Kirby 64 - The Crystal Shards (Europe)

Game Overview
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards came out for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. It arrived late in the N64's life, offering a polished, colorful side-scrolling experience that felt both familiar and distinct within the platform's library.You control Kirby, moving through discrete levels to collect the scattered crystal shards stolen by Dark Matter. The game's standout feature is power combining: by inhaling two enemies and merging their abilities, you create new hybrid attacks, like mixing cutter and spark to throw electric blades. Levels are compact and encourage exploration, with hidden shards often tucked behind alternate paths or simple puzzles. The pacing is relaxed, and the difficulty remains gentle throughout, making it accessible for less experienced players. It feels cheerful and inventive, a straightforward adventure that rewards experimentation without ever becoming stressful.