Kirby (series): Difference between revisions
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Kirby'' (series)}}{{ImCap|image=File:Kirby | {{DISPLAYTITLE:''Kirby'' (series)}}{{ImCap|image=File:KatFL Kirby logo.png|size=208px|align=right|caption=The logo for the ''Kirby'' series, as of ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]''.}} | ||
'''''Kirby''''' is a series of action-platforming video games starring the titular [[Kirby]], a round pink creature who defeats his foes by [[inhale|inhaling]] them and [[Copy Ability|gaining their powers]]. The ''Kirby'' series was created by [[Masahiro Sakurai]], and most games are developed by [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]], making ''Kirby'' a second-party series of Nintendo. ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' is the first game in the series, released in 1992. Despite the cutesy nature of the series characters and settings, the ''Kirby'' series was designed to be enjoyed by all ages, with the difficulty of the main game modes often being very easy, while optional game modes are typically much more difficult. | '''''Kirby''''' is a series of action-platforming video games starring the titular [[Kirby]], a round pink creature who defeats his foes by [[inhale|inhaling]] them and [[Copy Ability|gaining their powers]]. The ''Kirby'' series was created by [[Masahiro Sakurai]], and most games are developed by [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]], making ''Kirby'' a second-party series of Nintendo. ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' is the first game in the series, released in 1992. Despite the cutesy nature of the series characters and settings, the ''Kirby'' series was designed to be enjoyed by all ages, with the difficulty of the main game modes often being very easy, while optional game modes are typically much more difficult. | ||
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
[[File:KSSU Green Greens screenshot 2.png|thumb|200px|Typical gameplay in the main ''Kirby'' series involves Kirby battling opponents using various [[Copy Ability|Copy Abilities]] to make it to the end of the stage and/or level. This particular image is from [[Green Greens]] in ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]''.]] | [[File:KSSU Green Greens screenshot 2.png|thumb|200px|Typical gameplay in the main ''Kirby'' series involves Kirby battling opponents using his [[inhale]] or various [[Copy Ability|Copy Abilities]] to make it to the end of the stage and/or level. This particular image is from [[Green Greens]] in ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]''.]] | ||
The main | The core ''Kirby'' series consists of action/adventure/platformer games broken down into largely linear [[level]]s and/or [[stage]]s, where the main goal in each stage is to either get [[Kirby]] or another player character to the end of the stage (typically taking the form of a star-studded [[door|doorway]]) or defeat a [[boss|large opponent]] in the way, with some stages requiring both. Kirby's unique abilities - his [[inhale]], [[hover]], and [[Copy Ability]] - are what define how the stages and enemies therein are approached and dealt with. In particular, due to Kirby's typically unlimited flight capability, platforming is a lesser focus compared to battling enemies, exploring complex terrain, and solving stage puzzles. There are often many ways to approach any given obstacle, though specific optional tasks often require certain abilities and/or [[item]]s to perform. While traversing stages, the player needs to be mindful of Kirby's [[health]] meter, which decreases whenever he is attacked by an enemy or touches a harmful [[hazard]]. Letting the health meter run out causes Kirby to be defeated, and have to restart the area (or stage if no [[1-Up|extra lives]] remain). Health can typically be restored by picking up a [[food]] item in the stage. | ||
Most main-series titles feature at least one [[Sub-Game]], which can be played within the main game, or outside it in a menu. Unlike the main game, these can vary wildly in | Most main-series titles feature at least one [[Sub-Game]], which can be played within the main game, or outside it in a menu. Unlike the main game, these can vary wildly in playstyle, from quick-time games to racing games. Many of these are competitive, and can be played with more than one player. These also tend to vary wildly in size, with some being minor diversions, and others being practically full-fledged games on their own. In some games, after Kirby finishes a stage, he plays a [[Goal Game]] which can earn him extra lives. Up until ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'', every main series game was a side-scroller played in two dimensions (even if 3-D graphics were used to draw them), though limited 3-D interactions were often present in these games starting with ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]''. | ||
Spin-off titles divert from the main series in a similar manner to Sub-Games, but are much larger in scope and entirely separate titles. These titles often experiment with other genres, and are generally not considered to be [[canon]] with the main series. The most prominent spin-off titles include ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]'' - a full-fledged racing game, ''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse | Spin-off titles divert from the main series in a similar manner to Sub-Games, but are much larger in scope and entirely separate titles. These titles often experiment with other genres, and are generally not considered to be [[canon]] with the main series. The most prominent spin-off titles include ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]'' - a full-fledged racing game, ''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse]]'' - a 'touch platformer' where Kirby has to be guided using the [[Nintendo DS]] stylus, and ''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]'' - a more traditional platformer, but with fundamentally different mechanics to that of the main series. | ||
==Games== | ==Games== | ||
===Main series=== | ===Main series=== | ||
These are the | These are the thirteen main platformers in the ''Kirby'' series, with each game's Japanese title beginning with 星のカービィ (''Hoshi no Kābī'', "Kirby of the Stars"). The games feature Kirby's signature [[inhale]], as well as his [[Copy Ability]] (with [[Kirby's Dream Land|one exception]]). These games are also considered to be confirmed [[canon]]. | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2 | {| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2 | ||
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart | !class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart | ||
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|''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' | |''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' | ||
|[[Game Boy]] | |[[Game Boy]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|April 27, 1992|NA|August 1, 1992}} | |{{Released|Japan|April 27, 1992|NA|August 1, 1992|Europe|August 3, 1992|Australia|August 3, 1992}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'' | |''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo Entertainment System]] | |[[Nintendo Entertainment System]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|March 23, 1993|NA|May 1993}} | |{{Released|Japan|March 23, 1993|NA|May 1, 1993|Europe|December 1, 1993|Australia|December 1, 1993}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'' | |''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'' | ||
|Game Boy | |Game Boy | ||
|{{Released|Japan|March 21, 1995|NA|May 1995}} | |{{Released|Japan|March 21, 1995|NA|May 1, 1995|Europe|July 31, 1995|Australia|July 31, 1995}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KSS Box NA.jpg|100px]] | |[[File:KSS Box NA.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby Super Star | |''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' | ||
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] | |[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|March 21, 1996|NA|September 23, | |{{Released|Japan|March 21, 1996|NA|September 3, 1996|Europe|January 23, 1997|Australia|January 23, 1997}} | ||
|Known as ''Kirby's Fun Pak'' in British English. | |Known as ''Kirby's Fun Pak'' in British English. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|Super Nintendo Entertainment System | |Super Nintendo Entertainment System | ||
|{{Released|NA|November 27, 1997|Japan|March 27, 1998}} | |{{Released|NA|November 27, 1997|Japan|March 27, 1998}} | ||
|Never saw an original release on the SNES in Europe | |Never saw an original release on the SNES in Europe or Australia. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:K64 The Crystal Shards box art.png|100px]] | |[[File:K64 The Crystal Shards box art.png|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' | |''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo 64]] | |[[Nintendo 64]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|March 24, 2000|NA|June 26, 2000}} | |{{Released|Japan|March 24, 2000|NA|June 26, 2000|Europe|June 22, 2001|Australia|June 22, 2001}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|''[[Kirby & The Amazing Mirror]]'' | |''[[Kirby & The Amazing Mirror]]'' | ||
|[[Game Boy Advance]] | |[[Game Boy Advance]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|April 15, 2004|NA|October 18, 2004}} | |{{Released|Japan|April 15, 2004|Europe|July 2, 2004|NA|October 18, 2004|Australia|December 23, 2004}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:USCover KSS.jpg|100px]] | |[[File:USCover KSS.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad | |''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo DS]] | |[[Nintendo DS]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|November 2, 2006|NA|December 4, 2006}} | |{{Released|Japan|November 2, 2006|NA|December 4, 2006|Australia|March 1, 2007|Europe|June 22, 2007|South Korea|September 13, 2007}} | ||
|Known as ''Kirby Mouse Attack'' in British English. | |Known as ''Kirby Mouse Attack'' in British English. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KRtDL Boxart L.jpg|100px]] | |[[File:KRtDL Boxart L.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land | |''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'' | ||
|[[Wii]] | |[[Wii]] | ||
|{{Released|NA|October 24, 2011|Japan|October 27, 2011}} | |{{Released|NA|October 24, 2011|Japan|October 27, 2011|Europe|November 25, 2011|Australia|December 1, 2011|South Korea|September 6, 2012}} | ||
|Known as ''Kirby's Adventure Wii'' in British English. | |Known as ''Kirby's Adventure Wii'' in British English. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'' | |''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo 3DS]] | |[[Nintendo 3DS]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|January 11, 2014|NA|May 2, 2014}} | |{{Released|Japan|January 11, 2014|South Korea|April 17, 2014|NA|May 2, 2014|Europe|May 16, 2014|Australia|May 16, 2014}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'' | |''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'' | ||
|Nintendo 3DS | |Nintendo 3DS | ||
|{{Released|Japan|April 28, 2016|NA|June 10, 2016}} | |{{Released|Japan|April 28, 2016|South Korea|April 28, 2016|NA|June 10, 2016|Europe|June 10, 2016|Australia|June 11, 2016}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|''[[Kirby Star Allies]]'' | |''[[Kirby Star Allies]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo Switch]] | |[[Nintendo Switch]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|March 16, 2018|NA|March 16, 2018}} | |{{Released|Japan|March 16, 2018|NA|March 16, 2018|Europe|March 16, 2018|Australia|March 16, 2018|South Korea|April 26, 2018}} | ||
|This is the first main series title to be released on the same day in most regions. | |This is the first main series title to be released on the same day in most regions. | ||
|- | |||
|[[File:KatFL box art.jpg|100px]] | |||
|''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'' | |||
|[[Nintendo Switch]] | |||
|{{Released|Japan|March 25, 2022|NA|March 25, 2022|Europe|March 25, 2022|Australia|March 25, 2022|South Korea|March 25, 2022}} | |||
|This is the first main series title to be a 3D platformer rather than a 2D one. | |||
|} | |} | ||
===Spin-off games=== | ===Spin-off games=== | ||
These are games that do not follow the traditional formula of the main series, and take on a wide variety of genres. | These are games that do not follow the traditional formula of the main series, and take on a wide variety of genres. Many of these have unclear status in [[canon]]. | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2 | {| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2 | ||
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart | !class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart | ||
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|[[Game Boy]] | |[[Game Boy]] | ||
|Pinball | |Pinball | ||
|{{Released|Japan|November 27, 1993|NA|November 30, 1993}} | |{{Released|Japan|November 27, 1993|NA|November 30, 1993|Europe|December 1, 1993|Australia|1993}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] | |[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] | ||
|Sports | |Sports | ||
|{{Released|Japan|September 21, 1994|NA|February 1995}} | |{{Released|Japan|September 21, 1994|NA|February 1, 1995|Europe|August 24, 1995|Australia|August 24, 1995}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KAv NTSC K-A Rating Box Art.jpg|100px]] | |[[File:KAv NTSC K-A Rating Box Art.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby's Avalanche | |''[[Kirby's Avalanche]]'' | ||
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System | |Super Nintendo Entertainment System | ||
|Puzzle | |Puzzle | ||
|{{Released|NA|April 25, 1995}} | |{{Released|Europe|February 1, 1995|NA|April 25, 1995}} | ||
|Known as ''Kirby's Ghost Trap'' in British English. Based on ''[[wikipedia:Puyo Puyo|Super Puyo Puyo]]''. | |Known as ''Kirby's Ghost Trap'' in British English. Based on ''[[wikipedia:Puyo Puyo|Super Puyo Puyo]]''. Never saw a release in Japan. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KBBa Box.jpg|100px]] | |[[File:KBBa Box.jpg|100px]] | ||
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|Game Boy | |Game Boy | ||
|Action | |Action | ||
|{{Released|Japan|December 14, 1995|NA|May 13 1996}} | |{{Released|Japan|December 14, 1995|NA|May 13, 1996|Europe|August 29, 1996}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|Game Boy | |Game Boy | ||
|Puzzle | |Puzzle | ||
|{{Released|Japan|January 25, 1997|NA|April | |{{Released|Japan|January 25, 1997|NA|April 7, 1997|Europe|October 20, 1997|Australia|October 20, 1997}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|Motion-controlled action | |Motion-controlled action | ||
|{{Released|Japan|August 23, 2000|NA|April 11, 2001}} | |{{Released|Japan|August 23, 2000|NA|April 11, 2001}} | ||
| | |Never saw a release in Europe or Australia. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:Kirby Air Ride boxart.png|100px]] | |[[File:Kirby Air Ride boxart.png|100px]] | ||
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|[[Nintendo GameCube]] | |[[Nintendo GameCube]] | ||
|Racing | |Racing | ||
|{{Released|Japan|July 11, 2003|NA|October 13, 2003}} | |{{Released|Japan|July 11, 2003|NA|October 13, 2003|Europe|February 20, 2004|Australia|March 30, 2004}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:Kirby Canvas Curse box art.png|100px]] | |[[File:Kirby Canvas Curse box art.png|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse | |''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo DS]] | |[[Nintendo DS]] | ||
|Touch-controlled platformer | |Touch-controlled platformer | ||
|{{Released|Japan|March 24, 2005|NA|June 13, 2005}} | |{{Released|Japan|March 24, 2005|NA|June 13, 2005|Europe|November 25, 2005|Australia|April 6, 2006}} | ||
|Known as ''Kirby: Power Paintbrush'' in British English. | |Known as ''Kirby: Power Paintbrush'' in British English. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|[[Wii]] | |[[Wii]] | ||
|Platformer | |Platformer | ||
|{{Released|Japan|October 14, 2010|NA|October 17, 2010}} | |{{Released|Japan|October 14, 2010|NA|October 17, 2010|Australia|February 24, 2011|Europe|February 25, 2011|South Korea|September 1, 2011}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|Nintendo DS | |Nintendo DS | ||
|Touch-controlled platformer | |Touch-controlled platformer | ||
|{{Released|Japan|August 4, 2011|NA|September 19, 2011}} | |{{Released|Japan|August 4, 2011|NA|September 19, 2011|Australia|October 27, 2011|Europe|October 28, 2011}} | ||
| – | | – | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:DDDD | |[[File:KFD Cover art.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby Fighters Deluxe]]'' | |||
|Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | |||
|Fighting | |||
|{{Released|Japan|July 23, 2014|NA|August 29, 2014|South Korea|September 24, 2014|Europe|February 13, 2015|Australia|February 13, 2015}} | |||
|Based on [[Kirby Fighters]] from ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''. | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:DDDD Cover art.jpg|100px]] | |||
|''[[Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe]]'' | |''[[Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe]]'' | ||
|Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | |Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | ||
|Rhythm/platformer | |Rhythm/platformer | ||
|{{Released|Japan|July 23, 2014|NA|August 29, 2014}} | |{{Released|Japan|July 23, 2014|NA|August 29, 2014|South Korea|September 24, 2014|Europe|February 13, 2015|Australia|February 13, 2015}} | ||
|Based on [[Dedede's Drum Dash]] from ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''. | |Based on [[Dedede's Drum Dash]] from ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KatRC NA box art.png|100px]] | |[[File:KatRC NA box art.png|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse | |''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse]]'' | ||
|[[Wii U]] | |[[Wii U]] | ||
|Touch-controlled platformer | |Touch-controlled platformer | ||
|{{Released|Japan|January 22, 2015|NA|February 20, 2015}} | |{{Released|Japan|January 22, 2015|NA|February 20, 2015|Europe|May 8, 2015|Australia|May 9, 2015}} | ||
|A spiritual successor to '' | |A spiritual successor to ''Kirby: Canvas Curse''. Known as ''Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush'' in British English. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:TKCD logo.png|100px]] | |[[File:TKCD logo.png|100px]] | ||
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|Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | |Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | ||
|Action/role-playing | |Action/role-playing | ||
|{{Released|Japan|April 13, 2017| | |{{Released|NA|April 12, 2017|Japan|April 13, 2017|Europe|April 13, 2017|Australia|April 13, 2017}} | ||
|Based on [[Team Kirby Clash]] from ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''. | |Based on [[Team Kirby Clash]] from ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KBBl | |[[File:KBBl cover art.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby's Blowout Blast]]'' | |''[[Kirby's Blowout Blast]]'' | ||
|Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | |Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | ||
|Platformer | |Platformer | ||
|{{Released|Japan|July 4, 2017|NA|July 6, 2017}} | |{{Released|Japan|July 4, 2017|South Korea|July 4, 2017|NA|July 6, 2017|Europe|July 6, 2017|Australia|July 6, 2017}} | ||
|Based on [[Kirby 3D Rumble]] from ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''. | |Based on [[Kirby 3D Rumble]] from ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|Nintendo 3DS | |Nintendo 3DS | ||
|Action/fighting | |Action/fighting | ||
|{{Released|Japan|November 30, 2017|NA|January 19, 2018}} | |{{Released|Europe|November 3, 2017|Australia|November 4, 2017|Japan|November 30, 2017|NA|January 19, 2018|South Korea|February 1, 2018}} | ||
|This is the first game in the series to feature full online multiplayer. | |This is the first game in the series to feature full online multiplayer. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:SKC | |[[File:SKC eShop artwork.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Super Kirby Clash]]'' | |''[[Super Kirby Clash]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo Switch]] (eShop) | |[[Nintendo Switch]] (eShop) | ||
|Action/role-playing | |Action/role-playing | ||
|{{Released|NA|September 4, 2019|Japan|September 5, 2019}} | |{{Released|NA|September 4, 2019|Japan|September 5, 2019|Europe|September 5, 2019|Australia|September 5, 2019}} | ||
|Successor to ''[[Team Kirby Clash Deluxe]]''. | |Successor to ''[[Team Kirby Clash Deluxe]]''. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|[[Nintendo Switch]] (eShop) | |[[Nintendo Switch]] (eShop) | ||
|Fighting | |Fighting | ||
|{{Released|NA|September 23, 2020|Japan|September 24, 2020}} | |{{Released|NA|September 23, 2020|Japan|September 24, 2020|Europe|September 24, 2020|Australia|September 24, 2020|South Korea|September 2020}} | ||
|Successor to ''[[Kirby Fighters Deluxe]]''. | |Successor to ''[[Kirby Fighters Deluxe]]''. | ||
|- | |||
|[[File:KDB cover art.jpg|100px]] | |||
|''[[Kirby's Dream Buffet]]'' | |||
|[[Nintendo Switch]] (eShop) | |||
|Action/racing | |||
|{{Released|NA|August 17, 2022|Japan|August 17, 2022|Europe|August 17, 2022|Australia|August 17, 2022|South Korea|August 17, 2022}} | |||
|– | |||
|} | |} | ||
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|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] | |[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|June 25, 1999}} | |{{Released|Japan|June 25, 1999}} | ||
|A remake of the Game Boy title of the same name. | |A remake of the Game Boy title of the same name. Never saw a release outside of Japan. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KNiDL box artwork.jpg|100px]] | |[[File:KNiDL box artwork.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]'' | |''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]'' | ||
|[[Game Boy Advance]] | |[[Game Boy Advance]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|October 25, 2002|NA|December 2, 2002}} | |{{Released|Japan|October 25, 2002|NA|December 2, 2002|Europe|September 26, 2003|Australia|January 27, 2004}} | ||
|A remake of ''Kirby's Adventure''. | |A remake of ''Kirby's Adventure''. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'' | |''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo DS]] | |[[Nintendo DS]] | ||
|{{Released|NA|September 22, 2008|Japan|November 6, 2008}} | |{{Released|NA|September 22, 2008|Japan|November 6, 2008|South Korea|November 13, 2008|Australia|November 27, 2008|Europe|September 18, 2009}} | ||
|A remake of '' | |A remake of ''Kirby Super Star''. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KA 3DS logo.png|100px]] | |[[File:KA 3DS logo.png|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby's Adventure#3D Classics|3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure]]'' | |''[[Kirby's Adventure#3D Classics|3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo 3DS]] | |[[Nintendo 3DS]] | ||
|{{Released| | |{{Released|NA|November 17, 2011|Europe|November 17, 2011|Australia|November 17, 2011|Japan|April 25, 2012}} | ||
|A recreation of ''Kirby's Adventure'', featuring the same spritework and gameplay but with enhanced color, shading, and 3D effects. | |A recreation of ''Kirby's Adventure'', featuring the same spritework and gameplay but with enhanced color, shading, and 3D effects. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|[[Wii]] | |[[Wii]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|July 19, 2012|NA|September 16, 2012}} | |{{Released|Japan|July 19, 2012|NA|September 16, 2012}} | ||
| | |A compilation of ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'', ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'', ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'', ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'', ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'', and ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' that also includes an original game mode called [[New Challenge Stages]], a soundtrack CD and 45 page book containing artwork and other behind-the-scenes information covering Kirby's history, released to celebrate the [[Kirby Anniversary#Kirby 20th Anniversary (2012)|Kirby 20th Anniversary]]. Never saw a release in Europe or Australia. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:KEEY Rated Cover.jpg|100px]] | |[[File:KEEY Rated Cover.jpg|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]'' | |''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]'' | ||
|[[Nintendo 3DS]] | |[[Nintendo 3DS]] | ||
|{{Released|Japan|March 7, 2019|NA|March 8, 2019}} | |{{Released|Japan|March 7, 2019|NA|March 8, 2019|Europe|March 8, 2019|Australia|March 9, 2019|South Korea|April 12, 2019}} | ||
|An enhanced port of ''Kirby's Epic Yarn'' | |An enhanced port of ''Kirby's Epic Yarn''. | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Other games=== | ===Other games=== | ||
The following | The following ''Kirby'' games are small spin-off or peripheral titles. They are not considered to be part of the core ''Kirby'' series by Nintendo or HAL Laboratory. | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2 | {| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2 | ||
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart | !class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart | ||
Line 300: | Line 313: | ||
|A ''Kirby''-themed puzzle slider mini-game. | |A ''Kirby''-themed puzzle slider mini-game. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File: | |[[File:Kirby Sparkling Medal Land.jpg|x100px|center]] | ||
|''[[Kirby: Sparkling | |''[[Kirby: Sparkling Medal Land]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091105040312/http://www.atlus.co.jp/am/products/detail/detail_medal006.html Archived Atlus products page]</ref> | ||
|Arcade machine | |Arcade machine | ||
|Various | |Various | ||
|{{Released|Japan|2006}} | |{{Released|Japan|March 2006<ref>[http://www.am-j.co.jp/newmachine/200603/004.html Amusement Journal]</ref>}} | ||
|Includes | |Includes 15 different minigames based on ''[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]]''. Licensed medal throwing Kirby game by [[wikipedia:Atlus|Atlus]]. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:Kirby Magical Tower of | |[[File:Kirby Magical Tower of Medal Land.png|100px]] | ||
|''[[Kirby: Magical Tower of | |''[[Kirby: Magical Tower of Medal Land]]<ref>[https://www.hallab.co.jp/eng/works/detail/002772/ HAL Laboratory's Website]</ref> | ||
|Arcade machine | |Arcade machine | ||
|Various | |Various | ||
|{{Released|Japan|2007}} | |{{Released|Japan|December 2007}} | ||
|Mentioned in the Japanese version of ''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]''. Licensed Kirby game by Atlus. | |Mentioned in the Japanese version of ''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]''. Licensed Kirby game by Atlus. | ||
|} | |} | ||
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|''[[Kirby for Nintendo GameCube]]'' | |''[[Kirby for Nintendo GameCube]]'' | ||
|Nintendo GameCube | |Nintendo GameCube | ||
|A 2.5D main-series game for [[Nintendo GameCube]] featuring a revamped [[Helper]] system based on that of '' | |A 2.5D main-series game for [[Nintendo GameCube]] featuring a revamped [[Helper]] system based on that of ''Kirby Super Star'', four-player multiplayer, and the camera perspective of ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards''. It was scrapped due to issues designing levels playable in both single player and multiplayer. Had it released, it would have become the eighth mainline ''Kirby'' game. Three more builds followed, with only the last being released as ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. The three unreleased builds are collectively referred to as "the three lost ''Kirby'' games". | ||
|} | |} | ||
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|{{center|[[File:KF2 King Dedede.png|180px]]}} | |{{center|[[File:KF2 King Dedede.png|180px]]}} | ||
|[[King Dedede]] | |[[King Dedede]] | ||
|King Dedede is the self-proclaimed king of Dream Land and Kirby's archrival, though rarely the main antagonist. Although portrayed as greedy and selfish primarily in ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'', where he steals all of Dream Land's food for himself, he often means well throughout the series, but ends up antagonizing Kirby due to a misunderstanding or being mind-controlled by the true villain. Once the misunderstanding has been resolved or the mind-control has been broken, however, he often ends up helping Kirby, most notably in ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' and ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land | |King Dedede is the self-proclaimed king of Dream Land and Kirby's archrival, though rarely the main antagonist. Although portrayed as greedy and selfish primarily in ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'', where he steals all of Dream Land's food for himself, he often means well throughout the series, but ends up antagonizing Kirby due to a misunderstanding or being mind-controlled by the true villain. Once the misunderstanding has been resolved or the mind-control has been broken, however, he often ends up helping Kirby, most notably in ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' and ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'', where he is one of the game's main heroes. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|{{center|[[File:KatFL Meta Knight artwork.png|160px]]}} | |{{center|[[File:KatFL Meta Knight artwork.png|160px]]}} | ||
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|{{center|[[File:KatFL Bandana Waddle Dee artwork.png|160px]]}} | |{{center|[[File:KatFL Bandana Waddle Dee artwork.png|160px]]}} | ||
|[[Bandana Waddle Dee]] | |[[Bandana Waddle Dee]] | ||
|A [[Waddle Dee]] who is distinguished only by his blue bandana, Bandana Waddle Dee is one of King Dedede's most loyal subjects | |A [[Waddle Dee]] who is distinguished only by his blue bandana, Bandana Waddle Dee is one of King Dedede's most loyal subjects, but is also very good friends with Kirby. He can wield both a [[Spear]] and a [[Parasol]] in combat with good efficacy, but he sometimes avoids fighting and aims to help the main characters by tossing them [[Assist Star]]s instead. He got his first major role in ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'', and he went on to become a recurring major character in the ''Kirby'' franchise. | ||
|} | |} | ||
The series has many other characters, some of which have rather significant presences in many games. More information can be found on the [[Character]] page. | |||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*Originally, the English ''Kirby'' logo used a proprietary font, which was seen from ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' to ''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]''. ''[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]]'' introduced a new English logo based on the Helvetica Rounded Bold typeface, which was adopted with ''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]'' and used for most games up to ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]''. ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'' introduced a new English logo, which uses the Seurat Pro EB typeface; it can also be seen in [[:File:Kirby 30th Anniversary logo.png|the 30th anniversary logo]]. | |||
*So far, the platform to feature the most original ''Kirby'' games is the [[Nintendo 3DS]], with seven entries. | *So far, the platform to feature the most original ''Kirby'' games is the [[Nintendo 3DS]], with seven entries. | ||
*Since its debut, at least one ''Kirby'' game has appeared on every major Nintendo console and handheld device (except for the Virtual Boy). | *Since its debut, at least one ''Kirby'' game has appeared on every major Nintendo console and handheld device (except for the Virtual Boy). | ||
*HAL Laboratory keeps a [https://www.hallab.co.jp/works/series/kirby/ list] of every ''Kirby'' game they have worked on at their website. Despite the following games being officially part of the ''Kirby'' series, ''[[Kirby's Block Ball]]'', ''[[Kirby's Avalanche | *HAL Laboratory keeps a [https://www.hallab.co.jp/works/series/kirby/ list] of every ''Kirby'' game they have worked on at their website. Despite the following games being officially part of the ''Kirby'' series, ''[[Kirby's Block Ball]]'', ''[[Kirby's Avalanche]]'', ''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]'', ''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]'', and ''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]'' are not present on HAL's list, as they were developed primarily by other companies ([[wikipedia:Nintendo Research & Development 1|Nintendo R&D1]], [[wikipedia:Compile (company)|Compile]], [[wikipedia:Nintendo Research & Development 2|Nintendo R&D2]], and [[wikipedia:Good-Feel|Good-Feel]] respectively). | ||
== Gallery == | |||
<gallery> | |||
Kirby Series Logo.png|The general logo for the ''Kirby'' series, used from ''Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land'' up until ''Kirby Star Allies'' | |||
</gallery> | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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*[https://twitter.com/Kirby_JP Kirby official Twitter (@Kirby_JP)] | *[https://twitter.com/Kirby_JP Kirby official Twitter (@Kirby_JP)] | ||
{{clear}} | |||
{{ref}} | |||
{{Navbox-Games}} | {{Navbox-Games}} | ||
[[Category:Series]] | [[Category:Series]] |
Revision as of 22:13, 11 August 2022
Kirby is a series of action-platforming video games starring the titular Kirby, a round pink creature who defeats his foes by inhaling them and gaining their powers. The Kirby series was created by Masahiro Sakurai, and most games are developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, making Kirby a second-party series of Nintendo. Kirby's Dream Land is the first game in the series, released in 1992. Despite the cutesy nature of the series characters and settings, the Kirby series was designed to be enjoyed by all ages, with the difficulty of the main game modes often being very easy, while optional game modes are typically much more difficult.
Gameplay
The core Kirby series consists of action/adventure/platformer games broken down into largely linear levels and/or stages, where the main goal in each stage is to either get Kirby or another player character to the end of the stage (typically taking the form of a star-studded doorway) or defeat a large opponent in the way, with some stages requiring both. Kirby's unique abilities - his inhale, hover, and Copy Ability - are what define how the stages and enemies therein are approached and dealt with. In particular, due to Kirby's typically unlimited flight capability, platforming is a lesser focus compared to battling enemies, exploring complex terrain, and solving stage puzzles. There are often many ways to approach any given obstacle, though specific optional tasks often require certain abilities and/or items to perform. While traversing stages, the player needs to be mindful of Kirby's health meter, which decreases whenever he is attacked by an enemy or touches a harmful hazard. Letting the health meter run out causes Kirby to be defeated, and have to restart the area (or stage if no extra lives remain). Health can typically be restored by picking up a food item in the stage.
Most main-series titles feature at least one Sub-Game, which can be played within the main game, or outside it in a menu. Unlike the main game, these can vary wildly in playstyle, from quick-time games to racing games. Many of these are competitive, and can be played with more than one player. These also tend to vary wildly in size, with some being minor diversions, and others being practically full-fledged games on their own. In some games, after Kirby finishes a stage, he plays a Goal Game which can earn him extra lives. Up until Kirby and the Forgotten Land, every main series game was a side-scroller played in two dimensions (even if 3-D graphics were used to draw them), though limited 3-D interactions were often present in these games starting with Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.
Spin-off titles divert from the main series in a similar manner to Sub-Games, but are much larger in scope and entirely separate titles. These titles often experiment with other genres, and are generally not considered to be canon with the main series. The most prominent spin-off titles include Kirby Air Ride - a full-fledged racing game, Kirby: Canvas Curse - a 'touch platformer' where Kirby has to be guided using the Nintendo DS stylus, and Kirby's Epic Yarn - a more traditional platformer, but with fundamentally different mechanics to that of the main series.
Games
Main series
These are the thirteen main platformers in the Kirby series, with each game's Japanese title beginning with 星のカービィ (Hoshi no Kābī, "Kirby of the Stars"). The games feature Kirby's signature inhale, as well as his Copy Ability (with one exception). These games are also considered to be confirmed canon.
Boxart | Title | Console | Original release date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
File:KDL Box.jpg | Kirby's Dream Land | Game Boy | April 27, 1992 August 1, 1992 August 3, 1992 August 3, 1992 |
– |
Kirby's Adventure | Nintendo Entertainment System | March 23, 1993 May 1, 1993 December 1, 1993 December 1, 1993 |
– | |
File:KDL2 Box.jpg | Kirby's Dream Land 2 | Game Boy | March 21, 1995 May 1, 1995 July 31, 1995 July 31, 1995 |
– |
Kirby Super Star | Super Nintendo Entertainment System | March 21, 1996 September 3, 1996 January 23, 1997 January 23, 1997 |
Known as Kirby's Fun Pak in British English. | |
Kirby's Dream Land 3 | Super Nintendo Entertainment System | November 27, 1997 March 27, 1998 |
Never saw an original release on the SNES in Europe or Australia. | |
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards | Nintendo 64 | March 24, 2000 June 26, 2000 June 22, 2001 June 22, 2001 |
– | |
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror | Game Boy Advance | April 15, 2004 July 2, 2004 October 18, 2004 December 23, 2004 |
– | |
File:USCover KSS.jpg | Kirby: Squeak Squad | Nintendo DS | November 2, 2006 December 4, 2006 March 1, 2007 June 22, 2007 September 13, 2007 |
Known as Kirby Mouse Attack in British English. |
Kirby's Return to Dream Land | Wii | October 24, 2011 October 27, 2011 November 25, 2011 December 1, 2011 September 6, 2012 |
Known as Kirby's Adventure Wii in British English. | |
Kirby: Triple Deluxe | Nintendo 3DS | January 11, 2014 April 17, 2014 May 2, 2014 May 16, 2014 May 16, 2014 |
– | |
Kirby: Planet Robobot | Nintendo 3DS | April 28, 2016 April 28, 2016 June 10, 2016 June 10, 2016 June 11, 2016 |
– | |
Kirby Star Allies | Nintendo Switch | March 16, 2018 March 16, 2018 March 16, 2018 March 16, 2018 April 26, 2018 |
This is the first main series title to be released on the same day in most regions. | |
Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Nintendo Switch | March 25, 2022 March 25, 2022 March 25, 2022 March 25, 2022 March 25, 2022 |
This is the first main series title to be a 3D platformer rather than a 2D one. |
Spin-off games
These are games that do not follow the traditional formula of the main series, and take on a wide variety of genres. Many of these have unclear status in canon.
Boxart | Title | Console | Genre | Original release date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kirby's Pinball Land | Game Boy | Pinball | November 27, 1993 November 30, 1993 December 1, 1993 1993 |
– | |
Kirby's Dream Course | Super Nintendo Entertainment System | Sports | September 21, 1994 February 1, 1995 August 24, 1995 August 24, 1995 |
– | |
Kirby's Avalanche | Super Nintendo Entertainment System | Puzzle | February 1, 1995 April 25, 1995 |
Known as Kirby's Ghost Trap in British English. Based on Super Puyo Puyo. Never saw a release in Japan. | |
Kirby's Block Ball | Game Boy | Action | December 14, 1995 May 13, 1996 August 29, 1996 |
– | |
Kirby's Star Stacker | Game Boy | Puzzle | January 25, 1997 April 7, 1997 October 20, 1997 October 20, 1997 |
– | |
Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble | Game Boy Color | Motion-controlled action | August 23, 2000 April 11, 2001 |
Never saw a release in Europe or Australia. | |
Kirby Air Ride | Nintendo GameCube | Racing | July 11, 2003 October 13, 2003 February 20, 2004 March 30, 2004 |
– | |
Kirby: Canvas Curse | Nintendo DS | Touch-controlled platformer | March 24, 2005 June 13, 2005 November 25, 2005 April 6, 2006 |
Known as Kirby: Power Paintbrush in British English. | |
Kirby's Epic Yarn | Wii | Platformer | October 14, 2010 October 17, 2010 February 24, 2011 February 25, 2011 September 1, 2011 |
– | |
Kirby Mass Attack | Nintendo DS | Touch-controlled platformer | August 4, 2011 September 19, 2011 October 27, 2011 October 28, 2011 |
– | |
Kirby Fighters Deluxe | Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | Fighting | July 23, 2014 August 29, 2014 September 24, 2014 February 13, 2015 February 13, 2015 |
Based on Kirby Fighters from Kirby: Triple Deluxe. | |
Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe | Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | Rhythm/platformer | July 23, 2014 August 29, 2014 September 24, 2014 February 13, 2015 February 13, 2015 |
Based on Dedede's Drum Dash from Kirby: Triple Deluxe. | |
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse | Wii U | Touch-controlled platformer | January 22, 2015 February 20, 2015 May 8, 2015 May 9, 2015 |
A spiritual successor to Kirby: Canvas Curse. Known as Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush in British English. | |
Team Kirby Clash Deluxe | Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | Action/role-playing | April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017 April 13, 2017 April 13, 2017 |
Based on Team Kirby Clash from Kirby: Planet Robobot. | |
Kirby's Blowout Blast | Nintendo 3DS (eShop) | Platformer | July 4, 2017 July 4, 2017 July 6, 2017 July 6, 2017 July 6, 2017 |
Based on Kirby 3D Rumble from Kirby: Planet Robobot. | |
Kirby Battle Royale | Nintendo 3DS | Action/fighting | November 3, 2017 November 4, 2017 November 30, 2017 January 19, 2018 February 1, 2018 |
This is the first game in the series to feature full online multiplayer. | |
Super Kirby Clash | Nintendo Switch (eShop) | Action/role-playing | September 4, 2019 September 5, 2019 September 5, 2019 September 5, 2019 |
Successor to Team Kirby Clash Deluxe. | |
Kirby Fighters 2 | Nintendo Switch (eShop) | Fighting | September 23, 2020 September 24, 2020 September 24, 2020 September 24, 2020 September 2020 |
Successor to Kirby Fighters Deluxe. | |
Kirby's Dream Buffet | Nintendo Switch (eShop) | Action/racing | August 17, 2022 August 17, 2022 August 17, 2022 August 17, 2022 August 17, 2022 |
– |
Remakes and compilations
These games are rereleases of older games for newer systems, often enhancing graphics and adding additional content.
Boxart | Title | Console | Original release date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kirby's Star Stacker | Super Famicom | June 25, 1999 |
A remake of the Game Boy title of the same name. Never saw a release outside of Japan. | |
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land | Game Boy Advance | October 25, 2002 December 2, 2002 September 26, 2003 January 27, 2004 |
A remake of Kirby's Adventure. | |
Kirby Super Star Ultra | Nintendo DS | September 22, 2008 November 6, 2008 November 13, 2008 November 27, 2008 September 18, 2009 |
A remake of Kirby Super Star. | |
3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure | Nintendo 3DS | November 17, 2011 November 17, 2011 November 17, 2011 April 25, 2012 |
A recreation of Kirby's Adventure, featuring the same spritework and gameplay but with enhanced color, shading, and 3D effects. | |
Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition | Wii | July 19, 2012 September 16, 2012 |
A compilation of Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, and Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards that also includes an original game mode called New Challenge Stages, a soundtrack CD and 45 page book containing artwork and other behind-the-scenes information covering Kirby's history, released to celebrate the Kirby 20th Anniversary. Never saw a release in Europe or Australia. | |
Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn | Nintendo 3DS | March 7, 2019 March 8, 2019 March 8, 2019 March 9, 2019 April 12, 2019 |
An enhanced port of Kirby's Epic Yarn. |
Other games
The following Kirby games are small spin-off or peripheral titles. They are not considered to be part of the core Kirby series by Nintendo or HAL Laboratory.
Boxart | Title | Console | Genre | Original release date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kirby's Toy Box | Super Famicom (Satellaview) |
Various | February 8, 1996 |
A collection of mini-games broadcast over the St.GIGA network, exclusive to Japan. | |
Kirby Slide | Game Boy Advance (e-Reader card) | Puzzle | December 2003 |
A Kirby-themed puzzle slider mini-game. | |
Kirby: Sparkling Medal Land[1] | Arcade machine | Various | March 2006[2] |
Includes 15 different minigames based on Kirby: Right Back at Ya!. Licensed medal throwing Kirby game by Atlus. | |
Kirby: Magical Tower of Medal Land[3] | Arcade machine | Various | December 2007 |
Mentioned in the Japanese version of Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition. Licensed Kirby game by Atlus. |
Canceled games
There are at least six known Kirby games that were under development at some point but were never released. They are regarded as canceled games.
Title | Console | Notes |
---|---|---|
Kid Kirby | Super Nintendo | A point-and-click platformer starring a young Kirby. Canceled due to poor sales of Super NES Mouse and inability to be played with traditional joypad controls. |
Kirby Ball 64 | Nintendo 64 | The first known 3D Kirby game. A prototype most likely originally meant to be a sequel to Kirby's Dream Course, shortly later retooled into Kirby's Air Ride. |
Kirby's Air Ride | Nintendo 64 | A 3D racing game. Eventually released as Kirby Air Ride on the Nintendo GameCube. |
Kirby Family | Game Boy Color | A set of sewing patterns based on Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, designed to be printed by an embroidery machine that connected to the Game Boy Color. Planned as the Kirby equivalent of Mario Family, but canceled due to a lack of interest. |
Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble 2 | Nintendo GameCube | A planned follow-up title to Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, which eventually dropped the Kirby name and became Roll-O-Rama before ultimately being scrapped. Had it been released, it would have been the first title to demonstrate the connectivity between the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance. |
Kirby for Nintendo GameCube | Nintendo GameCube | A 2.5D main-series game for Nintendo GameCube featuring a revamped Helper system based on that of Kirby Super Star, four-player multiplayer, and the camera perspective of Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. It was scrapped due to issues designing levels playable in both single player and multiplayer. Had it released, it would have become the eighth mainline Kirby game. Three more builds followed, with only the last being released as Kirby's Return to Dream Land. The three unreleased builds are collectively referred to as "the three lost Kirby games". |
Main characters
Artwork | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
Kirby | Kirby is the hero of the franchise and the primary playable character in each game (with one exception). His powers, which are vital to the gameplay of most installments, include inhaling objects and creatures in order to either spit them out again or steal their ability, as well as inflating himself, enabling him to fly. In most games, he must use his unique powers to save his homeland Dream Land, the planet Popstar on which it is located or even the entire galaxy from the respective game's main antagonist. | |
King Dedede | King Dedede is the self-proclaimed king of Dream Land and Kirby's archrival, though rarely the main antagonist. Although portrayed as greedy and selfish primarily in Kirby's Dream Land, where he steals all of Dream Land's food for himself, he often means well throughout the series, but ends up antagonizing Kirby due to a misunderstanding or being mind-controlled by the true villain. Once the misunderstanding has been resolved or the mind-control has been broken, however, he often ends up helping Kirby, most notably in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards and Kirby's Return to Dream Land, where he is one of the game's main heroes. | |
Meta Knight | An enigmatic character of ambiguous allegiance, Meta Knight repeatedly confronts Kirby during the latter's journeys, often challenging him to a duel. Although seemingly antagonistic towards Kirby, he serves as a stalwart ally to the pink puffball more often than not, and any misgivings they may have had over the sinking of the Halberd seem to have been mended. When Meta Knight is inclined to battle with Kirby, no matter the circumstance, he provides Kirby with a sword in order to force a fair fight. He is the leader of a group of warriors known as the Meta-Knights, who Kirby often has to battle against. | |
Bandana Waddle Dee | A Waddle Dee who is distinguished only by his blue bandana, Bandana Waddle Dee is one of King Dedede's most loyal subjects, but is also very good friends with Kirby. He can wield both a Spear and a Parasol in combat with good efficacy, but he sometimes avoids fighting and aims to help the main characters by tossing them Assist Stars instead. He got his first major role in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, and he went on to become a recurring major character in the Kirby franchise. |
The series has many other characters, some of which have rather significant presences in many games. More information can be found on the Character page.
Trivia
- Originally, the English Kirby logo used a proprietary font, which was seen from Kirby's Dream Land to Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble. Kirby: Right Back at Ya! introduced a new English logo based on the Helvetica Rounded Bold typeface, which was adopted with Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land and used for most games up to Kirby Star Allies. Kirby and the Forgotten Land introduced a new English logo, which uses the Seurat Pro EB typeface; it can also be seen in the 30th anniversary logo.
- So far, the platform to feature the most original Kirby games is the Nintendo 3DS, with seven entries.
- Since its debut, at least one Kirby game has appeared on every major Nintendo console and handheld device (except for the Virtual Boy).
- HAL Laboratory keeps a list of every Kirby game they have worked on at their website. Despite the following games being officially part of the Kirby series, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby's Avalanche, Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, Kirby's Epic Yarn, and Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn are not present on HAL's list, as they were developed primarily by other companies (Nintendo R&D1, Compile, Nintendo R&D2, and Good-Feel respectively).
Gallery
External links
- Kirby Portal - Japanese official series website
- The Official Home of Kirby - English official series website
- Kirby official Twitter (@Kirby_JP)