Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

 Nintendo 64
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 130
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 130
  3. Negative: 5 out of 130
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  1. BasilZero
    Feb 1, 2014
    8
    Game: Kirby 64 The Crystal Shards
    Genre: Adventure/Platformer
    Developer: HAL/Nintendo System: Nintendo 64 (N64) Total Score: 78/100 Value Score: 7.8/10 • Story: 8/10 • Characters: 7/10 • GamePlay: 7/10 • Graphics: 9/10 • Sound: 9/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 4/10 • Replay Value: 7/10 • Player Value: 7/10 Pros +Combo Abilities and Powers are a nice addition +Allies    Game: Kirby 64 The Crystal Shards
    Genre: Adventure/Platformer
    Developer: HAL/Nintendo
    System: Nintendo 64 (N64)
    Total Score: 78/100
    Value Score: 7.8/10

    • Story: 8/10
    • Characters: 7/10
    • GamePlay: 7/10
    • Graphics: 9/10
    • Sound: 9/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 4/10
    • Replay Value: 7/10
    • Player Value: 7/10

    Pros
    +Combo Abilities and Powers are a nice addition
    +Allies having their own portion in the level design is nice and unique
    +Crystal Shards add a new level of challenge and may increase length value
    +Many old elements from past Kirby titles used which is great for nostalgic fans
    +Keeps the same formula in design and UI as past Kirby games.
    +Level design is well done
    +Bosses have two life bar phases now which add more length to boss fights
    +Storyline now is more detailed through cutscenes and characters have more personality shown.

    Cons
    -The lack of some notable abilities is a bit saddening (such as the Hammer and Sword abilities)
    -Some of the crystal shards will make you go to another level to achieve a ability instead of being able to get the ability you need in their respected levels - thus causing confusion on which ability you need.
    -Enemy characters are bland compared to previous Kirby games.
    -Mini boss fights are joke fights with stationary enemies unlike past Kirby games.
    -Gameplay and pace feels sluggish compared to past Kirby games.
    -Delays on certain ability attacks will leave players frustrated as some can lead to one's death or unnecessary damage    … Expand
  2. Fragasnap
    Nov 20, 2011
    6
    Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards can provide reasonable challenge to practiced gamers with its nearly mean-spirited hiding places for the titular crystal shards, but the levels themselves tend towards the easy side, perfect for younger gamers. Ultimately, Kirby's ability to combine his copy-powers and the puzzles to solve for crystal shards will only vaguely distract from the slow, floatyKirby 64: The Crystal Shards can provide reasonable challenge to practiced gamers with its nearly mean-spirited hiding places for the titular crystal shards, but the levels themselves tend towards the easy side, perfect for younger gamers. Ultimately, Kirby's ability to combine his copy-powers and the puzzles to solve for crystal shards will only vaguely distract from the slow, floaty controls and the short playtime.… Expand
  3. FreedomFighters
    Mar 4, 2018
    7
    "Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards" is often seen as one of the greatest console "Kirby" games of all time. Being one of the few legitimate "Kirby" platformer games on a home console, many look favorably at "Kirby 64" and have great memories with the game, loving its faithfulness to the series as well as the ability to copy two abilities at once, and they often consider it to be a great game."Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards" is often seen as one of the greatest console "Kirby" games of all time. Being one of the few legitimate "Kirby" platformer games on a home console, many look favorably at "Kirby 64" and have great memories with the game, loving its faithfulness to the series as well as the ability to copy two abilities at once, and they often consider it to be a great game. And, while I'm not crazy about the game, it was still good fun overall (remember, 7 out of 10 to me is "good," not "mixed).
    "Kirby 64" has a lot going for it: it's relatively fun overall, the visuals are still colorful and nice to look at, the music is amazing, and the controls are solid. There's quite a few things that work here, and the game as a whole is pretty well-crafted. To go along with that, there's even a decent bit of challenge here, making it feel pretty satisfying when you finally beat the game.
    Unfortunately, a few things work against the game: for starters, it's fairly short, and I can't imagine you'll really want to come back to play the game many times after your first play. On top of that, the game just starts to lose its luster after a while, and while you'll be loving it for the first few worlds, the game will get a bit boring after a while.
    All in all, though, "Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards" is a safe, good, fun little 2.5D platformer that's worth a good play through. Seeing that it's only $10 on the Wii U eShop, that's a great price for a nice, cute, relatively fun game.
    Final rating: 7 out of 10 "Good"    … Expand
  4. MmxDxx
    Jun 9, 2015
    10
    This game...I LOVE IS SO MUCH.Seriously,what's not to love about?This game is one of the best if not the best game on N64.The selling point of this game is you can combine powerups together.Some of them are really cool(like mixing bomb and bomb to launch missilles)some of them are hilarious(like mixing spark and ice to create a frige).Hands down one of the best kirby games of all time.MyThis game...I LOVE IS SO MUCH.Seriously,what's not to love about?This game is one of the best if not the best game on N64.The selling point of this game is you can combine powerups together.Some of them are really cool(like mixing bomb and bomb to launch missilles)some of them are hilarious(like mixing spark and ice to create a frige).Hands down one of the best kirby games of all time.My favorite ability is the lightsaber :).… Expand
  5. gdiego135
    Aug 11, 2016
    7
    This game is pretty short, but might take a while because of frustration, I rage quit a few times, but i finally beat it and im happy. Game play is nice i guess, i havent played every kirby but the other ones i have feel better, Kirby is really slow in this game even when you sprint and fly it takes ages, and can be really annoying especially boss fights. Graphics although old, still lookThis game is pretty short, but might take a while because of frustration, I rage quit a few times, but i finally beat it and im happy. Game play is nice i guess, i havent played every kirby but the other ones i have feel better, Kirby is really slow in this game even when you sprint and fly it takes ages, and can be really annoying especially boss fights. Graphics although old, still look good today, matter a fact i'd much rather look at this then gta4 because man does that game have some hideous graphics. The soundtrack is great, it goes from peaceful, and catchy, to bad ass and intense in some boss fights. Story isn't much it's just a fun game. you just go from world to world boss fight at the end of each, and thats it. but man do some get hard. I think games should also be rated by their difficulty as well, because this is E for everyone but kids will probably stop playing once they reach the 2nd boss, this should be like E 10 and up or something, but no little kid is going to beat this, well some will, but most won't. There's also 3 minigames you can play with friends which are pretty fun, overall a nice light hearted game.… Expand
  6. MrTacoBob
    Aug 30, 2017
    8
    A cute step to the 3D. The levels are colorful but basic for a 2D kirby game. The new story is decent. The gameplay with a few flaws is still really good I recommend this game.
  7. DylanTJ2001
    Oct 4, 2022
    8
    Fun and vibrant, like every kirby game. Absorbing powers and even combining them is fun but also means that everyone can approach the game differently.

    The game is easy, in a relaxing, fun way. However, the final boss is quite a bit more challenging than any other part of the game, which might stop people newer to the gaming world from completing what is otherwise a simple and fun game.
  8. zeta204
    Aug 16, 2012
    10
    Haters aside, a side-scroller Kirby game is one of the best games available for the N64. As someone with limited experience with the Kirby franchise, I was really surprised by this game. The power-up system is pretty awesome and the game has decent graphics for a game on this platform. Over, this is an experience worth having.
  9. WIlliam
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    This game rocks.
  10. JoeH.
    Sep 22, 2001
    2
    It's not a good game at all. It's just dumb.
  11. [Anonymous]
    Apr 13, 2002
    9
    This game is really good.
  12. PeeMan
    Apr 6, 2002
    1
    This game's graphics are pretty good, but the sounds are downright atrocious! The controls are fine, but the sounds are downright atrocious! Don't play this unless you worship Kirby.
  13. Bob
    May 2, 2003
    0
    This game is possibly the worst thing I have ever played. Don't buy it ever. It is just a piece of crap. I still wonder why people pay so much for it on Ebay. I burned mine in a bonfire. NEVER EVER PLAY THIS GAME. its just dumb. Who wants a side-scroller on a 3-D system??
  14. ImraanTest
    Dec 31, 2021
    7
    Kirby 64 is a decent game. It is a great pick up for younger gamers but I don't see many people over the age of 16 picking this game up after it's short campaign. The music is solid, and graphically it's one of the system's best looking games. I just wish there was more to this game. More difficulty or replay value would have done wonders.
  15. SarahC.
    Jul 9, 2003
    10
    N64 is the only game system I own (besides GBA) and Kirby64 - The Crystal Shards is the best N64 game I have, so I give it a ten. (and people who object please don't think I'm stupid because I am only ten years old.)
  16. Bill
    Jun 23, 2007
    7
    Brilliant music...but the game in general is a little easy and going back for every crystal shard is a bit of a hassle.
  17. MorganC.
    Dec 27, 2001
    10
    This game is my favrite game! It is hard, fun, and realy cute! Like the fairys. They are the cutest little girls i have ever seen. The cutest, of course, is kirby. I think that kirby is a puffball filled with cream and cotten. I know lots of the fairy's names (i have went to hal.labs):ribbon, snowdrop, flowers, the queen, and more. well the story went something like this.....the This game is my favrite game! It is hard, fun, and realy cute! Like the fairys. They are the cutest little girls i have ever seen. The cutest, of course, is kirby. I think that kirby is a puffball filled with cream and cotten. I know lots of the fairy's names (i have went to hal.labs):ribbon, snowdrop, flowers, the queen, and more. well the story went something like this.....the peaceful space fairys of ripple star and the queen were all relaxing intil ribbon, the fairy princess, looked into the sky to see dark matter! He was after their sacred prize, the power crystal (the fairys belive that it's their god.that sucks). The queen said to the girl "take the crystal away! Away from this world!" So ribbon grabed the crystal and flew out of ripple star. but dark matter was right on her red tail. He broke the crystal and she fell on pop star. Kirby herd her cry for help as she looked up. Kirby said yes to saving the queen and fairys of ripple star, along with grabing the crystal shards. well, I can put another vote later because my mom says to get off this computer. To all kinds of people.… Expand
  18. NikkiStar
    Jan 19, 2004
    10
    THIS GAME IS TRULY THE GREATEST! Kirby Crystal Shards is absoultely brilliant. Once you get into the game, you never wanna get out! THIS IS A GREAT GAME! Remember to always play it, you'll find something new, and then, you'll be happy! So, go out and buy it before I do! I do not own it, but I have rented it from BlockBuster. Go out and play this wonderful game!
  19. KurtH.
    Aug 24, 2006
    9
    The graphics in this game may be a little childish, but it looks so clear and sharp that you just have to love them. The gameplay itself is simply AMAZING with the 7 combineable copy abilities. It doesn't last forever, though, which is a shame.
  20. JeddaM.
    Dec 21, 2001
    10
    This game is AWESOME!
  21. Omegamiko
    Apr 16, 2002
    10
    This game truly deserves a ten.
  22. BlogDog123
    Jun 9, 2011
    9
    Kirby 64 defines the 2.5/D platformer with excellent level design and a truckload of copy abilities. What's especially cool is the ability to mix and match the aforementioned powers.
  23. Zilcell
    Nov 11, 2011
    8
    The graphics are fantastic and the gameplay is quick. It allows limited movement because you follow paths. I like the simple presentation within the whole game.
  24. BloonsM
    Jun 6, 2012
    10
    This game is a bit creepy.(Kirby ripping off his face as cutter.)But it's Awsome!I love combineing abilties.You can even combie two of the same abilties!
  25. Siegfried_Noir
    Jun 23, 2012
    9
    Do not be deceived by the early levels, Kirby 64 can be quite creative when completing the crystal´s quest, which will leave you scratching your head from time to time. Graphically beautiful and humbly fun, this is a good game for the kids, or if you wanna lower the stress gathered from a hard day´s work.
  26. Luigithemetal64
    Apr 28, 2015
    8
    This is one of the games you would like no matter what other people say. The levels are nice, it makes you feel like looking at them rather than playing. The music is great too. My problem is that the game should've had more worlds. What I hate the most is that some copy abilities get canceled like the Stone, using it on bosses will revert you. Overall, 8.8-9.
  27. NathanJones
    Sep 12, 2013
    7
    To be honest, this is the only Kirby game I have ever played aside Kirby's Adventure. Kirby 64 can be difficult at times, but it is enjoyable for everyone. Score: 4/5.
  28. DAz_dingoose
    Dec 8, 2015
    9
    Great game.
    I actually played this one the 20th anniversary, but whatever.
    We need 02 to return, he was such an awesome, mysterious villain.
    yeaauahp.
  29. GamecubeLover
    Jul 8, 2016
    10
    After making amazing games on the Super Nintendo Hal decided it's time for Kirby to go..3D!!!!!! So this amazing game was released. The platforming felt great and the gameplay is perfect. The controls are good and the graphics are cute!
  30. eriflynn
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    This game is to much good, I'm not a fan of kirby, a played few games of this franchise because i don't like them, but this game caught me, i love the mechanics of mix power ups and get more powerful habilities,too the worlds and levels has a great design, whit a very good difficulty curve.
    The graphics are really standar but is compensated whit the diversity of his worlds, very    This game is to much good, I'm not a fan of kirby, a played few games of this franchise because i don't like them, but this game caught me, i love the mechanics of mix power ups and get more powerful habilities,too the worlds and levels has a great design, whit a very good difficulty curve.
    The graphics are really standar but is compensated whit the diversity of his worlds, very imaginative.
    But despite all that is no more innovative than kirby dreamland or super star or amazing mirror, It is more of the same but more polished and more pretty.    … Expand
  31. dino-grandi
    Mar 28, 2017
    8
    This isn't an easy game to find, but it's definitely worth the purchase. Not being familiar with the kirby titles I didn't know his power was to absorb other enemies, combining skills is pretty cool and gives you a different way to complete levels. It's rather short but very challenging at the end, I had to use a walkthrough on the final level. I definitely recommend this one for casual gamers.
  32. thealexmott
    Mar 27, 2017
    6
    Kirby games are often quite easy, as they are meant for all ages to enjoy. But this one is REALLY easy. It's hard to enjoy a game like this without a decent amount of challenge. This makes Lego games feel like Dark Souls.
  33. JPK
    Jun 20, 2019
    9
    Terrific Game
    Kirby 64 is no Mario 64, But it definitely has everything that makes Kirby great.
  34. TheTrexDude
    Oct 20, 2018
    10
    This Game Is Really Fun but don't get ehy they used The D-Pad insted of the Analog Stick but all that aside the is fun and the enemies are kinda cool.
  35. nintendo-sekta
    Nov 1, 2018
    9
    Игра хороша. Игра не сильно кроткая и не сильно длинная. Проработка уровней в Кирби всегда хороша. В игру интересно играть. Все уровни лёгкие, а последний сложный- это проблема почти всех Кирби.
  36. Onioncreature
    Jun 28, 2022
    8
    A unique entry in the Kirby series, Crystal Shards is notable in providing the first instance of 3D visuals in the franchise. The aesthetic choices are quite pleasing, even on the somewhat limited N64 hardware. The gameplay carries over much of the DNA from Kirby's Dream Land 3, but instead of Animal Friends to provide ability variety, Crystal Shards features Copy Ability mixing. ThisA unique entry in the Kirby series, Crystal Shards is notable in providing the first instance of 3D visuals in the franchise. The aesthetic choices are quite pleasing, even on the somewhat limited N64 hardware. The gameplay carries over much of the DNA from Kirby's Dream Land 3, but instead of Animal Friends to provide ability variety, Crystal Shards features Copy Ability mixing. This is a really fun idea, and is implemented fairly well, though each of the possible abilities are generally quite simplistic in design. The game's flow is unfortunately rather sluggish, as Kirby's movement speed is incredibly slow and plodding. This makes the game a bit less satisfying to play than other entries in the series. The collectible Crystal Shards can also be a bit of a chore to collect, as they are often gated behind obtuse puzzles which require excessive backtracking. In spite of these issues, the charm provided by Crystal Shards shines through, and the extra flourishes like the cutscenes and mini-games help it to stand out as a worthwhile title in the long-running series.… Expand
  37. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    7
    Platform game that despite having the quality of a nintendo game becomes quite monotonous during its short duration. 10 soundtrack.
  38. neojotic
    Aug 27, 2020
    7
    For me it's a 7.5 and to me that's good. It's a standard Kirby game with appropriate graphics for the time it was released. There's nothing over the top about it when compared to other games from the same time but there's nothing disappointing about it at all.

    What you see is exactly what you get. You'll have fun playing this but it won't be as many hours as a DK64, Conker's Bad Fur Day    For me it's a 7.5 and to me that's good. It's a standard Kirby game with appropriate graphics for the time it was released. There's nothing over the top about it when compared to other games from the same time but there's nothing disappointing about it at all.

    What you see is exactly what you get. You'll have fun playing this but it won't be as many hours as a DK64, Conker's Bad Fur Day or a Zelda game.    … Expand
  39. FallingRunner
    Apr 3, 2022
    8
    OK finally a game that is better than Kirby's Adventure. Kirby 64 was the first time a game developer company tried to make a game in 2.5D as far as I know. Even though it kind of sucks you can't move in 3D space even though it looks like you can, the game makes up for it with great gameplay just like in the previous entries and the new copy ability combining. And no I am not talking StarOK finally a game that is better than Kirby's Adventure. Kirby 64 was the first time a game developer company tried to make a game in 2.5D as far as I know. Even though it kind of sucks you can't move in 3D space even though it looks like you can, the game makes up for it with great gameplay just like in the previous entries and the new copy ability combining. And no I am not talking Star Allies or Squeak Squad. You can combine absolutely any ability you want with another one. Fire Cutter, Stone Spark and so many more. The game also looks really good especially for the N64 standards. Defiantly recommend checking this one out… Expand
  40. Emosooox
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    Pros Cons
    ------- -------
    +Kirby |-There are no cons this game is perfect +One of the most complex and challenging| combat systems of all time | +Awesome graphics look    Pros Cons
    ------- -------
    +Kirby |-There are no cons this game is perfect
    +One of the most complex and challenging|
    combat systems of all time |
    +Awesome graphics look even better than |
    most of the games today
    +Story and character are very well written
    +Best video game music of all time
    +Huge and extremely detailed open world    … Expand
  41. RandowGuy
    May 16, 2022
    8
    Eu me diverti muito com esse jogo quando criança, e por melhor que ele seja ainda tem seus problemas, mesmo assim recomendo pela mecânica principal sendo misturar poderes( que eu fiquei bem decepcionado quando descobri que era exclusiva desse jogo) é muito divertida.
  42. GDsReviews
    Jun 9, 2022
    5
    This game is a two sided beast due to the collection of the Crystal Shards of the game's title. If you aim to beat it without collecting all the crystal shards it is quite fun and enjoyable. But if you aim to collect all the crystal shards, the game becomes a brutal grind that can burn you out since the requirements to collect some crystal shards involve combos not available in the actualThis game is a two sided beast due to the collection of the Crystal Shards of the game's title. If you aim to beat it without collecting all the crystal shards it is quite fun and enjoyable. But if you aim to collect all the crystal shards, the game becomes a brutal grind that can burn you out since the requirements to collect some crystal shards involve combos not available in the actual level the shard is in, and the true final boss is locked behind collecting all the shards. Soundtrack is fantastic though.… Expand
  43. Yojimbo2015
    Jan 26, 2023
    6
    Kirby gets the polygonal treatment but the third dimension is purely cosmetic. It plays just like the earlier games - which is no bad thing - and the special powers are varied and fun. Unfortunately the lack of any real challenge means there's not much in the way of longevity, but it's enjoyable while it lasts

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best N64 Game of 2000
5
#5 Most Discussed N64 Game of 2000
9
#9 Most Shared N64 Game of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. CheckOut
    80
    The only knock on the game is that it is not particularly lengthy when compared to a behemoth like "DK64."
  2. Nintendorks
    80
    Whatever the reasons may be, just rent Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, ignore any qualms about difficulty or length and for the few days you have it proceed to bask in the glow of great fun emanating from your TV screen.
  3. CNET Gamecenter
    70
    Simple, enemy-inhaling fun that's accessible but won't hold your attention for very long.
See all critic reviews »