For decades, the Kid Icarus series has enchanted Nintendo fans with its unique blend of mythology, humor, and action-packed gameplay. Despite its relatively small number of entries, this franchise holds a special place in gaming history. With no new game since 2012’s Kid Icarus: Uprising, the question on everyone’s mind is: could there be a new Kid Icarus game soon?
At The Kids Point, we love diving into gaming nostalgia and exploring possibilities for new adventures. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Kid Icarus special, why fans are clamoring for a revival, and whether Nintendo might answer the call.
The Legacy of Kid Icarus
Before diving into the possibility of a new game, it’s important to look back at what makes Kid Icarus so beloved. The series debuted in 1986 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with Kid Icarus, a side-scrolling action-adventure game that stood out for its unique combination of platforming and RPG elements. Players guided Pit, a young angel armed with a bow, through the perilous world of Angel Land to defeat Medusa and rescue the goddess Palutena.
The sequel, Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, released in 1991 for the Game Boy, built on the original’s formula but didn’t gain much traction due to the series already being overshadowed by Nintendo’s larger franchises.
Then came Kid Icarus: Uprising in 2012, which completely revitalized the franchise. Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, best known for his work on the Super Smash Bros. series, Uprising reimagined Kid Icarus as a fast-paced rail shooter with on-foot combat sections, vibrant 3D visuals, and a humorous, self-aware narrative. The game was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its creativity and charm, though it was hampered by the awkward control scheme necessitated by the Nintendo 3DS hardware.
What Sakurai Has Said About a New Kid Icarus Game
Masahiro Sakurai remains a key figure in the discussion about the future of Kid Icarus. Over the years, he has frequently expressed his fondness for the series and his desire to see Kid Icarus: Uprising ported to modern platforms. In a 2023 episode of his Game Concepts YouTube series, Sakurai called it a “shame” that Uprising was confined to the 3DS, adding, “I’d love to play on a bigger screen with smoother graphics.”
Despite his enthusiasm, Sakurai has also been candid about the challenges of reviving the series. In the same video, he expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a sequel or remaster, citing the lack of a development team. Project Sora, the studio created specifically for Uprising, was disbanded after the game’s release. While Nintendo could appoint another studio to handle a potential follow-up, no such plans have been announced.
Fan Demand and Cultural Presence
The demand for a new Kid Icarus game is certainly there. Uprising has become a cult classic over the years, with many players praising its witty dialogue, dynamic gameplay, and imaginative setting. Fans have taken to forums, social media, and petitions to call for a remake or sequel, hoping to see the series take full advantage of modern gaming hardware.
Nintendo has kept the franchise alive in small ways. Pit has been a staple character in the Super Smash Bros. series, and Palutena and Dark Pit were added as playable fighters in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and carried over to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. These appearances have helped introduce Kid Icarus to new audiences, but they also highlight the absence of a standalone game for the franchise.
Why a New Kid Icarus Game Makes Sense
There are several reasons why a new Kid Icarus game could be a smart move for Nintendo:
Reviving Dormant Franchises Has Worked Before
Nintendo has a track record of successfully reviving older franchises. The Metroid Prime Remastered release in 2023 was a hit, reintroducing the beloved sci-fi series to both longtime fans and newcomers. Similarly, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake for the Switch brought a classic Game Boy title to a new generation with modern visuals and gameplay enhancements. A Kid Icarus remaster or sequel could follow this trend, especially with the Switch’s massive player base.
Opportunities with New Hardware
The rumored Nintendo Switch 2, expected to launch within the next year or so, could provide the perfect platform for a new Kid Icarus game. Modern hardware would allow for smoother controls, enhanced graphics, and innovative gameplay features. A Kid Icarus game could showcase the capabilities of new technology, much like Uprising did for the 3DS.
Growing Popularity of Mythology-Based Games
Games inspired by mythology have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with titles like Hades, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Immortals Fenyx Rising captivating players. Kid Icarus could tap into this trend, offering a lighthearted, Nintendo-style take on Greek mythology that stands out from its competitors.
Challenges to Consider
Despite the potential, there are significant challenges to bringing Kid Icarus back.
Development Resources
As Sakurai mentioned, the lack of a dedicated development team is a major obstacle. Nintendo would need to allocate resources and find the right studio to handle the project. With Nintendo’s internal teams likely focused on flagship franchises like Mario and Zelda, Kid Icarus may not be a high priority.
Risk of Limited Appeal
While Kid Icarus has a devoted fan base, it remains a niche franchise compared to Nintendo’s heavy hitters. This could make it harder to justify the investment required for a new game, especially if there’s uncertainty about its commercial viability.
High Expectations
After the success of Uprising, fans would have high expectations for a new Kid Icarus game. Meeting or exceeding those expectations would be a significant challenge, particularly given the innovations and charm that made Uprising so memorable.
What a New Kid Icarus Game Could Look Like
If Nintendo were to greenlight a new Kid Icarus game, it could take several forms:
A Remaster of Kid Icarus: Uprising
This seems like the most straightforward option. A remaster could bring Uprising to the Switch or a future console with improved graphics, revamped controls, and added features like online multiplayer. This would be a relatively low-risk way to gauge interest in the franchise while giving fans what they’ve been asking for.
A Full Sequel
A true sequel could expand on the foundation of Uprising, introducing new gameplay mechanics, a richer story, and a larger world to explore. This would be a more ambitious project, but it could also be the best way to establish Kid Icarus as a major Nintendo franchise.
A Reimagining
Alternatively, Nintendo could opt for a complete reimagining of Kid Icarus, similar to how Breath of the Wild reinvented The Legend of Zelda. This could involve a shift in genre or gameplay style, potentially attracting a broader audience while retaining the essence of the series.
While there’s no official word from Nintendo, the potential for a new Kid Icarus game remains alive. Between Sakurai’s comments, fan demand, and the success of other franchise revivals, there’s hope that Pit could soar once again. Until then, we can revisit Kid Icarus: Uprising and enjoy Pit’s adventures in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
At The Kids Point, we’ll keep you updated on any news about the Kid Icarus series and other family-friendly gaming adventures. Stay tuned, and let’s keep rooting for Pit’s triumphant return to the gaming stage!