Kirby Air Riders shows off new game modes and Sakurai says he doesn't plan any additional content

A 45-minute Direct to talk about Kirby Air Riders was not enough, so Masahiro Sakurai has starred in a second 60-minute presentation. On this occasion the game director has focused on talking about the new features, game modes and customization. It has also announced a Global Test Ride to be held in November and assured that it has no plans to develop additional content or a sequel.

To start, Sakurai has confirmed that the Bird's Eye View mode that originally appeared in Kirby Air Ride will be available in the new installment. This mode includes circuits inspired by those of the Air Ride mode, the races are seen from a top-down view and it is possible to see the entire track on a single screen. Bird's Eye View has exclusive items to gain advantages over opponents and allows you to use the usual driving mechanics, so the races are a little more chaotic. Eight players can play online in this multiplayer mode, although Sakurai recommends four.

Anyone who wants a story will find it in Getaway, a mode that Sakurai explains combines Air Ride, Bird's Eye View and Urban Trials. In Getaway, players travel along a road as they encounter different challenges that come from the three aforementioned main modes. It is also possible to find shops to buy items and rest areas with power-ups or other ships. «I recommend that you focus on accumulating ships,» says Sakurai. In addition, objects will appear along the way that can determine the path to follow.

During the Direct, Sakurai also showed off the Aerodrome, which is a kind of private room where friends can gather when playing online; confirmed that all nine Kirby Air Ride courses will be available; taught the Ship Relay mode in which players choose a vehicle for each lap and the ship automatically changes when passing the finish line; presented the new pilots Taraña, Lololo & Lalala, Daroach, Pedroso, Rick, Scarfy, Marx and Waddle Dee; and discovered the Metamorphic Star, a star-like ship that can fly.

«I started with the development [de Kirby Air Riders] just when I finished filming for my YouTube channel, but it seems that creating this game required ten times more resources than Kirby Air Ride,» says Masahiro Sakurai. «Today, developing a game and launching it on the market requires more than considerable effort. But I think the final product is worth it, so I hope you enjoy it. I am convinced that the support of the fans was crucial for this installment to succeed. Creating games takes time and money, so it's impossible to fulfill everyone's wishes. A note: we don't have any downloadable content planned. The game already has everything. I also don't plan to continue the series.»

Kirby Air Riders will be available on November 20 for Nintendo Switch 2.