Summary
- Release Year: 2006
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Wii U
- Developers: Flagship, HAL Laboratory, Natsume Co., Ltd.
- Publishers: Nintendo
Kirby: Squeak Squad (2006)
Kirby: Squeak Squad is a 2006 platforming video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console. It is the eighth installment in the Kirby series, and the second to be released on the Nintendo DS, after Kirby: Canvas Curse.
The game follows Kirby as he sets out to recover his stolen Star Rod, a powerful weapon that he uses to protect Dream Land. Kirby must travel across seven worlds, each with its own unique theme and enemies, in order to reach the final boss, Daroach, and retrieve the Star Rod.
Kirby: Squeak Squad introduces several new features to the Kirby series, including the ability to use Copy Abilities to transform Kirby into different objects and enemies, and the ability to use the Nintendo DS’s microphone to inhale enemies and objects. The game also features a new cast of characters, including Daroach, the leader of the Squeak Squad, and Meta Knight, who returns from previous Kirby games.
Gameplay
Kirby: Squeak Squad is a traditional 2D platformer, similar to previous Kirby games. Kirby can walk, run, jump, and use his signature Inhale ability to suck up enemies and objects. He can also use Copy Abilities to transform into different objects and enemies, such as a sword-wielding knight, a bomb-throwing tank, or a UFO.
New to Kirby: Squeak Squad is the ability to use the Nintendo DS’s microphone to inhale enemies and objects. This can be used to solve puzzles, such as inhaling a fan to blow away obstacles, or inhaling a bomb to launch it at enemies.
Kirby: Squeak Squad also features a new multiplayer mode, in which up to four players can compete in a variety of minigames. These minigames include races, battles, and puzzle-solving challenges.
Plot
Kirby: Squeak Squad begins with Kirby and his friends enjoying a picnic in Dream Land. Suddenly, a group of mysterious creatures known as the Squeak Squad appears and steals Kirby’s Star Rod, a powerful weapon that he uses to protect Dream Land. Kirby sets out to recover his Star Rod, and along the way, he meets a variety of new friends and enemies.
Kirby eventually learns that the Squeak Squad is led by Daroach, a cunning and ambitious thief. Daroach plans to use the Star Rod to steal all the treasure in Dream Land. Kirby must defeat Daroach and his Squeak Squad in order to recover his Star Rod and save Dream Land.
Characters
- Kirby: The protagonist of the game, Kirby is a pink, round creature with the ability to inhale enemies and objects. He can also use Copy Abilities to transform into different objects and enemies.
- Daroach: The leader of the Squeak Squad, Daroach is a cunning and ambitious thief. He plans to use the Star Rod to steal all the treasure in Dream Land.
- Meta Knight: A mysterious warrior who appears in several Kirby games. He is a skilled swordsman and a powerful ally to Kirby.
- Bandana Waddle Dee: Kirby’s loyal friend and companion. He often helps Kirby on his adventures.
- King Dedede: The self-proclaimed king of Dream Land. He is often a nuisance to Kirby, but he sometimes helps Kirby when he is in need.
Reception
Kirby: Squeak Squad received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its fun and challenging gameplay, its charming visuals, and its new features, such as the ability to use Copy Abilities and the Nintendo DS’s microphone. However, some critics criticized the game’s short length and its lack of innovation.
Overall, Kirby: Squeak Squad is a solid platformer that is sure to please fans of the series. It is a fun and challenging game with charming visuals and a variety of new features.
Legacy
Kirby: Squeak Squad is a significant entry in the Kirby series, as it introduced several new features that would become staples of the series. The ability to use Copy Abilities to transform Kirby into different objects and enemies has been featured in every Kirby game since Squeak Squad, and the ability to use the Nintendo DS’s microphone to inhale enemies and objects has been featured in several Kirby games, including Kirby Super Star Ultra and Kirby Star Allies.
Kirby: Squeak Squad is also notable for its introduction of Daroach, who has become a popular character in the Kirby series. Daroach has appeared in several Kirby games since Squeak Squad, including Kirby Star Allies and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
