Previously, on Aug. 19th, Kirby creator Masuhiro Sakurai informed fans about the awaited sequel, Kirby Air Riders. The predecessor’s community raved about the new features, including a character roster and updated competitive play. The Super Smash Bros. developer returned with the game’s second Nintendo Direct. The presentation featured another returning racing mode, updated features, and even a snippet of Air Rider’s plot.

Top Ride Comes Back Better and Tougher

Top Ride returns in Kirby Air Riders and now allows you to use all the available Machines from Air Ride mode. Instead of using the Free Star and Steer Star, the vehicles will have two driving types to choose from. Bandai Namco and Sakurai widen the tracks to prevent player collision.

All seven of the original Top Ride racecourses have been remade, with Mountain the only new one. This race mode will also include exclusive battle items, like the Kaboomb and Drift Flames. Timing when to use them will be the key to earning victory.

Offline multiplayer supports up to 4 players and can be played on a single or split-screen TV. Local wireless is the same, except Nintendo Switch 2 owners will play the race on their individual screens. Top Ride can host up to eight players in online play. Offline and local wireless will have the same experience with CPU Riders. Sakurai recommends this version of Air Ride for those who can’t handle 3D racing.

Kirby Goes on a Road Trip

Sakurai reinvents Super Smash Bros. Adventure Mode into Kirby Air Riders’ format. In Road Trip, Kirby and the other Riders will travel around Popstar. The journey will include various challenges from all three main modes: Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride. The presentation is very reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s World of Light campaign.

The missions vary from defeating rivals in races to completing City Trial tasks. By completing them, players will earn Rider points. They can be used to purchase power-ups and Machines from traveling Waddle Dee merchants or rest stops. Riders can also get them for free by encountering them on the road. Racing items will appear to be collected for future battles or to bypass roadblocks.

Vehicle & Rider Customization

For the first time in a Nintendo racer, Kirby Air Riders contains customization options for both the character roster and vehicles. The 2nd direct demonstrated changing the Machine’s body color, adding decals, and attaching car ornaments.

They can be used in the main modes or to sell on the Machine Market for Miles. Players can purchase custom vehicles online to add to their collection. The best part is that sellers will still keep their designs even when they’re bought. The longer the Machine stays in stock, the more its price fluctuates over time. The Garage is another option to showcase customization for both racing and Kirby Air Ride fans. Sakurai accounted that multiple players could pick the same Rider during the race.

To solve the confusion, he and Bandai Namco implemented headwear and costume variations. Every character will have available skins as references throughout the Kirby series. Thankfully, Kirby will not be the solo headwear fashionista. All of these customizable options can be unlocked by completing missions on the Checklist.

The Paddock

After experiencing a lackluster lobby in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Sakurai knew players needed something more interactive and engaging. Kirby Air Riders introduces the Paddock, where players can watch and enter matches online. It features a comfortable lobby with a buffet, a viewing screen, and a hangar installed.

Matches can be made or have others join using the PC. Players can actively walk and jump in the Paddock while waiting for their turn. Bandai Namco even included physical emotes and phrases to communicate by using the analog sticks. For those who want to hear their favorite game track, a jukebox is located on the left. An amiibo scan station is also available for your trained Rider.

VS Boss and Free Run

The previous Kirby Air Riders direct showcase City Trials with Stadium Matches, challenging players in various minigames. Bandai Namco now introduces the newest addition, VS Boss. The original Air Ride only featured King Dedede as the only boss battle. The sequel features boss encounters that will put combat skills to the test.

King Dedede has been replaced with his Transformer variant, Robo Dedede. The royal robot shifts between Car and Body mode. Both will do anything to annihilate Riders against it. Whether in a team or solo, players must collect battle items and Copy Abilities to defend themselves. A lock-on mechanic is added for those who can’t fight with a free camera.

And if you need a break from the challenges, City Trial now has a Free Run mode. This is for players who want to take a scenic drive around Skyah. Sakurai even created an exclusive Machine to take to the skies, the Flight Warp Star. The differences from its original counterpart are that Flight can create contrails and stay afloat midair.

Skyah now contains a parking lot underneath the Urban District. Players won’t need to walk to ride their favorite Machine either in Kirby Air Riders. Kirby and his pals can summon them with the Call Machine. The mechanic is an inspiration from the Star Warrior’s Warp Star phone from Kirby and the Crystal Shards.

Kirby Air Riders Reveals Story

Kirby Air Riders has revealed more story during and at the end of the 2nd direct. The Machines mysteriously landed on Popstar with no will of their own. They could only function once they synced with the person’s will. No one is sure who created them, but the vehicles quickly became a part of the planet’s daily life. Racing became the main source of entertainment.

Until one day, the Machines sensed a disturbing force. As Riders, they follow where their vehicles point. Sakurai explained that they are sensing the energy of the inorganic lifeform, Zorah. “After a long time, his wishes act as the foundation that sets fate into motion,” he told the direct viewers.

Theorists believe that this single line could hint at a clockwork star. They first appeared in Kirby: Super Star with Galactic Nova, who granted Marx’s wish to control Popstar. The last one seen in the timeline was Star Dream in Planet Robobot. Star Dream refused to grant President Haltmann’s wish because it recognized his company was mechanizing planets for profits.

Another clue about the clockwork star is the unnamed Kirby Air Riders racecourse. The new track is designed like a spaceship interior. Inside, there’s a rainbow heart-shaped energy core. The Kirby series named them Nucleus, the power source of the clockwork stars. When destroyed, the mechanical comets will explode. 

The mysterious Dark Rider from the previous direct appears to be searching for Zorah as well. They share a vehicle part attached to the left side of their head. They’re both inorganic lifeforms, with Zorah having crystals attached to his head. In Road Trip, the Dark Rider awaits to challenge the Riders in a race. His goal is to prevent players from reaching their destination.

November Global Test Ride and Amiibo Lineup

With Kirby Air Riders closing on launch day, Sakurai offers two gifts for Nintendo Switch 2 owners. The first one is the amiibo figurines that feature both Riders and Machines. Currently made are:

• Kirby & Warp Star
• Bandana Dee & Winged Star
• Meta Knight & Shadow Star
• King Dedede & Tank Star
• Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star

These are by far the best amiibo figurines ever made. You can swap the parts and rotate where the Riders are facing. Sakurai also demonstrates that some Machine figures will transform, like the Tank Star switching between Flight and Ground mode.

Kirby Air Riders November Global Test Fire

The final gift is the official Kirby Air Riders demo. According to Nintendo, the Global Test Ride Event will run for two weekends. The first weekend will take place on Nov. 8-9, and the one after is set for Nov 15-16. All times are in Pacific Time.

• Nov. 8: 12:00 am  to 6:00 am PT
• Nov. 8: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm PT
• Nov. 9: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm PT
• Nov. 15: 12:00 am  to 6:00 am PT
• Nov. 15: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm PT
• Nov. 16: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm PT