Time for Round 20 grades!
psb123's grades:
Frozen Hillside by
Kevandre
Iconic Status: 3/5
I think a solid middle ground is the best score for this stage. People have their memories of Air Ride for a reason and it did end up inspiring the ever popular Smash Run mode. But it is a spin-off that has gotten some age to it.
Originality: 8/10
Okay sure this stage does give off some vibes from the F-Zero stages but considering the kind of game Kirby Air Ride is I really don't know what else you could do for a stage from it other than City Trial which would probably just be a Delfino-style traveling stage anyway. Plus the grind rails aren't something I recall from any F-Zero Stage.
Playability: 8/10
The whole movement of the platforms functioning the way that they do does cause a few issues by nature. But I've seen much worse. This isn't something I can say would be so hard to play a match on that I'd want to turn the hazards off.
Overall Score: 19/25
Dark Castle by
Guh-Huzzah!
Iconic Status: 5/5
Dedede is one of Kirby's main characters after all. His Castle sticks out pretty well on it's own just from that, but it having Dark Matter and the animal buddies in it really helps it stick out in people's memory. Especially since the Animal Buddies came back in Star Allies.
Orginality: 9/10
It fits well for a Dream Land 2 stage. Rick, Kine, and Coo showing up as hazards works really well. Though having them show up in such a set pattern every time isn't the method I can say I prefer. Dark Matter is a nice touch as well with the call back to Dream Land 2's final boss that he transitions the stage into.
Playability: 3/10
"Coo will fly around and attack airborne fighters. They can be KO'd at one hit each"
That's WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY too overpowered. I suppose Coo only being on screen for 20 seconds at a time helps a little bit but for how much area he covers it looks like if your in the air at all when he's around than you're getting KO'd.
Dark Matter also looks like he covers too much area in his portion to be able to avoid him effectively.
Overall Score: 17/25
Shiver Star Factory by
TheMarioaddict
Iconic Status: 5/5
Honestly I think your main saving grace here is just how memorable of a game Kirby 64 is. Lots of people know it, lots of people love it. Maybe some areas from it stand out a bit more than others but I think just about any level from the game would make a notable Smash Stage. And for what it's worth. This is one of the games more notable levels.
Originality: 10/10
Simple but effective. And it meshes with the source material pretty well. I can't really find anything worth taking off points for here.
Playability: 9/10
The Mallets do provide just enough of an obstacle for me to take off a point. But they give you enough warning when they're about to hit for you to get away or try to get an opponent into it. Plus they can't get you stuck on the conveyor belts so all in all they're a fairly manageable hazard.
Overall Score: 24/25
Ripple Star by
TKOWL
Iconic Status: 5/5
A lot of the points that applied to MarioAddict's stage apply here as well. Plus saving this planet is kind of your overall goal throughout the game.
Originality: 10/10
You know based on the artwork I thought at first this stage would be a walk-off. Very glad to see that there are pits on the sides of the fountain. Well, most of the time at least since Dark Matter can cover one of them as well as create some more platforms. That's actually quite funny how Miracle Matter is the only thing that Dark Matter brings to the stage that actually hinders the players =P
I also have to give you props for the fairies watching the fight in the background but scattering when Dark Matter appears. Save for the queen who in a stroke of being very clever on your part gets sucked up into the Dark Matter instead. Tiny details like that are appreciated for a reason. Nicely done.
Playability: 9/10
Like I said, Miracle Matter is the only thing that Dark Matter (the only source of hazards in this stage) brings that actually hinders the fighters. Sure the black stuff that covers the pits causes damage but it seals off the blast zone at the same time. I'll take receiving some damage if it means I can recover from what would KO me otherwise.
As for Miracle Matter itself, the needles are fine, but the spark and the flame jet sound just tricky enough to dodge that I do have to take of one point.
Overall Score: 24/25
Green Valley by
GolisoPower
Iconic Status: 4/5
Rainbow Curse is a spin-off that seems like it would be unsurprising if people recognize it and unsurprising if people didn't. At the very least it does have the clay look going for it which like the Yarn look of Yoshi's Wooly World is a type of art style that has gotten fairly popular as an idea for how a Smash Stage could look.
Originality: 9/10
My only real gripe here is that I don't think you needed this kind of layout. It's got platforms all over the place and spaced out in ways that would require the rainbow lines to get to them. I do like how the lines speed you up and can be drawn in different ways. But I feel it would be better utilized on a more functional layout. You know the Green Greens stage from Melee? Take that layout, make the platforms at the sides bigger, and remove the blocks so that there are always pits between the platforms. That's the kind of layout I'm thinking here.
Playability: 7/10
I'll admit I already covered most of what I wanted to say here in the Originality score. But the layout of the stage does hurt playability more than it does originality:
Overall Score: 20/25
Drum Dash by
splat
Iconic Status: 4/5
Sub games are a tricky one in terms of having a good iconic status score. But this is the one, or at least one of them, to start the trend of those sub-games getting expanded versions as standalone releases. Plus Triple Deluxe and Planet Robobot probably have the most notable sub games in the series likely for the reason of standalone releases. So I think a 4 works here.
Originality: 9/10
It stays quite faithful to the source material I must say. Being able to have one of three backgrounds is a nice little touch as well. The stage is a lot like battlefield but with the platforms being trampolines (or at least like trampolines). Not the the pinnacle of creativity but it works pretty well all in all.
Playability: 9/10
Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but something like needing to use air time to get to characters just bouncing over and over again when ground focused fighters like Little Mac and Ryu are in the game has me just a tad concerned.
Overall Score: 22/25
Spring Breeze by
PeridotGX
Iconic Status: 5/5
Kirby Super Star is very popular and this sub game from it is, as you said, essentially a remake of Dream Land 1. No reason to take off any points here.
Originality: 8/10
As much as the idea of going through the areas of Dream Land 1 works for this stage, there is sadly a stage in Smash 3DS that beat you to it. I'll take off one point for that though because, well, I didn't like that stage and this idea sounds like a much better execution of the concept =P
Especially given the additions of Lololo, Lalala, and Kracko. Granted I would have liked it if Whispy Woods did something different.
Playability: 8/10
That Kracko Section has me a bit worried since it can make the main platforms act like the water of Jungle Japes. A problem made worse by the likely lack of being able to swim through it since it's on a platform.
Overall Score: 21/25
Patch Land by
TechPowah
Iconic Status: 5/5
Like with Green Valley the art style alone makes this kind of thing a popular idea for a Smash Stage. But I think this stands out more that Rainbow Curses Art style because it's had more time in the spotlight. Plus we did see a yarn stage in Smash Wii U via Woolly World. Though personally I think Kirby did the idea better than Yoshi did.
Originality: 9/10
Works pretty well. I like that it keeps the areas it transitions too nice and concise without employing too many hazards. I'm also a fan of how the water works like regular ground and sky since it's made of yarn and the parade in Treat Land is the kind of precious thing that fans of this game would appreciate.
Playability: 10/10
I mean yeah Prince Fluff and the Jellyfish are there. But they aren't really enough of a problem to where I need to take off points. Especially since Fluff can't damage you.
Overall Score: 24/25
Cosmic77's grades:
"Frozen Hillside" by Kevandre:
Iconic Status: 3/5
As great as a spin-off game it was, Kirby’s Air Ride came out an awfully long time ago. If we saw a sequel in the past five years or so, I met have given it a perfect score.
Originality: 6/10
I'll admit, this does seem like a better concept for an F-Zero stage. Regardless, I'll give you credit where it's due, and the idea of a stage taking place on traveling Warp Stars is a very original concept.
Playability: 8/10
The clarification of not being able to pass through underneath the Warp Stars saved you some points. Still had to deduct points for making a high-speed stage like this though.
Overall Score: 17/25
"Castle Dedede" by Blips:
Iconic Status: 5/5
Castle Dedede is one of the few recurring Kirby areas.
Originality: 7/10
The use of Rick, Kine, and Coo was unique, and Dark Matter is a fan-favorite who I'm sure many Kirby fans would love to fight in a Smash. My only complaint is that I would've like to have seen more variety with your layout.
Playability: 4/10
Two things:
The first thing is the layout. While it isn't too extreme, I do think the many crumbling and moving platforms can make for an awkward battle
The second is the characters. I REALLY would've like to have known how much damage it takes before these guys disappear. Enemies like these can really interfere with a battle, and based off the pathways you gave us, I can definitely see these guys posing an issue.
Overall Score: 16/25
"Shiver Star Factory" by TheMarioAddict:
I'm still pretty mad at you for sabotaging the results so EarthBound could lose. Expect this to be reflected in your scores (just kidding).
Iconic Status: 4/5
I loved this part in 64, but I can't say it was the most iconic part of the game. In addition, this doesn't even look like a typical Kirby stage, so I can't give it a pass because of its appearance.
Originality: 8/10
The hammer gimmick isn't anything crazy unique, but we've never had anything like it in Smash before. I think this does a decent job of standing out.
Playability: 7/10
Definitely have to deduct points for not being able to grab the edges of the conveyors.
And the hammers are...hammers.
Overall Score: 19/25
"Ripple Star" by TKOWL:
Iconic Status: 5/5
It's showing its age a bit, but this is one of the most memorable parts of the game. I'd definitely consider this to be an iconic stage for Kirby.
Originality: 10/10
Nice description of the background characters. A lot of submissions don't include things like that.
Moving on, I think what you came up with was very original. The layout looks nice (although a tad similar to the fountain area in Wuhu Island), and the hazards function very differently from what we normally see in Smash.
Playabillity: 6/10
Not gonna lie, some of these hazards really butchered your playability score. Personally, I would've stopped after the first attack you came up with (the dark fog attack that covers the pit).
Overall Score: 21/25
"Green Valley" by GolisoPower:
Iconic Status: 4/5
Kirby and The Rainbow Curse is still somewhat new, but this game went as quick as it came.
Originality: 10/10
This is a really cool idea that stays true to the game. Aside from it already sounding fun, I can see people getting very strategic with those rainbow lines.
Playability: 9/10
Pretty tame overall. The lines moving you is a small annoyance if it wasn't intended, but it's still simple enough.
Overall Score: 23/25
"Drum Dash" by splat:
Iconic Status: 4/5
Ehh... It's new, but it's technically just a sub-game. Not quite the same as a full game.
Originality: 10/10
It's a basic idea, but it works great. Really like this gimmick being incorporated into a stage, and I think it'll make for some very fun, bouncy battles.
Playability: 10/10
Don't really see any issues here.
Overall Score: 24/25
"Spring Breeze" by PeridotGX:
Iconic Status: 5/5
I never would've guessed this was a Kirby stage.
Originality: 4/10
You did come up with some pretty unique gimmicks, but the whole concept is extremely similar to the Dream Land stage in Smash 3DS.
Playability: 8/10
It has a few hazards here and there, but overall, not too much going on. Layout is simple enough.
Overall Score: 17/25
"Patch Land" by TechPowah:
Iconic Status: 5/5
Epic Yarn was a pretty fantastic and memorable game. Although, it's one of my favorite Kirby games, so maybe that's why I feel that way.
Originality: 10/10
You stayed true to the game in more ways than one. Prince Fluff's ability to pick up players, the Teddy bear platform, the electrifying jellies - they're all present in the real game.
Playability: 9/10
The Prince and the jellyfish creatures whose names I can't remember garner at least one point being deducted.
Overall Score: 24/25
Nani?’s Grades:
Frozen Hillside by Kevandre
Iconic Status - 4/5
Saldy, I’ve never played Kirby’s Air Ride, so I can’t say I know how iconic it is, but I’ll take your word for it.
Originality - 5/10
Honestly, it gives me Mute City vibes. Both feature your character on some sort of vehicle that is riding along a track, and upon touching the ground, it hurts you. On the other hand, I like the idea of each warp star going up when they turn. It’s certainly unique.
Play-ability - 5/10
The stage sure seems playable, but I must admit I think it’d be rather hard, especially with the warp stars moving up and down. I said it was unique, not that it’d improve gameplay. Sorry. I do appreciate the Steamed Hams reference, however.
14/25
Dark Castle by Blips
Iconic Status - 5/5
King Dedede’s castle is in just about every game, so....
Originality - 8/10
While the animal friends coming in to help reminds me a bit of the Flying Man from Magicant, there’s not a single thing I can call “unoriginal” about this stage, with exception of the fact that there's a King Dedede's Castle section in Green Greens.
Play-ability - 7/10
The animal friends being easy to kill makes this stage very playable, but my real problem is when the stage transforms. As long as Dark Matter is fairly easy to kill, then that should be no problem, but the idea of the stage crumbling might make fighting difficult. Either way, you can stay on the new platforms they create, however.
20/25
Shiver Star Factory by TheMarioaddict
Iconic Status - 4/5
I don’t know much about the iconic status of this, (yet again,) but judging by the amount of remixes it’s gotten and the fact it was a stage in Kirby Triple Deluxe and Kirby Fighters Deluxe, I think it’s safe to say this is pretty iconic.
Originality - 9/10
Although two hammer things(?) are in the middle of the stage, just like in Kirby Triple Deluxe and Kirby Fighters Deluxe, I’ll give it a pass. On the other hand, the conveyor belts and the two platforms to the side seem very interesting.
Play-ability - 10/10
It looks very playable, and it also looks like a ton of fun! The hammers not smashing to often and the conveyor belts to the side being fairly slow makes this stage gimmicky in the the best way possible.
23/25
Ripple Star by TKOWL
Iconic Status - 4/5
I can’t say much about this, but I’d like to argue it’s fairly iconic. After all, getting to it to save the fairies was the entire goal of Kirby 64. Then again, newer Kirby fans may not know what it is, but I’d still say it’s fairly iconic.
Originality - 9/10
The layout reminds me a whole lot of the Fountain of Dreams, but the stage hazards are so unique, I can’t take to much off the score.
Play-ability - 9/10
The level has so many stage hazards, but none of them seem unfair, and it sounds like they’d contribute a fair amount to the gameplay. A platform rising out of the platform also seems like fun.
22/25
Green Valley by GolisoPower
Iconic Status - 3/5
If I’m honest, Kirby and The Rainbow Curse isn’t very iconic, and the location this stage is based off of isn’t either, but it is the most recognizable area in the game, so I’ll give it credit for that.
Originality - 10/10
As far as I’m concerned, this is 100% original.
Play-ability - 7/10
It seems like a pretty tame stage, but the idea of the platforms being so far apart that you can hardly get to them by normal means doesn’t work in my opinion, but I think the biggest problem here are the rainbow lines. They seem like a good idea, but the idea of them moving you doesn’t settle with me. It sounds like it might be a bit annoying.
20/25
Drum Dash by splat
Iconic Status 3/5
Not very iconic at all, but it's still semi-recent, so some people may know what it is.
Originality 10/10
Can't get much more original than that.
Play-ability 8/10
While the drums seem a bit trippy, I appreciate that you don't have to bounce.
21/25
Spring Breeze by PeridotGX
Iconic Status - 5/5
Literally features some of Kirby’s most iconic areas.
Originality - 7/10
Sorry, but it’s not very original. The first phase is basically Green Greens without the two platforms and the switching areas reminds me of the Kirby 3DS level. (Forget the name.)
Playa-bility - 10/10
If that’s not playable, I don’t know what is.
22/25
Patch Land by TechPowah
Iconic Status 4/5
Takes you on a nice little trip through some of Kirby's Epic Yarn's cute areas!
Originality 9/10
Each area is a fresh breath of air, and while Prince Fluff is very similar to Nabbit, I can't really take to much off your score.
Play-ability 9/10
Seems pretty fun, and the hazards look to be very fair.
22/25
Total Scores:
Kevandre: 50 points
Blips: 53 points
TheMarioAddict: 66 points
TKOWL: 67 points
GolisoPower: 63 points
splat: 67 points
PeridotGX: 60 points
TechPowah: 70 points
The Winner is............
Patch Land by TechPowah
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
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