Kirby Air Riders, recently released for the Nintendo Switch 2, is presented as a follow-up to the 2003 Kirby-themed kart racing game for the GameCube. The game features Kirby, a character developed by Masahiro Sakurai, engaging in races that emphasize course navigation rather than speed. Players navigate intricate tracks while encountering a variety of enemies from the Kirby series.
In contrast to traditional racing games, Air Riders does not include an acceleration button. Players are automatically propelled forward and must use a brake button to manage their speed and navigate corners. The brake can also charge the player’s machine for a speed boost, requiring a temporary halt in forward motion.
The game offers a range of machines, each with unique properties that affect their handling, diverging from the common acceleration and braking stats of other kart racers. For example, the Swerve Star can only change direction while charging, resulting in a bouncing motion across the track, while the Bulk Star requires charging to accelerate but compensates with high speed and durability.
Customization features are among the game’s highlights. Players can spend considerable time on the vehicle customization screen, where they can modify colors, patterns, and effects for their machines and Rider Cards. These options allow detailed adjustments, such as rotating and transforming designs to suit personal preferences.
Additionally, Air Riders includes an online shop where players can share and purchase custom creations using in-game currency. This approach aims to avoid the typical microtransaction models found in many games. Despite some reported issues, the level of creativity displayed in the customization options has received attention from players.
Overall, players are engaging deeply with the customization system, often prioritizing it over racing itself, using races primarily as a means to earn currency for more customization opportunities.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/826488/kirby-air-riders-nintendo-switch-2-vehicle-customization