Please remember that WiKirby contains spoilers, which you read at your own risk! See our general disclaimer for details.
This page has been deemed "Good" by WiKirby's staff, and is eligible for featuring.

Robobot Armor

From WiKirby, your independent source of Kirby knowledge.
Jump to navigationJump to search
Robobot Armor
KPR Robobot artwork.png
Artwork of Kirby inside the Robobot Armor.
Details
Debut game Kirby: Planet Robobot (2016)
Last game Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (2023, reference)
Other game(s) Kirby's Blowout Blast (reference)
Kirby Star Allies (reference)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Spirit)
Usage type Unlimited use (until stage ends)
Obtained from Invader Armor, unused armor suits in various stages
Power(s) Enhanced durability and power. Modular with other abilities.
Comparable to Animal Friend, Susie (in her Business Suit), Mecha, Copy
 This box: view  talk  edit 
This article is about the robot suit used in Kirby: Planet Robobot, and should not be confused with Mecha.
This mysterious mech produces different powers depending on its pilot. Kirby's Copy Ability power has transformed it into a shape-shifting copy robot!
— In-game quote

Robobot Armor (parsed Robobot Armour in the British English version) is a pilotable suit of robotic armor that debuted in Kirby: Planet Robobot. Kirby acquires this suit and dons it after defeating the enemy Invader Armor, or by finding it stowed away in various parts of stages. While inside it, Kirby gains increased endurance, taking less damage from most attacks and allowing him to defeat enemies by jumping on them, and is capable of performing new and stronger attacks on top of that. In addition, the suit is compatible with certain Copy Abilities, being able to 'scan' in enemies in the same vein as Kirby's inhale, changing in form and function depending on the ability acquired. Minor enemies that do not provide abilities or are incompatible are simply vaporized when scanned, similar to the Copy ability from Kirby Super Star. When Kirby enters the Robobot Armor, his health is completely restored. Additionally, when getting into a new suit of armor, his data from the previous Robobot Armor he used will migrate to the new one.

The Robobot Armor is very versatile on top of its modular properties. It can hover, dash, ride on a Warp Star, fit in a Fuse Cannon, climb ladders and grates, carry a cannon, carry large blocks, cut through or smash large blocks, and unscrew Screw Switches on platforms and bosses. It can also open certain doors that Kirby would be unable to on his own. The armor does have its drawbacks, however. Due to its girth, it is limited in how far it can travel off the ground when not in Jet Mode (only having a single midair jump and a short glide) and as such, will need careful maneuvering or outright abandoning in order for Kirby to progress past certain obstacles. In addition, its size means that it cannot fit through certain passages and tubes that Kirby himself would have no problem with. In certain areas, stations appear that allow Kirby to exit the armor and continue on foot. It is not possible for Kirby to exit the armor without these stations, apart from exiting the stage. Like with Hypernova, if Kirby loses a life while in the armor, he will respawn while still inside it. Amusingly, the entire suit spins along with Kirby off the screen when he gets KO'd.

Since its debut in Kirby: Planet Robobot, the Robobot Armor has made a couple other appearances in the Kirby series, albeit only as cameos or references. It also appears as a spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Role in Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]

Kirby using the Robobot Armor to operate a Screw Switch in Kirby: Planet Robobot

The Robobot Armor was introduced and has its most prominent role in Kirby: Planet Robobot, where it can be obtained in many stages after either defeating an Invader Armor or finding it docked in a Robobot Armor station (or sometimes just laying out in the open). Kirby can enter the suit simply by touching it, whereupon it changes to a pink hue with a friendlier design and acquires whichever two stickers the player has picked on its arms. Kirby gains access to a new set of moves and techniques while piloting the Robobot Armor, and also acquires a new set of physics and limitations. The Robobot Armor is needed in order to progress through certain parts of the game, and is also required to collect many optional goodies such as stickers and Code Cubes. However, despite its immense firepower, it is not used to fight any level bosses prior to Mind in the Program, though it is used to fight specific mid-stage bosses such as Gigavolt and C.O.G.S.. Once Kirby has entered the Robobot Armor, he cannot exit unless he leaves the stage or uses a docking station.

The Robobot Armor is modular with thirteen of Kirby's regular Copy Abilities (with each mode listed in a table below this section). Which each mode is simpler in terms of moveset than Kirby's equivalent abilities, they are in almost all cases much more powerful, and many of them are capable of tackling specific stage hazards and devices. The Robobot Armor is also able to generally break through heavier blocks and defeat enemies that Kirby alone would not be able to. There are also a handful of devices, such as gated doors and Screw Switches, which only the Robobot Armor can engage with. Notably, however, the Robobot Armor is never used on or in water, and it is not even possible under intended circumstances to get the armor to a body of water at all in a stage.

At the very end of the Story Mode, in Mind in the Program, Kirby is given one last suit of Robobot Armor by Susie, who instructs Kirby to use it to stop Star Dream from ending the universe. Using this suit, Kirby combines with Meta Knight's Halberd to form the mighty Halberd Mode and then takes to outer space to fight the mad computer. After Star Dream is defeated, all of its works are undone, including the Robobot Armor. Before this happens, however, the Robobot Armor acts on its own accord to deliver an unconscious Kirby back to Popstar and then "cries" coolant before vaporizing.

Moveset[edit]

This is the moveset of the Robobot Armor in its default state (no ability).

Normal Mode's Moveset
while facing right
Skill Button Execution Description Damage
(Star Bullet=52)
Jump/Double Jump
A
The armor can hover with its boosters for a few seconds by holding A after double jump. 32 (no effect to bosses)
Robobot Boost
→ + →
Equivalent to a Dash, the Robobot Armor rockets along the ground using its boosters. No
Scan Specs
B near enemy with ability
The armor scans an enemy to obtain its Copy Ability if it has any, similar to Copy from Kirby Super Star. No
Reset Specs
X
Discard ability No
Robobot Punch
B
The armor throws a right punch. 40
Robobot Slam
B repeatedly
After Robobot Punch, the armor throws a left punch, and then a slam with both arms. 40+40
Hunker Down
L/R
The armor retracts its limbs to guard. It rotates a bit when hit. 4 (no effect to bosses)

Armor Modes[edit]

Mode Image Description
Normal Mode KPR Robobot Normal screenshot.png The default appearance of the armor.
Allows for swift punches and slams, and also can carry large blocks.
Beam Mode KPR Robobot Beam Mode screenshot.png Allows the suit to fire large orbs of energy that bounce off the ground.
Also generates electricity through wires.
Bomb Mode KPR Robobot Bomb Mode screenshot.png Allows the suit to throw a set number of walking bombs that can crawl up walls.
The bomb's throw angle can also be altered.
Cutter Mode KPR Robobot Cutter Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit a set of saw blades that act like boomerangs and can cut through multiple targets and obstacles at once.
ESP Mode KPR Robobot ESP Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit a pair of disembodied hands and allows it to fire multiple large psychokinetic orbs at opponents.
These orbs can conduct electricity.
Fire Mode KPR Robobot Fire Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit two flamethrowers that can be angled and cover a large range.
Also causes the suit to leave fire behind as it moves.
Ice Mode KPR Robobot Ice Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit a set of fans that can freeze enemies with icy wind.
Jet Mode KPR Robobot Jet Mode screenshot.png Turns the suit into a jet, armed with a Gatling gun and missile launchers that can fire in multiple directions.
Acquiring this ability also automatically causes the armor to fly off into a separate area of the level.
The armor itself resembles Capsule J2.
Mike Mode KPR Robobot Mike Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit a pair of boom boxes that can emit loud damaging sound waves.
Unlike the base ability, this armor mode has unlimited uses.
Parasol Mode KPR Robobot Parasol Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit parasol-like dual rotor blades that allow it to hover like a helicopter.
These parasols can also dispel gas clouds.
Spark Mode KPR Robobot Spark Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit a pair of plasma cannons that can be charged for extra power.
The shots will naturally electrify wires.
Stone Mode KPR Robobot Stone Mode screenshot.png Gives the suit a pair of heavy stone fists that can pound various obstacles and enemies.
Sword Mode KPR Robobot Sword Mode screenshot.png Changes the suit's arms into dual beam swords that can cut through massive wood blocks and heavy chains.
Wheel Mode KPR Robobot Wheel Mode screenshot.png Changes the suit into a race car with two large back wheels, one small front wheel, and two front spikes,
which can easily plow through enemies, and freely jump between foreground and background like the 3D Warp Star.
Halberd Mode KPR Halberd Mode.png A fusion between the Robobot Armor and the Halberd. It is used to battle the final boss of the game, Star Dream.

Like with Kirby himself, the armor can discard its current ability as an Ability Star at any time, with the exception of the Jet, Wheel and Halberd modes, which are needed to complete the stages they appear in.

Final Screw Mode[edit]

Kirby using the Final Screw Mode to defeat Star Dream
Kirby exits the Halberd and heads to the core of Star Dream for the final battle. Time to put an end to the rebel machine!
— Final Screw Mode's pause screen description

After the Halberd Mode is shot down by Star Dream's desperate laser in Story Mode, Meta Knight launches Kirby and the Robobot Armor off the sinking Halberd, and then Kirby transforms the armor's right arm into a giant screwdriver, which is known as the Final Screw Mode (ファイナルスクリューモード).[1]

Enemies battled exclusively using Robobot Armor[edit]

Kirby defeating a Flotzo Borg using Robobot Fire Mode in Overload Ocean

Regular[edit]

Bosses[edit]

Stickers[edit]

Main article: Sticker (Kirby: Planet Robobot)

Throughout the various levels of Kirby: Planet Robobot are stickers that can be collected. These can then be applied to the arms of the Robobot Armor to customize its look. There are a total of 200 sticker types to collect, several of which are unique.

Music[edit]

Cameo appearances[edit]

Kirby's Blowout Blast[edit]

In Kirby's Blowout Blast, a statue of the Robobot Armor will appear in the entrance hub if StreetPass data for Kirby: Planet Robobot is present on the same system.

Kirby Star Allies[edit]

In Kirby Star Allies, the sitting idle Robobot Armor is one of the Stone ability transformations. It also appears piloted by Kirby in the "Robobot Memories" Celebration Picture.

In Version 4.0.0, the Robobot Armor (without a pilot) appears in the ending illustration of Guest Star ???? Star Allies Go! if playing as Magolor, Taranza or Susie.

Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]

In Kirby's Dream Buffet, the Robobot Armor is depicted on one of the game's Character Treats, using the main artwork with Kirby from Kirby: Planet Robobot.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]

In Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, the Robobot Armor's likeness appears as a Dress-Up Mask. It is unlocked by completing card #31 in the Stamp Rally.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

The Robobot Armor appears as a Support Spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, using the Normal Mode's official artwork from Kirby: Planet Robobot. It costs 1 slot and has the skill of "Weapon Attack ↑".

Merchandise[edit]

An official capsule toy (gacha) set, Kirby: Planet Robobot - Robobot Armor Collection by Takara Tomy, was released in 2017. Not every armor mode is included, however.

  • Vol.1 was released in June, 2017. This set includes Kirby wearing the Robobot Helmet, Robobot Armor Normal Mode, Cutter Mode, and Parasol Mode.
  • Vol.2 was released in December, 2017. This set includes Kirby wearing the Robobot Helmet (alternative face), Robobot Armor Normal Mode (alternative face), Stone Mode, and Jet Mode.

An official figurine set, Nendoroid More: Robobot Armor & Kirby by Good Smile Company, was released in August, 2018.

  • As shown on the Robobot Armor figurine, the dashboard of the armor is the same as the touch screen menu of Kirby: Planet Robobot in gameplay.

Trivia[edit]

The Robobot Armor splatting against the screen, literally breaking the fourth wall.
  • When Kirby splats against the fourth wall while inside the Robobot Armor, he leaves a temporary crack effect on the screen. This also applies to the Halberd Mode.
  • According to an infographic released by Nintendo (image in gallery below), the Robobot Armor is made of a color-changing "Haltonium alloy", weighs more than 8.6 metric tons, and has arms that are 100 times stronger than those of Bonkers.
    • "Haltonium" and "8.6" are both references to HAL Laboratory, the developers of the Kirby series. "86" is read as "HAL" in Japanese.
    • Haltonium is also referred to in the name and description of the Haltonium Helm armor for Sword Hero in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe.
  • During the ending cutscene of Kirby: Planet Robobot, the Robobot Armor is seen "crying". The third "Kirby: Planet Robobot Ask-a-Thon" on Miiverse revealed that these tears are actually coolant.
    • Additionally, according to the same Ask-a-Thon, the Robobot Armor's memory data is one and the same through each of the individual armors Kirby piloted, meaning that it can be considered a singular entity.
  • One unused early design of the Robobot Armor had the shape of a screwdriver, which later became the basis of Susie's Business Suit.

Gallery[edit]

Videos[edit]

Official Kirby Portal video showcasing the Robobot Armor

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ロボボアーマー
Robobo Āmā
Robobo Armor
Traditional Chinese 機器博博裝甲[2]
jī qì bó bó zhuāng jiǎ
Robobo Armor
Simplified Chinese 机器博博装甲[2]
jī qì bó bó zhuāng jiǎ
Dutch Robobot-pantser[3] Robobot armor
French Armure Robobot Robobot armor
German Robobot-Panzer Robobot-Armor
Italian Armatura Robobot Robobot Armor
Korean 로보보 아머
Robobo Ameo
Robobo Armor
Polish Zbroja Robobot[4] Robobot Armor
Portuguese Armadura Robobot Robobot Armor
Spanish Armadura Robobot Robobot Armor


References

  1. Kirby: Planet Robobot official website (JP) - Susie's Invasion Report #8
  2. 2.0 2.1 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
  3. Other Games section in Super Kirby Clash and Kirby Fighters 2, and the Past Adventures section in Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Kirby's Dream Buffet
  4. Nintendo Polska - Kirby: Planet Robobot