Kirby Tilt N Tumble (GB) (Kirby Tilt N Tumble (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Kirby Tilt N Tumble (GB)
Date:	21/04/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Innovative gameplay

Disadvantages: Steep learning curve

"Kirby's Tilt n' Tumble" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 2000 by Nintendo. It is based on the long standing "Kirby" video game series. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

Tilt n' Tumble was an innovative game at the time of release, and was a precursor to much of Nintendo's technology to be released at later dates. The game cartridge was the first to include a motion sensor which guides play. Much like how the Nintendo Wii is dependent on motion sensors attached to the wrist or how Apple's iPhone display reacts to changes in how the user is holding the device, Tilt n' Tumble operates through tilting the Gameboy console which guides Kirby on his adventure. When initially powering on the game, the player is immediately informed to keep the console flat as the motion sensors are detecting the neutral position. This could be done by simply keeping the Gameboy on a table for a short few seconds. After this calibration is complete the player is ready to engage with the game.

There is very much a high learning curve to this title due to the ground breaking technology. The player must guide Kirby through a serious of stages, which can include pinball machines to wooden labyrinths, and must do this through tilting the console in various directions. The backlight on the Gameboy's display is not particularly strong so the player must play this game in a room with an abundance of light as his or her eyes will not constantly be fixed on a central point. Attacking the infrequent enemy is done by pressing the "A" button which blows air in its direction as opposed to the traditional vacuum effect to power-up.

It is difficult to review the graphics of this title as few fragments are actually seen during gameplay. All while the player is tilting the console in all directions, the eyes do not really get a sense of visual experience. Nonetheless, the colouring of this title appears to be excellent and implements traditional Kirby effects into the "Dreamland" setting including odd coloured clouds. The soundtrack of this game is a particular high point and seemed to have greater focus over the graphics. The developers were able to successful implement various digital voice snippets of Kirby to suggest his well being to the player during periods of console movement.

Overall, Tilt n' Tumble is an excellent title which would suit any Kirby player's collection very well. It is an interesting retrospective on what would become a central piece of technology by Nintendo and gives an insight as to its intended operation.

Summary: Thumbs up