Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

 Nintendo 64
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 111 Ratings

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  • Summary: Dart past enemies, soar the skies and swim the depths of the ocean as Kirby takes on Dark Matter in an all-new adventure. Inhale, exhale and swallow your enemies, then copy and combine their abilities and use them as your own! Team up with familiar friends and foes - like Waddle Dee and KingDart past enemies, soar the skies and swim the depths of the ocean as Kirby takes on Dark Matter in an all-new adventure. Inhale, exhale and swallow your enemies, then copy and combine their abilities and use them as your own! Team up with familiar friends and foes - like Waddle Dee and King Dedede - as you travel through dreamy worlds in search of the lost Crystal Shards.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Gaming Age
    91
    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.
  2. GamePro
    90
    He may be a pink puffball, but he's also an enemy-eating, power-stealing, fire-breathing bad ass.
  3. TotalGames.net
    86
    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.
  4. Games Radar
    75
    It's about as difficult as fighting your way out of a ripped paper bag.
  5. Happy Puppy
    75
    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.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. CNET Gamecenter
    70
    Simple, enemy-inhaling fun that's accessible but won't hold your attention for very long.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Electric Playground
    45
    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.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 36
  3. Negative: 3 out of 36
  1. zeta204
    Aug 16, 2012
    10
    Haters aside, a side-scroller Kirby game is one of the best games available for the N64. As someone with limited experience with the KirbyHaters aside, a side-scroller Kirby game is one of the best games available for the N64. As someone with limited experience with the Kirby franchise, I was really surprised by this game. The power-up system is pretty awesome and the game has decent graphics for a game on this platform. Over, this is an experience worth having.… Expand
  2. Omegamiko
    Apr 16, 2002
    10
    This game truly deserves a ten.
  4. BloonsM
    Jun 6, 2012
    10
    This game is a bit creepy.(Kirby ripping off his face as cutter.)But it's Awsome!I love combineing abilties.You can even combie two of theThis game is a bit creepy.(Kirby ripping off his face as cutter.)But it's Awsome!I love combineing abilties.You can even combie two of the same abilties!… Expand
  5. BasilZero
    Feb 1, 2014
    8
    Game: Kirby 64 The Crystal Shards
    Genre: Adventure/Platformer
    Developer: HAL/Nintendo System: Nintendo 64 (N64) Total Score: 78/100 Value    Game: Kirby 64 The Crystal Shards
    Genre: Adventure/Platformer
    Developer: HAL/Nintendo
    System: Nintendo 64 (N64)
    Total Score: 78/100
    Value Score: 7.8/10

    • Story: 8/10
    • Characters: 7/10
    • GamePlay: 7/10
    • Graphics: 9/10
    • Sound: 9/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 4/10
    • Replay Value: 7/10
    • Player Value: 7/10

    Pros
    +Combo Abilities and Powers are a nice addition
    +Allies having their own portion in the level design is nice and unique
    +Crystal Shards add a new level of challenge and may increase length value
    +Many old elements from past Kirby titles used which is great for nostalgic fans
    +Keeps the same formula in design and UI as past Kirby games.
    +Level design is well done
    +Bosses have two life bar phases now which add more length to boss fights
    +Storyline now is more detailed through cutscenes and characters have more personality shown.

    Cons
    -The lack of some notable abilities is a bit saddening (such as the Hammer and Sword abilities)
    -Some of the crystal shards will make you go to another level to achieve a ability instead of being able to get the ability you need in their respected levels - thus causing confusion on which ability you need.
    -Enemy characters are bland compared to previous Kirby games.
    -Mini boss fights are joke fights with stationary enemies unlike past Kirby games.
    -Gameplay and pace feels sluggish compared to past Kirby games.
    -Delays on certain ability attacks will leave players frustrated as some can lead to one's death or unnecessary damage    … Expand
  6. MrTacoBob
    Aug 30, 2017
    8
    A cute step to the 3D. The levels are colorful but basic for a 2D kirby game. The new story is decent. The gameplay with a few flaws is stillA cute step to the 3D. The levels are colorful but basic for a 2D kirby game. The new story is decent. The gameplay with a few flaws is still really good I recommend this game.… Expand
  7. neojotic
    Aug 27, 2020
    7
    For me it's a 7.5 and to me that's good. It's a standard Kirby game with appropriate graphics for the time it was released. There's nothingFor me it's a 7.5 and to me that's good. It's a standard Kirby game with appropriate graphics for the time it was released. There's nothing over the top about it when compared to other games from the same time but there's nothing disappointing about it at all.

    What you see is exactly what you get. You'll have fun playing this but it won't be as many hours as a DK64, Conker's Bad Fur Day or a Zelda game.    … Expand
  8. Bob
    May 2, 2003
    0
    This game is possibly the worst thing I have ever played. Don't buy it ever. It is just a piece of crap. I still wonder why people pay This game is possibly the worst thing I have ever played. Don't buy it ever. It is just a piece of crap. I still wonder why people pay so much for it on Ebay. I burned mine in a bonfire. NEVER EVER PLAY THIS GAME. its just dumb. Who wants a side-scroller on a 3-D system??… Expand

See all 36 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best N64 Game of 2000
5
#5 Most Discussed N64 Game of 2000
9
#9 Most Shared N64 Game of 2000