Kirby Air Ride

 GameCube
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
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  1. 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 pleasant amount of content and hectic gameplay that is fun for everyone.
  2. ChadT.
    Nov 3, 2003
    8
    The never ending extras makes this game a winner.
  3. KyleL.
    Aug 4, 2003
    10
    I gave it a ten because of the features of the game. It's cool how you can get different powers and use them against your opponents.
  4. NickL.
    May 31, 2006
    8
    This is a very original, creative game with a surprisingly high replay value. What could be better than racing along, sucking up a sword enemy, then whacking your buddies with your sword?
  5. RyanM.
    Jan 29, 2004
    10
    This game is so unique. it's got surprising depth. Please people, give this game a try. This game is so underrated, and people won't give it a chance. Air Ride has so many unlockables, and it's not as easy as other kirby games. Trust me, this will keep you occupied longer then most racing games.
  6. shprea
    Jun 28, 2013
    9
    People always talk about how they put in, say, 100+ hours into a game like Skyrim. You know how much time I put into Kirby Air Ride? If my calculations are correct, about 350+ hours. The game is addictive and awesome that if you have a group of friends it just never gets boring. The real gem here is City Trial, which is an awesome mode that is full of surprises. A definite must own.
  7. padre648
    Mar 29, 2014
    10
    I don't really know what to say about this game. It is perfect. The fast paced multiplayer is probably the most fun I've had with my Gamecube. On top of that, the re-play value is infinite. There are so many achievements to go through and it is genuinely fun to try and beat them.
  8. Alexis
    Apr 25, 2004
    10
    I have this game and it is so much fun. It's cool to run around Free Run with your friends trying to knock each oher off the machies. and the est thing is that you can play it over and over, unlike the violent games.but the thing is that you get to fly!
  9. Jojochoamaster
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    This game is sweet!
  10. JaredB.
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    This is an awesome game because it takes a long time and doesn't ever get boring!
  11. ErikVangorp
    May 4, 2005
    9
    At last, plug and play racing...
  12. StephanP.
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    Its the best game i've ever played in my life. Its Xtreme.
  13. BillG.
    Oct 19, 2003
    10
    I give a ten on this game because its really nice to have new kind of game on this platform.
  14. Kirbygurl
    Feb 12, 2004
    9
    KAR is more for the hard core Kirby fans, but it does a pretty good job of it. Be it simple, it's also good for quick playing. I know it's not the best, but it's far from the worst. Graphics are pretty good and the music rocks.
  15. Jason
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    3 words...Greatest...game...ever...
  16. Skullgirlsfan13
    May 23, 2013
    7
    With most Kirby games having the same formula of walking around and killing random enemies; sounds like Call of duty, it was about time for a change. This game was a great one as I remember, even if the idea sounded a bit: cash in on Mario kart. But little did people know that this game has a lot replay ability. That's the game greatest plus, you can play around with friends in any mode,With most Kirby games having the same formula of walking around and killing random enemies; sounds like Call of duty, it was about time for a change. This game was a great one as I remember, even if the idea sounded a bit: cash in on Mario kart. But little did people know that this game has a lot replay ability. That's the game greatest plus, you can play around with friends in any mode, it's not limited by mode, only controllers. Speaking of modes, there's Airide, top ride, and city trial. Airide is just simply racing around a track, still sucking up enemies to get the edge. Top ride is a simple track race viewed from above by all players, you pick from only two types of carts: free movement and turn only, and instead of sucking up enemies you pick up items. City trial is by far the main reason why people play this game, you can do pretty much anything. If you play the infinite mode: no time, you can pick from any vehicle in the game: you must unlock the two hidden ones first to ride them at will. Again, greatest thing about this game is just how much fun it is with friends, and I think this game doesn't get the appreciation that it deserves from most.… Expand
  17. chrono115
    Apr 3, 2014
    9
    I used to play this game when I was but a wee lad, and I recently ordered it off of Ebay, and I can't put it back down. The graphics are cartoony, which is what makes a kirby game what it is, and it really adds to the detail. The music is very in depth for wherever you are. Even with the simple control concept of an analog stick and the A button for a brake, once you master it, there canI used to play this game when I was but a wee lad, and I recently ordered it off of Ebay, and I can't put it back down. The graphics are cartoony, which is what makes a kirby game what it is, and it really adds to the detail. The music is very in depth for wherever you are. Even with the simple control concept of an analog stick and the A button for a brake, once you master it, there can be no stopping from this game. They have the standard racing mode, the to down racing mode, or the free roam, also known as city trial, where you collect power us to make your machine the best out of them all. Although there are only 9 maps and not a very big display of stars, it doesn't take away from the fact of all the other great things about it.… Expand
  18. KirbyEspada
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    Kirby Air Ride is the only reason I got a gamecube, You should consider it for your game library; It has hours and hours of fun, You can set the CPU's difficulty from 1-9 to adjust your level of challenge.
    Air Ride is a simple mario kart-like mode, You race in the track against others for the first place, you can have so much fun trying all air ride machines, knocking down your opponents    Kirby Air Ride is the only reason I got a gamecube, You should consider it for your game library; It has hours and hours of fun, You can set the CPU's difficulty from 1-9 to adjust your level of challenge.
    Air Ride is a simple mario kart-like mode, You race in the track against others for the first place, you can have so much fun trying all air ride machines, knocking down your opponents and trying to discover shortcuts!
    Top ride is the 2nd game mode, which is not as fun as the others, but also not boring; Picking up items, taking shortcuts, It might be not as good as City Trial or air ride, but it is awesome to have a little duel against the CPU!
    City Trial is probably what makes this game awesome. Upgrade your machine, explore the city, and find the three pieces of the air ride machines, at the very end, You'll fight against your opponents with your upgraded Air-Ride machine in a random picked stage! From a race to a target flight, This is the best mode of the three.    … Expand
  19. ikereview
    Nov 2, 2014
    9
    this game was so fun (the game broke) because we would find ways to get the most power ups find ways the get the secert parts find ways to get all the characters so much fun we don't own the game anymore
  20. SiemB
    Jan 22, 2018
    10
    This is probably one of the most underated video games of all time, by the cricic reviews at least. It might be nostalgia for a big part, but in my eyes this game is a masterpiece.

    The racing mode is decent, but the most fun part is the free mode. There are two modes within that mode: the first mode is catching power-ups and then fight against each other, the second (and probably the    This is probably one of the most underated video games of all time, by the cricic reviews at least. It might be nostalgia for a big part, but in my eyes this game is a masterpiece.

    The racing mode is decent, but the most fun part is the free mode. There are two modes within that mode: the first mode is catching power-ups and then fight against each other, the second (and probably the most fun) mode is free run. In free run you can choose a car to ride with while you discover a big world. It is just undescribable how much fun I have had with my friends playing free run. From playing tick to just wandering around on your car, two words: unlimited fun.

    My conclusion is that this game definitely needs a remake on the Nintendo Switch. It will sell for sure and it might bring the joy back to many people.    … Expand
  21. 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. 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 involvesFor 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.… Expand
  22. Furby
    Jun 14, 2004
    10
    So, what if Furby rode on a warpstar like Kirby did? He'd fall off! He has no hand! It's Kirby Air Ride day! And here's my review. The controls are very simple. All you need is the control stick and the A button. Kirby may have lost his voice, but it's just his old self. And who said you could hammer Kirby as King Dedede? Just defeat him in less than a minute. So, what if Furby rode on a warpstar like Kirby did? He'd fall off! He has no hand! It's Kirby Air Ride day! And here's my review. The controls are very simple. All you need is the control stick and the A button. Kirby may have lost his voice, but it's just his old self. And who said you could hammer Kirby as King Dedede? Just defeat him in less than a minute. It'll be fine. Very nice courses. Ha ha! Kirby fell! Yeah, and it makes you lose your health in a battlefield. But Kirby is the right one. Remember, though, he's not a marshmellow! Kirby, you are a hero! Hee hee hee!… Expand
  23. AprilB.
    Jul 14, 2006
    6
    This game is for babies. You don't need to drive you leave it alone and it will drive for you. Buy it for your 3 year old they will love it.
  24. JesusG.
    Nov 21, 2003
    4
    It got so boring when I played it. At first it's really fun, but after a while you'll fine yourself being more entertained with your schoolwork.
  25. JohnB.
    Oct 21, 2003
    0
    Worthless waste of time. hal what are you doing!
  26. TwistedCritic
    Apr 10, 2016
    0
    While I can see Kirby fans loving this, the truth is this game is just plain boring.
    It's repetitive, the "car" drives on its own, it controls like a drunk, and the menus are straight up ripped from Smash Bros. Melee. Having only 1 button and 1 control stick sounds simple, but having about 5+ different things assigned to that one button makes it overly complicated for no reason at all.
    I    While I can see Kirby fans loving this, the truth is this game is just plain boring.
    It's repetitive, the "car" drives on its own, it controls like a drunk, and the menus are straight up ripped from Smash Bros. Melee. Having only 1 button and 1 control stick sounds simple, but having about 5+ different things assigned to that one button makes it overly complicated for no reason at all.
    I had no fun with this, so I'm gonna stick with Mario Kart, which at least seems to have a varied roster...    … Expand
  27. sparkyshark
    Mar 18, 2018
    10
    City trial. The only two words I need to mention to justify my rating. Air ride and top ride provide little joy (still fun) but city trial will keep you glued to your GameCube for hours on end.
  28. wegie125
    Apr 22, 2018
    10
    Looking at this game now, I understand why people hated it, it was honestly garbage and not a game worth picking up. I never really liked racing games as a kid as I was more of a casual fan of games that relied more on luck and less on skill. This was one of the few exceptions. This game was so simplistic, so easy, and so much fun to pick up that my brothers and I would spend hoursLooking at this game now, I understand why people hated it, it was honestly garbage and not a game worth picking up. I never really liked racing games as a kid as I was more of a casual fan of games that relied more on luck and less on skill. This was one of the few exceptions. This game was so simplistic, so easy, and so much fun to pick up that my brothers and I would spend hours investing in random game modes. At least 90% of the time we weren't even playing an actual game mode, we were just making up our own rules as the game went on. We would spend hours on the open world gamemode of city trial not even playing the minigames that came with it. It truly is an experience that I would love to be remade but sadly a lot of people never got that same experience as me. The game was simple so people gave it low scores and I understand that, I would love a remake however, this game really changed the gaming universe for me and my brothers.… Expand
  29. guitarguy001
    Jan 8, 2014
    9
    An underrated GameCube gem. Even though Air Ride was kind of lacking, Top Ride was crazy and City Trail is by far the best mode in the game. You can spend hours in just City Trail alone due to how addicting it is, especially with friends. The Challenges will also keep you hooked. This is a very fun game that i highly recommend getting.
  30. Lmarcao01
    Jun 14, 2014
    10
    The multiplayer on City Trail is absolutely amazing. You will have hours of fun with your friends playing multiplayer city trial. The rest of the game is okay, but city trial earns Kirby Air ride a 10
  31. Chapien
    Aug 11, 2014
    10
    Don'y listen to the reviewers on this one. This is one of the best racing games I've ever played. As usual, the reviewers have no idea what they're talking about. Anyone with half decent taste will love this game.
  32. Minco80000
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    THIS GAME IS JUST SIMPLY FANTASTIC!
    No i'm not kidding, this is one of the best games ever made.... I know thats kinda of a strech to most of you but what a damn good game!
  33. Treebob427
    Jun 29, 2015
    9
    The most underrated game I've ever played. A 61? REALLY, critics?!?!? Something tells me you didn't play the game enough. It's very addicting, has excellent music, excellent gameplay, above average graphics, and overall, an EXCELLENT game.

    Here's what I learned: don't trust the critics. Trust the players.
  34. DAz_dingoose
    Dec 8, 2015
    10
    Its strange how user reviews and critic reviews are so varied...
    This was a fun game. I still can't find a copy (yet I find a copy of Cubivore) but I remember this being a great game.
    I'll update my review once I find a copy :)
  35. EpicLadySponge
    May 27, 2016
    6
    While fun and still enjoyable, the 'fun' here is only seen for a couple of hours. The music saved the game from being a flop, but Kirby fans can pick this one up.
  36. calibri
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    When my friend first told be about Air ride i was skeptical, thought it was going to be a Mario Kart clone. But I was surprised, the game has many stars(karts) to choose from each are very different, there are 2 legendary stars but i won't spoil what they are. The game has 3 modes, Air Ride(racing), Top Ride(top down racing) and City trial, a mode where you upgrade your cart, once you getWhen my friend first told be about Air ride i was skeptical, thought it was going to be a Mario Kart clone. But I was surprised, the game has many stars(karts) to choose from each are very different, there are 2 legendary stars but i won't spoil what they are. The game has 3 modes, Air Ride(racing), Top Ride(top down racing) and City trial, a mode where you upgrade your cart, once you get the hang of it it becomes quite fun, I don't understand why Metacritic gave it such a low score, it is one of my favorite games and even would play it over Mario Kart.… Expand
  37. GamecubeLover
    Jul 14, 2016
    10
    This is the best Kirby spinoff cause the variety it has and the modes. The stars are so fun to play with cause they both have pros and cons. The controls are weird but are good. The graphics are good actually and playing with friends is great as well!
  38. Shrekening
    Feb 24, 2017
    6
    Kirby's Air Ride is okay but wonky. The main racing mode is lackluster, you're better off playing Double Dash, but the other modes offer entertainment.
  39. JPK
    Jun 20, 2019
    9
    Oddly Addictive
    Air Ride is a slightly odd game that has the charm of the franchise.
  40. MeatwadMeatwad
    Jun 14, 2018
    10
    This is probably one of the most underrated games ever and it's so much fun.
    It's a simple experience but isn't as easy as people say because it has tons of things to do because of the checklist. The soundtrack has absolute masterpieces which are of great quality and depth. The game is a lot of fun, but the city trial mode is what offers the best experience, especially with friends or family.
  41. shootingstars99
    Aug 23, 2019
    8
    Kirby Air Ride has a little something for everyone. Unlockable karts? Got it. Creative tracks? Got it. An adventure mode where you collect the most power ups and mess with your friends to see who can win the mini game at the end? Got it.

    Like a traditional unrealistic racing game, there are zany and cool power ups to give yourself an edge, and Kirby's power of sucking up enemies to gain    Kirby Air Ride has a little something for everyone. Unlockable karts? Got it. Creative tracks? Got it. An adventure mode where you collect the most power ups and mess with your friends to see who can win the mini game at the end? Got it.

    Like a traditional unrealistic racing game, there are zany and cool power ups to give yourself an edge, and Kirby's power of sucking up enemies to gain their abilities lends itself wonderfully to a kart racing game. My favorite mode was the city adventure mode, as there were so many secrets and random events to be found, and every time you played it would feel new and interesting. Good times!    … Expand
  42. Carp64
    Jun 20, 2019
    8
    Kirby Air Ride is a really good racing game with 3 modes: Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial. Two of the modes I would consider main modes while Top Ride feels more like a mini mode because of the short lengths of the racing tracks. The soundtrack is good just like most Kirby games. The gameplay is fun to play and is really enjoyable. The only problems are Top Rides short tracks and theKirby Air Ride is a really good racing game with 3 modes: Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial. Two of the modes I would consider main modes while Top Ride feels more like a mini mode because of the short lengths of the racing tracks. The soundtrack is good just like most Kirby games. The gameplay is fun to play and is really enjoyable. The only problems are Top Rides short tracks and the lack of modes to play.… Expand
  43. Stratilex
    Jul 15, 2019
    9
    This game is so good. If you overlook air ride mode, top ride is really fun with friends, and city trial is an infinitely replayable mode. This game is sooo underrated.
  44. Werten25
    Jan 3, 2022
    8
    A surprisingly addictive party game with a lot of different game modes. It does very feel luck-based and difficult to control. however.
  45. FallingRunner
    Apr 4, 2022
    9
    61? Really Metacritic? Kirby Air Ride is an amazing racing game. Not only that, but also one of my favorite Gamecube games. In case you don't know Kirby Air Ride is a pretty weird racer. You automatically accelerate and steer with a joystick. However to drift, you have to break, and turn in place or while slowly sliding after braking. To break, you need to hold the A button, you also need61? Really Metacritic? Kirby Air Ride is an amazing racing game. Not only that, but also one of my favorite Gamecube games. In case you don't know Kirby Air Ride is a pretty weird racer. You automatically accelerate and steer with a joystick. However to drift, you have to break, and turn in place or while slowly sliding after braking. To break, you need to hold the A button, you also need to press the A button to inhale the enemies in the stages to get unique abilities. There are also multiple stars, or karts I guess, that control very differently. Like being more slippery, or needing to totally stop to drift. There are also some achievements which is really cool. There are also three main modes. Air Ride which is just the normal racing, Top Ride which is basically racing on smaller courses from the top down perspective. And then there is the City Trial. This is one of the best modes in ANY Nintendo game. You have five minutes to gain as many power ups to compete in the final challenge which is always random. Sadly the only complaint is that there are so few courses. There are nine in Air Ride, eight in Top Ride which is a total of only 17. And I guess if you would to count the City Trial map. However this game is still really fun. Especially with friends… Expand
  46. gamesreviewer35
    Mar 2, 2022
    7
    Underrated game this one. While it's not the most sophisticated racer going around (acceleration is automatic), it has a surprising amount of content in it. Many hours to be had unlocking all challenges which does present a fair amount of challenge and roaming around the city in City Trial can be interesting. Worth looking at if you're after a racing experience other than Gran Turismo,Underrated game this one. While it's not the most sophisticated racer going around (acceleration is automatic), it has a surprising amount of content in it. Many hours to be had unlocking all challenges which does present a fair amount of challenge and roaming around the city in City Trial can be interesting. Worth looking at if you're after a racing experience other than Gran Turismo, Forza or Mario Kart.… Expand
  47. seizek
    Jul 4, 2022
    8
    Hauska moninpeli etenkin City Trialissa. Top Ride on hauska yksinpelinä, Air Ride pelitila on ehkä heikoin, mutta kyllä sekin on pelaamisen arvoinen.
  48. spiritisgodly
    Jun 12, 2023
    8
    City Trial is easily one of the most enjoyable party games of the GC era and it isn't even close.

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. NintendoWorldReport
    75
    A less-than-stellar multiplayer package coupled with an impressively addictive solo racer, Kirby Air Ride both entertains and annoys.
    Read full review
  2. PALGN
    75
    One of this generation's most under-appreciated games.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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