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Needle

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Needle
KRtDLD Needle.png
Artwork of Needle Kirby from Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe.
Details
First game Kirby's Adventure (1993)
Latest game Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (2023)
Other game(s) Kirby's Dream Course
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Block Ball
Kirby's Dream Land 3
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Kirby Air Ride
Kirby: Canvas Curse
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (reference)
Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (reference)
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby's Dream Buffet
Usage type Unlimited uses
Obtained from Boten, Bukiset, Captain Stitch, Ghost Knight, Jabhog, Kacti, Needlous, Pichikuri, Punc, Spikey, Tick, Togezo, Totenga
Obtained by projectiles from Miracle Matter
Power(s) Surrounding Kirby with spikes and performing needle-based attacks.
Similar to Spark, Freeze
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Needle is a Copy Ability that allows Kirby to protrude sharp spikes from himself, making its debut in Kirby's Adventure. It can typically be obtained by inhaling a Tick, a Togezo, or a Needlous, though there are other enemies that also provide it. Depending on the game, when Kirby uses this ability, he either generates the needles from his skin or from the hat he obtains, with the latter case also often allowing him to shoot the needles at opponents along with other prickly attacks. Despite being one of the original Copy Abilities and recurring regularly throughout the series, it does not appear as often as many others.

Characteristics[edit]

Artwork of Needle Kirby from Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

Depending on which game the ability appears in, Needle can have many different functions and utilities, with some games focusing more on its defensive aspects while others focus more on its mobility. Regardless of the particulars, Needle Kirby always has at least one basic move, which is to sit in place and protrude needles outward in all directions, damaging any enemies that touch them.

Up until Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Needle was always defined solely by that one move, though Kirby: Canvas Curse put a spin on it by allowing Kirby to do a rolling dash with it. In some games - most notably Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Block Ball, and the aforementioned Kirby: Canvas Curse - Needle Kirby can stick to surfaces in order to better control his movement. When Kirby's Return to Dream Land released, Needle Kirby finally gained an expanded Kirby Super Star-style moveset. Among these new moves were the ability to shoot larger needles upward or downward to attack more distant foes, roll up into a needle ball for a quick dash, or even shoot needles outward like projectiles, similar to some of the Animal Friend combinations in Kirby's Dream Land 2 and Kirby's Dream Land 3. In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Needle was overhauled once again, this time placing a lot more emphasis on movement. In this game, Needle Kirby rolls toward enemies with his needles out and catches them, carrying them with him. He can then throw them at other enemies or obstacles when he retracts his needles.

Traditionally, Kirby would turn yellow when gaining the Needle ability, though this is not nearly as common in games from Kirby's Return to Dream Land and onward.

Game appearances[edit]

Needle Kirby's video game appearances  
Game Role Notes
Kirby series
Kirby's Adventure Copy Ability Obtainable from Togezo.
Kirby's Dream Land 2 Copy Ability Obtainable from Spikey and Captain Stitch.
Can be paired with an Animal Friend.
Kirby's Block Ball Copy Ability Obtainable from Spikey or an Ability Changer.
Kirby's Dream Land 3 Copy Ability Obtainable from Togezo, lance-wielding Bukiset, Tick, Boten, and Captain Stitch.
Can be paired with an Animal Friend.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Copy Ability Obtainable from Tick, Ghost Knight, Kacti, Punc, and some boss attacks.
Can be combined with itself or other abilities to make Power Combos.
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land Copy Ability Obtainable from Needlous.
Kirby Air Ride Copy Ability Obtainable from Pichikuri.
Needle is limited-use in this game.
Kirby: Canvas Curse Copy Ability Obtainable from Needlous and Tick.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Copy Ability Obtainable from Needlous, Tick, and Totenga.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe Copy Ability Obtainable from Tick.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Copy Ability Obtainable from Needlous, Jabhog, and Totenga.
Can be evolved into Clutter Needle and Crystal Needle, or powered up.
Kirby's Dream Buffet Copy Food Ability Activated using the Needle Candy Copy Food item for a single use.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Copy Ability Obtainable from Needlous, Tick, and Totenga.
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Reference Needle Kirby appears as a trophy and a sticker.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Reference Needle Kirby appears as a trophy.

Kirby's Adventure / Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land[edit]

Kirby using the Needle ability to attack enemies in Kirby's Adventure.
KA Needle sprite.png
KNiDL Needle sprite.png

Needle makes its debut appearance in Kirby's Adventure. Kirby surrounds himself with needles, hurting any enemy that is too close to him. In this game (and its remake), Kirby can only hold his needles out for a limited amount of time. If Kirby is falling, the spikes hit enemies from below. Needle is provided in this game by the enemy Togezo.

Needle also reappears in the remake, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land. There, Kirby is colored yellow, and he wears a pink-colored cap filled with golden needles. This would be the first such appearance of this hat in the Kirby series (previously, it was introduced outside of the video games in the anime, Kirby: Right Back at Ya!). In this game, Needle is provided by the enemy Needlous, who has replaced Togezo from the original version.

Kirby's Dream Course[edit]

Needle is one of the abilities in Kirby's Dream Course, provided by Togezo, where it has a primarily movement-oriented function rather than an offensive one. When Kirby activates the Needle ability, he can pin himself to any surface, preventing him from moving, bouncing, or sliding. This is handy to prevent Kirby from rolling too far or bouncing off a ledge. In the 2P Game, the Needle ability can be held through the other player's turn, and the other player will take 4 tomatoes of damage if he runs into the needles.

Kirby's Dream Land 2[edit]

KDL2 Kirby Needle sprite.png
Kirby using Needle in conjunction with Coo to attack an enemy under some Star Blocks in Kirby's Dream Land 2

Needle reappears in Kirby's Dream Land 2, where it can be acquired from Captain Stitch and Spikey. By itself, this ability is similar to how it works in Kirby's Adventure, though Kirby has a more even spread of spikes that jut from his body and his limbs disappear while they are out. When on an Animal Friend, however, Kirby can perform variations of the ability, as detailed in the following table:

Animal Friend Appearance Description
Coo
KDL2 Coo Needle sprite.png
Kirby shoots out a large spike from his body which can harm foes below.
Kine
KDL2 Kine Needle sprite.png
Using this power causes Kirby and Kine to grow spikes all around them.
Rick
KDL2 Rick Needle sprite.png
Rick extends quills from his back, but leaves his front vulnerable.

Throughout Kirby's Dream Land 2, there are specific blocks which can be broken only with the Needle ability. They are marked with a series of dots on them.

Kirby's Block Ball[edit]

Press the B button just before the ball hits the paddle, then re-launch the ball.
— Kirby's Block Ball North American instruction booklet

Needle appears in Kirby's Block Ball, obtainable from Spikey or an Ability Swap item. When Kirby has this ability, he can flare up in spikes, temporarily halting his movement (though not altering his course) when doing so. This can be used to break certain blocks and deal increased damage to bosses, though its most unique use comes with its ability to re-attach Kirby to a paddle when he uses it near one. Once attached, Kirby can be served as if he was starting a new ball or entering the area, granting much more control over where Kirby goes.

Kirby's Dream Land 3[edit]

KDL3 Needle Kirby Sprite.png
In Kirby's Dream Land 3, using Needle in conjunction with ChuChu causes the octopus to shoot pink spike projectiles in many directions.

Needle makes another appearance in Kirby's Dream Land 3, here provided by Togezo, Tick, Boten, Bukiset with the needle lance, and Captain Stitch. It functions similarly to its previous appearance in Kirby's Dream Land 2; however, the needles now can be held out indefinitely, for as long as the button is held. New Animal Friends, though, create more Needle-related abilities with Kirby or Gooey, as follows:

Animal Friend Appearance Description
ChuChu KDL3 Chuchu Needle sprite.png ChuChu shoots out five needles around herself which travel a short distance and hurt enemies on contact.
Coo
KDL3 Coo Needle sprite.png
Kirby shoots out a large spike from his body which can harm foes below.
Kine
KDL3 Kine Needle sprite.png
Using this power causes Kirby and Kine to grow spikes all around them.
Nago KDL3 Nago Needle sprite.png Kirby rapidly launches harmful pink spikes forward from his face as long as the Y button is held, but cannot move while doing so.
Pitch
KDL3 Pitch Needle sprite.png
While the Y button is held, Pitch flies forward in a straight line, continuously pecking at the air before him and defeating opponents in his path.
Rick
KDL3 Rick Needle sprite.png
Rick extends quills from his back, but leaves his front vulnerable.

Throughout Kirby's Dream Land 3, there are specific blocks which can be broken only with the Needle ability. They are marked with the Needle icon on them.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards[edit]

Kirby using the Needle ability in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.

Needle Kirby returns in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, provided the enemies Tick, Ghost Knight, Kacti, and Punc. Unlike Kirby's Dream Land 3, it operates the same as previous titles; activating the ability causes Kirby to flare up and then retract on a timer, rather than holding it for as long as the button is held down. Kirby also retains his aerial momentum when using the ability in midair, making it useful for attacking while on the move. Enemies that are hit by Needle Kirby will stick to him for a moment before being defeated, traveling with him if he is moving at the time. Like with other Copy Abilities in this game, Needle can be combined with others or itself to make Power Combos as follows:

  • Needle-Needle - Combining Needle with itself creates a larger attack involving various pointy objects emitting from Kirby's body.
  • Needle-Bomb - Using this combo, Kirby turns into a Gordo-like entity and can float through the air for a moment before detonating and shooting his spikes out.
  • Needle-Cutter - Kirby's hands turn into a gaping maw full of sharp teeth which he can clamp above himself to defeat enemies.
  • Needle-Burn - Kirby can transform into a bow and arrow, shooting flaming arrows in an arc.
  • Needle-Ice - Kirby turns into a giant spiky snowflake that grows outward, freezing any enemies it touches.
  • Needle-Spark - Kirby turns into a pointy lightning rod and shoots a lightning bolt upward.
  • Needle-Stone - Kirby gains a drill which he can use to bore through obstacles or shoot as a projectile that passes through walls.

Kirby Air Ride[edit]

Kirby using the Needle ability in Kirby Air Ride

Needle returns in Kirby Air Ride, accessible when Kirby swallows Pichikuri or if he touches a Needle Copy Ability Panel or Copy Chance Wheel. If Kirby charges with the Needle ability, his spikes extend, hurting any opponent or enemy that is nearby, similar to the Freeze ability in this game. Needle Kirby will also automatically hurt any enemies or rivals that run into him while he has the ability. Like other Copy Abilities in this game, Needle only lasts a short time before it vanishes.

Kirby: Canvas Curse[edit]

KCC Needle Sprite.png

Needle is one of the few Copy Abilities that make an appearance in Kirby: Canvas Curse. If the player taps Kirby with the Nintendo DS stylus, Kirby turns yellow and spikes protrude from him. He can ride the Rainbow Lines and stick to walls, defeating enemies that touch him. Activating his spikes while riding a line can also give Kirby a momentary speed boost, allowing him to leap upward if going off a ramp. Kirby can receive this ability by colliding with Needlous or Tick.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land / Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]

Kirby uses the Mega Needle in a pre-release version of Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

Needle makes a prominent return in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and its remake, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Kirby can receive it by inhaling Needlous, Tick, or Totenga's head. Compared to its appearances in previous games, Kirby has more attacks at his disposal when using the Needle ability, but it still has less attacks overall than many other abilities in the game. From this game onward, the needles can be held indefinitely for as long as the button is held, like in Kirby's Dream Land 3.

Needle moveset in Kirby's Return to Dream Land & Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe  
Skill Button Execution (KRtDL) Button Execution (KRtDLD) Description
Needle Attack
1
B/Y
Kirby protrudes needles all over himself, keeping them up as long as the button is held.
Wall Stick
Touch wall while using Needle Attack
If Kirby is touching a wall when using Needle Attack, he will stick to it.
This is a move in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, but is not listed in the movelist in that game.
Needle Burst
Shake Wii Remote or mash +Control Pad during Needle Attack
B/Y + move directions rapidly
While holding his needles out, Kirby can slowly retract them then cause them to fly outward as projectiles in all directions.
Rolling Needle
Dash + 1
Dash + B/Y
Kirby rills up into a ball and rolls forward at high speed, similar to Needlous.
Mega Needle
↑ + 1
↑ + B/Y
Kirby shoots out a huge needle straight upward that can poke from long distances.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]

Needle appears again in Kirby: Triple Deluxe. The ability has had a few changes: the Rolling Needle attack was removed (most likely due to its similarity to the Wheel ability), and a new move was added. Needle Burst has also been given some changes, as the move now only fires 5 needles instead of 6, and no extra needles are shot out in midair, making it so that the move always fires 5 needles no matter the situation.

Needle moveset in Kirby: Triple Deluxe  
Skill Image Button Execution
Needle Attack
KTD Needle Attack clip.png
B
Wall Stick
KTD Wall Stick clip.png
Touch a wall during Needle Attack
Needle Burst
KTD Needle Burst clip.png
Hold B and mash +Control Pad
Mega Needle
KTD Mega Needle clip.png
↑ + B
Falling Spine
KTD Falling Spine clip.png
↓ + B

Kirby and the Forgotten Land[edit]

Needle Kirby catching enemies with a new rolling attack in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

After an 8 year absence, Needle Kirby returns in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Here, he gains the ability to roll along the ground with spines in all directions, catching enemies as he travels similar to Snow Bowl or Ice-Ice. In addition, Needle has a couple Evolved Copy Ability forms, those being Clutter Needle and Crystal Needle. Notably, when Kirby retracts his needles, any enemies or objects that were stick to him will be released, and can be flung as projectiles to hit other enemies or objects at a moderate distance. This "Roll up and Throw" technique can be used to solve certain puzzles, particularly in the Treasure Road stage Roll Up and Throw! Clutter Needle Trial.

In this game, Needle is primarily provided by the enemies Needlous, Totenga, and Jabhog.

Moveset[edit]

All attack names are conjectural unless otherwise stated.

Needle moveset in Kirby and the Forgotten Land 
Move Button execution Description
Needle Attack Hold B Kirby extends spikes all around his body. In this state, Kirby is able to ignore strong winds.
Needle Dash B in midair Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Needle Ball.
Needle Ball Move during Needle Attack or Needle Dash Kirby rolls around like a ball and is able to catch enemies and objects with his spikes. As Kirby rolls, he gradually slows down, however catching enemies and objects also briefly speeds him up.
Needle Jump Jump while using Needle Ball Kirby jumps while in ball form, allowing him to clear small ledges or hit high-up enemies.
Roll Up and Throw Release B after Needle Ball Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him.

Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]

Close-up of Needle Kirby in Kirby's Dream Buffet.

Needle Kirby makes another appearance in Kirby's Dream Buffet. Here, his appearance when using the ability hearkens back to earlier games in the series, since spikes that match his skin color pop out all over himself when he uses it instead of gaining a hat. He can charge up and perform a Needle Dash by pressing and holding the R button. In this game, the ability is acquired from the spiky Needle Candy found in Food Boxes, and can be used for only a limited duration.

Needle Kirby also appears on a Character Treat, using his artwork from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

Needle Kirby appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Needle Kirby also appears as a sticker. Equipping this sticker grants +29 to "head" attack damage for any fighter.

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya![edit]

Needle
Needleanime.png
Needle Kirby in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
Details
First episode Flower Power
Last episode Sweet and Sour Puss
Other episode(s) Here Comes the Son and Sheepwrecked
Obtained from Inhaling needles
Power(s) Curling up into a spiked ball, shooting guided needles
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Needle appears as a Copy Ability in four episodes of the anime series Kirby: Right Back at Ya!. When Kirby acquires this ability, he gains several powers, many of which are not present in the video games. Needle Kirby is able to roll up into a ball, fling his needles out as missiles, and then guide them through the air as they slice through his opponents. Unlike in the games, Needle Kirby is not readily able to replenish his needles once using them, and often loses this ability quickly. In fact, the only enemy that Kirby defeats directly using his own needles is the Pukey Flower, and even then, Meta Knight still delivers the finishing blow.

Profiles[edit]

Flavor text[edit]

Image Game Flavor text
KA Box.jpg Kirby's Adventure Lots of needles, just like a porcupine's, come out of Kirby! It's a great defense!
KDC Cover.jpg Kirby's Dream Course Needle, when you have a grounder, will make Kirby stick to the ground. He can also stop while rolling down a hill. You can hit the next shot from there!
KNiDL box artwork.jpg Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land Hands off! Here: pointy spikes! There: pokey spikes!
Kirby Canvas Curse box art.png Kirby: Canvas Curse Spike anything! Ride rainbows!
KRtDL Boxart L.jpg Kirby's Return to Dream Land Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Really stick it to 'em! Roll from a dash to bring the pain with a Rolling Needle!
KTD Boxart NA.jpg Kirby: Triple Deluxe Cover yourself in pointy needles to poke your enemies and attach to walls! You can also poke needles into the ceiling and floor!
KatFL Boxart NA.jpg Kirby and the Forgotten Land Figure description:

Ouch! Ooch! Careful with those spikes! Jab enemies in place, or pick 'em up by rolling around. Nab a whole bunch of 'em together, then launch them off all at once! POW!

Weapons-Shop Waddle Dee:
With the Needle ability, you can extend your roll a bit by picking up enemies and blocks as you go. Let go of B to throw stuck objects and enemies in front of you as powerful projectiles! The Needle ability will also let you roll through strong winds. It's so versatile!

KRtDLD Boxart NA.jpg Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Really stick it to 'em! Roll from dashing to bring the pain with a Rolling Needle!

Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophy[edit]

Name Image Appears in Description
Needle Kirby Needle Kirby - Brawl Trophy.png NES: Kirby's Adventure
DS: Kirby: Canvas Curse
A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a spiked enemy. When attacking, the needles on Needle Kirby's body extend, giving him a porcupine-like look. This ability provides both offensive and defensive measures against nearby enemies. Plus, needles which extend on Kirby's underside when jumping eliminate any threats on landing.


Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophy[edit]

Name Image Appears In American English Description British English Description
Needle Kirby NeedleKirbyTrophyWiiU.png NES: Kirby's Adventure
3DS: Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Kirby normally looks as tasty as a big ol' marshmallow, but he's significantly less appetizing when he's copied the Needle ability. Those pokey spikes won't add any flavor at all. With this ability, Kirby can bash into enemies or launch the spikes at them. A great, easy-to-use ability! Kirby's soft, fluffy and just...so huggable! Except when he's got the Needle ability, that is - then it's like there's a hug-free zone all around him. Being covered in spikes comes in handy, though, for rolling into enemies, and even shooting at them! However, whether that really makes up for his loss of huggableness is hard to say...

Kirby's Dream Course manual[edit]

  • "Using Needle will make Kirby come to a full stop even on a slope. Remember to make adjustments when Kirby is moving at a fast speed."

Kirby's Block Ball manual[edit]

  • "Press the B Button just before the ball hits the paddle, then re-launch the ball."

Trivia[edit]

  • So far, Needle and Spear are the only Copy Abilities which are translated as only one Chinese character (針/针) in the official localization, instead of two or three characters which are more common.
  • Interestingly in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Needle doesn't include Falling Spine in its moveset, unlike other abilities which contain moves that were not introduced until games released after the original Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

Gallery[edit]

Artwork[edit]

Sprites[edit]

Icons[edit]

Other[edit]

Videos[edit]

Official Kirby Portal video showcasing Needle

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ニードル
Nīdoru
Needle
Traditional Chinese [1]
Zhēn
Needle
Simplified Chinese [1]
Zhēn
Dutch Stekel
Prikker (Kirby and the Forgotten Land onward)
Spine
Poking
French Aiguille Needle
German Igel Hedgehog
Italian Spino Thorn
Korean 니들
Nideul
Needle
Polish Igła[2] Needle
Brazilian Portuguese Ouriço
Espinho[3]
Hedgehog
Thorn
European Portuguese Ouriço[4] Hedgehog
Russian Игла
Igla
Needle
Spanish Erizo Hedgehog


References