You know, I don't remember the last time I disagreed with the general public to this degree, and I don't remember the last time I felt so conflicted about a review. I generally enjoy the "Kirby" series, and I quite enjoyed the latest adventure in the series, "Kirby Star Allies," but after completing this game, one that critics and fans have sung the praises for ever since its release in 2010...I honestly felt nothing. I walked into this review without a numerical score in mind, because the game as a whole just made me feel so...whatever. And I wanted to love it because I always find myself enjoying the "Kirby" platformer games, but this one didn't really leave an impression on me like "Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards" or "Kirby Star Allies" did.
Obviously, "Kirby's Epic Yarn" has some very pretty visuals that keep things interesting and inject a cool, childlike charm. The game itself is also very easy to get into, the controls are pretty smooth, and the gameplay is relatively varied overall. As always, Kirby retains his signature cute charm here, but unfortunately, he gets bogged down by a few other unfortunate problems.
For one, short length and lack of difficulty are once again on full display here, and while you could argue that, since this is commonplace for "Kirby" games it's not such a big deal, it's a problem in the case of this game when you technically can't "die" in the game. It unfortunately comes off to me as a bit too streamlined and too childproofed, robbing whatever challenge the other games in the series may have. Along with that, some of the new gimmicks and forms here occasionally control kind of awkwardly, which can be annoying when you go from ultra-smooth, accessible platforming into a tank that can't seem to aim without turning nutty. And finally, the game is just dull. I'm sorry, but even with the childlike design, pretty yarn aesthetic and all that, it just feels so empty to me. I feel nothing while playing it or after playing it, and the emptiness made it hard for me to love the game.
Guys, I'm really sorry. I wanted to love "Kirby's Epic Yarn," but unfortunately, I just happen to be in the minority here. All I can say is that, if your curiosity is intensely high, give it a shot and you might walk away with something special. Otherwise, there are several other better "Kirby" games to pick from, and this one just isn't quite worth it. Sorry, Nintendo. I wanted to love it but I just can't.
Final rating: 6 out of 10 "Decent"