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Fighter

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Fighter
FighterKTDX.png
Artwork of Fighter Kirby from Kirby: Triple Deluxe.
Details
First game Kirby Super Star (1996)
Latest game Kirby Fighters 2 (2020)
Other game(s) Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
Kirby: Squeak Squad
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Kirby's Return to Dream Land
New Challenge Stages
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Kirby Fighters Deluxe
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Kirby Battle Royale
Kirby Star Allies
Usage type Unlimited use
Obtained from Boxin, Box Boxer, Knuckle Joe, Iron Mam, Gray Golem (if inhaled while attacking), amiibo (Planet Robobot): Lucario, Donkey Kong, Little Mac, Mii Fighters
Power(s) Attacks with martial arts; Giga Force Blast provides Sizzle augment.
Helper Knuckle Joe
Similar to Suplex (throws)
Smash (Vulcan Jab)
Throw (throws & headband)
Wrestler
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Fighter is a Copy Ability primarily obtained by absorbing a fighter type enemy (usually Knuckle Joe). It allows Kirby to perform martial arts-based attacks, along with energy-based strikes. First appearing in Kirby Super Star, it gives Kirby a signature red headband as its sole visual indicator. Fighter is among the more well-known and versatile abilities in the Kirby series due to the sheer number of quick and powerful techniques it offers, including famous moves such as "Vulcan Jab", "Smash Punch", "Force Blast", and "Rising Break", among others. Kirby also gains the ability to grab his opponents and toss them in various ways, even being given the ability to toss his friends in Kirby Star Allies.

Characteristics

Among the classic Copy Abilities, Fighter is notorious as having far more distinct moves than most. As such, it is one of the more difficult Copy Abilities to master. Once these moves are taken to heart, however, Fighter becomes one of the most potent and fluent abilities in Kirby's arsenal. Among the move-set are famous techniques such as "Vulcan Jab"—a rapid series of punches that can be held indefinitely, "Smash Punch"—a more powerful single punch that creates a shockwave passing through foes, "Leg Sweep"—a sliding kick that knocks enemies away, "Spin Kick"—a series of sweeping kicks that carry Kirby through the air with their momentum, "Force Blast"—a powerful energy blast that can be charged using the hands, and "Rising Break"—a Masher-slaying uppercut that carries Kirby higher than a jump when used. The ability also gives Kirby the ability to grab enemies and toss them away, similar to Suplex, though not quite as central.

Since its introduction in Kirby Super Star, Fighter's main representative enemy/helper has been Knuckle Joe, though a handful of others also provide it when swallowed. Since then, the ability has retained all of its most iconic moves and, starting with Kirby's Return to Dream Land, has only grown more complex over time. In these latter years, Fighter had consistently been the most complex Copy Ability in terms of number of distinct moves until it was usurped by Wrestler in Kirby Fighters 2, which also happens to be a fighting-oriented ability.

Game appearances

Kirby Super Star / Kirby Super Star Ultra

Milky Way Wishes icon from Kirby Super Star Ultra

Fighter debuted in Kirby Super Star and also appears in its remake Kirby Super Star Ultra. In these games, Kirby can obtain this ability by swallowing Knuckle Joe or Iron Mam the Mid-Boss, or by touching Copy Essences or the Copy Essence Deluxe in Planet Floria. With this ability equipped, Kirby can create Knuckle Joe as a helper. Kirby's visual appearance only changes by adding a red headband.

Fighter moveset in Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra  
Set blow strength by holding B
Skill (Short Charge) Skill (Long Charge) Button execution
Vulcan Jab Smash Punch B
Leg Sweep Spin Kick Dash + B
Down Kick Double Kick B in air
Skill Button execution
Rising Break ↑ + Hold B
Grab Foe ↑, →, or ↓ + B near foe
Arm Throw Grab + B
Judo Throw Grab + ← or ↓ + B

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror

The pause subscreen for Fighter in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror

Fighter appears in this game, despite having not appeared in the prior title Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land upon which this game's engine was based. As is typical for the ability, it has a large variety of moves, unlike most of the other abilities in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror. The ability gives Kirby a red bandana that flaps behind him when he runs, jumps, falls, uses moves, or moves in any other way. The bandana turns gray when the chalk spray is equipped. The picture that appears when Kirby copies Fighter shows Kirby slamming his fist into the ground. Fighter is provided by a fair number of enemies in the game, including the following:

Fighter Moveset in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror  
Skill Button Execution Skill Button Execution
Vulcan Jab
Tap B
Rising Kick
Double-tap B
Slam Punch
Triple-tap B
Force Blast
Hold B briefly
Mega Force Blast
Hold B
Giga Force Blast
Hold B with one HP
Triple Spin Kick
B while holding left or right or B in midair
Rising Break
Up + B
Sky Kick
Down + B in midair
Moon Somersault Kick
Dash + B

Kirby: Squeak Squad

Fighter returns in this title, bearing largely the same look and feel as it had in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, though with a few adjustments. Its move-set is the same as it is in its previous appearance, save for one addition: Fighter Kirby can now also perform the Air Drop technique when → + B is used near an enemy (facing right). Fighter is once again provided by Boxin and Box Boxer. Acquiring the Ability Scroll for the Fighter ability allows Kirby to launch an even bigger force blast which can break metal blocks.

Additionally, Kirby gains a unique idle pose when he has this ability. He raises his arms and sways back and forth in a fighting stance, in a similar fashion to that of Ryu from Street Fighter.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Fighter reappears in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, obtained by swallowing enemies such as Knuckle Joe or touching Copy Essences. Since Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Fighter's moveset generally emulate back to the original moveset from Kirby Super Star. Aesthetically, Kirby gains the signature red head band like in Kirby Super Star, but shorter and with a star in the front of the headband.

Fighter Moveset in Kirby's Return to Dream Land  
Skill Button Execution Description Skill Button Execution Description
Vulcan Jab
Tap 1 or press repeatedly
Kirby unleashes a barrage of punches in front of him. Force Blast
↓ + Hold 1
Kirby fires a small yet powerful blast of energy.
Smash Punch
Press 1
Kirby does a strong punch in front of him. Mega Force Blast
↓ + Hold 1 longer
Kirby fires a larger more powerful blast of energy.
Leg Sweep
Dash + 1
Kirby slides forward like his base form's slide attack but can hit more enemies. Giga Force Blast
↓ + Hold 1 even longer
Kirby fires a large and powerful fireball in front of him.
Spin Kick
Dash + hold 1
Kirby does three powerful kicks in front of him while spinning mid-air. Instant Mega Force Blast
↓ + forward + Hold 1
Kirby fires a instantaneous version of mega force blast.
Down Kick
1 in midair
Kirby does a small kick that can be repeated. Moon Somersault Kick
1 in midair next to foe
Kirby does an upwards kick that sends the poor victim in the air.
Double Kick
Hold 1 in midair
Kirby does a double kick to a similar effect to Smash Punch. Foe Grab
↑ or forward next to foe + 1
Kirby grabs his opponent.
Rising Break
↑ + Hold 1
Kirby does a multi-hit uppercut. Arm Throw
Foe Grab + 1, ↑ or forward
Similar to Throw, Kirby tosses his opponent forward, damaging any enemies they hit.
Sky Kick
↓ + 1 in midair
Similar to Suplex's pinpoint kick, Kirby dives down with his foot extended to hit enemies below. Judo Throw
Foe Grab + 1, ↓ or backward
Kirby judo throws his opponent behind him.

Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition

Fighter is one of the abilities which is featured in New Challenge Stages. Its move-set and look is identical to its appearance in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Fighter returns once again, being provided by Knuckle Joe. It also appears in Kirby Fighters.

Fighter Moveset in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, and Kirby: Planet Robobot  
Skill Image Button Execution Description
Vulcan Jab
KPR Vulcan Jab clip.png
Tap B (or press repeatedly)
Kirby unleashes a barrage of punches in front of him.
Smash Punch
KPR Smash Punch clip.png
Press and hold B
Kirby does a strong punch in front of him.
Leg Sweep
KPR Leg Sweep clip.png
Dash + release B
Kirby slides forward like his base form's slide attack but can hit more enemies.
Spin Kick
KPR Spin Kick clip.png
Dash + press and hold B
Kirby does three powerful kicks in front of him while spinning mid-air.
Down Kick
KPR Down Kick clip.png
Release B in midair
Kirby does a small kick that can be repeated.
Double Kick
KPR Double Kick clip.png
Press and hold B in midair
Kirby does a does a double kick to a similar effect to Smash Punch.
Rising Break
KPR Rising Break clip.png
↑ + press and hold B
Kirby does a multi-hit uppercut.
Sky Kick
KPR Sky Kick clip.png
↓ + B in midair
Similar to Suplex's pinpoint kick, Kirby dives down with his foot extended to hit enemies below.
Force Blast
KPR Force Blast clip.png
↓ + hold B shortly before releasing
Kirby fires a small yet powerful blast of energy.
Mega Force Blast
KPR Mega Force Blast clip.png
↓ + hold B even longer before releasing
Kirby fires a larger more powerful blast of energy.
Giga Force Blast
KPR Giga Force Blast clip.png
↓ + hold B even longer before releasing
Kirby fires a large and powerful fireball in front of him.
Instant Mega Force Blast
KPR Instant Mega Force Blast clip.png
↓ → + press and hold B
Kirby fires a instantaneous version of mega force blast.
Moon Somersault Kick
KPR Moon Somersault Kick clip.png
Release B near an enemy in midair
Kirby does an upwards kick that sends the poor victim in the air.
Foe Grab
KPR Foe Grab clip.png
Either of ↑→ near an enemy
Kirby grabs his opponent.
Arm Throw
KPR Arm Throw clip.png
Foe Grab + B, or Foe Grab + either ↑→
Similar to Throw, Kirby tosses his opponent forward, damaging any enemies they hit.
Judo Throw
KPR Judo Throw clip.png
Foe Grab either of ←↓
Kirby judo throws his opponent behind him.

Kirby Fighters Deluxe

Fighter is one of the selectable Copy Abilities in this expanded spin-off title. It is largely the same as it was in Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

Fighter Kirby's Rare Outfit is the headband of Knuckle Joe.

Kirby: Planet Robobot

Fighter returns in this title, unchanged from its appearance in Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

Kirby Battle Royale

Heya, fighter! Go give 'em a knuckle sandwich for me! When you see an opening, use your Giga Force Blast to knock 'em out!
— Knuckle Joe's comment in Kirby Battle Royale
Artwork of a Fighter Kirby from Battle Royale.

Fighter is one of the abilities on offer for Kirby Battle Royale. It allows Kirby to perform a wide series of lightning-fast punches and kicks and chase his target easily. It also allows Kirby to use a special ranged attack after a brief charge-up.

Fighter has three alternate pieces of Headgear in this game. They are "Knuckle Joe's Hair", the "Wrestling Mask", and the "Goriath Hat".

Fighter Moveset in Kirby Battle Royale  
Skill Button Execution Skill Button Execution
Quick Jab
B
Giga Force Blast
Hold/release B
Vulcan Jab
BB
Kick
Y
Rising Break
BBB
Spin Kick
YY
Sky Kick
B during jump
Final Spin Kick
YYY

Kirby Star Allies

Fighter returns in this title, provided once again by Knuckle Joe. In addition to the large arsenal of moves Kirby obtains from this ability, he can also use Friend Throw when near a recruited Friend.

Fighter's Moveset in Kirby Star Allies  
while facing right
Skill Button Execution Description
Vulcan Jab
Press and release B
Kirby unleashes a barrage of jabs in front of him.
Smash Punch
Press and hold B
Kirby does a strong punch, throwing a blast of energy in front of him.
Leg Sweep
Dash + press and release B
Kirby slides forward like his base form's slide attack but can hit more enemies. Unlike sliding, Kirby goes through enemies while invincible in the process.
Spin Kick
Dash + press and hold B
Kirby does three consecutive spin kicks while jumping forward, invincible in the process.
Down Kick
Press and release B in midair
Kirby does a small kick that can be repeated. Kirby bounces off the enemy slightly after Down Kick.
Double Kick
Press and hold B in midair
Kirby does a double kick, throwing a blast of energy similar to Smash Punch.
Rising Break
↑ and hold B
Kirby does a multi-hit uppercut, invincible in the process.
Sky Kick
↓ + B in midair
Similar to Suplex's Pinpoint Kick, Kirby dives down with his foot extended to hit enemies below. Kirby bounces off the enemy slightly after Sky Kick.
Force Blast
↓ + Hold B briefly before releasing
Kirby fires a small blast of energy from his both hands.
Mega Force Blast
↓ + Hold B even longer before releasing
Kirby fires a large, powerful blast of energy from his both hands.
Giga Force Blast
↓ + Hold B even longer before releasing
Kirby fires a larger and more powerful fireball from his both hands, which gives Sizzle augment.
Instant Mega Force Blast
↓ + → + press and hold B
Kirby fires a instantaneous version of Mega Force Blast. Can be repeated with quick button execution.
Moon Somersault Kick
Press and release B near an enemy in midair
Kirby does a somersault kick that sends the common enemy in the air and can be repeated.
Foe Grab
↑/→ + B near an enemy
Kirby grabs a common enemy or a Drop Star, invincible in the process.
Arm Throw
Foe Grab + B/↑/→
Similar to Throw ability, Kirby tosses what he has grabbed forward, invincible in the process and damaging any enemies hit by the thrown projectile.
Judo Throw
Foe Grab + either ↓/←
As its name says, Kirby judo throws what he has grabbed behind him, invincible in the process and damaging any enemies hit by the thrown projectile.

Interestingly, although the original names of Fighter's moves in the Japanese version are using the same English words, the Chinese version of Kirby Star Allies has given some stylish names of Fighter's moves, namely:

  • Vulcan Jab - 无影拳 (wú yǐng quán): literally means "Shadowless Punch".
  • Rising Break - 雷神破 (léi shén pò): literally means "Thunder God Break". Possibly a reference to the Japanese pronunciation of Rising which is similar to Raijin, the Japanese god of lightning and thunder.

Kirby Fighters 2

Fighter returns in Kirby Fighters 2 as a selectable ability for Kirby to use. It is unlocked after attaining a Fighters Rank of 16. Its move-set is the same as it has been in previous titles, though damage values have been adjusted.

For more precise competitive-oriented information on the Fighter ability in Kirby Fighters 2, see Mizuumi Wiki's page.

Moveset

Fighter move-set in Kirby Fighters 2  
Skill Button Execution Description Damage (unmodified)
Vulcan Jab
Press and release B
Kirby throws out a rapid series of punches, and can continue doing so for as long as B is repeatedly pressed. 6 (first hit)
3 (subsequent hits)
Smash Punch
Press and hold B
Kirby throws out a strong single punch that sends a small shockwave ahead of him. 22
Leg Sweep
Dash + press and release B
Kirby throws out his foot and slides forward, dragging foes along with him. 14 (if all hits connect)
Spin Kick
Dash + press and hold B
Kirby propels himself forward and slightly upward with three spinning kicks, carrying foes caught in the motion. 20 (initial hit)
12 (subsequent hits)
44 (if all hits connect)
Down Kick
Press and release B in midair
Kirby throws his foot out as he descends. If he hits an opponent, he will bounce off afterward. 18
Double Kick
Press and hold B in midair
Kirby throws his feet out to the side and releases an energy wave which travels horizontally. 26
Rising Break
↑ and hold B
Kirby performs a jumping uppercut, dragging any foes caught along with him in the motion. 45 (if all hits connect)
Sky Kick
↓ + B in midair
Kirby drops diagonally downward with his foot out at high speed, and bounces off of any foe he hits. 22
Force Blast
↓ + hold B briefly before releasing
Kirby charges up and releases an energy blast which travels quickly across the stage horizontally. 20
14 (early release, no projectile)
Mega Force Blast
↓ + hold B even longer before releasing
Kirby charges up and releases a bigger energy blast which travels quickly across the stage horizontally. 24
Giga Force Blast
↓ + hold B even longer before releasing
Kirby charges up and releases a giant red energy blast which travels quickly across the stage horizontally and passes through foes. 50
Instant Mega Force Blast
↓→ + press and hold B
Kirby lets out a Mega Force Blast without having to charge. 24
Moon Somersault Kick
Press and release B near an enemy in midair
Kirby does an aerial flip kick. 26
Foe Grab
Either ↑/→ + B near an enemy
Kirby grabs his foe. If he does nothing, the foe escapes after 5 seconds or less with no damage. N/A
Arm Throw
Foe Grab + either B/↑/→
Kirby punches his foe and launches them forward. 20
Judo Throw
Foe Grab + either ↓/←
Kirby tosses his foe behind him after a quick punch. 20

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya!

Fighter
Anime Fighter Kirby Art.png
Details
First episode Here Comes the Son
Last episode The School Scam
Other episode(s) Monster Management, Snack Attack - Part II, eNeMeE Elementary, Masher 2.0
Obtained from Inhaling Knuckle Joe's attacks, inhaling projectiles from Martial Arts All-Stars, Teacher Creature, and Dirk, Kirk, and Smirk
Power(s) Using various fighting moves
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All right! It's Fighter Kirby!
— Tuff

In the Kirby: Right Back at Ya! anime, Fighter Kirby makes a significant number of appearances, often being provided by Knuckle Joe, whether intentionally or not. When Kirby gains this ability, he dons the signature red headband, and gains increased agility, as well as several flashy energy-based attacks. The most notable of these are Vulcan Jab, Smash Punch, Spin Kick, Overhead Toss, and Rising Break; the last of which is always used as the finishing blow on his opponent. In the Japanese version of the show, Kirby always calls out the names of these attacks when he uses them.

When Kirby gains the Fighter ability, it is often when he is facing some of Night Mare Enterprises' toughest monsters. The most notable of these are Masher and its upgraded form Masher 2.0. Fighter Kirby gains his most prominent appearance, however, in Snack Attack - Part II, where he uses the ability for the majority of the episode's run-time in order to battle the five Martial Arts All-Stars.

Profiles

Flavor text

Image Game Flavor text
KSS Box NA.jpg Kirby Super Star Copy the abilities of Fighter and assume the role of a mighty karate expert. Increase your power with practice!
File:USCover KSS.jpg Kirby: Squeak Squad Go for it!

CHAMPION

KSS Ultra box art.png Kirby Super Star Ultra Hi-yaa! Hold the B Button longer for a stronger blow! That punch is an instant KO!
KRtDL Boxart L.jpg Kirby's Return to Dream Land I'm a brawling Copy Ability! How long you hold 1 determines how strong or weak my attacks are! And I have a ton of them!
KTD Boxart NA.jpg Kirby: Triple Deluxe The Fighter ability is no joke, with tons of techniques to bring down the biggest baddies! Keep an eye out for opponents to knock out as you fight your way to the top!
KPR Box.png Kirby: Planet Robobot This ability raises your fighting power to the max! The supersonic punches and kicks Kirby unleashes bring about infinite fighting capabilities.
KBR box art.jpg Kirby Battle Royale Hit opponents with a flurry of attacks with this martial-arts ability!
KSA Boxart NA.jpg Kirby Star Allies Oh boy! It's the Fighting Copy Ability, complete with tons of techniques! Grab and throw foes with ease. You can even grab and throw...your friends! Throw them against rocks and other things you want to smash.

Super Smash Bros. Melee trophy

Super Smash Bros. Melee
Name Image Game Description
Fighter Kirby Fighter Kirby Melee Trophy.png SNES Kirby Super Star Kirby dons a warrior's headband and becomes a fierce fighter when he swallows an enemy skilled at physical attacks. Fighter Kirby uses many colorful punching and kicking moves as he overpowers his enemies with his sparring skills. The Vulcan Jab is just one of the many techniques Kirby can use thanks to his copying power.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophy

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Name Image Game Description
Fighter Kirby Fighter Kirby Brawl Trophy.png SNES Kirby Super Star

GBA Kirby & The Amazing Mirror

Kirby when he is skilled in martial arts, especially close-quarters combat. Inhaling brawny challengers like Knuckle Joe will transform Kirby, allowing him to use a bunch of fight moves like Rising Break, the heroic uppercut. His Mega Power Shot in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, which used charged energy to take out faraway enemies, is another Fighter Kirby highlight.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophy

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Name Image Appears In Description
Fighter Kirby Fighter Kirby Wii U Trophy.png SNES Kirby Super Star

Wii Kirby's Return to Dream Land

American English: "Show me your moves!" Wait-that's not Kirby's line! Regardless, he's really fired up and ready to become a fighting machine with that red headband. He knows the basics, like kicking and tossing, but he can also muster his fighting spirit to blast distant foes."

British English: "With his red headband and fierce attitude, Fighter Kirby is ready to take on anything. Like a real martial artist, he can kick and throw his foes into submission. And like a...not-so-real martial artist, he can fire his fighting spirit as an energy blast to hit faraway enemies. The only weapon this Kirby needs is his burning heart!"

Kirby Super Star manual

  • "Kirby knocks out enemies with a severe punch or kick."

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror manual

  • "Kirby attacks with martial-arts moves! Keep it up for more fast-paced pummeling!"

Kirby Super Star Ultra manual

  • "Defeat your enemies with flurries of punches and kicks."

Trivia

  • In the concept art of the Fighter ability for Kirby Super Star, it was originally called Rush, which also allowed Kirby to throw consecutive punches.[1]
  • The Fighter ability can be seen as a reference to Ryu from the Street Fighter series with respect to several aspects.
    • The red headband Kirby wears is similar to the one Ryu wears.
    • Two of Fighter's moves (Rising Break and the Force Blast line of attacks) are similar in concept to Ryu's trademark Shoryuken and Hadouken respectively. Furthermore, the input for the Instant Mega Force Blast is identical to Hadouken's input (down + forward + attack).
  • Fighter's Vulcan Jab and Smash Punch have become part of Kirby's neutral attack combo in Super Smash Bros. series, along with the Spin Kick as his forward smash and the Foe Grab and Arm Thow as his grab and pummel. Vulcan Jab is also the neutral attack of Smash the Copy Ability based on his moveset in Super Smash Bros. series.
  • Fighter's icon from Kirby & The Amazing Mirror may be a reference to Megaton Punch.
  • In Kirby Battle Royale, Fighter got a new move called Quick Jab, which has the same name and is very similar to a move card from the Japan exclusive card game Kirby no Copy-toru!, which released before Battle Royale.

Gallery

Artwork

Sprites

Icons

Screenshots

Other

Videos

Official Kirby Portal video showcasing Fighter

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ファイター
Faitā
Fighter
Traditional Chinese 格鬥家
gé dòu jiā
Fighter
Simplified Chinese 格斗家
gé dòu jiā
Dutch Vechter Fighter
French Combat Combat
German Kämpfer Fighter
Italian Lottatore Fighter
Korean 파이터
Paiteo
Fighter
Portuguese Lutador[2][3][4] Fighter
Russian Борец
Borets
Fighter
Spanish Luchador Fighter


References

  1. 20th Anniversary Kirby Pupupu Encyclopedia, p. 121
  2. Nintendo Portugal - Kirby Battle Royale
  3. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
  4. Kirby: Right Back at Ya!

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