Nintendo Switch. Much of the excitement centers around a brand new ability introduced to the franchise, Mouthful Mode, which sees Kirby stretching over various items to accomplish special tasks. Of course, Kirby has always been known for his big appetite, but Mouthful Mode takes his proclivity for swallowing things to the extreme.
Though fan reactions to Kirby's appearance when using his Mouthful Mode abilities are mixed, there's no denying that this new ability adds an interesting and essential aspect to The Forgotten Land's gameplay. Still, some Mouthful Mode abilities are more useful and engaging than others. These abilities are ranked based on their usefulness and impact on the game, not on their appearance.
Dome Mouth/Storage Mouth
Dome mouth and Storage mouth are essentially the same ability, used throughout The Forgotten Land to open inaccessible areas and obtain items or free trapped Waddle-Dees.
While this is certainly helpful, the functionality of these abilities is limited. Players remain stationary on the dome or storage and merely toggle the joystick until the hidden area is opened. Many of these domes and storage cabinets are not in plain sight, so players who want to fully complete each level should be sure to explore carefully.
Stairs Mouth
Stairs Mouth appears frequently throughout the game and enables Kirby to access high platforms, toggle switches to open gates, and tip over to crush enemies. These useful powers come at the expense of mobility, as Kirby slows down considerably while in Stairs Mouth mode.
Now that Kirby has gone from a sidescrolling platform to a 3D game, players have more freedom of movement. However, the 3D format makes Stairs Mode unpredictable to use, as players cannot control in which direction Kirby tips over.
Scissor-Lift Mouth
One thing even Kirby fans may not know is that the petite puffball is only 7 inches tall. This makes it tough for Kirby to reach high platforms, even when hovering (especially since The Forgotten Land limits how high Kirby can hover).
Scissor-Lift Mouth solves this problem, allowing Kirby to expand to reach high areas and contract to dodge enemies. Whether the Scissor-Lift Mouth is expanded or not, Kirby will jump from its highest point when spitting out this ability. While in this mode, however, Kirby can only move in straight lines, which limits the possibilities of Scissor-Lift Mouth.
Pipe Mouth
Pipe Mouth is another ability that gives players few options for control. Once Kirby swallows the pipe, the only options are to roll down inclines and jump. Players cannot change direction or stop once the pipe is rolling.
Nevertheless, Pipe Mouth is a powerful ability. No enemy in Pipe Mouth Kirby's can inflict damage since Kirby steamrolls and flattens them, so the Pipe Mouth ability grants near invincibility. However, players should keep in mind that spikes and falls can damage Pipe Mouth Kirby, so it's important to time jumps well when using Pipe Mouth.
Rollercoaster Mouth
Coaster Mouth is only available in a single level of Kirby and the Forgotten Land but is memorable despite its brief appearance. While playing through the "Welcome to Wondaria" level, players will encounter a rollercoaster car that Kirby can swallow to enable this ability.
As with many of the Mouthful Mode abilities, motion controls are limited. Players can tilt left or right to avoid enemies and collect items, but are unable to jump or stop as Coaster Mouth Kirby speeds down the track. Coaster Mouth Kirby moves fast, so it's easy to miss some of the items and switches along the way. Fortunately, players have the option to retry the Coaster Mouth portion of the level once they complete the track.
Water-Balloon Mouth
Fans who think that water is one of Kirby's best copy abilities will love Water Balloon Mouth, which takes this ability to the extreme. Water Balloon Mouth is unique among the Mouthful Mode abilities because Kirby doesn't ingest an item for this one, but rather fills up with water from a pipe.
Kirby can vanquish enemies, extinguish fires, and clear mud while using this ability. However, players should note that Water Balloon Mouth requires an occasional refill, as Kirby shrinks over time as players shoot out water.
Cone Mouth
Naysayers may doubt how effective a traffic cone is as a weapon, but Kirby's Cone Mouth ability is surprisingly powerful. Though it gives Kirby an awkward waddling gait, the Cone Mouth ability allows Kirby to jump high and deliver a devastating ground-pound move that may remind players of the Stone ability.
This ability is effective both at crushing enemies and bursting water pipes, which allows Kirby to access otherwise unreachable areas. It is also one of the most frequently used Mouthful Mode abilities, demonstrating its versatility.
Light Bulb Mouth
Light Bulb Mouth is another nod to one of Kirby's copy abilities and may remind players of the electric Spark ability. Activating Light Bulb Mouth Mode allows Kirby to illuminate dark spaces and power up solar-powered s.
It should be noted that while Kirby can move quickly and jump in Light Bulb Mouth mode, this is not an attack ability. Also, when illuminated, Light Bulb Mouth Kirby is pursued by Ghost Gordos, spiky balls that are invincible and cannot be swallowed. Players need to be extra careful to avoid being spotted by these enemies.
Vending Mouth
Vending Mouth Kirby may not be the most visually interesting of the Mouthful Mode iterations, but this rapid-fire ability packs an effective punch. Kirby is no stranger to shooting and has had a gun in several titles before The Forgotten Land, but this may be the first time that soda cans are the projectile of choice.
Kirby's speed and ability to jump are limited while in Vending Mouth mode. While it's tempting to button-mash and fire the cans continuously, players should keep a careful eye on how much ammo is left and pick up any leftover cans to ensure they never run out.
Arch Mouth
Swallowing an arch enables Arch Mouth Mode and transforms Kirby into a hang-glider. This ability has been highly anticipated ever since the exciting Mouthful Mode reveals at Nintendo Direct 2022, and it does not disappoint.
With Arch Mode enabled, players can perform barrel rolls to destroy enemies and burst through walls. Additionally, players can ascend, descend, and move from left to right, making Arch Mode one of the more versatile Mouthful Mode abilities. Players also have the option to invert the lift controls (so that pressing down causes Kirby to ascend), making Arch Mouth more akin to other flight simulation games.