I've been chatting to Nintendo this week about Kirby's Epic Yarn, and was informed that the inspiration for the game came from a stop-motion movie. I wasn't told what the movie was, and for some reason it was implied that developer Feel-Good didn't want to tell anybody.
As weird as that was, it seems that the "stop-motion movie" in question may not have been a movie, but an old commercial for a past Kirby game. GamesRadar saw our story and then posted an old advert for Kirby's Adventure (found by our own Monodi, it turns out!). Lo and behold, it's a stop-motion video and Kirby bears more than a passing resemblance to his Epic Yarn incarnation.
We don't know if this is the "stop motion movie" to which Nintendo of America is referencing, but the similarities are pretty damn compelling. Plus it's a fantastic little commercial, so watch it anyway!
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Yeah, I was the first to find this! Maybe? I love to watch old Japanese game commercials, and this one's been in my Youtube favorites for years! When I saw Epic Yarn back during E3, I was like, "Wait a minute, this looks familiar..."
Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'm just glad it's circulating, because it's interesting and a darn cute commercial to boot. :)
Kirby's Epic Yarn is a perfect example of why art direction will always be more important than technical side of pushing graphics in video games. I salute you, developer Feel Good.
Kirby's Epic Yarn is a perfect example of why art direction will always be more important than technical side of pushing graphics in video games. I salute you, developer Feel Good.
Thaks ash for confirming ir, Knew I saw it on your tumblr. I'm just sad that this was exposed by GamesRadar first. Anyway, Ashley, I love you (whit permission of Mr. Burch, of course)
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Contest:
2:40 PM on 09.01.2010 | 
...I guess we don't watch that many Japanese commercials from almost 20 years ago.
(i'm lying)
I don't think GamesRadar knows what EXACTLY means...
Oh... well that would be interesting.
Yeah, 18 years old perhaps, maybe even older than you.
Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'm just glad it's circulating, because it's interesting and a darn cute commercial to boot. :)
I think I saw it in your tumblr, yeah