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Kirby's Adventure

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Kirby's Adventure

KA Box.jpg

KA JP Box.jpg

Box art of Kirby's Adventure in various regions.
Details
Developer(s) HAL Laboratory
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Designer(s) Masahiro Sakurai
Release date(s) Nintendo Entertainment System
Japan March 23, 1993
NA May 1, 1993
Europe December 1, 1993
Australia December 1, 1993

Virtual Console (Wii)
NA February 12, 2007
Europe February 16, 2007
Australia February 16, 2007
Japan February 27, 2007
South Korea April 26, 2008[1]

Nintendo 3DS (3D Classics)
NA November 17, 2011
Europe November 17, 2011
Australia November 17, 2011
Japan April 25, 2012

Virtual Console (Wii U)
Japan April 17, 2013
Europe April 18, 2013
Australia April 18, 2013
NA April 26, 2013

Nintendo Switch Online
Japan February 13, 2019
NA February 13, 2019
Europe February 13, 2019
Australia February 13, 2019
Platform(s) Nintendo Entertainment System
Wii (Virtual Console)
Wii (Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition)
Nintendo 3DS (3D Classics)
Wii U (Virtual Console)
NES Classic Edition
Nintendo Switch Online
Supported languages Japanese, American English, European French, German
Rating(s) ESRB: Everyone
PEGI: 3+
CERO: All Ages
Game chronology
Kirby's Dream Land Kirby's Pinball Land
On affiliated sites
Switcher.gg Find Kirby's Adventure friends online
StrategyWiki Walkthrough
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"KA" redirects here. For information about the other game that can be abbreviated as "KA", see Kirby's Avalanche.
This article is about the Nintendo Entertainment System game. For the Wii game known as Kirby's Adventure Wii in European languages, see Kirby's Return to Dream Land; for the soundtrack CD that shares the Japanese title for the game, see Kirby's Adventure (soundtrack).

Kirby's Adventure is a video game serving as the second title of the Kirby series and the first and only Nintendo Entertainment System game in the series. The game expands greatly on concepts developed in Kirby's Dream Land, as it features a broader visual style (including color) and more extensive gameplay than its predecessor. The game marks the introduction of Kirby's trademark Copy Abilities and introduces many characters which are now standard to the series, including enemies like Hot Head, Sparky, and UFO, mid-bosses like Bonkers, Mr. Frosty, and Bugzzy, and bosses like Paint Roller, Mr. Shine & Mr. Bright, and Meta Knight. This game was also the first to establish the notion of having levels broken up into distinct stages, finding Big Switches to unlock extra content, playing Sub-Games and Goal Games, using a special weapon to fight the final boss, and having progress tracked toward 100% completion.

A remake of the game, known as Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. A demo of Kirby's Adventure later appeared as one of the Masterpieces in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The original game was ported as a Virtual Console game for Wii and Wii U, featured as part of Kirby's Dream Collection, released as a 3D Classic on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, and included as a playable game for the NES Classic Edition and the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Story[edit]

Tutorial screen introducing Kirby.
One day, the peaceful life of Dream Land was shattered by a mysterious crisis! The inhabitants didn't dream!
— In-game backstory text from Kirby's Adventure

One day in Dream Land, Kirby wakes up from a nap, realizing he has not had a pleasant dream all night. He heads to the Dream Spring - the source of all restful and pleasant dreams in the kingdom - to figure out what went wrong. Once there, he finds out that King Dedede has stolen the Star Rod, the source of the spring's power. Dedede has broken the Rod into seven pieces, giving six to his allies and keeping the seventh for himself. Kirby adventures through Dream Land to fight Dedede's allies, retrieve the seven Star Rod pieces, and return the reassembled Star Rod to the Dream Spring.

After Kirby retrieves all seven Star Rod pieces and unites them, he places the Star Rod atop the Dream Spring despite King Dedede's desperate efforts to dissuade him. Suddenly, an eerie malevolent being named Nightmare emerges from the spring and flies into the starry space, shrouding Dream Land in darkness. King Dedede evidently had known that Nightmare infected the spring, and had hidden the Star Rod to seal Nightmare within the inert spring. With his efforts undone by Kirby, the King then launches the pink puffball into the sky so that he can personally defeat Nightmare with the completed Star Rod. When Kirby finally defeats Nightmare (and a huge hole is blown in the moon), he returns to Dream Land and reconciles with King Dedede. Kirby is then finally free to return the Star Rod to its rightful place atop the Dream Spring without further incident, allowing good dreams to return to the people of Dream Land.

Gameplay[edit]

Kirby's Adventure features a much larger world to explore than its predecessor, and also allows for full-color details, in addition to the numerous Copy Abilities that Kirby can now use.

The gameplay of Kirby's Adventure builds upon the concepts introduced in Kirby's Dream Land. As well as being able to Hover, Inhale and swallow enemies, and use the Air Bullet, this title sees the debut of Kirby's Copy Ability. When Kirby inhales certain enemy types that have particular abilities and swallows them, Kirby will gain the use of that ability himself. However, if he takes damage, he will lose the ability, and will quickly need to swallow the Ability Star that appears to regain it before the star shatters or is otherwise lost. In addition, this title introduces Kirby's ability to Dash, Slide, and use the Water Gun.

Kirby's Adventure also introduces many new gameplay mechanics and level structure that would carry through to much of the future games in the Kirby series. For instance, this was the first title to feature stage devices like the cannon and fuse, poundable stakes, Bomb Blocks, and Big Switches. It also introduces the concept of Sub-Games and the Goal Game, the ability to unlock extra content on the level hub, and the ability to return to previously-completed stages to stock up on 1-Ups or grab a desired ability, among other things.

Controls[edit]

Kirby's moveset
Move Image Controls Move Image Controls
Walk KA Kirby Walking artwork.png ← or ⁠→ Run KA Kirby Dash artwork.png ← or ⁠→ (press twice)
Squat KDL Kirby Squat artwork.png Swallow KDL Kirby Swallow artwork.png
Slide KA Kirby Slide artwork.png ↓ + A or B Fly KA Kirby Flying artwork.png
Enter doors KA Kirby Door artwork.png Climb ladders KA Kirby Ladder artwork.png
Inhale KDL Kirby Inhale artwork.png B Puff out KDL Kirby Air Pellet artwork.png B
Spit KDL Kirby Star Bullet artwork.png B Attack KA Cutter artwork.png B
Jump KDL Kirby Jump artwork.png A Swim KA Kirby Swim artwork.png A
Drop ability KA Kirby Drop Ability Star artwork.png Select or take damage

Copy Abilities[edit]

Introduced in this title are 24 different Copy Abilities, as well as an additional special ability at the end of the game. Kirby can inhale certain foes to get these abilities, making him extremely versatile. If Kirby swallows two or more ability-yielding enemies at the same time, he can get a Mix, which will start a roulette and give him any one of the standard abilities:

Name Icon Obtained from Description
Backdrop
KA Backdrop icon.png
Bugzzy Allows Kirby to grab standard foes and objects, and then slam them into the ground in four different ways to defeat them.
Ball
KA Ball icon.png
Bubbles, Paint Roller's baseball painting When activated, turns Kirby into a ball, allowing him to bounce very high and defeat foes by collision.
Beam
KA Beam icon.png
Waddle Doo Kirby can fire a beam whip from his hand which covers a decent area in front of him.
Crash
KA Crash icon.png
Bomber, Poppy Bros. Sr., Paint Roller's bomb painting When activated, Kirby explodes in a fury, defeating all foes on-screen. This can only be done once before Kirby loses the ability.
Cutter
KA Cutter icon.png
Sir Kibble, Mr. Shine's Dropped Stars Kirby can throw sharp blades that will return to him after being thrown. If the blade misses Kirby on its return, it will continue traveling in a straight line until it leaves the screen or hits something.
Fire
KA Fire icon.png
Hot Head, Mr. Bright's Dropped Stars Kirby can breathe fire which can be used to light Fuses and defeat enemies.
Fireball
KA Fireball icon.png
Flamer, Fire Lion Kirby combusts and flies forward, harming enemies and breaking through metal blocks. He rebounds if he hits a wall. Can light fuses.
This ability would later be known as "Burning".
Freeze
KA Freeze icon.png
Chilly, Mr. Frosty Kirby can freeze foes all around himself, and then kick them into other enemies.
Hammer
KA Hammer icon.png
Bonkers, Heavy Mole's yellow missiles Kirby swings a powerful mallet, which deals a lot of damage and can pound stakes and break metal blocks. Can be used underwater.
Hi-Jump
KA Hi-Jump icon.png
Starman Kirby can leap a great distance from the ground, damaging enemies during his ascent.
Ice
KA Ice icon.png
Pengy Kirby breathes a cone of frost which freezes enemies on contact.
Laser
KA Laser icon.png
Laser Ball Kirby fires a laser beam from his hand which can bounce off of slopes and light Fuses.
Light
KA Light icon.png
Cool Spook When activated, Kirby sends out a spark that can light up dark rooms. Can only be used once in dark areas.
Mike
KA Mike icon.png
Walky, Mr. Tick-Tock, Paint Roller's microphone painting Kirby can shout at opponents to defeat them. Very powerful, but can only be used three times.
Needle
KA Needle icon.png
Togezo Kirby flares up with spikes and stays in place. Enemies who get close will be defeated.
Parasol
KA Parasol icon.png
Parasol, Paint Roller's Parasol painting Kirby gains a parasol, which he can swing at enemies or use to gently glide down from high places. Can also be used to defend from hazards above Kirby's head.
Sleep
KA Sleep icon.png
Noddy, Heavy Mole's red missiles Kirby immediately falls asleep and cannot do anything for a few moments until he wakes up or is attacked.
Spark
KA Spark icon.png
Sparky, Paint Roller's cloud painting Kirby emits a continuous electric field around himself which defeats enemies on contact.
Stone
KA Stone icon.png
Rocky When activated, turns Kirby into a heavy stone which immediately falls to the ground and cannot move. Defeats enemies it falls on and renders Kirby impervious to attack until he reverts. Can be used to pound stakes.
Sword
KA Sword icon.png
Blade Knight, Sword Knight, Meta Knight Kirby gains a sword which he can swing to defeat foes. He can also do a spinning strike in midair. Can be used underwater.
Throw
KA Throw icon.png
Rolling Turtle Kirby can grab foes and objects, and then toss them straight or at an angle. The thrown object passes through enemies and can break metal blocks.
Tornado
KA Tornado icon.png
Twister Kirby can turn into a whirlwind, moving very quickly and haphazardly and defeating any foe he touches. He can rise a little while spinning if the player mashes B.
UFO
KA UFO icon.png
UFO Kirby becomes a flying saucer and can shoot four different kinds of projectiles. Once he finishes the stage, he loses this ability. Can be used underwater and can break metal blocks.
Wheel
KA Wheel icon.png
Wheelie, Grand Wheelie Kirby can transform into a wheel and move very quickly, defeating any foes he comes into contact with, but will still take damage from hazards and will rebound if he hits a wall.
Star Rod
KA Star Rod icon.png
King Dedede Kirby uses this powerful rod to battle Nightmare at the end of the game. He can fire star bullets and can also attack with a spinning jump.

Additional status effects[edit]

Sharing the Copy Ability portrait area are the following additional statuses and notices:

Status Icon Conditions Description
Normal
KA Normal icon.png
Kirby has no ability. Kirby in his default condition. When in this form, he can inhale objects and enemies and spit them out or swallow them.
Nothing
KA Nothing icon.png
Kirby does not gain an ability. This displays when Kirby swallows something that does not grant him a Copy Ability.
Ouch!
KA Ouch icon.png
Kirby is hit non-lethally. This briefly displays when Kirby takes damage that is not fatal. Under normal conditions, he will drop whatever ability he may have on him.
Miss!!
KA Miss icon.png
Kirby runs out of health This displays when Kirby is defeated. The game freezes and Kirby spins off of the screen with his iconic defeat jingle.
Hyper
KA Hyper icon.png
Kirby picks up an Invincible Candy. Kirby is invincible while this displays and can defeat enemies by touching them. He can still be defeated by bottomless pits and crushing hazards though.
Mix
KA Mix icon.png
Kirby is about to start an Ability Mix. This displays when Kirby inhales two ability-yielding enemies. Swallowing them enables Kirby to pick a random ability from the Mix roulette.
Cannon
KA Cannon icon.png
Appears randomly during a Mix roulette. This icon was meant to appear when Kirby hops into a Fuse Cannon but went unused for most versions of the game. It can only be seen very briefly (for 1 frame, to be exact) during a Mix roulette. If the player manages to press A while this icon is showing (easier on emulators due to their frame advance feature), the game skips to the next ability and grants Kirby that instead.
Warp Star
KA Warp Star icon.png
Kirby touches a Warp Star. This displays while Kirby is riding a Warp Star. He is taken to a new area in a flashy cutscene.
Goal
KA Goal icon.png
Kirby reaches the end of a normal stage. This displays while Kirby is playing the Goal Game at the end of regular stages.
Clear
KA Clear icon.png
Kirby gets a piece of the Star Rod. This displays after Kirby picks up a piece of the Star Rod from a boss and finishes a level.
Bye-Bye
KA Bye-Bye icon.png
The game is completed. This displays in the final screen of the game after the credits have rolled.

Levels[edit]

There are eight levels in Kirby's Adventure. Excepting the first, each level is accessed by defeating the Boss of the prior level. Level stages are visited sequentially, with other doors leading to bonus areas such as Museums, Arenas, Sub-Games, and other utility rooms.

The following table lists each level in Kirby's Adventure:

Level Stages Boss Details
Whispy Woods No Big Switches are present in this level.
Paint Roller No Big Switches are present in this level.
Mr. Shine & Mr. Bright
Kracko Jr. & Kracko
Heavy Mole
Meta Knight Every regular stage has a Big Switch.
King Dedede
N/A Nightmare This level has no hub, instead, it is accessed by defeating King Dedede. It consists only of the final boss fight with Nightmare.

Kirby's Adventure features a distinct color code regarding its main seven levels. The first letters of each level's name spell out "ROYGBIV" in reverse order when combined sequentially into a single word, which is the abbreviation of the rainbow's seven primary colors. Additionally, the opening cutscenes for each level and their Warp Star Stations showcase the color of the respective letter:

The French and German level names also spell their linguistic equivalents of ROYGBIV in reverse—the French version spells out « VÎBVJOR » and the German version spells out „LIBGGOR“.

Several later titles in the series also spell out a specific word with their levels' first letters, though these only occasionally have anything to do with color.

Enemies[edit]

Normal enemies[edit]

These enemies provide nothing if Kirby swallows them. Most enemies can be defeated upon contact with water, but some can survive in water (and may be more suited to it).

Sprite Name Aquatic Description
KA Blipper sprite.png
Blipper Yes Blippers are common underwater enemies. They may swim freely or pursue Kirby. They can also jump out of the water. If they are on land, they flop.
KA Bounder sprite.png
Bounder No Bounders, are usually seen clinging on walls, but they can be on the ground as well. They can climb walls and drop stars that can hurt Kirby.
KA Bronto Burt sprite.png
Bronto Burt No Bronto Burts are flying enemies. They can fly in a wave-like motion or attempt to fly into Kirby. Sometimes, they appear by flying into the screen and performing a few loops.
KA Broom Hatter sprite.png
Broom Hatter No Broom Hatters move by sweeping the ground, making swaying motions. Their motion can periodically change between fast and slow due to their sweeping motions.
KA Cappy sprite.png
Cappy No Cappys move slowly from left to right. If Kirby attempts to inhale one, Kirby swallows the Cappy's mushroom cap, revealing the Cappy's face, but not defeating the Cappy. If Kirby uses any other attack, however, Cappys can be defeated in one blow.
KA Coconut sprite.png
Coconut No Coconuts are stationary objects situated on palm trees. If Kirby gets too close, they may fall and explode. The Mid-Boss Bonkers uses Coconuts as projectiles.
KA Coner sprite.png
Coner Yes Coners are enemies found both on land and underwater. They make scuttling movements on land, but they sink when they are underwater. If they tuck inside their shell, Kirby cannot inhale them.
KA Glunk sprite.png
Glunk Yes Glunks are stationary enemies found usually underwater. Glunks periodically shoot three air projectiles up to hit Kirby.
KA Gordo sprite.png
Gordo Yes Gordos are indestructible enemies. They are found usually stationary or moving in a straight line.
KA Kabu sprite.png
Kabu No Kabus are constantly spinning. They can be stationary or moving rapidly across the ground. Some can hover while others can teleport. Usually after they teleport, however, they may self-destruct.
KA Poppy Bros Jr sprite.png
Poppy Bros. Jr. No Poppy Bros. Jr. can be found moving slowly. They can also be seen strolling on apples and Maxim Tomatoes. If Kirby attempts to inhale them, they leave behind the fruit. If they leave behind the Maxim Tomato, the Maxim Tomato can be taken. If Kirby uses any other attack, the fruit is destroyed and Kirby must attack the Poppy Bros. Jr. to defeat it.
KA Scarfy sprite.png
Scarfy No If Kirby attempts to inhale these hovering enemies, Scarfys transform into monster-like forms and attempt to pursue Kirby. If they run into Kirby or Kirby's attacks, they explode. Once transformed, Scarfys explode after a few seconds if they do not catch Kirby first.
KA Shotzo sprite.png
Shotzo No Shotzos are stationary indestructible enemies that shoot cannonballs. They can aim at Kirby, shooting one cannonball at a time, or aim in one direction, shooting multiple cannonballs periodically.
KA Sir Slippy sprite.png
Slippy Yes This enemy can be found both land and underwater. In the land, it hops around, attempting to hit Kirby. Underwater, it swims in a bobbing motion.
KA Squishy sprite.png
Squishy Yes These enemies can be found in both land and underwater. In the land, they move slowly. In the water, they move up after sinking. They can also jump out of the water.
KA Twizzy sprite.png
Twizzy No These enemies act similarly to Bronto Burts. They fly in wave-like motions or pursue Kirby.
KA Waddle Dee sprite.png
Waddle Dee No Waddle Dees are the basic enemies of the Kirby games. They simply walk, but sometimes, they can run and jump. Waddle Dees can either turn around at a ledge or walk off it.

With a Copy Ability[edit]

These enemies provide Kirby with a Copy Ability if he swallows them. Unlike normal enemies, these enemies can appear in different colors. None of these enemies can survive in water.

Sprite Name Copy Ability Description
KA Blade Knight sprite.png
Blade Knight Sword Blade Knights move back and forth. They can do a single or double slash at Kirby.
KA Bomber sprite.png
Bomber Crash These enemies usually move slowly. If they fall off a ledge and land, they can create a large blast radius that can hurt Kirby.
KA Bubbles sprite.png
Bubbles Ball This enemy moves primarily by bouncing off walls.
KA Chilly sprite.png
Chilly Freeze Chillys are mostly stationary enemies. If Kirby gets close, they may use a freezing attack on him.
KA Cool Spook sprite.png
Cool Spook Light Cool Spooks are relatively rare enemies that appear usually in dark rooms. The only action they do is hovering and glowing.
KA Flamer sprite.png
Flamer Fireball These enemies move along a wall. If Kirby gets close, they jump and catch fire. From there, they hover about for a moment before attempting to charge into Kirby.
KA Hot Head sprite.png
Hot Head Fire Hot Heads can attack Kirby by breathing flying fireballs or breathing a stream of fire.
KA Laser Ball sprite.png
Laser Ball Laser Laser Balls are floating enemies. When they spot Kirby, they can shoot one or several laser beams. After that, they retreat.
KA Noddy sprite.png
Noddy Sleep Noddy is a small round creature who wears a night cap and is normally found sleeping. Otherwise, it may walk about slowly or stand still.
KA Parasol sprite.png
Parasol Parasol This enemy is often attached to Waddle Dees or Waddle Doos. If detached, they may fly away or home on Kirby.
KA Parasol Waddle Dee sprite.png
Parasol Waddle Dee Parasol This is a Waddle Dee with a parasol. If Kirby destroys the parasol, it becomes a regular Waddle Dee.
KA Parasol Waddle Doo sprite.png
Parasol Waddle Doo Parasol Waddle Doos equipped with a parasol act in a similar manner to Parasol Waddle Dees. If the parasol is destroyed, it becomes a regular Waddle Doo.
KA Pengi sprite.png
Pengy Ice Pengys move by sliding. They attack by emitting an ice breath, similar to how Hot Heads breathe a stream of fire.
KA Rocky sprite.png
Rocky Stone These slow-moving enemies attack primarily by leaping and slamming down into Kirby. If they are midair, they can fall quickly.
KA Sir Kibble sprite.png
Sir Kibble Cutter These enemies throw blades at Kirby. They can attack Kirby if they are facing away from him by jumping over their blades.
KA Sparky sprite.png
Sparky Spark Sparky is a blob-like foe who hops around and defends itself by discharging a spark barrier around its body.
KA Starman sprite.png
Starman Hi-Jump These enemies can walk, but they can also perform jumps. They can also be found flying.
KA Sword Knight sprite.png
Sword Knight Sword These enemies act in a similar manner to Blade Knights. They can do a single or double slash at Kirby while moving back and forth.
KA Togezo sprite.png
Togezo Needle Togezos can attack Kirby by rolling into a ball and dashing.
KA Twister sprite.png
Twister Tornado Twisters are stationary enemies. If Kirby is close, though, they can attack by spinning and transforming into a nearly-invincible tornado.
KA UFO sprite.png
UFO UFO UFOs are rare flying enemies. They can fly erratically, ramming into Kirby, or they can shoot a few laser beams at him. If Kirby leaves them alone long enough, they may fly away.
KA Waddle Doo sprite.png
Waddle Doo Beam Waddle Doos can walk and jump. They can emit a beam, but they must stop and charge first.
KA Wheelie sprite.png
Wheelie Wheel Wheelies are fast-moving enemies. If they crash into a wall, they bounce up.

Meta-Knights[edit]

Meta-Knights are different from normal enemies. They appear in groups at Meta Knight's command and ambush Kirby in designated areas. Unlike normal enemies, they can take more than one hit to defeat. If one is defeated, part of a total health bar is depleted and another Meta-Knight is spawned. Meta-Knights do not give any copy abilities when swallowed.

Name Appearance Description
Axe Knight
KA Axe Knight sprite.png
This skull-headed foe can attack either by swiping its axe forward or by tossing it like a Cutter.
Javelin Knight
KA Javelin Knight sprite.png
This robot-like enemy sweeps the arena and can either toss its javelin or spin it around itself. This is the only one of the knights that can jump.
Mace Knight
KA Mace Knight sprite.png
This burly knight wields a giant ball-and-chain that it can spin around its head or toss forward a good distance. The mace can block many of Kirby's attacks.
Trident Knight
KA Trident Knight sprite.png
This crescent-tipped knight wields a trident that it can toss in an arc, zapping Kirby if it connects.

Mid-Bosses[edit]

These enemies appear at various points in stages and can also be fought repeatedly in arenas. They cannot be inhaled for an ability until their health is depleted and they are knocked down. They are also immune to Air Bullets and Slide attacks. Like standard enemies, they can appear in different colors. Some Mid-Bosses are the only providers of their respective abilities, which makes these abilities comparatively rarer.

Name Appearance Copy Ability Description
Bonkers
KA Bonkers sprite.png
Hammer This armored simian attacks Kirby by swinging his giant hammer, which resembles King Dedede's hammer. He can also toss Coconuts for added spiciness.
Bugzzy
KA Bugzzy Sprite.png
Backdrop A large bipedal beetle that can grab Kirby and slam him into the ground. He sends out smaller ladybugs at Kirby which can be inhaled.
Fire Lion
KA Fire Lion sprite 2.png
Fireball This sleek cat can attack Kirby by pouncing or by using a fireball tackle. If Kirby is grabbed, he will be held in place and scratched before being released.
Grand Wheelie
KA Grand Wheelie sprite.png
Wheel A big version of Wheelie that rolls around and shoots small Wheelies. These smaller Wheelies do not yield an ability, despite looking the same as ordinary Wheelies.
Mr. Frosty
KA Mr Frosty sprite.png
Freeze A bipedal walrus that wears overalls. He throws blocks of ice and tackles.
Mr. Tick-Tock
KA Tick Tock sprite.png
Mike A walking alarm clock that uses musical notes and sound waves to attack.
Poppy Bros. Sr.
KA Poppy Bros Sr sprite.png
Crash A large version of Poppy Bros. Jr. that hops around and throws bombs.
Rolling Turtle
KA Rolling Turtle sprite.png
Throw A bipedal round turtle with buck teeth that rolls about and tries to grab Kirby. It occasionally tosses out shells. This is the only Mid-Boss that was replaced in the remake of the game, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land.

Bosses[edit]

These enemies are fought at the end of levels in their own special stages. They are all considerably more durable than standard enemies and mid-bosses and take several hits to defeat. Some can only be harmed by striking specific weak points. Defeating these bosses clears the levels they appear in. Unlike most other games, almost all the bosses (excluding the final ones) cannot be re-fought in the Main Game after defeat.

Name Appearance Level Description
Whispy Woods
KA Whispy Woods sprite.png
Vegetable Valley This sentient tree attacks by dropping Apples and shooting Air Bullets from his mouth. He cannot move, making him very weak against most Copy Abilities.
Paint Roller
KA Paint Roller sprite.png
Ice Cream Island This rotund fellow skates around the arena on roller skates between four different canvases and paints objects that come to life and attack Kirby. These objects can be inhaled and spat back to defeat this boss.
Mr. Shine & Mr. Bright
KA Mr Shine sprite.png
KA Mr Bright sprite.png
Butter Building This tag-team duo of Sun and Moon take turns attacking Kirby, with only the one on the ground being vulnerable. Kirby can use the attacks of the one in the sky to attack the one on the ground. Each has their own separate stamina, and defeating one prevents that one from touching down, but he can still attack from the sky until the other is defeated.
Kracko Jr.
KA Kracko Jr sprite.png
Grape Garden The initial form of Kracko. Cannot be harmed, so Kirby instead has to avoid him while climbing up a series of cloud platforms.
Kracko
KA Kracko sprite.png
Grape Garden Once at the top of the arena, Kracko Jr. transforms into Kracko proper and can be attacked as normal. He attempts to strike Kirby with lightning and beam whips, and will occasionally drop a Starman which can be used against him.
Heavy Mole
KA Heavy Mole sprite.png
Yogurt Yard This robotic contraption continually moves away from Kirby, digging a tunnel while it goes. It can hurt Kirby using its digger arms but mainly attacks by shooting out cycloptic missiles from behind. These missiles can be used as ammunition or can grant Copy Abilities, but the red one will put Kirby to Sleep if he swallows it.
Meta Knight
KA Meta Knight sprite.png
Orange Ocean This honorable warrior provides Kirby with a Sword, which he must equip before they may fight, and cannot drop during the fight. Meta Knight attacks with various jumps and sword moves, including his famous Down Thrust from the air. He cannot be harmed unless he drops his guard or is hit from behind. Defeating him causes his mask to break, and he is forced to flee out of shame.
King Dedede
KA King Dedede sprite.png
Rainbow Resort Kirby faces his destined rival at the Fountain of Dreams. He fights much as he did in Kirby's Dream Land, with head slides, hammer swipes, inhales, and his famous Super Dedede Jump. He has one new ability, allowing him to puff up and hover like Kirby, which he apparently taught himself to do after his first defeat.
Nightmare's Power Orb
KA Nightmare Orb sprite.png
The Fountain of Dreams This orb fires volleys of stars and shockwaves continually at Kirby, and will also attempt to charge. Kirby must fight back using the Star Rod, but if he takes too long, he will crash into the ground and lose.
Nightmare Wizard
KA Nightmare sprite.png
The Fountain of Dreams Nightmare's true form can only be harmed by strikes to his vulnerable chest beneath his cape. He will do his best to hide this weakness as he teleports around the stage and weaves in and out, firing projectiles at Kirby whenever he can.

Sub-Games[edit]

Crane Fever is one of the three main sub-games available to play in Kirby's Adventure. These can be accessed through optional doorways in the main game, or from the main menu.

Kirby's Adventure is the first game in the series to feature Sub-Games, small minigames that are separate from the main story. In the Story Mode, the player may earn points or 1-Ups for completing the sub-games, depending on how well they do, and the door to a sub-game is boarded up and becomes inaccessible after playing.

There are three sub-games in Kirby's Adventure:

These sub-games are unlocked for individual play on the main menu if 100% completion is achieved. In Extra Game, the sub-games have increased difficulty.

100% completion[edit]

Kirby's Adventure is the first game in the series to feature 100% completion. The player earns different titles as the percentage goes higher. For the 100% completion requirements and the list of all titles, see this page.

100% completion unlocks Extra Game and V.S. BOSS!.

  • In Extra Game, Kirby revisits the Story Mode with only 3 health bars and cannot save his progress. Clearing the Extra Game is required to unlock the Sound Test.
  • In V.S. BOSS!, Kirby fights all bosses with no Copy Ability at the start and no recovery provided (except after defeating Heavy Mole in the Japanese version, which fully restores Kirby's stamina).

Subsequent versions and releases[edit]

Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land[edit]

The logo for Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Main article: Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

Kirby's Adventure received a full remake on the Game Boy Advance under a new name: Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land. The main changes to the game are its new gameplay engine, graphics, and sound fidelity. A few enemies are replaced with new versions, and a few areas of stages are also changed. The most stark differences are the new sub-games Kirby's Air Grind and Bomb Rally (which replace Egg Catcher and Crane Fever, respectively), along with the new Extra Game Meta Knightmare, which allows the player to do a time attack run through the game as Meta Knight. Local multiplayer is also supported for the game using a wired connection between Game Boy Advance systems. There are other smaller changes, which are detailed on the game page.

Virtual Console[edit]

Kirby's Adventure has seen individual release on Virtual Console for the Wii and for the Wii U. These ports use the original game data from the NES version of the game running on an emulator, and thus are not any different other than the original, preserving the original frame loss and rendering issues. The player can suspend the game and return to it at any time.

Kirby's Adventure also appears as a Masterpiece in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, running on the same Virtual Console emulators. The Masterpiece is a timed demo of the game which runs for two minutes in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and three minutes in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The latter version of the game comes with two save files pre-loaded as "Kirby 1" and "Kirby 2", which start at the beginning of the game and at the fight with King Dedede, respectively.

3D Classics[edit]

KA 3DS logo.png
Logo for 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure

3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure is a remake of Kirby's Adventure on the Nintendo 3DS and a part of the 3D Classics series. It was released in North America, Europe and Australia on November 11, 2011 and in Japan on April 25, 2012. The 3D Classics version appears nearly identical to the original NES version of the game, but it is actually a complete recreation rather than simply an emulation, which results in minor gameplay changes (such as Mix functioning more like it does in later games, and the 30 1-Ups Easter egg in the Goal Game being absent).[2] This version adds 3D visual effects to the original game and improves the performance and frame rate, e.g. the Spark ability no longer causes frame drops.

In addition, a few minor graphical touch-ups were made, mainly in the form of enhanced color and gradients on some backgrounds (notably inside doors and during the Nightmare fight). A few minor text changes are present as well, largely relating to the ability to remap the controls — one example being the text on the sign held up when Kirby lands on the 7th floor of the Goal Game being changed from "Push A" to "Push Button". The North American localization also changed all instances of "the Dream Spring" to "the Fountain of Dreams" for consistency with later games, while the European localization left these instances unchanged.[3]

Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition[edit]

Kirby's Adventure is the second of the six games which can be played in Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition on the Wii. It functions identically to the Wii Virtual Console port of the game.

NES Classic Edition[edit]

Kirby's Adventure is one of the games available on the NES Classic Edition, again running on an emulator. The player can save up to four suspend points to return to at any time.

Nintendo Switch Online[edit]

Kirby's Adventure was added to Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online in Version 2.2.0. This version functions similarly to the Virtual Console ports, though the emulator now has the ability to rewind the game at any time, allowing segments to be repeated at the player's leisure. Like the NES Classic Edition, the player can save up to four suspend points, as well.

Kirby's Adventure: Now with Extra Game! was added to Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online in Version 2.3.0. This special version starts with a perfect "Kirby 1" save file, which is already 100% completed with both Extra Game and Sound Test unlocked.

Development[edit]

The development of Kirby's Adventure was a turbulent one, shaped by many extenuating factors. Much of the information about it comes first-hand from Masahiro Sakurai, and in particular he summarizes the circumstances and high-level decisions he and his team made in a video he published about the game on his personal YouTube channel.

At the time development started, HAL Laboratory was on the verge of bankruptcy, and was hoping for a quick surge of profits to help salvage the situation. They turned to Sakurai, who had just completed Kirby's Dream Land, to make a port of the game for the NES. Sakurai explains that the choice of the NES over the SNES was to hasten development time. He explains: "With the SNES, it would have taken too long to set up the dev environment, let alone actually make the game".[4]

At the time, Sakurai was concerned that the NES was already well known for having games catered to more seasoned veteran players, and would have preferred the relatively new audience of the SNES, so he decided to make a game that would attempt to cater to both new and veteran players alike. This was the main inspiration for the development of the Copy Ability mechanic, which would broaden the options available to players to choose how they wanted to play the game, as well as create the opportunity for optional challenges and expand the idea of "using enemies" to one's advantage which was already present in Kirby's Dream Land. To help differentiate between when Kirby does and doesn't have a copy ability, his sprites were adjusted to take advantage of the NES's higher-quality graphics compared to the Game Boy, recoloring Kirby's skin peach (save for Ice and Freeze, which turn him blue) and making his sprite wider compared to when he has no ability. In the video, Sakurai shares a number of concept drawings he made of abilities and mechanics for the game, including several that did not make the cut, such as "Kick", "Shrink", "Make Blocks", and "Self-Destruct (Trap)", among others. According to an interview published around the time the game was originally released, 40 Copy Abilities were conceptualized, which were eventually whittled down to the final 25. This interview also mentions a scrapped "Animal" ability, and one where Kirby could ride on a rocket.[5] The concept art also shows rope platforms that can be cut, a concept that did not formally appear until Kirby Super Star.

Sakurai also explains the challenges he and his team faced when porting Kirby from a system with a smaller pixel display to a larger one. In the process, Kirby's actual pixel size did not change, making him relatively smaller on the screen in the newer game. As a result, Kirby could fly over all enemies and hazards much more easily due to the greater amount of space. Sakurai initially thought about removing Kirby's flight ability altogether, but instead decided on adding the information panel at the bottom of the screen to balance things out somewhat, which also provided the opportunity to show detailed illustrations of each Copy Ability. This attempt to curb Kirby's flight potential also manifested in reducing his flight speed, and by placing boss and mid-boss fights in enclosed areas where Kirby cannot easily avoid them.

Lastly, Sakurai explains that the addition of the three Sub-Games was another attempt to cater to new players, since the games were designed around the use of a single button, and veteran players could skip them entirely if desired. Sakurai had actually thought of four sub-game concepts: "press the button first", "should you press the button or not?", "press the button with the right timing", and "press the button the most times in a time limit". The last one ended up not being used.[5] Overall, Sakurai concluded: "Development was stressful for a lot of reasons, and it really did a number on my stomach, but I think the end product holds its own against the many other titles in the NES library."[4]

Unused content[edit]

Main article: tcrf:Kirby's Adventure
The unused remix of "Welcome to Dream Land".

KA Unused Mini Kirby sprite.png Sprites of the Mini ability have been found in the game's ROM, which was intended to be a playable Copy Ability, but didn't make its debut until Kirby & The Amazing Mirror.

Music 10 in the Sound Test is a remix of "Welcome to Dream Land", the title theme of Kirby's Dream Land. This remix is never used in actual gameplay.

The Cannon icon for the dashboard does not display in the original game, except during the Ability Mix, in the European/Australian versions, and in the 3D Classics version.

Staff[edit]

The following is a list of staff who have worked on Kirby's Adventure:

Staff of Kirby's Adventure  
Position Developer(s)
Executive Producer Hiroshi Yamauchi
Producer Satoru Iwata
Shigeru Miyamoto
Takao Shimizu
Director and Game Designer Masahiro Sakurai
Character Designer Takashi Saito
Shigeru Hashiguchi
Tadashi Hashikura
Kazu Ozawa
Kazuya Miura
Map Designer Shinichi Shimomura
Tsuyoshi Wakayama
Chief Programer Hiroaki Suga
Programmer Akio Hanyu
Shigenobu Kasai
Tetsuya Abe
Teruyuki Gunji
Seiji Otoguro
Yoshimi Takahashi
Yoshiki Suzuki
Music Composer Hirokazu Ando
Jun Ishikawa
Tool Programmer Satoshi Mitsuhara
Hidetoshi Seki
Seika Abe
Special Thanks Atsushi Kakuta
Yasuhiro Sakai
Hideki Fujii
HALKEN debuggers
Nintendo debuggers
Dan Owsen

Legacy[edit]

Kirby's Adventure has had a vast influence on the rest of the series, having defined many of its standards which persist even to the latest main-series titles. The following lists some of the more major influences:

  • Copy Abilities debuted in this title; an aspect of Kirby which would become iconic to his character and would be the main focus of several subsequent games.
  • Meta Knight was introduced in this game, and he would later become one of the most iconic characters in the series.
  • Many other important characters and enemies were introduced in this game, with some of the more noteworthy ones including the following:
  • Many devices iconic to the Kirby series were introduced in this game, such as Bomb Blocks, cannons with fuses, and stakes.
  • King Dedede's ability to Hover can be traced back to this game.
  • Sub-Games and Goal Games were introduced in this title, which would persist as a concept in almost every subsequent main-series game, along with several of the spin-offs. This also marks the first appearance of an unlockable Boss Endurance mode.
  • Kirby's Adventure was the first game to split its levels into distinct stages with a hub area to visit them sequentially, as well as optional side content to unlock using Big Switches. This formula would persist in various forms throughout the remainder of the main series and in several spin-offs.
  • Kirby's Adventure introduced the concept of having a separate final level which consists only of the fight with the final boss using a special weapon not seen elsewhere in the game. Most subsequent main-series games would use this idea in various forms. Additionally, this fight established the idea of fighting the final boss in more than one phase or form.
  • This game introduced Kirby's pink coloration in international releases. In Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby was shown as pink only on the Japanese boxart and manual, and as white internationally.
  • Kirby's Adventure marks the first appearance of the Star Rod and the Fountain of Dreams; both of which are important subjects within the series at large.
  • Vegetable Valley - Stage 2 introduced the first HAL Room in the series.
  • This title was the first to feature a "twist" near the end of the story, where Kirby defeats the supposed main villain only to realize that the real villain was waiting somewhere beyond. Many subsequent games would feature similar twists in their stories.
  • Kirby's Adventure was the first game to use the concept of 100% completion; each save file shows its individual completion percentage and a corresponding title.
  • Many musical themes from this game would be reused and modified in subsequent titles.
  • Kirby's Adventure introduced the concept of having the first letters of each level's name spell out a secret word.

Descriptions[edit]

Nintendo eShop (3DS)[edit]

3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure offers you a chance to explore the world of Dream Land in a whole new way!

The landscape comes to life as Kirby™ crosses land, sea, and sky in his quest to restore the Star Rod! After waking from a dreamless sleep, Kirby goes to investigate the Dream Spring only to find that its source of energy has been stolen by King Dedede! Broken and divided across seven worlds, Kirby will need to use his unique ability of stealing enemies' powers to battle his way and restore the pieces of the Star Rod! Without it, how can a hero fight another day if he can't get a good night's sleep? Embark on this adventure as our beloved pink character tries to save the citizens of Dream Land from a lifetime of terrible nightmares!

My Nintendo Store[edit]

3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure offers you a chance to explore the world of Dream Land in a whole new way. The landscape comes to life as Kirby™ crosses land, sea, and sky in his quest to restore the Star Rod. After waking from a dreamless sleep, Kirby goes to investigate the Dream Spring only to find that its source of energy has been stolen by King Dedede. Broken and divided across seven worlds, Kirby will need to use his unique ability to steal enemies' powers as he battles and to restore the pieces of the Star Rod. Without it, how can a hero fight another day if he can't get a good night's sleep? Embark on this adventure as the beloved pink character tries to save the citizens of Dream Land from a lifetime of terrible nightmares.[6]

Nintendo eShop (Wii U)[edit]

Not everything is well in Dream Land. For some mysterious reason, the Dream Spring, a magical well that is the reservoir for all the dreams of the citizens of Dream Land, is no longer working. Everyone is being subjected to their worst nightmares every time they go to sleep. Upon reaching the Dream Spring, Kirby finds out that evil King Dedede has stolen the Star Rod, thus depriving Dream Land of the magical energy that feeds its spring.

Using over 20 unique tricks and your ability to steal your enemies' powers by swallowing them, you'll have to make your way through a horrific land filled with all kinds of nightmares.

Recover the broken pieces of the Star Rod, and everyone in Dream Land will sleep peacefully once again. If you fail, the citizens of Dream Land will be subjected to a lifetime of terrible nightmares.

(This description was reused for the game on Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online.)

Special version from Nintendo Switch Online[edit]

Now with Extra Game!

Sound test! One, two, one, two...

In this special version of Kirby's Adventure, you can start playing through the difficult Extra Game right away. This mode is usually available only after beating the game once. Aside from that, the Sound Test is available right away too! You can press the B Button to stop a song from playing, but the Kirby soundtrack always has a way of getting stuck in your head, doesn't it?

Trivia[edit]

  • The Drawing Song opening sequence is based on the Japanese commercial for Kirby's Dream Land, in which a young boy draws Kirby on a white wall while singing a song about how to do so. Both the song and animation are carried over from the advertisement.
  • In the English manual of Kirby's Adventure, the last panel of "A CRISIS IN THE DREAM LAND!" in the prologue depicts Kirby without his sack unlike the game's actual prologue or the Japanese manual. (See #External links for the manuals.)
  • This is the first game in the Kirby series to be officially localized into European French and German.

Gallery[edit]

Main article: Kirby's Adventure/gallery

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ほしのカービィ ゆめいずみ物語ものがたり
Hoshi no Kābyi Yume no Izumi no Monogatari
Kirby of the Stars: The Story of the Fountain of Dreams
Traditional Chinese 星之卡比 夢之泉物語[7]
xīng zhī kǎ bǐ mèng zhī quán wù yǔ
Kirby's Adventure
Kirby of the Stars: The Story of the Fountain of Dreams
Directly transliterated from the Japanese title.
-
Simplified Chinese 星之卡比 梦之泉物语[8]
xīng zhī kǎ bǐ mèng zhī quán wù yǔ
Kirby's Adventure
Dutch Kirby's Adventure -
French Kirby's Adventure -
German Kirby's Adventure -
Italian Kirby's Adventure -
Korean 별의 커비 꿈의 샘 이야기
Byeorui Keobi Kkumui Saem Iyagi
Kirby of the Stars: The Story of the Fountain of Dreams
Directly transliterated from the Japanese title.
Portuguese Kirby's Adventure -
Russian Kirby's Adventure
-
Spanish Kirby's Adventure -


External links[edit]

References