Art frequently delivers the distinct joy of feeling as though you grasp something that others may overlook. This concept embodies “cult classics,” which are those films or games that initially encounter a tepid reception but eventually come to be seen as concealed gems. The feeling of validation is gratifying, but it’s even more rewarding to sense that others were mistaken.

Take “Kirby Air Ride,” an action game centered on vehicles featuring Nintendo’s beloved character Kirby, which debuted on GameCube in 2003. Its Metacritic page tells the tale: critics were underwhelmed, yet gamers adored it, as indicated by the user score.

Having experienced the original and found it to be unremarkable, I approached its Nintendo Switch 2 successor “Kirby Air Riders” hoping for a change of heart. I wanted to believe that the critics were misguided and that augmenting the game with additional characters, abilities, and modes would vindicate the naysayers.

That didn’t occur. “Kirby Air Riders” presents more than its predecessor, but not to a great extent. It remains a shallow racing action game with one interesting mode and a lot of mediocrity, including a subpar single-player experience.

For Nintendo fans, the fact that “Air Riders” exists is thrilling. I’m pleased that this game is available, as it marks the first significant Kirby installment directed by series creator Masahiro Sakurai in over two decades. Sakurai, famous for the “Super Smash Bros.” franchise, reverts back to his origins with Kirby, his invention.

“Air Riders” honors Kirby, incorporating playable characters ranging from basic enemies to allies and key antagonists. The soundtrack combines fresh tracks with reimagined classic Kirby melodies, arguably the game’s standout feature. Visually, it dazzles on the Switch 2 console, showcasing vibrant hues, impressive racetracks, and a flawless 60 fps frame rate.

“Air Riders” impresses in terms of looks and sound, but the gameplay tells a different narrative.

If you overlooked the original “Air Ride” or the promotion for “Air Riders,” be aware that there’s no dedicated accelerate button. Acceleration is automatic, with merely two buttons: one for braking and charging a speed boost, and another for activating a character’s special move when a meter is full.

A spin attack is executed by moving the left stick, rounding out the move set. “Air Riders” is simple to grasp thanks to its straightforward nature and tutorials that ensure players understand the subtleties, particularly regarding vehicles that handle differently. It’s valuable to complete these as most vehicles can achieve flight, crucial for winning races.

However, there’s little left to engage with post-tutorials. You can race against CPUs or friends in Air Ride mode, the top-down Top Ride mode, or the more open-ended City Trial, or venture into Road Trip, a single-player narrative mode.

City Trial was the highlight of the original and continues to be the main attraction. Up to 16 players roam a city map for five minutes, scavenging for vehicles and enhancing them with items. Break boxes for upgrades, or partake in random challenges like races or boss encounters for power-ups.

After five minutes, players transition to Stadiums, mini-games focused on speed, flight, or combat. City Trial revolves around maximizing your machine’s stats and performing admirably in the Stadium. Winning takes a backseat to the pleasure of gathering power-ups.

“Air Riders” truly excels during chaotic moments in City Trial, with meteors or bosses injecting unpredictability into the gameplay. It’s exhilarating to reach a stage where your vehicle is nearly uncontrollable, though this may detract from the enjoyment of certain challenges. Still, City Trial, particularly in online play with friends, remains fun.

Air Ride mode lacks appeal. Races are brief and lack depth. The randomness of City Trial infuses excitement, but Air Ride races can feel monotonous unless you vary your characters and vehicles. While characters can absorb abilities from enemies like Kirby, this adds minimal diversity.

Top Ride is hardly worth mentioning. The mechanics do not translate well to a top-down perspective, and turns feel clumsy. It resembles a “Mario Party” mini-game.

City Trial and Air Ride are the primary draws, accommodating both local and online multiplayer. Online, you can invite friends to a paddock, a social space to display characters or vehicles, customizable with unlocked parts and decals. It’s enjoyable to socialize prior to a City Trial match.

Road Trip, the single-player option, is underwhelming. It’s a solitary quest where you tackle challenges, gather vehicles, and occasionally face bosses over the span of 60-90 minutes. The challenges tend to be repetitive, often involving the same race on the same track. The difficulty only increases near the conclusion due to overpowered vehicles.

Road Trip feels tedious, with challenges growing monotonous. Late-game boss encounters demanding precision can be vexing, as “Air Riders” isn’t designed for accuracy.

I can’t envision playing Road Trip beyond this review. It has moments of enjoyment but largely leans towards boredom or frustration. Achieving in-game objectives provides some fulfillment, unlocking new characters or vehicles. However, most rewards consist of stickers or cosmetic items.

“Kirby Air Riders” has much to offer but lacks depth. You could invest hours unlocking all content, but the experience isn’t gratifying beyond the satisfaction of completion. “Air Riders” is filled with