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Dragoon
| Dragoon | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Artwork of the Dragoon from Kirby Air Ride | |||||
| Details | |||||
| First game | Kirby Air Ride (2003) | ||||
| Latest game | Kirby Air Riders (2025) | ||||
| Other game(s) | Kirby's Return to Dream Land (reference) Kirby: Planet Robobot (reference) Kirby Star Allies (cameo) Kirby's Dream Buffet (reference) Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (reference) Super Smash Bros. Brawl Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | ||||
| Type | Legendary | ||||
| Strength(s) | Glide Top Speed Lift | ||||
| Weakness(es) | Turn Offense | ||||
| Similar to | Hydra Winged Star Paper Star Flight Warp Star Star Allies Sparkler Buddy Star Blaster | ||||
| |||||
The Dragoon is a legendary Air Ride Machine that appears in Kirby Air Ride and Kirby Air Riders. Being a legendary machine, it is one of the most powerful machines in these games, best known for having, far and away, the most outstanding gliding capabilities of any machine, able to zip through the air at very high speed and stay airborne for over a minute at the least. As a legendary machine, it can only be used in the main mode of City Trial if all three of its parts have been obtained by a single player, though it can be unlocked in the City Trial Checklist of both games by completing three tasks to unlock its three parts, allowing it to be used in City Trial's Free Run mode (as well as Air Ride and Top Ride's Time Attack and Free Run modes in Kirby Air Riders).
Like the Hydra, the Dragoon has also made a handful of cameos in other Kirby titles since its debut in Kirby Air Ride. Notably, it has also been featured as an item in every game in the Super Smash Bros. series since Super Smash Bros. Brawl, where it is used to ram other fighters at high speed.
Appearance[edit]
The Dragoon is the second largest machine in Kirby Air Ride, in terms of lateral width and apparent mass, second only to its fellow legendary machine, the Hydra. It boasts a primarily pink-white body, with the central portion featuring a mysterious, symmetrical design painted in red. This central piece takes on a shape akin to wings, with each side possessing a steel, hooklike talon that protrudes forwards. Attached to the front is the nose of the Dragoon, which is somewhat long and points forwards. The top of it has thin grooves on either side in a unique pattern, while the bottom boasts three teeth-like hooks: the first two are in the front and curve backwards (with the second "tooth" being smaller in size than the first) while the third one curves towards the front, and is found closer to where the nose joins with the body. Additionally, there is a much smaller, fourth claw at the very back of the nose that points backwards.
The rear of the Dragoon's main body is adorned with a single jet propulsion-style engine, which expels a pink gas at a speed which follows the machine's velocity. It, like the front of the head, also has a unique pattern consisting of thin grooves. Extending out from the rear of each side are four teardrop-shaped spikes, which hover mere inches from the body itself. These spikes always shift between the colors of a rainbow, with the spikes near the far ends of the machine being larger. While it charges a Boost (whether on the ground or in the air), these spikes begin to glow white, and they temporarily extend backwards after a Boost Charge (returning to their original size shortly thereafter).
In Kirby Air Riders, the Dragoon takes on essentially the same appearance, with some very minor changes. In the thin grooves of the machine, a glowing purple-and-pink gradient can now be seen. The thruster at the back expels a more flame-like purple exhaust; when the machine is charging a boost, this glows red and produces a red trail, while its exhaust takes on a blue hue when the machine is moving especially fast. Most of the changes, however, are tied to the spikes floating behind the back of the machine: they no longer glow white while the Dragoon is charging a boost, but they still do extend after a Boost Dash (though it takes longer for them to return to their original size). They also extend while the machine is in flight, and in both cases, they fluctuate in exact length when the Dragoon is in motion. They also cycle between colors much faster than in the original game, as well as emit multicolored auras while in motion. Additionally, the Dragoon now leaves a large, ethereal trail that changes in color but is largely dominated by magenta and mint green streams. Like many other flying machines—such as the Winged Star—thin streams of air can be seen coming from the far ends of the vehicle's body (though the aforementioned trail makes this detail quite difficult to see). When on low health, this colorful trail is not present and is replaced by a trail of smoke (akin to all other machines), only returning upon restoring health above critical levels.
Game appearances[edit]
Kirby Air Ride[edit]
Like its fellow legendary machine, the Hydra, the Dragoon can normally only be brought into existence by assembling it: this is done by finding three different parts found throughout the City, in City Trial. These three parts are found only in red boxes, as opposed to green or blue boxes, and consist of the machine's beaklike nose, its trapezoid-shaped body, and the eight spikes which sit at its back. In certain locations, boxes that are guaranteed to have legendary-machine parts inside them can appear, with locations ranging from near the dilapidated houses to inside a volcano. The parts are picked up by touching them—like all collectible items in the game—and will appear in the rider's heads-up display. When the rider takes damage, there is a chance they will drop one or more of the parts they have collected, which can then be picked up again by that same rider or a different rider. The parts are able to appear in roughly half of all City Trial matches. [citation needed]
If a rider manages to collect and keep all three parts, a short cutscene of the machine being assembled will play, and the rider's machine will be replaced with the Dragoon. In addition, "The Legendary Air Ride Machine" will override all other background music until time runs out. If it is assembled while on the Hydra, the Hydra will disappear entirely and be replaced by the Dragoon, with the reverse happening if the Hydra is assembled whilst on the Dragoon.
Mechanics[edit]
The Dragoon handles like a traditional star-type machine in most regards. However, all of its attributes are above-average. Its gliding capability in particular is by far the best in the game, as it can reach heights and distances no other machine can, and can maintain a very fast speed in the air, up to 56.35 mph (90.68 km/h) without patches.
On the ground, its top speed is 37.28 mph (59.99 km/h), matchable only by its fellow legendary machine Hydra, the Bulk Star, and the Formula Star: unlike those machines, however, it can quickly accelerate to this speed and do so without needing to store fuel. Though in essence it turns well, that attribute is often made less apparent by its high speed and tendency to drag on the ground. Its boost and charge are notably superior to most machines, including the Hydra. It also has high HP, offense, defense, and weight, though these are exceeded by the Hydra, Bulk Star, and certain other machines. Although the Dragoon is particularly durable, it can still be destroyed like any other machine.
How to unlock[edit]
In Kirby Air Ride, this machine is exclusive to City Trial, and cannot be used in Air Ride or Top Ride.
By default, the parts of the Dragoon are able to appear in a match, and the machine is bestowed upon any rider who has assembled it: however, it must be unlocked for Free Run before it can be used there. This requires completing four unique challenges on the City Trial Checklist: each of the first three rewards one of the Dragoon's three different parts, which are needed to complete the machine-awarding fourth challenge. These challenges are as follows:
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Stadium: HIGH JUMP Jump higher than 1,000 feet! |
Dragoon Part A: Use 3 to complete Dragoon. |
| City Trial: During one game, fly through the rings in the sky 5 times or more! | Dragoon Part B: Use 3 to complete Dragoon. |
| Stadium: AIR GLIDER Fly more than 1,300 feet! |
Dragoon Part C: Use 3 to complete Dragoon. |
| Unlock Dragoon Parts A, B, and C on the Checklist! | Dragoon: Select in Free Run mode. |
Once unlocked, this machine can be selected on the Free Run menu, and appears in the garage with the other machines if not selected.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land / Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]
In Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Stone Kirby can transform into a statue of the Dragoon.
Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]
In Kirby: Planet Robobot, the Dragoon appears as a rare sticker, using its icon from Kirby Air Ride.
Kirby Star Allies[edit]
Starting with version 3.0.0 of Kirby Star Allies, after clearing Story Mode, the Dragoon can be found flying in the space on the world map of Planet Popstar on occasion.
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The Dragoon occasionally orbits around Planet Popstar in the stage select area.
Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]
In Kirby's Dream Buffet, the Dragoon is depicted on a Character Treat, using its artwork from Kirby Air Ride.
Kirby Air Riders[edit]
In Kirby Air Riders, the Dragoon reprises its role from Kirby Air Ride. To obtain it in a match of City Trial, one must again assemble its three parts. They can occasionally be found in red boxes, like the previous game, but are far more common in the newly introduced rare boxes. They can also spawn on their own around the map, though this is uncommon. Dragoon parts can still be knocked out of a rider, though in most instances, they will directly be given to whoever knocked them out instead of dropping on the floor. Additionally, whenever two parts of the Dragoon are assembled, they cannot be separated, meaning they will always be knocked out of a rider at the same time. If a rider assembles the Dragoon while already riding another legendary machine, the previous machine will be left behind, and can be taken by another rider. Likewise, if another legendary machine is collected whilst on the Dragoon, the Dragoon will be left behind as the rider uses the machine they just assembled.
Additionally, the Dragoon can be obtained through a handful of other means. Rarely, there is a secret star-shaped island that can spawn floating somewhere above Skyah. On top of this island is a complete set of legendary-machine parts, allowing the rider who reaches this island first to potentially obtain the Dragoon relatively easily. A wild Dragoon can also appear and roam around Skyah as a Field Event. If this wild vehicle is destroyed, it will scatter into its three parts, though if it is weakened, a rider can lock onto it and directly claim the machine for themselves. The Halberd can also have a vacant Dragoon sitting on its deck.
Mechanics[edit]
The Dragoon functions very similarly to the original game, though its health and weight are noticeably less impressive, making it more fragile than in the previous installment. When ridden by Kirby, it boasts a grounded top speed of 35 mph (57 km/h), with it reaching an impressive 53 mph (85 km/h) in the air. It has the highest lift stat in the game and can soar in the air for a very long time in comparison to other vehicles. Even without patches, it can reach the garden in the sky above Skyah all the way from the ground below, a feat only shared by the Flight Warp Star. In every other way, the Dragoon handles much like an ordinary star-type machine, though it does have lower turning than average and good acceleration. Its high lift and speed do mean that it is able to achieve liftoff much easier than many other vehicles, with even small slopes often permitting it to take off.
Having by far the best gliding capabilities in the game, the Dragoon is completely dominant in Stadiums such as Air Glider and High Jump, to the point where any other machines are almost always best off avoiding them at all costs should a Dragoon be in play. Its high speed also means it does well for itself in racing stadiums such as Single Race, Oval Circuit, and Drag Race (especially if it is given lots of ramps to take to the air with). It can also fare reasonably in most other Stadiums, though it is not recommended to choose combat-centric ones such as Dustup Derby, as it will be outclassed by vehicles specialized for battling.
How to unlock[edit]
The Dragoon is one of the two legendary machines that can appear in a game of City Trial by default (the other being the Hydra). However, similarly to its previous appearance, it needs to be unlocked by completing three City Trial Checklist challenges in order to use it in City Trial's Free Run. Unlike Kirby Air Ride, the Dragoon can also be used in Air Ride and Top Ride when playing Time Attack or Free Run once unlocked. However, it cannot be used in regular races.
- Dragoon Part A: Collect a total of 20 legendary-machine parts
- Dragoon Part B: Swap to vacant machines 100 times
- Dragoon Part C: Play 16 different kinds of Stadium contests
Road Trip[edit]
In the true ending of Road Trip, the Dragoon appears out of the sky when it is summoned by Noir Dedede after Gigantes destroys all other regular machines and absorbs them to become Hyper Gigantes. The player can select it to use it in that battle; if they select the Hydra instead, Noir Dedede rides the Dragoon. After the boss is defeated, Noir Dedede uses a fusion of the Dragoon and Hydra to crash into Hyper Gigantes and shoot a beam of light up to Galactic Nova, allowing access to the final stage, Journey's End. At the end of the credits sequence following this, the Dragoon can be seen soaring overhead.
Update history[edit]
| Version | Adjustment details |
|---|---|
| Version 1.2.0 |
|
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
|
SmashWiki has more information about this subject here. |
Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]
As an Item[edit]
The Dragoon makes an appearance in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as an item. It can only be activated once the player's character collects all three parts, similar to its appearance in Kirby Air Ride. When the character takes damage, there is a chance their collected parts will be dropped and could possibly be obtained by any character. When a character holding one or two parts is K.O.'d, they will always drop all their parts once the revival platform appears.
Once all three are collected, the character assembles the machine and flies off the screen and can target any player with a crosshair movable with the Control Stick. While the player is aiming, their character is entirely offscreen, and thus immune to opposing attacks and anything else happening on the stage. Firing the Dragoon can be done by pressing the attack button, or will be done automatically if too much time passes. Firing the Dragoon will cause it to soar through the screen in a split-second. If the player hits any opponents on their pass, they will almost always be K.O.'d even if they have 0% damage. After the Dragoon soars through, it will disappear, and the character will drop down from the top of the screen.
Kirby also uses the Dragoon once in a cutscene of the Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary, in a similar assaulting fashion to how it is used in other areas of the game. The Dragoon helps destroy the Subspace Gunship that is hindering Kirby and his group to defeat the Subspace Army.
Trophy Information[edit]
| Name | Image | Game | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragoon | 
|
GCN Kirby Air Ride | An attack-capable Air Ride machine you can assemble by combining parts A, B, and C. You can knock off parts held by foes in combat, so stealing parts is something that's sure to occur. In Kirby Air Ride, you control legendary machines, but the Dragoon not only towers above all others in terms of speed, it is also able to fly. |
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[edit]
As an Item[edit]
The Dragoon makes an appearance once again in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, and has the same role as Brawl had.
Trophy Information[edit]
| Name | Image (Wii U) | Image (3DS) | Appears In/Related Games | American English description | British English/Korean description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragoon | 
|
|
GCN Kirby Air Ride (10/2003) | Collect parts A, B, and C to assemble the legendary Air Ride machine known as the Dragoon. Take careful aim, and then ride it toward your target. A hit will send enemies flying out of the battle. Taking damage before you've collected all your parts can knock them from your grasp, however. | Collect parts A, B and C to assemble the legendary Air Ride machine Dragoon, which you can use to fly into an opponent. Aim well and they'll be long gone. If you're the one being aimed at, though, get out of the way, stat! By the way, if another player has one of the parts, attack them to steal it! |
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
As an Item[edit]
The Dragoon returns and functions the same as an item in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
In addition, Pit's new Final Smash, the Lightning Chariot from Kid Icarus: Uprising, attacks in the same way as the Dragoon item.
Trivia[edit]
- Aspects of the Dragoon's design (namely the hovering feather spikes and the striped markings on the back) would be incorporated into both the Star Allies Sparkler and the Buddy Star Blaster.
Gallery[edit]
Artwork[edit]
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Group artwork of Target Flight from Kirby Air Ride -
Artwork from Kirby Air Riders
Screenshots[edit]
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Kirby collecting Dragoon Part A in Kirby Air Ride -
Kirby riding the Dragoon in Kirby Air Ride -
The Dragoon as seen in the City Trial ending of Kirby Air Ride -
Stone sculpture from Kirby's Return to Dream Land -
Stone sculpture from Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe -
Gummy of the Dragoon from Kirby Air Riders -
The Dragoon's idle animation from Kirby Air Riders -
The Dragoon's movement animation from Kirby Air Riders -
The Dragoon's boost animation from Kirby Air Riders -
The Dragoon in the Retirement screen in Kirby Air Riders -
The unnamed Dragoon/Hydra fusion seen in a cutscene in Kirby Air Riders -
Dragoon Part A from Kirby Air Riders -
Dragoon Part B from Kirby Air Riders -
Dragoon Part C from Kirby Air Riders -
Dragoon Part A in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate -
Dragoon Part B in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate -
Dragoon Part C in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Models[edit]
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Model of the Dragoon from Kirby Air Ride -
Model from Super Smash Bros. Brawl -
Model of Dragoon Part A from Super Smash Bros. Brawl -
Model of Dragoon Part B from Super Smash Bros. Brawl -
Model of Dragoon Part C from Super Smash Bros. Brawl -
Model used for its trophy from Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Other[edit]
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-
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Icon from Kirby Air Riders -
My Machine decal of the Dragoon's icon, from Kirby Air Riders -
Nintendo Switch Online icon for Kirby Air Riders -
The Dragoon in Find Kirby!! -
Three Kirbys riding the Dragoon in Find Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party! (Air Ride Race) -
The Dragoon in Find Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party! (Party Venue) -
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ドラグーン Doragūn |
Dragoon |
| English | Dragoon | A type of musket, and a type of soldier who rode on horseback wielding said musket; derived from "dragon", which stems from the Latin dracō |
| Traditional Chinese | Dragoon[1] 龍騎兵 Lóng qíbīng |
- Dragoon |
| Simplified Chinese | Dragoon[1] 龙骑兵 Lóng qíbīng | |
| Dutch | Dragoon | - |
| French | Dragoon | - |
| German | Dragoon | - |
| Italian | Dragoon | - |
| Korean | 드래군 deulaegun |
Dragoon |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Dragão | Dragon |
| European Portuguese | Dragoon[2] | - |
| Russian | Драгун[2][1] Dragun |
Dragoon |
| Spanish | Dragoon | - |
References
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