As mentioned above this changes the control dynamics, and the points at which you access this vehicle are also controlled - you can't just romp through the whole game as a mechanised Kirby. The key transformation, of course, is Kirby stomping around in a mech. This has always been a key strength of Kirby platformers, adding a little extra depth to proceedings, and on this occasion these abilities are also used relatively cleverly for solving puzzles or making light work of bosses. Picking the right power-up can also be a strategic affair - some are suitable for gung-ho close-quarters attacks and others are all about ranged assaults, either destructive or precise. It's a simple but nice idea, however, especially for younger players that need a little extra help. You can also tap an amiibo button at will to scan a figure and 'inhale' their ability - some are appropriately themed, such as the sword ability for Link, and others feel a little more random. There's excellent variety not just in terms of outfits and attacks, but also in how they switch up gameplay - most players will quickly identify a few key favourites. To begin with Kirby in his normal form, he wields many of the same abilities as seen in the 3DS predecessor, with some cute additions thrown in. The key change this time around is the much-touted ability for Kirby to use mechanised robot suits to stomp around - these work as expected, with the ability to float replaced by a double jump and Kirby now having the ability to bash through scenery and enemies as never before. In terms of gameplay, those with experience of Triple Deluxe will feel instantly at home - Kirby runs, jumps, floats and sucks in enemies just the same, with the touchscreen offering handy buttons for using a spare health item or dropping a current ability. The story is typically light fluff, but provides an ideal setting for the mechanised themes and concepts that run throughout the whole game. The final enemy is entertaining when he comes around, but before then you deal with a range of quirky boss fights and his prim and deadly assistant.

An evil - yet somehow still cute - corporation and its President arrive to mechanise Kirby's planet, in the process turning some inhabitants (including famous former foes) into robotic enemies. This entry does introduce a plot and characters that enable the design team to stretch their creative muscles a little. Kirby: Planet Robobot may use the same graphics engine, but aside from that it shouldn't be mistaken as a lazy by-the-numbers follow-up - it takes the established formula and improves it in various ways. So when Kirby: Triple Deluxe provided a strong 3DS début as a fairly traditional adventure with the Pink One, HAL Laboratory seemingly just kicked right into developing the next. While some franchises have a 'one per generation' rule, others seem somewhat more spontaneous - factors such as development progress and sales can be more important to their fate.

Kirby planet robobot code cube