Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is the only Kirby platforming game for the Nintendo 64. It's a 2D/3D platformer as in it's sidescrolling but the graphics are in 3D. Overall, it's a great game but it is a short game. You could easily beat this game in a weekend.

The objective in Kirby 64 is to collect crystal pieces that were scattered all over Kirby's world. An enemy known as "Dark Matter" is trying to get this crystal so Kirby's job is to simply collect these pieces.

Everyone knows Kirby for being able to suck up his enemies powers as using them against them and that has returned in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. You can get some pretty neat power ups along the way some familar and others unfamilar to past Kirby fans. You can also get doubled the powers which is even cooler. The game controls well and Kirby can still do is jump where he can float for a bit.

The main problem with Kirby 64 is the game's length. It's not a long game at all and it's a very easy game. This is good for beginners I guess but good gamers and Kirby junkies will find it way too easy and short. The last boss isn't even that hard but he is pretty fun to fight.

The graphics look very smooth for a platforming game. The level design gets a little bit repetitive but only for each level. Each new level you go to looks new and cool giving it that distinct "Kirby feel" to it. The characters all look fantastic and very smooth. The music is pretty good too.

Overall, if you're a Nintendo 64 owner looking for a decent platformer than check this game out but still it's an expensive game and some minigames won't really cut the bill for a game that you can't rent anymore. I guess if you're a Kirby fan go ahead with this one but if you've never played it and just a platforming fan than make sure and see if a friend owns this game before you buy it.