Kirby Air Ride

 GameCube
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 6 out of 28
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  1. Nintendo Power
    84
    Kirby has surprising depth and greater challenge than you might think. [Dec 2003, p.139]
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  2. Play Magazine
    83
    The multiplayer is a blast and the challenge level is very, very high when the CPU is cranked up. [Nov 2003, p.90]
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  3. GameNow
    83
    The real fun began when I grabbed a few friends and switched from the main Air Ride to the Top Ride and City Trial modes. [Nov 2003, p.66]
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  5. GamePro
    80
    It's more different than fun, but once you get the hang of it, Air Ride's quirks become strengths.
  6. Deeko
    80
    Anyone from 5 years of age to 95 years of age can pick up a controller and compete for first place. That's the beauty of it, the incredible universal appeal that it offers.
  7. Nintendophiles
    78
    If you pick up Kirby Air Ride expecting a great racing experience, you're not going to find it, go buy "F-Zero GX." The level themes seem more like platformer worlds than racing environments.
  8. TotalGames.net
    77
    Despite the huge amount of secrets to unlock we can't envisage this lasting too long and it might be just too sugary for a lot of people. But if you're looking for something to play with the whole family, or with a lot of friends then this is perfect. [Import]
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  9. NintendoWorldReport
    75
    A less-than-stellar multiplayer package coupled with an impressively addictive solo racer, Kirby Air Ride both entertains and annoys.
  10. PALGN
    75
    One of this generation's most under-appreciated games.
  11. GameSpy
    75
    The perceptive lack of lots of courses in Air Ride mode and the limited fun that the Top Ride and City Trial modes offer might shy away some gamers, but KAR is primarily a fast, fun, and novel take on the kart racing genre that shouldn't go ignored.
  12. GameCube Europe
    73
    Like Kirby's old games, its simple fun but it won't last very long. If you want a nice simple multiplayer game that anybody can step into without too much effort, this is a game to consider.
  13. Game Informer
    70
    It's neat, but after a couple of hours you won't really feel the need to keep playing. [Dec 2003, p.158]
  14. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    This game is so supremely easy for anyone to pick up and play that what initially seems one-dimensional and lame ends up leading to awesome multiplayer. [Nov 2003, p.196]
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  15. GameBiz
    65
    The ability copying and multi-routed tracks are smart additions that would be a lot more enjoyable had other infuriating faults not let it down.
  16. G4 TV
    60
    With an impressive variety of creative and offbeat game modes, great multiplayer, numerous tracks and minigames, a horde of vehicles, and endearingly charming characters and gameplay elements, Kirby Air Ride is surprisingly enjoyable if you give it some time.
  17. NTSC-uk
    60
    The tracks are well designed, but with such simplistic gameplay it can get repetitive quickly. The greatest sin, though, is the lack of tournament or tally within the multiplayer game.
  18. Nintendojo
    57
    Much of the game just isn't fun. Even with the three modes, there isn't enough variety to the actual racing game to make it fun.
  19. Computer and Video Games
    57
    Ultimately this is a game for the youngest of GameCube players and difficult to recommend to anyone who takes their racing seriously.
  20. IGN
    52
    So simple and so devoid of depth or challenge that most will dislike it -- will, in fact, be utterly bored with it.
  21. GameSpot
    51
    The overly simplified gameplay really holds it back, and overall, it's a game that really can't be recommended to anyone, young or old.
  22. GamerFeed
    50
    It's not the speed that bothers me, it's the lack of depth and boring modes of play that kept it from being a keeper.
  23. games(TM)
    50
    This game is big, chunky and bright but no amount of bold colours and cuddly enemies can save Air Ride from being a rather short-lived and simple affair. [Jan 2004, p.120]
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  24. Game Revolution
    42
    The one button gameplay is frustrating and silly, resulting is an uneven, uninspiring racer that doesn't do the gumball justice.
  25. Cheat Code Central
    40
    I found it cliché, repetitive and not very much fun.
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  26. 1UP
    40
    An unintuitive mess. Never mind the fact that gamers are instinctively prepared to press a button to accelerate, but charging your boost by braking is an impractical affair that can also get you into trouble when you're stuck at the bottom of a hill and need a boost to get up.
  27. GMR Magazine
    40
    If you do manage to get around the wacky premise and unintuitive controls, there is some longevity to the game, with a massive set of "challenges" to complete - but that's a bit "if." Otherwise, seer clear. [Dec 2003, p.96]
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  28. Gaming Age
    33
    Don't pick this one up unless you're really hard up for a multiplayer game or until it drops to $19.99.
  29. Edge Magazine
    30
    None of this is very entertaining at all. The game offers some of the most slender, inconsequential, and ultimately, boring distractions to be found on the GameCube. [Sept 2003]
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Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best GameCube Game of 2003
9
#9 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
59
#59 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 132
  3. Negative: 13 out of 132
  1. gehami
    Apr 6, 2012
    10
    For most games, you can quantify their replayability, but this game, this glorious masterpiece of a game, could be played into infinitum. ItFor most games, you can quantify their replayability, but this game, this glorious masterpiece of a game, could be played into infinitum. It was ingeniously crafted by the Nintendo gods themselves, painstakingly created after a thousand years, the mortals used to manufacture the disk were sent to death, as to ensure that such perfection would never be recreated. The entire game involves merely two buttons, catering to the massive ligament impaired audience. Yet even with such a simple control scheme, the complexity of this game is immeasurable. Like the game of Chess, computers are still unable to quantify the amount of possible moves can be made at any moment. This is the epitome of perfection and provides a sublime experience; get this game.… Full Review »
  2. Blakenator
    Jan 19, 2013
    8
    Offering a great multiplayer experience and a surprisingly splendid soundtrack, Kirby Air Ride is a bit underrated. It contains a pleasantOffering a great multiplayer experience and a surprisingly splendid soundtrack, Kirby Air Ride is a bit underrated. It contains a pleasant amount of content and hectic gameplay that is fun for everyone.… Full Review »
  3. ChadT.
    Nov 3, 2003
    8
    The never ending extras makes this game a winner.
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