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Part I: Our Basic Kirby
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Kirby's Dream Land
(GB, 1992)
Kirby's Dream Land was the debut of the Kirby character to the world! He is introduced here as an inhabitant of Dream Land who has the courage to stand up against the evil King Dedede, the penguinesque antagonist whose desire and self-love rule his actions. Originally, Kirby was named Popopo, and he served only as a placeholder in this platforming game before a real hero could be designed. However, the development team must have enjoyed this little fellow and decided to keep him. He is also portrayed as white on the cover (and in the game due to severe colour restraints), but he later adopted the pink tinge we know today. This game featured a few of Kirby's basic moves, such as being able to inhale and spout out enemies, and puff up to fly. However, Kirby would be unable to copy enemy powers until he reached the NES a year later.
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Kirby's Adventure
(NES, 1993)
Released closer to the end of the NES's life cycle, Kirby's Adventure pushed the system to the limit. Excellent background scrolling techniques, top-notch graphics, and a very catchy soundtrack accompany the fine gameplay that has been fine-tuned to enhance the hero's capabilities. Also introduced is the ability to inhale enemies and swallow them, stealing their powers for Kirby's own use. Over 20 abilities were available for absorption here -- perhaps a record for a Kirby game to date! Of particular note is the U.F.O. ability, allowing Kirby to turn into a laser-shooting U.F.O., a power that had long gone unnoticed in a Kirby game for ten years after Kirby's Adventure. Also available are mini-games, including a crane game, a Western speed shooter, and a game where you need to eat as many tossed eggs in a limited time period while avoiding eating bombs. All these games can get you extra points and lives. This has been considered one of the best NES games available, even if it was more than a tad on the easy side. It was later remade for the Game Boy Advance as "Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land" with updated graphics and sound.
Check out our Kirby's Adventure review for a more in-depth look!
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Kirby's Dream Land 2
(GB, 1995)
A semi-direct sequel to the original Kirby's Dream Land, this excursion into Dream Land features the first appearance of Dark Matter, a later frequent enigma in the series who possesses characters for its own merit. Kirby will need to use his powers of enemy suction and puffed-up flotation to get to the bottom of things. However, he cannot complete his journey alone and is joined by several animal friends to help him on his way. Rick the Hamster, Kine the Sunfish, and Coo the Owl all lend a helping hand (or paw, or fin, or wing), each providing a special ability that Kirby can take advantage of to escape sticky situations. Kirby's blue blob buddy, Gooey, also makes his debut. Like the prequel, this was a million-seller and helped secure Kirby's place in gaming history. One more sequel to this game was released, though it did not receive the respect or general attention it deserved.
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