Even the water stages are enjoyable.
I had a chance to check out Kirby's Epic Yarn again at Nintendo's offices, one more time before it releases. This time, I saw levels based on two forms of H2O, Water Land and Snow Land, as well as Space Land.
Water Land was home to a cool dolphin transformation. Acting much like the frog suit in Super Mario Bros. 3, the Dolphin ability let Kirby and Fluff swim against bubbling currents. But, it was so much better than the frog suit, giving the ability to smash enemies. Underwater stages are usually dreaded in platformers (Donkey Kong Country Returns is even omitting them), but as dolphins, they were actually fun. Gliding and looping moves were executed effortlessly. Gaining speed underwater, Kirby could also blast off above the surface to perform tricks in the air. There was one amusing spot where a bonus was unlocked by throwing basketballs into a hoop, as you might see in a marine park dolphin show. Some of the transformations are almost games unto themselves, as you can see in the rocket transformation a la shoot-em-up video below.
In the winter holiday-themed Snow Land, Kirby's car transformation turns into a sled transformation. In this form, you can build up speed to rocket off ramps. By this time, I've become accustomed to the fact that you can't fly in this game, and the float ability actually came into play in an area where upward wind gusts catch Kirby's parachute form to bring him upward. Space Land included a train stage -- one where you ride the train along a fast roller-coaster rather than become one.
These later levels were a bit more difficult, but not especially more so than earlier ones; however, more of the hidden items require a bit of planning to get to, particularly if you're playing solo. That is, parts of the level may be closed off before you realize that you needed to get there, and can only be reached by playing the level again.
I wrapped up my playtime in a battle with series antagonist, King DeDeDe, though he is not quite himself. Transformed into yarn and under the control of an unseen puppeteer, DeDeDe performs many of his trademark attacks such as the hammer and body smash. Along with the usual strategies, players must tear out the buttons attached to the yarn holding DeDeDe hostage to defeat him.
Though relatively linear, the game entices you inspect every nook and cranny, and the levels are simply a joy to explore. A pair of good players can develop a synergy that can make easy, but fun work of a stage. The charming and cohesive presentation really makes a difference in this regard. Kirby's Epic Yarn launches in North America on October 17, but before then, we have a bunch of videos for you to watch below.