Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Worth It? Co-op, Age Rating

There’s something special about a game that wraps a post-apocalyptic world in cotton candy colors and a puffball hero. Kirby and the Forgotten Land manages just that — a cheerful adventure that doesn’t forget the grown-ups playing alongside their kids.

Metacritic Score: 85 out of 100 ·
Release Date: March 25, 2022 ·
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) ·
Waddle Dees to Rescue: 300 ·
Copy Abilities: 12 standard + Mouthful Mode ·
Sales (as of March 2023): 6.46 million copies

Six key specs that define the game at a glance:

Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land worth it?

What do critics say?

Kirby and the Forgotten Land holds a Metacritic score of 85, reflecting widespread critical praise (Metacritic). Reviewers highlight the transition to full 3D as a natural evolution for the series. EE GameSmart notes the “larger, more explorable 3D world” compared to previous entries.

What do players say?

Player reception is generally positive, though some GameFAQs users (gaming community forum) feel the difficulty is too low for experienced gamers. The game is particularly well-suited for families; GameFAQs users describe it as “good for people playing with a less-experienced player such as a kid.”

Is the game too easy?

The base difficulty is intentionally accessible. EE GameSmart describes the combat as “simple cartoon-style” that children with basic video game skills can enjoy. However, the inclusion of Wild Mode offers a harder challenge for those seeking more tension. With 300 Waddle Dees to rescue and numerous collectibles, the game provides substantial content even for completionists.

The implication is clear: this is a game that knows its audience and doesn’t apologize for it.

Can a 5 year old play Kirby and the Forgotten Land?

ESRB rating and content

The game carries an ESRB rating of E (Everyone) for “Mild Cartoon Violence” (ESRB (rating authority)). In Europe, it is rated PEGI 7 because of mild violence that lacks apparent harm to fantasy characters and sounds that may frighten younger children (EE GameSmart). Enemies disappear in puffs of smoke when defeated, and there is no blood or realistic injury.

Difficulty and assist options

With two difficulty modes at the start — Spring Breeze Mode (easier) and Wild Mode — the game lets parents choose the right challenge for their child. Common Sense Media (parental review site) recommends the game for ages 5 and up, citing the easy difficulty and absence of inappropriate content.

Is there any scary content?

Boss fights are “more intense and frenetic” according to EE GameSmart, and some larger bosses with glowing red eyes may frighten very young children. However, the game uses bright, cartoonish aesthetics and never crosses into nightmare territory. The post-apocalyptic setting is softened by abandoned architecture rendered in pastel tones — an abandoned mall, empty fairgrounds — that feel more curious than threatening.

The pattern confirms: this is one of the safest options for early 3D gaming.

Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land co-op?

How does co-op work?

Yes, the game supports 2‑player local co-op. Player 2 controls Bandana Waddle Dee, who uses a spear to attack and can help explore the 3D environments (Co-Optimus). The mode is optional — the whole story can be played solo.

Can you play the whole story in co-op?

Most main stages support co-op, though some side modes like the Colosseum and certain treasure challenges are single‑player only. A video commentary on YouTube (co-op discussion) calls the experience “genuinely fun and of high quality,” noting it works best when the less experienced player is the child.

What are the limitations?

The biggest drawback: Player 2 does not get access to the full range of Copy Abilities. Famiboards (gaming forum) users describe the co-op as “a bit poor” because Bandana Waddle Dee is limited to his spear. Co-Optimus agrees the experience is “uneven but fun most of the time.” Seasoned gamers may feel restrained, but for a parent playing alongside a child, it works perfectly.

What this means for families: the co-op mode is a tool for inclusion, not a competitive feature.

What is the release date and ESRB rating of Kirby and the Forgotten Land?

Release date history

Kirby and the Forgotten Land launched March 25, 2022 exclusively on Nintendo Switch (Wikipedia). No other platforms have been announced.

ESRB rating details

The ESRB rating is E (Everyone) with the descriptor “Mild Cartoon Violence” (ESRB). The European rating authority PEGI gives it a 7, citing mild, injury-free violence and occasional scary sounds (EE GameSmart).

Age recommendations from parents

Common Sense Media recommends the game for children ages 5 and up, based on its easy controls, non-violent combat, and cooperative play. Parent forum feedback on GameFAQs aligns with this recommendation.

What is the least sold Kirby game and how does Forgotten Land compare?

Worst-selling Kirby titles

The least sold main-series Kirby game is Kirby’s Dream Land 3 (1997), with approximately 1.48 million copies sold (Wikipedia (sales data)). Its late SNES release and limited marketing likely contributed to the low number.

Forgotten Land sales performance

In contrast, Kirby and the Forgotten Land reached 6.46 million copies by March 2023, making it one of the best-selling games in the entire series (Wikipedia). It trails only Kirby’s Dream Land (5 million) and Kirby Star Allies (2.7 million).

Why sales vary across the series

The series’ move to 3D, increased marketing, and the Switch’s large installed base all fueled Forgotten Land’s success. EE GameSmart notes the game’s appeal to a younger audience and the optional co-op as likely drivers of strong word-of-mouth.

The catch for Kirby enthusiasts: sales figures reflect a franchise that has grown significantly with its transition to 3D and the massive install base of the Switch.

Twelve specifications, one pattern: the game is built for accessibility without sacrificing content depth.

“A great big colorful joyride of an adventure.”

— YouTube review (gameplay commentary)

“The co-op experience is uneven but fun most of the time.”

— Co-Optimus (co-op review)

For families with a 5‑year‑old, the choice is clear: Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers a safe, joyful introduction to 3D platformers, with enough hidden depth to keep the adult player engaged. Its weak point — the limited co-op role for player 2 — turns out to be a strength when that player is a young child still learning the controls. The game doesn’t pretend to be a hardcore challenge, a choice that makes it a uniquely honest and fitting introduction for young players.

Families looking for a comprehensive guide can explore our Kirby and the Forgotten Land guide for detailed walkthroughs and co-op advice.

Frequently asked questions

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