do afterward
Nintendo Life calls the main campaign short. Its review also points to replay options that extend the game beyond the main route:
- Guest Star: play a run as a common enemy character.
- The Ultimate Choice: take on a boss gauntlet with adjustable difficulty and limited health refills.
- Collectibles and side games: look for puzzle pieces and play additional activities.
- Heroes in Another Dimension: a challenging mode added in a free software update.
These extras give completion-minded players and fans more to pursue, but they are not the same as a long main campaign. If you primarily want a substantial story-length platformer, the short campaign is worth weighing before you buy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Free updates and added Dream Friends
Nintendo UK says free software updates added Dream Friends from past Kirby adventures and a new game mode. These updates broaden the roster and give returning players more options. Nintendo’s US product page identifies Heroes in Another Dimension as a challenging mode. Nintendo UK documents the free updates; the pages establish the added content, not a separate paid expansion.
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- Explore each stage and then find even more secrets by making your way through the stage backwards on the flip side
- Overcome varied enemies and obstacles, like Zombie Guys, Skelesaurus, Ukiki, and Monty Mole as you seek out hidden collectables; ESRB Content: Mild Cartoon Violence; Genre: Action, Platformer
- Pass a Joy Con controller to a friend for 2 player cooperative exploration
- Clad Yoshi in collectable, protective, handicraft costumes as he makes his way through each stage
Should you buy Kirby Star Allies?
Consider Kirby Star Allies if you want an attractive, low-pressure platformer, enjoy Kirby’s characters and abilities, or want a simple local game for friends or family. It is less compelling if your priorities are a difficult campaign, a long main story, or a radical change to the Kirby formula.
Nintendo lists a physical Nintendo Switch edition and a March 16, 2018 release date. The product page lists TV, handheld, and tabletop play, and says the game behaves consistently when played on Nintendo Switch 2. These are Nintendo’s stated product details; current retailer stock and prices are not established here. Check Nintendo’s product listing for the edition and platform details. Nintendo also lists amiibo support, but the cited product information does not establish specific benefits for individual figures.
Verdict
Kirby Star Allies is a charming, accessible Switch platformer whose best fit is relaxed solo play or casual local co-op. Its allies, abilities, presentation, and post-game modes give Kirby fans plenty to enjoy, but the short campaign and low challenge keep it from being an essential pick for players seeking depth or difficulty.
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