Kirby Air Riders review: Simple controls, surprising depth

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I’ve always loved how easy it is to jump into a Kirby game. They’re usually super simple to play – a lot of them you can get by with just one button! But that doesn’t mean they’re not deep. There’s always tons of stuff to find and little details to learn if you really want to get good. Even Kirby Air Ride, which came out a while ago, was different from other racing games because it was so easy to pick up and play with friends – it was all about having fun!

After more than 20 years, Kirby Air Riders is back with improvements that keep the original’s simple gameplay intact. It offers a more complete experience for both new players and longtime fans looking for a racing game that doesn’t try to imitate Mario Kart. The game also proves that Kirby games don’t need complex features to be enjoyable.

One Button Wonder

Don’t expect Kirby Air Riders on the Switch 2 to play like a typical Mario Kart game. It’s intentionally different! Like the first game, you’re always moving forward. You use just one button to drift, brake, and then accelerate. That same button also lets you get near opponents to either swallow them and throw them at other racers, or copy their powers to use as attacks and gain an advantage during the race.

All of that—just from one button.

At first glance, Air Riders seems straightforward, but mastering the game requires a good amount of practice. It features detailed tutorials covering essential skills like swerving, braking, and using special abilities effectively. Plus, each rideable machine handles differently, adding to the challenge. Some machines prioritize speed and control without boosting, while others trade swerving for the ability to stop abruptly and launch in a new direction.

In Kirby’s adventures, instead of collecting items, he gains abilities by inhaling enemies – like the power to slice, shock, or turn into a rolling ball! Playing well – dealing damage, taking turns strategically, and racing quickly – fills up a meter, letting you unleash a powerful, character-specific special attack. While Air Riders seems simple at first, it actually has a lot of depth and rewarding mechanics to learn, making it more enjoyable the more you play.

City Trial Stumbles

With Air Riders, you can enjoy the classic game modes like Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride. The main attraction is Air Ride, where you can race against the computer or friends in fast-paced, arcade-style competitions. You’ll likely spend most of your time here, but be aware that it takes some getting used to – your friends might need a little practice before they get the hang of it. Unlike Mario Kart, which is easy for anyone to play, Air Riders—even with its simple one-button controls—requires more skill and understanding to master.

City Trial is back and better than ever, with a massive new map and the ability to play with more friends! The main idea is to grab power-ups to create the ultimate vehicle before the timer hits zero and you move onto a Stadium mini-game. These mini-games test different vehicle types – soaring through a gliding challenge needs a focus on glide stats, while a fast drag race is all about speed.

City Trial’s biggest issue is its lengthy preparation phase. You have five minutes to explore the island, collect boosts, and mess with other players’ vehicles. However, once the main event begins, the challenge is completely random. This means carefully building for one type of race – like focusing on speed – can leave you at a huge disadvantage if you end up in a different type of competition. A fast bike isn’t much help in a gliding challenge, for example. Luckily, the Stadium mini-games are enjoyable on their own and contribute to the game’s lively, party atmosphere.

PROS:

  1. Approachable one-button controls with amazing depth potential once you get used to everything;
  2. robust set of modes for multiplayer and solo fun;
  3. lots of customization options and rewards to strive for.

CONS:

  1. City Trial needs reworking as it takes too long and feels unfair at times;
  2. not the most pick-up-play-friendly game out there as you need to learn the controls to know what you are doing.

Game Modes Galore

Top Ride is a fun change of pace, giving you a bird’s-eye view and unique controls. Its tracks are packed with crazy obstacles and traps, making it feel more like a Mario Party game than a traditional kart racer. It’s a great, lighthearted option for when you want something a little sillier.

The game features a robust single-player campaign called Road Trip, where you progress through chapters that combine different game types. As you play, the challenges get harder, and you can use your winnings to improve your vehicle’s performance. Expect lots of racing, plus unique stadium challenges and the occasional boss battle.

It’s fascinating to see the connection between Kirby Air Riders and Masahiro Sakurai’s Super Smash Bros. series. Many of the iconic power-ups from Smash actually first appeared in Kirby Air Ride, and playing Air Riders feels like going back to where they originated. The game includes familiar elements like an announcer calling out character names and menus with a Smashlike design. The Road Trip mode is often reminiscent of Smash‘s single-player experiences, featuring unique challenges and themed battles. Plus, the soundtrack features music from previous Kirby* games, and players can even customize the songs that play during races.

Final Thoughts

Beyond just looking good, Air Riders is full of things to collect. You’ll earn rewards – like new racers, music, and machines – for almost everything you do! You can customize your experience with items like stickers and hats, whether you’re playing alone or with others. The game also has checklists for each mode that help you unlock more content by completing challenges, and you can even start those challenges directly from the checklist instead of during a race.

Air Riders builds upon what made the first game great and expands on those ideas. While its controls and social gameplay might not appeal to all players, those who stick with it will find a game with surprisingly complex mechanics, unique concepts, and diverse machine characteristics.

The game’s main weaknesses stem from some of its design choices. City Trial, which could have been a highlight, relies too much on luck. While the simple one-button controls are appealing, they also hold the game back compared to newer racing titles. However, even with these drawbacks, Kirby Air Riders is enjoyable and charming enough to keep you playing – either for short, fun sessions or to share with friends.

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2025-11-27 12:34