NOTE: I have not experienced this game with a broadband adapter, so multi Gamecube features are not covered in this review.

Finally, another Gamecube game from HAL Laboratories! I was worried Super Smash Brothers Melee was going to be their only Gamecube release. Well, first of all, don't buy this game and expect it to be better as Melee, because it isn't; although, it does come close in my opinion. The first thing you will notice when you turn this game on is the fact that the GUI is sickeningly similar to that of Melee's. Of couse, this isn't really a bad thing, since Melee's GUI was very efficent and easy to use, but I think using the same sound effects goes a smooch too far. Also, the graphics have a very similar feel to them as well, even though the game is played in three dimensions rather than two.

The game is divided into three very different main modes. The first mode is Air Ride. This is the basic racing mode. You race from a behind vehicle perspective like most racing games. That is where
similarites end. First of all, you won't need someone to explain the controls to you; here's how it works: Joystick: Steering A Button: Everything Else. What is everything else you ask? Well, not much really. Its main functions are sliding/boosting, inhaling enemies, and activating boosters on the ground. The simple controls make this a good mode for parties because anyone can pick up a controller
and start playing reasonably well.

Anyway, there are about nine tracks all with their own uniquities and features. The main mode allows for four players (split screen) and can be played by laps or by time. (Time mode counts down from a set time and the player who traveled the farthest wins, I thought that it was a nifty idea.) Additional single player modes Time Attack and Free Run are also available. Oh, and in the beginning, only one "vehicle" is available, but more are unlocked as you fill up the objective grid (more on that later). I would venture to say that this is the "hardest" mode.

The second mode is Top Ride which is a similar concept to Air Ride. The difference is that the camera view is from above the course, so there is
no split screen for multiple players. Also, computers can always be added up to four total players and there are only two types of stars available to ride. This mode is basically more wacky and chaotic than
Air Ride. Also, the courses are much smaller so lap counts are higher. And for anyone who is in to anime, this mode has a very chibi feel to it. This mode uses the same controls and is alot easier to master than Air Ride. It too features Free Run and Time Attack modes. This would get my vote for best multiplayer mode. Oh yeah, there are also items that randomly appear around the course which make things even more interesting.

The third, and oddest, mode is City Trial. You start off with a default of five minutes in a giant city level. You go anywhere you want and there are items that power up you stats as well as weapons and other items scattered throughout the level. In addition, you can disembark from your star and board other vehicles scattered throughout the level. Each vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses. Also, random events sometimes occur such meteor
showers or DynaBlade appearing. When time runs out, a random mini-game begins. Your stats and vehicle you had when time ran out carry over to the minigame. You compete with the other players and one emeges victorious. Whew. This mode is very fun but isn't really great for competing. Many of the minigames dont really depend on your stats, and the winner is often the one who happened to have the right vehicle for the job. However, you can specify
a specific mini game before the match so everyone knows what to go for. Also, stadium mode allows you to just play the mini games straight off. This mode is good for multiplayer, but only if you're playing with people who know the game fairly well; otherwise, you'll be in for a whine-fest.

In each mode, there is an obejective grid that allows you to unlock various stuff. Stuff includes new colors of Kirby, new vehicles, alternate music for all the courses, and bonus options. This is what makes Kirby's Air Ride fun as a single-player games as well as multiplayer. For the most part, there is a fair balance between easy and hard objectives. (In other words, City Trial and Top Ride mode grids are fairly easy and the Air Ride grid is impossible.)

As for the music in this game I think its great. I've always been a fan of Kirby music and this game doesn't let me down. What makes it even better is the fact that most of the unlockable alternate music is from older Kirby games such as Kirby 64 and Kirby Superstar. The sound effects are very vivid and cartoony and will strongly remind of SSBM.

Overall, I think this game is very good. The multiplayer is very addictive and the unlockables are a very good addition to the game. However, I think there could've definitely been more features to unlock. It would have been amazing if every square on each 120-space grid sported an unlockable. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. Also, the Air Ride grid just served to piss me off and make me frusturated. But hey, no game is perfect.

Finally, I have to say that the broadband adapter sounds like it would make this game amazing. I'm not sure if it's eight or sixteen players, but either
way it would make this game a valuable asset to any LAN/video game party.