"Kirby is back in another great game!"

Kirby, that cute little pink thing, is back yet again. This time, Kirby is on a quest to save his shortcake, which was stolen by the Squeak Squad, and save the world yet again. There aren't too many different things about this game compared to the other games in the series, but that doesn't mean it's bad. However, this is one of the shortest games I have ever played.

Gameplay- 10/10

Just like any other Kirby game, Kirby has the ability to inhale his enemies and copy their abilities. For example, if Kirby inhales an enemy wielding a sword, Kirby becomes Sword Kirby. If Kirby inhales a fire-breathing enemy, Kirby becomes Fire Kirby. However, there are new things to do. Kirby can now collect bubbles containing food or abilities which are stored in Kirby's stomach on the bottom screen. As with every Kirby game there are also a few new abilities (and a few missing ones). You can also collect copy scrolls, which upgrade abilities, and even allow you to mix some abilities to get an entirely new one, like Fire Sword. There are also a good number of small puzzles in the game, but none are too difficult. The enemies aren't very challenging, and neither are the mini-bosses (except for one). The bosses, however, range from easy to insanely difficult.

You can also collect treasure chests which are also stored in Kirby's stomach. The treasure chests contain items for the collection room. The problem with collecting treasure chests is that whenever you collect a big one (or sometimes enter a room with one), a member of the Squeak Squad comes to try and steal it. If they succeed, you must go to their base and fight them to get them back. It is somewhat fun to do this, but this happens in almost every level, and can get a little annoying.

Graphics- 9/10

Kirby looks wonderful as always, but exactly the same as the GBA games. The environments look great too.

Sound/Music- 9/10

The music in this game sounds wonderful, and most of it is original, but sometimes you'll hear a song from a previous Kirby game. The sound is quite good too, but many of the original sounds from the other games were replaced.

Replay Value- 8/10

After you complete the game and collect all of the treasure chests (this won't take long), there is still more to do. You unlock a few extra game modes which will last you a while. There are still minigames, but they aren't as good as the ones in the GBA games.

Controls- 9/10

Virtually the same as the other games, but the touch screen controls are new. You control the contents of Kirby's stomach with the touch screen, as well as activate and combine them. Sometimes, the controls mess up, and you end up activating an ability instead of moving it, which is frustrating.

Overall- 9/10

Pros:

Excellent gameplay.
Excellent graphics.
Great controls.
Great sound.
Good replay value.

Cons:

Too Short.

Conclusion

This is a very good Kirby game, but not the best. If you liked any other Kirby games, you'll love this. If you didn't, you won't. Expect to blaze through this game in a few hours.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/08/06, Updated 09/02/08

Game Release: Kirby Squeak Squad (US, 12/06/06)