Kirby Air Riders has received a significant update, Version 1.3.0, which introduces a host of new features and improvements. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and adjustments:
General Improvements:
- GameShare functionality is now supported, allowing players to connect and play with nearby friends or engage in online chat.
- A new game mode, Grand Prix, adds a competitive twist to Air Ride matches, where players accumulate points across multiple races to determine the winner.
- The Sub-In Series rule set enables continuous matches with player substitutions, adding a dynamic element to gameplay.
- Two players can now enjoy paddocks and Quick Matches simultaneously on a single Nintendo Switch 2 system.
- The 'Popular' search condition in the Machine Market's Buy section has been changed to 'Random', offering more varied machine selection.
- Editing decals on the Transform Star's bike-type form is now possible in the My Machine Apply Decal screen, providing more customization options.
- Individual machine records can be deleted in Personal Best, allowing for better management of performance data.
- Special gauge maintenance during machine swaps or theft in City Trial ensures players can still trigger their Special abilities.
- Lock-on range adjustments and the ability to discard Copy Abilities without triggering Specials in City Trial offer more strategic gameplay options.
- Version information is now displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen after completing Time Attack.
- Penalties for withdrawing or disconnecting during Online Matches in friends-only paddocks have been removed.
Balance Adjustments:
- Rider performance has been fine-tuned for various characters, including Waddle Dee, Bandana Waddle Dee, Waddle Doo, Gooey, Cappy, Scarfy, Susie, Noir Dedede, Shadow Star, Wagon Star, Jet Star, Wheelie Bike, Hop Star, Vampire Star, and Tank Star.
- Machine performance adjustments have been made to Shadow Star, Wagon Star, Jet Star, and Wheelie Bike.
Bug Fixes:
- Communication stability during online play has been improved.
- Issues related to the Gummies screen in the Collection menu, Checklist page completion, machine selection screen, and various machine-specific bugs have been addressed.
- Transform Star and Copy Ability-related bugs, including acceleration loss, duplicate acceleration effects, and Copy Ability removal issues, have been fixed.
- Weight-related Top Speed adjustments for Bulk Star and Hydra have been resolved.
- Issues with Gooey's tongue capturing enemies, enemy icon display, BGM synchronization, and Team Relay communication errors have been addressed.
- Camera settings and stat display issues during Team Relay matches have been fixed.
- Machine Passage and Cyberion Highway camera issues, as well as Top Ride course Crystal and VS. Gigantes Stadium event bugs, have been resolved.
- Issues with control switching in Top Ride with multiple players and item effects in City Trial have been addressed.
- Rare online City Trial bugs, such as machine operability and replay posting errors, have been fixed.
Note: Replays from Version 1.2.0 and earlier are not compatible with Version 1.3.0. Users are advised to convert their replays to video files before updating.
The update invites players to revisit the game and explore the new features. Share your thoughts and experiences with the update in the comments section!
