Kirby: Squeak Squad

Last updated
Kirby: Squeak Squad
Kirby - Squeak Squad Coverart.png
North American box art
Developer(s) HAL Laboratory
Flagship
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Takashi Hamamura
Producer(s) Yasushi Adachi
Masayoshi Tanimura
Kensuke Tanabe
Composer(s) Hirokazu Ando
Jun Ishikawa
Tadashi Ikegami
Shogo Sakai
Series Kirby
Platform(s) Nintendo DS
Release
  • JP: November 2, 2006
  • NA: December 4, 2006
  • UK: December 8, 2006
  • AU: March 1, 2007
  • EU: June 22, 2007
  • KOR: September 13, 2007
Genre(s) Action, platform
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Kirby: Squeak Squad [a] [b] is a 2006 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and Flagship and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. It is one of the mainline installment entries of the Kirby series and the second Kirby game released for the system. The game was released in Japan and North America in 2006 and in Europe, Australia, and South Korea in 2007. The game was later re-released for the Wii U's Virtual Console on June 25, 2015.

Contents

Gameplay

As in most of his games, Kirby is able to copy the abilities of certain enemies by inhaling and swallowing them. There are also interactive environments, with obstacles that are passable with copy abilities. Kirby is also able to collect and store copy abilities and items in his stomach, which is represented on the touch screen. Only five items can be stored at a time. The player can combine certain abilities, similar to Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards . Mixing abilities is achieved by dragging one ability over another with the stylus. If the two are compatible with each other, they will combine and produce a new ability. This can only be done if the scroll for a certain ability is found. However, if they are not compatible, they will combine to create a random bubble. The game also introduces Copy Scrolls, which power-up any Copy Ability that Kirby has when chosen.

Each level contains one or more treasure chests, with the contents being awarded when the player successfully completes the level with that chest. The player will need to make sure they have enough space in Kirby's stomach to store the chests. The larger chests are generally more difficult to obtain, and require Kirby to face a member of the Squeaks in a mini-challenge.

The game supports multiplayer for three special mini-games based on the Squeak Squad. These minigames are Treasure Shot, Speedy Teatime, and Smash Ride, [1] the latter of which appeared in Merry Magoland in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe . [2]

Plot

One day in Dream Land, Kirby attempts to eat a slice of strawberry shortcake. Before he can, however, it is suddenly snatched away by an unseen presence. Kirby immediately suspects King Dedede of committing the same crime again, so he leaves to go confront him. Finding Dedede at his castle in Prism Plains, Kirby defeats him in battle, but soon discovers Dedede was not responsible. Immediately after, a group of treasure-thieving mice known as the Squeaks appear. They reveal they were behind Kirby's shortcake being taken. As they flee with Dedede's belongings, an angered Dedede grabs Kirby and hurls him at the Squeaks. Kirby then chases the Squeaks across Dream Land, eventually reaching their hideout at Ice Island.

At Ice Island, a battle ensues between Kirby and the leader of the Squeaks, Daroach. Kirby wins the battle, and is about to get the treasure chest supposedly containing his cake when Meta Knight swoops in and snatches the chest away. Meta Knight escapes to the Secret Sea, and Kirby chases after him. Kirby catches up to Meta Knight, and they fight on the Halberd, which flies into space. Meta Knight is defeated and Kirby goes to the treasure chest. Before he can open it, though, Daroach flies in and grabs it from him. Daroach opens it, but the chest does not contain Kirby's cake. Instead, a dark-colored cloud emerges, possessing Daroach, who flies off to the distant Gamble Galaxy.

Concerned, Kirby follows, eventually encountering and fighting the possessed Daroach. Once beaten, the darkness lets go of Daroach and floats away in the form of a small, black-colored star. Kirby follows the star, which eventually transforms into its true form - a Dark Matter entity and the ruler of the Underworld, Dark Nebula. It is revealed that the chest was Dark Nebula's prison, and Meta Knight was only trying to keep anyone from opening the chest and releasing Dark Nebula. Kirby defeats Dark Nebula and heads back to Dream Land. In a post-credits scene, the Squeaks send Kirby back his cake, making him happy at last as he begins to eat it.

Reception

Kirby's Squeak Squad received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [3] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of three eights and one seven for a total of 31 out of 40. [8]

Criticisms concerned the lack of originality in the title when compared to the previous Kirby game on the Nintendo DS, Kirby: Canvas Curse . [7] [4] Television show X-Play criticized the game for weak minigames and unnecessary use of the touchscreen. [19] The British Official Nintendo Magazine gave the game, on its European release, a score of 70%. [18]

IGN said that the game is "nothing spectacular if you look at it as a creative new way to experience the classic Kirby gameplay". [15]

Rerelease

The game was later released on the Wii U's Virtual Console service in Europe on June 25, 2015; in Australia on June 26, 2015; in North America on July 30, 2015; and in Japan on September 9, 2015. The Australian eShop received the European release, despite not being given the PAL name change.

Notes

  1. Japanese: 星のカービィ 参上! ドロッチェ団, Hepburn: Hoshi no Kābī Sanjō! Dorotche-dan, lit. Kirby of the Stars: Calling On! Daroach Gang
  2. Known in Europe as Kirby: Mouse Attack
^ Known in Europe as Kirby: Mouse Attack (not Australia)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirby (character)</span> Protagonist in the Kirby series

Kirby is the titular character and protagonist of the Kirby series of video games developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. He first appeared in Kirby's Dream Land (1992), a platform game for the Game Boy. Since then, Kirby has appeared in over 50 games, ranging from action platformers to puzzle, racing, and even pinball, and has been featured as a playable character in every installment of the Super Smash Bros. series (1999–present). He has also starred in his own anime and manga series. Since 1999, he has been voiced by Makiko Ohmoto.

<i>Kirby & the Amazing Mirror</i> 2004 video game

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror is a 2004 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory, Flagship and Dimps and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. The seventh mainline Kirby entry, the game is notable for its unique Metroidvania playstyle and being the first in the genre to support cooperative multiplayer, and follows Kirby as he goes on a journey through the Mirror Dimension to reassemble a mirror after Dark Meta Knight traps Meta Knight inside it.

<i>Kirbys Adventure</i> 1993 video game

Kirby's Adventure is a 1993 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is the second game in the Kirby series after Kirby's Dream Land (1992) on the Game Boy and the first to include the Copy Ability, which allows the main character Kirby to gain new powers by eating certain enemies. The game centers around Kirby traveling across Dream Land to repair the Star Rod after King Dedede breaks it apart and gives the pieces to his minions.

<i>Kirbys Avalanche</i> 1995 video game

Kirby's Avalanche, known in Europe as Kirby's Ghost Trap, is a puzzle video game developed by Compile and Banpresto and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in North America and Europe in February 1995. It is a Western release of the Japanese Super Puyo Puyo featuring characters from the Kirby series. There was not a Japanese release, and the game remains the only Kirby title not released there. In Europe and Australia, the game was re-released on the Wii's Virtual Console service on July 27, 2007 and in North America on September 24, 2007. The game was re-released for the Nintendo Switch Online service on July 21, 2022.

<i>Kirby Super Star</i> 1996 video game

Kirby Super Star, released as Kirby's Fun Pak in PAL regions, is a 1996 anthology action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is part of the Kirby series of video games by HAL Laboratory. The game was advertised as a compilation featuring eight games: seven short subsections with the same basic gameplay, and two minigames.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meta Knight</span> Kirby character

Meta Knight is a fictional character and antihero in Nintendo's Kirby video game series created by Masahiro Sakurai and developed by HAL Laboratory. He first appeared in the 1993 video game Kirby's Adventure before appearing in multiple subsequent entries as either a boss or playable character. The character also appears in several Kirby comic books, in the 2001 anime series, and as a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series. He has received mainly positive critical reception since his introduction. He was also the most controversial character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and has been banned from several tournaments due to his overwhelming dominance in competitive play.

<i>Kirbys Dream Land 3</i> 1997 video game

Kirby's Dream Land 3 is a 1997 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Starring Kirby, it is the fifth installment in the Kirby series and the third game under the Kirby's Dream Land name. Although the first game was largely unrelated, Dream Land 3 features many similar characters to Dream Land 2. Dream Land 3 was followed by Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards in 2000.

<i>Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards</i> 2000 platform video game by Nintendo

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is a 2000 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 (N64). It is the first Kirby game to feature 3D computer graphics and follows Kirby as he attempts to reassemble a sacred crystal shattered by Dark Matter. Gameplay is viewed from a 2.5D perspective and is similar to previous Kirby titles; the player traverses levels and obtains powers by eating enemies. Kirby 64 introduces Power Combos, the ability to mix powers to create more powerful ones. In a multiplayer mode, up to four players can compete in three minigames.

This is a list of characters from the Kirby franchise, who are featured in video games and other media across the franchise.

<i>Kirby</i> (series) Video game series

Kirby is an action-platform video game series developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. The series centers around the adventures of Kirby as he fights to protect and save his home on the distant Planet Popstar from a variety of threats. The majority of the games in the series are side-scrolling platformers with puzzle-solving and beat 'em up elements. Kirby has the ability to inhale enemies and objects into his mouth, spitting them out as a projectile or eating them. If he inhales certain enemies, he can gain the powers or properties of that enemy manifesting as a new weapon or power-up called a Copy Ability. The series is intended to be easy to pick up and play even for people unfamiliar with action games, while at the same time offering additional challenge and depth for more experienced players to come back to.

<i>Kirby Super Star Ultra</i> 2008 video game remake

Kirby Super Star Ultra is a 2008 anthology action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. The game is an enhanced remake of Kirby Super Star, originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1996, to commemorate the Kirby series' 15th anniversary. The remake retains all game modes found in the original, and adds four major new ones, along with adding updated visuals and full-motion video cutscenes.

<i>Kirbys Return to Dream Land</i> 2011 video game

Kirby's Return to Dream Land is a 2011 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It is the ninth mainline installment and the twenty-second game in the Kirby series. The game's plot follows Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee as they help an alien named Magolor recover the pieces of the Lor Starcutter so he can return home. While Kirby's Epic Yarn was released in 2010, Kirby's Return to Dream Land is the first traditional Kirby platforming home console game since Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, which was released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64. The title was released in North America on October 24, 2011, in Japan on October 27, 2011, in Europe on November 25, 2011, and in Australia on December 1, 2011.

<i>Kirbys Epic Yarn</i> 2010 video game

Kirby's Epic Yarn is a 2010 action-platform game developed by Good-Feel and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It is an installment of the Kirby series and was released in October 2010 in Japan and North America and in February 2011 in Australia and Europe. It is the first entry in the Kirby series on a home video game console since 2003's Kirby Air Ride for the GameCube, and its first home console platform game since 2000's Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards for the Nintendo 64.

<i>Kirby: Triple Deluxe</i> 2014 video game

Kirby: Triple Deluxe is a 2014 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. It is the tenth main installment of the Kirby series. The game was released in Japan on January 11, 2014, in North America on May 2, 2014, in Europe on May 16, 2014, and in Australia on May 17, 2014. The game follows Kirby as he embarks on a journey through six worlds to rescue King Dedede from Taranza.

<i>Kirby and the Rainbow Curse</i> 2015 video game

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, known in PAL regions as Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush, is a 2015 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for Wii U. Part of the Kirby series and a follow-up game of the 2005 Nintendo DS title Kirby: Canvas Curse, was released on January 22, 2015 in Japan, February 20, 2015 in North America, May 8, 2015 in Europe, and May 9, 2015 in Australia. The game supports the Kirby, Meta Knight, and King Dedede Amiibo.

<i>Kirby: Planet Robobot</i> 2016 video game for the 3DS

Kirby: Planet Robobot is a 2016 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. It is the eleventh mainline installment in the Kirby series and the spiritual successor to Triple Deluxe. The story follows Kirby as he defends Planet Popstar from an alien corporation known as the Haltmann Works Company that wishes to mechanize the planet so that they can plunder its natural resources. New to the series in this game is Kirby's ability to utilize a mecha suit known as the Robobot Armor to solve puzzles and fight enemies.

<i>Kirby Star Allies</i> 2018 video game

Kirby Star Allies is a 2018 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the twelfth mainline installment in the Kirby series; the player controls Kirby in his quest to prevent a priest named Hyness from reviving a dark force to destroy the universe. Kirby must complete each level by jumping, inhaling enemies, and using his array of abilities to progress.

<i>Kirby Battle Royale</i> 2017 video game

Kirby Battle Royale is a brawler multiplayer video game in the Kirby series. Developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, the game was released on the Nintendo 3DS handheld game console in Europe and Japan in November 2017, and in North America in January 2018.

<i>Kirby Fighters 2</i> 2020 video game

Kirby Fighters 2 is a 2020 fighting game for the Nintendo Switch and is the direct sequel to Kirby Fighters Deluxe. Developed by HAL Laboratory and Vanpool and published by Nintendo, the game features characters and assets from the Kirby franchise and uses the Super Kirby Clash game engine. The game released worldwide in September 2020, but was accidentally leaked prior on the Play Nintendo website.

<i>Kirby and the Forgotten Land</i> 2022 video game

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a 2022 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the thirteenth mainline installment in the Kirby series, as well as the first game in the series in full 3D, excluding spin-offs. The player controls Kirby in an adventure through the titular forgotten land to rescue Waddle Dees kidnapped by the ferocious Beast Pack. To complete each stage to save the Waddle Dees, Kirby can use a wide range of copy abilities to help battle enemies and progress.

References

  1. Orry, James (23 May 2007). "Kirby wreaks revenge on mice this June". VideoGamer. Archived from the original on 17 August 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  2. Innes, Ruby (3 February 2023). "Newest Kirby Remake Gets Merry Magoland Mini-Game Park". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on 17 August 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Kirby: Squeak Squad for DS Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  4. 1 2 Fitch, Andrew (December 4, 2006). "Kirby Squeak Squad". 1UP.com . Archived from the original on May 23, 2011. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  5. Edge staff (February 2007). "Kirby: Squeak Squad". Edge . No. 172. p. 84.
  6. EGM staff (January 2007). "Kirby Squeak Squad". Electronic Gaming Monthly . p. 111.
  7. 1 2 Bramwell, Tom (June 22, 2007). "Kirby Mouse Attack". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  8. 1 2 rawmeatcowboy (October 25, 2006). "A few Famitsu scores". GoNintendo. Archived from the original on October 24, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  9. Miller, Matt (February 2007). "Kirby: Squeak Squad". Game Informer . No. 166. Archived from the original on January 19, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  10. Deuce Magnum (November 28, 2006). "Review: Kirby Squeak Squad". GamePro . Archived from the original on December 2, 2006. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  11. V. Djamgarov (January 5, 2007). "Kirby Squeak Squad Review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on September 9, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  12. Navarro, Alex (December 5, 2006). "Kirby Squeak Squad Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  13. Theobald, Phil (December 11, 2006). "GameSpy: Kirby Squeak Squad". GameSpy. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  14. "Kirby Squeak Squad Review". GameTrailers . January 9, 2007. Archived from the original on October 20, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  15. 1 2 Harris, Craig (December 5, 2006). "Kirby: Squeak Squad Review". IGN . Archived from the original on April 2, 2013. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  16. Olimar, Brody (March 26, 2009). "Kirby Squeak Squad Review". Nintendo Life.
  17. "Kirby: Squeak Squad". Nintendo Power . Vol. 212. February 2007. p. 93.
  18. 1 2 East, Tom (July 2007). "Kirby Mouse Attack Review". Official Nintendo Magazine : 84–85. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  19. 1 2 Padilla, Raymond M. (January 24, 2007). "Kirby Squeak Squad Review". X-Play . Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  20. Hill, Jason (April 19, 2007). "Kirby Squeak Squad". The Sydney Morning Herald . Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2016.

Booklets