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. 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.
  2. 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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  3. 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.
  5. 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]
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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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  10. 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.
  11. IGN
    52
    So simple and so devoid of depth or challenge that most will dislike it -- will, in fact, be utterly bored with it.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.

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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