"Can you handle the squeaks?"

Kirby is going back to basics in Kirby Squeak Squad. This game is platforming action game where you play as Kirby, a tiny little pink puff ball. This may immediately turn some gamers away but trust me, don't fear the puff. The game doesn't really have the best of stories, basically Kirby's about to eat dessert, and his cake is snatched away! Well, before you judge, wouldn't YOU go through eight platforming worlds for dessert?

The graphics are in 2D, and a lot like how they were in the Amazing Mirror. However the game is colorful and looks good. There's nothing that astounding about the graphics, but they certainly aren't bad.

The game play is pretty simple. You can control Kirby and go through platforming levels. What makes Kirby games unique is the series trademark ability to take enemy's powers and use them against enemies(allowing you to wield a sword, turning into a fireball, or turn to stone, along with many other powers). They added something new to the series however, and that's Kirby's stomach. Via touch screen, you can hold up to 5 items(as long as they are encased in bubbles) and use them at any time you wish. This adds a bit of depth, but it doesn't add a ton to the game play, but it's certainly convenient, and the only way you can mix powers.

There are 8 worlds in the game, each with about 5-6 stages including a boss fight at the end. None of the stages are really long or difficult, make them game a bit on the short side. However, to increase their length, almost all of the levels have treasure chests hidden inside of them. Finding them unlock bonuses, varying from puzzle pieces, health upgrades, and music. Throughout the game, you will usually end up fighting a band of thieves called the Squeaks at the end of a level. The goal is to get a big treasure chest before them, or take it from them by hitting them. It's fun for awhile, but after doing it for almost every level, it gets a bit repetitive, thankfully the stages vary each situation. The boss fights are pretty easy. I only had trouble with 1 of them, because he can destroy clouds you're standing on.

The music is usually cheery and excited, which perfectly fits a light-hearted game like this. There's the usual Kirby noises here, inhaling, floating, getting hit. Nothing that if you've played a Kirby game, you've never heard before. The game is short if you rush through it, which I wouldn't recommend. But afterwards there are a few nice extras. There's Boss mode, which has you fighting all the game's bosses in a row, there's Extra mode, which is like a Time attack mode, and some multi-player mini games.

All in all, Squeak Squad is a fun and vibrant game, with good music and fun game overall. It may not be the longest game, but it should keep you busy for a bit.

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