Kirby returns in clay-sculpted form on the Wii U and as with the DS hit Kirby’s Power Paintbrush, he abandons vacuuming enemies in favour of drawn lines and tapping. This more sedate gameplay favours forward thinking rather than quick reflexes and along with beautifully tactile visuals creates dreamlike challenges with their own peculiar logic.
Painting these lines is achieved directly on the Wii U gamepad that mirrors the TV screen, then up to three more players can join to protect Kirby using either Wii Remotes or Pro Controllers. They move freely but must rely on the rainbow ropes created by the main player and stick close to Kirby to avoid being warped forward. Three amiibos, Kirby, King Dedede and Meta Knight can be tapped on the gamepad to trigger special power ups, although use is limited to one a day.
There’s some longevity here too, the six-hour campaign is extended by hunting down hidden chests containing figurines and music treasures, while challenge mode provides a more substantial test, requiring quicker reactions. A comprehensive and well-aimed package, then, with easier difficulty, non-competitive multiplayer and a novel visual style fitting Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush perfectly for a younger audience.
