Computer Virus
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| “ | You gained ___ EXP! (Not that it matters.) | ” | — In-game message after defeating Computer Virus in Kirby Super Star Ultra |
Computer Virus is a boss in Kirby Super Star and its remake, Kirby Super Star Ultra. Its boss fight is much like a living role-playing game. Its strategy is similar to that of a turn-based RPG battle, except the enemy shown will pop out of the screen it is shown on when it is Kirby's turn to attack. When it is the enemy's turn to attack, Kirby is not able to harm the boss at all. Computer Virus throws three different opponents at Kirby, who must be defeated sequentially in order to win the battle, and these three opponents differ depending on which game mode is being played.
The music that plays during the battle with the Computer Virus is an 8-bit remix of the normal boss music, with a noise filter applied.
Overview and details[edit]
Computer Virus consists of three screens, one showing the actions, one showing the enemy's health, and one showing the enemy itself. In the original Kirby Super Star, the windows take their appearance from the Classic Mac OS. The text screen will describe what is happening during the battle as well as announce whose turn it is in a narrative style. For example, if it is Kirby's turn to attack, the screen will start by saying "Kirby attacks!" (or "Kirby & Co. attack!" in Kirby Super Star and "Kirby and his friend attack!" in Kirby Super Star Ultra if Kirby has a helper). When it is the enemy's turn to attack, the screen will describe which attack the enemy uses, and then Kirby has to try and dodge or guard against it. Any of the following messages can appear during battle:
| Dialogue boxes during the Computer Virus battle | ||
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Game | |
| Kirby Super Star | Kirby Super Star Ultra | |
| Enemy appears | [Enemy] appears! | A(n) [enemy] appears! |
| Enemy attacks first | First attack by [enemy]! | The [enemy] gets the first attack! |
| Enemy's turn | [Enemy] attacks! | The [enemy] attacks! |
| Damage dealt to one player | [Player]'s hurt! | [Player] took damage! |
| Damage dealt to both players | Kirby & [Helper] are hurt! | [Player] and [Helper] took damage! |
| No damage dealt to player | Kirby avoids the attack! | [Player] avoided the attack! |
| No damage dealt to both players | [Player] and his friend avoided the attack! | |
| Player guarded against attack | [Player] raised his defenses! | |
| Player's turn | Kirby attacks! | [Player] attacks! |
| Player's turn (with Helper) | Kirby & Co. attack! | [Player] and his friend attack! |
| Damage dealt to enemy | [#] damage points given to [enemy]! | The [enemy] takes [#] damage! |
| No damage dealt to enemy | Kirby takes a "time-out!" | [Player] was unable to cause any damage! |
| Copy ability obtained | Kirby gains [ability name] ability. Kirby learns Suplex! Kirby becames[sic] a Ninja! Kirby holds a Hammer/Parasol. |
Kirby equipped Cutter/Wings/Yo-Yo! Kirby learned Beam/Fire/Ice/Plasma/Suplex! Kirby turned into a Fighter/Ninja/Wheel! Kirby turned into Stone! Kirby grabbed a Bomb/Hammer/Mirror/Sword! Kirby attached Jets! Kirby opened a Parasol! |
| Enemy defeated | [Enemy] is defeated! | You beat the [enemy]! |
| All enemies defeated | Kirby defeats all enemies! | [Player] defeated all the enemies! |
| All enemies defeated (with Helper) | Kirby & Co. defeat all enemies! | [Player] and his friend defeated all the enemies! |
| Experience gained | You earned [#] experience points. | You gained [#] EXP! (Not that it matters.) |
| Other points gained | You earned [#] [attribute] points! | Your [attribute] went up by [#]! |
In Kirby Super Star Ultra, the player's name will read as "Kirby" (in The Great Cave Offensive, Milky Way Wishes, and The Arena), "Meta Knight" (in Meta Knightmare Ultra), or "The Helper" (in Helper to Hero) depending on which mode is being played.
When Computer Virus is defeated, a number of ending messages pop up, stating that Kirby has gained a random amount of points in various made-up stats, including "humor points" and "final exam points". As none of these are actual stats in the game, they do not affect gameplay in any way — as the first message in Kirby Super Star Ultra puts it, "Not that it matters." The battle result messages from Computer Virus are referenced when Team Kirby levels up in Team Kirby Clash, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, and Super Kirby Clash, including the "Not that it matters" quote.
HP[edit]
This table lists the Computer Virus enemies' HP per mode.
| Computer Virus enemies' HP (1-player/2-player) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprite (KSS/KSSU) | Sprite (Helper to Hero) | Name (KSS/KSSU) | The Great Cave Offensive | Milky Way Wishes The Arena |
Helper to Hero |
 
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Slime | 64/83 |
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Dancing Doll / Puppet | 80/104 |
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Witch / Magician | 100/130 | 80/104 | 92/119 |
 
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Evil Knight |
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180/234 | 207/269 |
 
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Red Dragon / Great Dragon |
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250/325 | 287/373 |
Attacks[edit]
These tables list the attacks of each Computer Virus enemy. Some names are conjectural.
| List of Computer Virus attacks | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Slime | Dancing Doll/Puppet | Witch/Magician | Evil Knight | Red/Great Dragon | Notes |
 Do Nothing |
 Has a variety of possible outcomes including sleeping, trying to escape, and getting surprised. All of these result in nothing happening. |
Has a variety of possible outcomes including laughing, collapsing, screaming, attempting to self-destruct, using a hex, and dancing. All of these result in nothing happening. |
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This attack is used more than Star Shot by Slime and Dancing Doll/Puppet. | ||
 Star Shot |
Fires three fast-moving stars at Kirby. |
Fires five slow-moving stars at Kirby. |
Fires three extremely fast-moving stars at Kirby. |
This is the only attack all Computer Virus enemies have. | ||
 Ice |
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Fires a small, slow-moving ice ball that freezes Kirby upon contact. Titled "Ice Spell" when used by Witch/Magician. |
Fires a small, slow-moving ice ball that freezes Kirby upon contact. Titled "Freezing Slash" when used by Evil Knight. |
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In Kirby Super Star only, the Witch will fire two Ice Spells at once when fought in Milky Way Wishes or The Arena. | |
 Fire |
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Launches a bunch of fire in four volleys. Titled "Fire Spell" when used by Witch/Magician. |
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Launches a bunch of fire in four volleys. Titled "Fire Breath" when used by Red/Great Dragon. |
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 Guard |
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The enemy prepares for Kirby's next attack by defending itself, making the attack deal 1/5th the damage. |
The enemy prepares for Kirby's next attack by petrifying itself, making the attack deal 1/5th the damage. |
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 Knives |
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Knives rain down from the sky. More knives will rain down faster if the enemy is at low health. |
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 Cutters |
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One or two cutters are flown at Kirby depending on the enemy's health. When using the attack, the game states the Evil Knight "brings down his sword". |
Eight cutters are shot around the enemy, one at a time. They go around in a circle covering most of the space around it. When using the attack, the game states that the dragon is slashing with its talons. |
This attack does damage through regular guards. | ||
 Store Power |
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The enemy charges for its next attack, making it deal extra damage. |
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 Wing Flap |
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Kirby is blown against the nearest wall and wind is shot at him. This wind does a small amount of damage. |
This attack does damage through regular guards. | |||
Points[edit]
After defeating Computer Virus, the top window will inform Kirby that he has gained a number of points in different attributes (though these do not actually have any effect on gameplay). These attributes include the following:
- All versions
- Experience (EXP in Kirby Super Star Ultra; always first)
- Ambition
- Appetite
- Beauty
- Courage
- Exam score
- Fever
- Friendship
- Greediness
- Happy Smile
- Honesty
- Humor
- Love
- Tenderness
- Exclusive to Kirby Super Star Ultra
- Eye Sparkle
- Heroism
- Maturity
- Puffiness
- Roundness
- Sincerity
- Spirit
- Softness
- Squishiness
- Exclusive to Meta Knightmare Ultra
- Charisma
- Coolness
- Dreaminess
- Flashiness
- Foot Speed
- Leadership
- Mask Shine
- Sword Sharpness
- Trustworthiness
For the most part, the attributes and point values are chosen at random, but "experience" always comes first and either "love" or "friendship" will come last depending on whether or not Kirby has a Helper at his side. In Meta Knightmare Ultra, "sword sharpness" or "leadership" is always the last attribute listed, again depending on whether or not Meta Knight has a Helper. These messages do not appear when fighting Computer Virus in The Arena or Helper to Hero.
Game appearances[edit]
Kirby Super Star / Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]
In Kirby Super Star and its remake, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Computer Virus is first encountered in the Crystal area of The Great Cave Offensive. The battle is split into three sections, each with a different enemy. Once one enemy is beaten, the next one appears. During this encounter, the enemies fought are the Slime, the Dancing Doll (Puppet in KSSU), and the Witch (Magician in KSSU). Each of these enemies has to be defeated either by using one of the Copy Essences provided during Kirby's turn, or by inhaling certain projectiles generated by their attacks, usually stars.
The Slime and the Dancing Doll can fire a star, but they do this rarely and do nothing in most cases. The Witch is the first real threat, and she attacks by launching spells from her staff or firing 3 stars in a row; she occasionally will defend herself, as well.
Computer Virus is encountered a second time in Planet Halfmoon of Milky Way Wishes. The battle is similar, but different adversaries are fought. The Witch is fought first, followed by the Evil Knight and the Red Dragon (Great Dragon in KSSU). The layout of the windows is also slightly different, with the enemy now being in the center of the screen instead of off to the left. This version of the boss is also encountered in The Arena.
In the second battle, the Witch uses the same strategy as before. The Evil Knight can fire 5 stars in a row, shoot crescent blades, fire down icicles as "Freezing Slash", or attempt to rain knives on Kirby. He can also increase his attack or defense. The Red Dragon can fire 3 stars in a row very quickly, making them harder to dodge. He can also increase his defense, breathe fire, launch crescents by flapping his wings, or attack with his talons.
In Kirby Super Star Ultra, Computer Virus is also encountered in Meta Knightmare Ultra and Helper to Hero. In the latter, the enemies from their Milky Way Wishes appearance are fought, but their palette has been changed and their health is increased. The Great Dragon in particular is now a dark purplish black rather than red, which may go toward explaining why its name was changed between games.
Name discrepancies[edit]
In Kirby Super Star, the name shown for each opponent Kirby faces as part of Computer Virus' arsenal often does not match the name displayed on the top of the window featuring that opponent. While "Slime" and "Evil Knight" match up, the other three differ, as follows:
- Dancing Doll's window reads "Puppet".
- Witch's window reads "Magician".
- Red Dragon's window reads "Dragon".
These discrepancies would later be fixed in Kirby Super Star Ultra.
In the Japanese version of Kirby Super Star, The Arena lists each enemy's name in English. The Computer Virus is the only boss that had its English name changed between versions. It was originally "Battle Windows", likely changed to avoid referencing the operating system Microsoft Windows.
Trivia[edit]
- The layout of the windows and the types of enemies faced (particularly the Slime and the Dragon) make it likely that the Computer Virus is a parody of the Dragon Quest series.
- Metal General, Security Force, and enemies in the Team Kirby Clash games show the damage taken every time they are hit by the players. Meanwhile, Computer Virus shows the total damage taken in one turn.
- Dancing Doll/Puppet is the only Computer Virus enemy to deal contact damage to Guard.
- The wing flapping cutters of the Red Dragon / Great Dragon are later used by Landia. Landia also references the color schemes of the Great Dragon with his default orange and his purple EX form.
Gallery[edit]
Battling the Dancing Doll
Battling the Witch
Battling the Evil Knight
Battling the Red Dragon
This message shows if Kirby does not attack during his turn.
Defeating all enemies
Names in other languages[edit]
Computer Virus[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | バトルウィンドウズ Batoru Uindouzu |
Battle Windows |
| French | Virus Mystère | Mysterious Virus |
| German | Chaos-Computer | - |
| Italian | Battaglia a Turni | Battle of Turns |
| Korean | 배틀 윈도우 baeteul windou |
Battle Window |
| Spanish | Ordenador Loco | Crazy Computer |
Slime[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | スライム Suraimu |
Slime |
| French | Blob | - |
| German | Schleim | Slime |
| Italian | Slime | - |
| Korean | 슬라임 seullaim |
Slime |
| Spanish | Baba | Slime |
Dancing Doll / Puppet[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | おどりにんぎょう Odori Ningyō |
Dancing Doll |
| French | Marionnette | Puppet |
| German | Hampelmann | Jumping-Jack |
| Italian | Burattino | Puppet |
| Korean | 꼭두각시 kkokdugaksi |
Puppet |
| Spanish | Títere | Puppet |
Witch / Magician[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | まほうつかい Mahōtsukai |
Magician |
| French | Magicien | Magician |
| German | Magier | Magician |
| Italian | Mago | Magician |
| Korean | 마법사 mabeopsa |
Magician |
| Spanish | Mago | Magician |
Evil Knight[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | あくまのきし Akuma no Kishi |
Demon Knight |
| French | Vil Chevalier | Vile Knight |
| German | Sir Unhold | Fiend Knight |
| Italian | Cavaliere Oscuro | Dark Knight |
| Korean | 악마의 기사 akmaui gisa |
Demon Knight |
| Spanish | Caballero Negro | Black Knight |
Red Dragon / Great Dragon[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | レッドドラゴン Reddo Doragon グランドドラゴン Gurando Doragon |
Red Dragon Grand Dragon |
| French | Grand Dragon | - |
| German | Riesendrache | Giant Dragon |
| Italian | Dragone | Dragon |
| Korean | 그랜드 드래곤 geuraendeu deuraegon |
Grand Dragon |
| Spanish | Archidragón | Great Dragon |
