Compare Kirby Air Riders vs It Takes Two

P1 Kirby Air Riders
P2 It Takes Two

Comparison Takeaways

Kirby Air Riders

Where It Has the Edge

  • protagonist appeal is 4.5 vs 2.6. Kirby himself remained appealing, with one reviewer describing the character as a source of joy.
  • server reliability is 5.0 vs 3.5. Connection reliability was praised in the reviewed sessions, especially where reviewers reported no input lag or connection issues.
  • family friendliness is 4.3 vs 3.0. Reviewers saw party and family appeal, including play at gatherings and interest from kids.
  • writing quality is 4.5 vs 3.4. Writing evidence was limited but positive where Road Trip's story was described as peculiar in a fitting, engaging...

It Takes Two

Where It Has the Edge

  • boss design is 4.7 vs 2.0. Bosses are praised as fun, challenging, cinematic, and sometimes wonderful, with checkpoints supporting the tougher encounters.
  • core gameplay loop is 5.0 vs 2.5. The core loop is described as a well-crafted platforming foundation that supports the game's cooperative variety.
  • learning curve is 4.7 vs 3.2. The learning curve is viewed positively, especially for non-gamers, with gradual skill development and inclusive design.
  • split-screen quality is 4.5 vs 3.0. Split-screen quality is praised for companionship and smooth two-window play, especially despite Switch limitations.
Average score
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3
Product 2: It Takes Two
4.4
accessibility options
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Accessibility was praised for unusually strong remapping, visual, and option customization for a Nintendo release.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
age appropriateness
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.0

One review framed the game as suitable for younger players while still arguing it was not only for them.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.0

Age appropriateness is mixed-to-cautious: reviewers note mature themes, marriage metaphors, and challenge that may not fit younger children.

AI behavior
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
1.5

One reviewer strongly criticized CPU behavior as too random for difficulty settings to matter.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
animation quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

One reviewer praised the Road Trip cutscenes as beautifully animated.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Animation is praised for Pixar-like presentation, squash-and-stretch style, and strong mocap-style character work.

art direction
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Art direction received high praise for colorful, dynamic environments and a striking Switch 2 look.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.8

Art direction is widely praised as remarkable, gorgeous, imaginative, and strong enough to survive Switch visual compromises.

atmosphere
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Atmosphere was praised for nostalgic whimsy and a wild, weird, addictive tone.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Atmosphere is praised for wonder, warmth, and imaginative environmental mood.

battle mode quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.2

City Trial was often called the highlight and a strong party mode, but reviewers also noted imbalance, chaos, or unrewarding solo play.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
boss design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
2.0

Boss-related evidence was limited, but one negative review disliked late-game boss fights that demanded precision the controls did not support well.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.7

Bosses are praised as fun, challenging, cinematic, and sometimes wonderful, with checkpoints supporting the tougher encounters.

bug frequency
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
4.0

Bug frequency appears low in the evidence, with one review reporting only minor graphical bugs plus one checkpoint-reset issue.

camera behavior
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

Camera feedback was positive where Top Ride improved legibility and the racing camera pulled players into high-speed action.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.5

Camera behavior receives a positive note for keeping up with fast, dynamic action.

character customization
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.6

Machine and rider customization were widely praised as deep and generous, though one reviewer said designs blur during actual races.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
character development
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
2.0

Character development draws criticism from two reviews that felt May and Cody's marital issues were not explored deeply enough.

character roster
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.7

The roster was praised as broad, Kirby-rich, and filled with distinct riders.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
checkpoint system
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Checkpointing is praised as extremely generous or instant, making experimentation and deaths less punishing.

co-op experience
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Co-op experience is the clearest strength, with every review praising how essential, joyful, collaborative, or unusually strong the cooperative play feels.

combat system
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.2

Combat was praised when folded into chaotic group play, but precise one-on-one targeting exposed the limits of the control scheme.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
community features
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.7

The marketplace, shared machine creations, and online sharing tools were praised as unusually fun community layers.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
competitive balance
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.4

Balance was mixed: vehicle diversity and rebalancing were praised, but legendary machines, party chaos, and Stadium outcomes limited competitive fairness.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.0

Competitive balance is mixed: core roles are praised as equal, but some minigames or character roles are described as one-sided.

content variety
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.6

Reviewers repeatedly emphasized the breadth of modes, rulesets, challenges, unlocks, and formats, even when some disliked particular modes.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Content variety is one of the strongest consensus points, with reviewers praising constant new mechanics, tools, genres, settings, and minigames.

controls responsiveness
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.5

Controls were divisive: several reviewers praised their tight, deceptively complex feel, while others found the single-button layout slippery, unintuitive, or imprecise.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.8

Controls are widely praised as responsive, tight, natural, and accessible, with only the Switch Joy-Con feel drawing a mild caveat.

core gameplay loop
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
2.5

Opinions split: some found the overall loop a loose or candy-like collection of quick thrills, while negative reviews called races short or thin once the novelty faded.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

The core loop is described as a well-crafted platforming foundation that supports the game's cooperative variety.

couch co-op quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

One reviewer expected the game to work especially well as a couch game with friends or family.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Couch co-op is repeatedly praised as a natural or superior way to experience the game.

dialogue quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
2.4

Dialogue quality is mixed, with some humorous or realistic dialogue but repeated criticism of Dr. Hakim as cringy or uncomfortable.

difficulty balance
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.5

Difficulty drew mixed comments, from generous solo challenge to complaints that some penalties or modes felt unfair or too easy.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.2

Difficulty is mixed: several reviewers found it forgiving or not very challenging, while others noted frustration or a gradual, approachable curve.

driving mechanics
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.4

Most reviewers praised the boost/brake rhythm, machine mastery, and unusual racing feel, despite one early review criticizing physics as poorly tuned.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
emotional impact
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

One review strongly tied the game to childhood nostalgia and joy.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.6

The emotional impact is often strong, especially around relationship reflection, ending moments, and co-op connection, though divorce sensitivity is a caveat.

endgame content
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

The checklist and achievement chase supported strong endgame evidence, with one reviewer still having many unlocks after 25 hours.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
environmental detail
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

One technical review highlighted richly detailed tracks with extensive animation and moving parts.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Environmental detail is praised in both character materials and intricate level spaces.

exploration quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

City Trial exploration was praised for rewarding discovery, map knowledge, and new strategies.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Exploration is praised where reviewers emphasize that playful, interactive spaces reward looking around and traversing levels.

faithfulness to franchise
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.7

Reviewers praised the sequel for honoring Air Ride and Kirby history while expanding the concept.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
family friendliness
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3

Reviewers saw party and family appeal, including play at gatherings and interest from kids.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.0

Family friendliness is limited by language and teen-rated content despite the otherwise loved cooperative experience.

flying mechanics
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Sky and gliding identity received positive evidence where the game was described as feeling fantastic back in the air.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
frame rate stability
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.6

Frame rate was a major strength across reviews, with several calling it smooth or flawless and only occasional hiccups noted.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Frame rate stability is praised across PC/console/Switch coverage, with reviewers noting steady or smooth performance.

fun factor
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.6

Most reviewers found the game highly fun, chaotic, or addictive, while even some mixed reviews acknowledged enjoyable bursts.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.9

Fun factor is exceptionally strong, with most reviewers calling it joyful, blast-like, highly enjoyable, or one of their most fun recent games.

gameplay mechanics
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3

Reviewers generally found the one-button foundation deeper than it first appears, with skill coming from timing, momentum, machine choice, and subtle race techniques.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.9

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the mechanics as simple to grasp yet constantly inventive, with several genres and toolsets executed well.

graphics quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.9

Visuals were consistently praised as gorgeous, vibrant, sharp, and among the game's strongest traits.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.2

Graphics are praised on stronger hardware but notably compromised on Switch, where reviewers describe rough visuals and graphical tradeoffs.

grind level
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
2.5

One reviewer found Road Trip rewards spread across too much work for too little payoff.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
handheld play suitability
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

One reviewer enjoyed relaxed handheld play for completing goals and challenges.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.0

Handheld suitability is positive overall, with similar handheld and docked performance, though controller and visual compromises remain.

haptic feedback integration
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

One review said Switch 2 haptics helped communicate machine differences.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
HUD clarity
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
2.0

Visual readability drew criticism when chaos, spectacle, and cramped action made information hard to parse.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
immersion
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

The high-speed rhythm could be absorbing, with one reviewer feeling locked into the action once the mechanics clicked.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Immersion is praised through absorbing environments and gameplay that reinforces the couple/co-op premise.

innovation
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Innovation was supported by reviewers who saw the sequel as a significant leap and a genuinely unusual racing alternative.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Innovation is strongly praised for its original, constantly changing co-op mechanics and creative approach.

learning curve
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.2

Most reviewers noted a real learning curve: easy basics and useful lessons, but an initially overwhelming or unintuitive transition for newcomers.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.7

The learning curve is viewed positively, especially for non-gamers, with gradual skill development and inclusive design.

level design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

Track design was usually praised for style, branching, and spectacle, with only a few complaints about cramped layouts or visual overload.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.9

Level design is consistently praised as creative, intricate, masterfully mapped out, and varied across imaginative environments.

live-service support
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.0

One review saw upcoming ranked events as a promising sign of longer-term updates and community moments.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
load times
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3

Load times were described as fast overall, though one technical review noted the physical version could be slightly slower.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
lore depth
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

Road Trip's lore was praised as worth experiencing, especially around how Air Riding came to exist.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
map and navigation design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.2

City Trial's map was praised for rewarding learning and shifting play, though one reviewer called the city bland after repeats.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
matchmaking quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
2.0

One review criticized online waits, saying matchmaking took longer than the races.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
menu usability
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

One review singled out the menus as sleek within a polished reward-heavy presentation.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
microtransaction impact
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Reviewers highlighted customization spending as in-game rather than real-money microtransactions, framing it as a positive.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
mission design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.1

Road Trip and challenge design were often praised for fast, varied encounters, but dissenting reviews found Road Trip dull, repetitive, or chore-like.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
mission variety
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

Reviewers praised the mix of conventional races, Stadium games, and Road Trip-style micro-challenges.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
monetization fairness
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Reviewers appreciated customization being funded with in-game currency rather than real-money microtransactions.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Monetization fairness is praised because Friend Pass/pro-consumer ownership rules let two people play without both buying full copies.

movement feel
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3

The automatic, high-speed movement impressed many reviewers once understood, though one reviewer felt events could happen faster than intent could catch up.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Movement is repeatedly described as freeing, smooth, delightful, and enjoyable across jumping, dashing, and traversal.

multiplayer design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3

Multiplayer was usually praised as the game's happy place, especially with groups, though Stadium splitting and missing Grand Prix-style structure drew complaints.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Multiplayer design is praised as fully built around two players, with local, online, and cooperative structure central to the experience.

narrative quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.4

Road Trip's story and cutscenes were usually seen as surprisingly polished or charming, though a few found the story slight or secondary.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.4

Narrative quality is divisive: some reviewers found the relationship story moving or healthy, while others called it shallow, predictable, or poorly told.

onboarding experience
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.0

Onboarding was seen as helpful and robust overall, though some reviewers still warned that new players need time to adjust.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.8

The onboarding is praised for welcoming new or non-gamer partners without heavy-handed teaching.

online stability
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.2

Online play was mostly reported as smooth or pleasant, with some caveats about pre-release conditions and mode population.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.8

Online stability is mostly positive but not perfect, with rare rubberbanding or server drops not erasing much progress.

open-world design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

City Trial's open city design was praised for rewarding map knowledge and making repeated exploration worthwhile.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
originality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.7

Reviewers strongly emphasized the game's unusual identity as a strange, unique alternative to standard kart racers.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Originality is praised through reviewers calling the game rare and among the most creative co-op experiences they have played.

pacing
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.8

Road Trip's forward momentum helped the package feel brisk, though one review thought the separate modes lacked cohesion.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.4

Pacing is mostly praised as breakneck, fantastic, and expertly paced, though one reviewer felt the game overstayed its welcome and another noted one section ran long.

performance optimization
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.2

Performance was generally strong, with mostly smooth 60 fps play, though one technical review noted City Trial frame drops.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.0

Performance optimization is mostly positive in the cited review, with only occasional frame-rate dips in heavier scenes.

platform-specific feature support
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.8

Reviewers praised Switch 2-specific strengths including haptics and a next-gen technical presentation.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.3

Platform-specific support on Switch is praised for multiple play options, though practical compromises remain.

platforming precision
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Platforming precision receives strong praise, with reviewers calling it responsive, precise, and effortless.

polish
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.8

Reviewers repeatedly described the game as well-made, lovingly crafted, highly polished, and full of careful detail.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Polish is praised through comments about thoughtful production, virtual glitch-free execution, and masterful construction.

progression system
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.7

Reviewers strongly praised the checklist, achievements, unlocks, and constant rewards, though one negative review felt too many rewards were cosmetic.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
protagonist appeal
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

Kirby himself remained appealing, with one reviewer describing the character as a source of joy.

Product 2: It Takes Two
2.6

Protagonist appeal is polarized: some reviewers found Cody and May real or excellent, while others found them irritating, bitter, or unlikeable.

puzzle design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Puzzle design is praised for making both players collaborate, with tools and level setups creating satisfying shared problem solving.

replay value
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.0

Replay value was often strong thanks to Road Trip routes, checklists, unlocks, and multiplayer, though some reviewers expected repetition or burnout.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.9

Replay value is generally positive due to swapped characters and replayable minigames, though one reviewer personally had no desire to replay.

sandbox freedom
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

City Trial's roaming, upgrade-collecting structure was treated positively as a freer sandbox-style layer.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
seasonal content quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.0

One reviewer liked rotating events because they created reasons to step away from ranked City Trial and experiment.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
server reliability
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Connection reliability was praised in the reviewed sessions, especially where reviewers reported no input lag or connection issues.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.5

Server reliability is mixed in the Switch evidence because online play was mostly solid but had a couple of server drops.

side character depth
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
No score yet
Product 2: It Takes Two
4.5

Side characters are generally praised for providing laughs and inventive background flavor.

social features
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.7

The Paddock, marketplace, lobbies, and shared custom creations were praised as fun social layers.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
sound design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

Sound effects and audio presentation drew positive comments, including one review calling the whole presentation beautiful.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

Sound design is repeatedly praised as outstanding, top-notch, rich, whimsical, and technically impressive.

soundtrack quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.8

The soundtrack was widely praised as catchy, energetic, or excellent, often listed among the package's highlights.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.7

The soundtrack is usually praised as fitting, cinematic, and emotionally effective, though one reviewer found some music generic.

split-screen quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.0

Split-screen performance was praised by one reviewer, but others criticized hidden rider and machine stats in local play.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.5

Split-screen quality is praised for companionship and smooth two-window play, especially despite Switch limitations.

tutorial quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3

Tutorials and training were praised for explaining the unusual control system and easing players into the mechanics.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
upgrade system
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.0

Road Trip's upgrade choices added strategic balancing, asking players to build a well-rounded machine rather than chase one stat blindly.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
user interface design
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

One reviewer praised the presentation, menus, UI, unlocks, sound, and graphics as beautiful.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
value for money
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
3.6

Value opinions were mixed: some felt the package justified its price or beat rivals, while others thought the $70 price was too high.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.9

Value for money is praised due to long runtime, Friend Pass, replay value, sale pricing, and perceived worth.

vehicle roster
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.3

Vehicle variety was mostly praised for unique handling and meaningful differences, though one review said some machines were unsuitable for racing.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
visual effects quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

Reviewers praised the race sequences, effects, and spectacle as visually impressive and highly detailed.

Product 2: It Takes Two
No score yet
voice acting
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.0

One reviewer was pleasantly surprised that Kirby Air Riders includes voice acting alongside strong Road Trip presentation.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.8

Voice acting is strongly praised across reviews as fantastic, phenomenal, well acted, and top-tier.

world-building
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

World-building was praised through Road Trip's cosmic tale spanning the Kirby universe.

Product 2: It Takes Two
5.0

World-building is praised for imagination and character shining through the whole adventure.

world interactivity
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
5.0

One reviewer praised the City Trial map for shifting between runs and supporting surprising discoveries.

Product 2: It Takes Two
4.9

Interactive spaces are a major strength, with reviewers praising playful objects, rewarded curiosity, and dense environmental interactions.

writing quality
Product 1: Kirby Air Riders
4.5

Writing evidence was limited but positive where Road Trip's story was described as peculiar in a fitting, engaging way.

Product 2: It Takes Two
3.4

Writing quality is split between praise for snappy, excellent writing and criticism that the tone is uneven or disappointing beside the gameplay.