"Kirby strikes again in this short, but fun, adventure."

You're Kirby, the lovable ball of pink fluff who happens to eat all of his enemies in order to gain their powers. Since you're such a connoisseur, you take a break to eat some strawberry shortcake during a picnic. Right before digging in, some mysterious mice, known only as the Squeak Squad jump out of nowhere and grab it! Now you're mad, and you start chasing these thieves all around Dreamland!

Storyline: 7/10
While the game has a simple and shallow storyline (of Kirby just wanting his strawberry shortcake back), something about it just makes you smile. I suppose, in retrospect, this game proves how you can have a storyline about nothing, literally. The simplicity of fighting hordes of evil-doers just to get your desert back where it belongs is somewhat infectious, and leaves you with a bit of a chuckle.

Graphics, Sound, Music: 9/10
Talk about a good use for the DS's graphics capabilities! Images are clear, details are everywhere, and it's fun to see full use of the spectrum in a game nowadays, instead of just an entire-game overtone, like a lot of console games nowadays. The only thing I'd like to see would be Nintendo's infamous 3D side-scrolling graphics, very much like Kirby for N64. The sound effects fit where you'd expect them to be. Each power sounds unique when you use it. The music is perfect, whether it's a remix of an original Kirby tune or a completely brand new song.

Gameplay, Controls: 7/10
There are 3 chests on each level, with 1 special one. Inside each chest is some sort of added-in bonus, sound tests, or other miscellaneous item. So that's all good and fun, to try and collect those. Now I'm going to be honest. Before I bought this game, I read somewhere that there is a power-mixing ability. Ecstatic, and hoping this would be a close remake of Kirby: The Crystal Shards, it was an easy impulse buy. However, to my dismay, the power-mixing ability is anything but that. Firstly, I should say that you now have an inventory and can hold items and powers that you find throughout the levels. The only powers you can hold are powers found floating around in bubbles. To 'mix' powers, all you have to do is use the stylus to move one power into another and a completely random power will emerge. Sure, there are a few combos that you can achieve (like Fire Sword, one of my favorites), but nothing like I was hoping. The controls, on the other hand, are superb. It may take a couple levels to get used to the seemingly odd configuration, but you catch on quickly.

Fun: 8/10
In addition to being a bit on the easy side, this game is short and can be beaten in one day if someone wants to devote half a day to doing so. On the contrary, though, this is a great game to have for a road trip, long flight, or just a weekend when the friends are out of town. It's simple enough to where you shouldn't need a walkthrough to beat and you'll even be able to complete the game by the time you're trip is over. The atmosphere this game creates is easy-going and cheerful, which will make you enjoy the game even more.

Overall: 8/10
While Kirby: Squeak Squad presents an enjoyable gaming experience, it doesn't really (at least to me) fulfill my craving for games. It was probably because it was short and easy, but this game wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Don't get me wrong, though! I had fun playing this game, and I think you would, too! (After all, you're reading my review.) However, if you ARE planning to purchase this game, I'd buy it used before buying new. It just doesn't feel like something you're done with in a week's time is worth the $35 for a new DS game.

Well, I hope this review helped you out in your decision to purchase this game. If you have any other questions about it, or if you still aren't entirely sure if this game is for you, feel free to send me an email to further discuss it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/20/07