Kirby's Air Ride (Nintendo 64)

Kirby's Air Ride was an unreleased precursor to the similarly-named Nintendo GameCube game set to release on the Nintendo 64. An early version of the game was briefly showcased at E3 (the Electronic Entertainment Expo) in 1996 by Nintendo as part of their Nintendo 64 line-up. Gameplay footage was also shown in a promotional video which featured the game in a later stage of development. Kirby's Air Ride was eventually reworked into the 2003 release on the Nintendo GameCube.

Gameplay footage revealed that the game would function similar to titles like 1080 Snowboarding, with Kirby and other characters riding down a straight course on Warp Stars, with the ability to jump off of hills and do flips in the air. It was also apparently possible to crash the Warp Star, collect Point Stars on the course, dismount and Hover around on foot, and play splitscreen multiplayer. Also present in later builds was a health bar in the lower-left with a portrait of Kirby's face that bore various reactions.

In addition to Kirby, King Dedede and Mr. Frosty were also present as riders.

Trivia

• The background image used in early demonstrations of the game is the map image used for the Dyna Blade game in Kirby Super Star.
• Had this title been released as planned, it would have been Kirby's debut appearance in 3D, as well as the first game in the series to take place in a full 3-D environment.
• Before becoming this prototype, the game was originally known as Kirby Bowl 64, with ball Kirby being controlled rather than characters on warp stars. It most likely was meant to be a sequel to Kirby's Dream Course, which is called Kirby Bowl in some regions.

Gallery

• Kirby's Air Ride N64 Screen 1.jpg

  Kirby racing down a course, as showcased at E3 1996.

• Kirby's Air Ride N64 Screen 2.jpg

  Splitscreen gameplay from Kirby's Air Ride, as showcased at E3 1996.

• Kirby's Air Ride N64 Screen 3.jpg

  King Dedede racing in Kirby's Air Ride, as showcased at E3 1996.

• Mrfrostyair.jpg

  Mr. Frosty riding a star.

Video Gallery

Click to load content Brief gameplay demonstration.

Click to load content Video showcasing upcoming games on Nintendo 64 (Kirby's Air Ride starts at 8:17)