I'm sure we all have fond (or hateful) memories of the GameCube gem Kirby Air Ride. Even though I know my previous statement will provoke many negative emotions, I hope we all can stay civil on this thread and just discuss whether or not if a Kirby Air Ride U came out and was done right if it could be a huge gun for Wii U sales. Granted Kirby has never been a major catalyst for console sales, but if the Air Ride series turned out like Mario Kart, it could possibly push some units. I mean, look at Mario games. They certainly get consoles and handhelds selling, but no where near as much as the racing spinoff. So even if a Kirby Air Ride would only give a mediocre boost but maintain legs for the console would it be worth it? And also, how could they change the formula to make it better? Improve on the original, copy Mario Kart, or something completely new?

I never heard of that game. If the game was not as popular as their other GC games then it's not worth making another one, honestly.

Well, it sold 1.62 million copies, and that's with it being slammed critically. It could grow to be something more, but it would need to be distinguishable enough from Mario Kart.

You already have the kart-racing genre. Console sales are pushed by games that serve different markets.

Now, given Mario Kart 8's ludicrous attach rate on the Wii U, it might be wise for Nintendo to commission HAL make a new Kirby Air Ride and cash in on the existing kart-racing fanbase, especially because Kirby Air Ride was quite distinct enough that consumers would not view it as a me-too game. Indeed, Nintendo launched Air Ride very close to Double Dash in North America. I know, i remember buying them both back to back.

kirby air ride is mario kart taken to its extreme. mario kart 8 is increasingly moving towards (relatively) more complicated controls and more strategy, so there's room for a radically simplified racer like air ride, where it's just acceleration and directional controls.

it could work. i don't see it happening as a full price release, but given that nintendo has recently done $40 games, among them kirby rainbow curse, it's not completely impossible... personally i've always loved the kirby franchise, i think nintendo have done a lot of innovative stuff with kirby first, before anyone else. the wii's innovative motion controls could be traced, i think, to kirby tilt n' tumble. which was underrated (tho not as much as air ride) and a great game.

Every one seems to only care about androgynous Link and his burly porno mustached friend Mario. Kirby and his smooth and tender pink flesh should get more love but it's a tough world out there if you have weight problems.

I´d like to see a much better sequel of that game, it has potential.

funniest post i've read in some time on here. you win the day sir.

Do you know what the GC install base was at the time it reached 1.62 mil? Hmmm. That's a tough call.

haha. Might want to be careful. There might be people with pitch forks around the corner in a few minutes.