Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Gaming Age

With fantastic level designs, great enemies and power-ups, as well as the addition of some fun and entertaining multiplayer modes, Kirby is a must have.

GamePro

He may be a pink puffball, but he's also an enemy-eating, power-stealing, fire-breathing bad ass.

Game Fan

A stunning example of unadulterated fun from yesteryear, tweaked only to take advantage of today's technology; the Nintendo 64 itself may age like vinegar, but the minds behind it continue to churn out fine wine.

Gaming Maxx

Although a few downsides, it is pretty much a good platformer that fans of classic games and Kirby games will defiantly need to pick up.

TotalGames.net

Shouts of "Who’s that bloody pink blob that keeps nicking my fruit?" rang across the office long after we should’ve all been hard at work on other things and it’s safe to say that Kirby 64 is going to be a game that will get a lot of use in the coming months.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

A short but sweet platformer that, unlike Kirby, definitely does not suck. [Jan 2004, p.189]

CheckOut

The only knock on the game is that it is not particularly lengthy when compared to a behemoth like "DK64."

Hot Games

Inoffensive, cute, and somewhat challenging, "Kirby 64" won't slay you with great graphics or spectacular gameplay, but it will keep younger gamers interested for quite a while.

Nintendorks

Whatever the reasons may be, just rent Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, ignore any qualms about difficulty or length and for the few days you have it proceed to bask in the glow of great fun emanating from your TV screen.

Antagonist -- Ant.com

Fans of the rotund wonder will be delighted, but newcomers to the Pink One may find the gameplay not challenging enough.

IGN

Make no mistake, "Kirby" is the amusement park prize goldfish of N64 games since most people will be through and done with this game, never to return, fairly quickly.

Happy Puppy

As revoltingly adorable as he is, Kirby can be quite a badass, and--if you give it a chance--you'll see that his new N64 adventure is pretty hardcore as well.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

It's about as difficult as fighting your way out of a ripped paper bag.

Daily Radar

Any young gamer age five to 10 will be overjoyed by all that "Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards" has to offer, while seasoned gamers will be left wanting more.

Nintendojo

Definitely pick this game up for your younger brother or sister but not for yourself because you will get rather bored of this game much quicker than your sibling.

Games Domain

Designed for and is aimed at young children. This isn't to say that it isn't a fun game, but the puzzles aren't going to be as challenging to an adult as they would be to your 5-year-old kid brother.

CNET Gamecenter

Simple, enemy-inhaling fun that's accessible but won't hold your attention for very long.

GameSpot

While some might be initially put off by the youthful nature of "Kirby 64," the depth of the power combo system really brings a lot to what would otherwise be an average platformer.

Da Gameboyz

Just don't expect the replay value to be very high, as most experienced gamers will likely not take too long to finish the entire game.

Game Critics

The best things that Kirby's adventures are known for, such as interesting abilities and great boss fights, have been thoughtlessly removed. We are left with what looks and controls like a Kirby game, but lacks the attention to detail and fun that made the series classic.

All Game Guide

Though Kirby's path is fairly well set and there isn't too much call for free-roaming exploration, there are lots of power-ups and hidden areas to keep the game interesting.

Electric Playground

It took forever for Kirby to make it to Nintendo 64 but truth be told, after this formulaic and instantly forgettable cartridge, nobody’s likely to start whining about how long it takes for the ol’ pink pudge to make his return. Pass on this one.