10 Best Kirby Games of All Time (2024 Updated)

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By Sara PetersonApr 28, 20240 comments

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The world of Kirby is where puffballs reign supreme, and adventure awaits at every turn.

From his humble beginnings on the Game Boy to modern Kirby games on the Nintendo Switch, the Kirby franchise has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with his charm, creativity, and undeniable cuteness.

Today, let's take a look at the best Kirby games of all time, uncovering hidden gems and classic favorites. Strap in and get ready to discover the magic of Kirby like never before.

Top 10 Kirby Games of All Time

1. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the first-ever mainline game in the Kirby series, available in full 3D. It brings many Copy Abilities, brand-new inhaling strategies, and new worlds to conquer.

Mechanics: Defeat enemies to acquire their abilities like Sword and Ice, and wield new powers such as Drill and Ranger to combat foes and navigate the environment.

Dig underground with the powerful drill and use it to evade enemy attacks. Look out for special spots where you can access hidden areas. Explore the Forgotten Land and help Kirby save his friends.

Highlights: Features traditional Kirby gameplay with added exploration elements and new abilities, all presented in stunning HD graphics.

2. Kirby's Adventure (NES)

Kirby's Adventure is the first NES outing and the second game in the Kirby series. It builds on the ideas from the first game, Kirby's Dream Land, with improved visuals and more gameplay options.

Mechanics: Kirby's Adventure expands on Kirby's Dream Land's gameplay. Besides Hovering, Inhaling, and using the Air Bullet, Kirby gains the Copy Ability. By inhaling certain enemies, Kirby can use his powers.

If he gets hit, he loses the ability but can regain it by swallowing an Ability Star before it disappears. Kirby can also Dash, Slide, and use the Water Gun.

Highlights: Features updated graphics, new mini-games, and additional content, including the popular "The Great Cave Offensive" and "Milky Way Wishes" modes.

3. Kirby Super Star Ultra

Often hailed as the best Kirby games [1], Kirby Super Star Ultra brings back all the original content with the new modes.

Mechanics: In Super Star Ultra, you must control Kirby to navigate levels. Kirby can jump, swim, slide, and suck up enemies to gain their powers.

He can also fly for a short time. By sucking up specific enemies, Kirby gets a Helper (another character) with the same power.

You can play with a friend who controls the Helper. Kirby and the Helper can take damage and lose lives, which results in a game over.

Highlights: The game features new modes, like the challenging True Arena and Meta Knightmare Ultra, in which you play as Meta Knight.

4. Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush

Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush is a good game that brought the Wii U to life with its charming claymation style.

Mechanics: In Rainbow Paintbrush for Wii U, you use the touchscreen to draw paths for Kirby to follow and protect him from enemies, similar to Kirby: Canvas Curse on the DS.

Highlights: Features puzzle games, quick-fire levels with treasure chests and secret sections.

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5. Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)

Kirby's Epic Yarn takes a unique approach to the series. Instead of the usual Kirby powers and world, this game features a world made entirely of yarn and cloth.

Mechanics: In this unique twist, a yarn whip lets him attack enemies, solve puzzles, and swing around. You can even team up with a friend as Prince Fluff, another yarn character.

Explore the levels, collect beads to improve your score, decorate Kirby's cozy apartment, and ring the bell at the end of each stage to move forward.

Collecting enough gold medals on boss levels can unlock even more exciting areas to play in.

Highlights: This Kirby game is different, featuring an artsy style to create fun ways to play, like pulling on buttons made of string. It extends to Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn, a Nintendo 3DS version.

6. Kirby: Planet Robobot

Kirby: Planet Robobot is similar to Kirby Triple Deluxe but adds a cool new twist: a giant robot suit Kirby can climb into.

Mechanics: In Planet Robobot, you can use classic moves like inhaling and sliding to defeat enemies and explore levels.

Throughout the stages, you will find robot suits, which you can use to solve puzzles, explore secret areas, and fight even tougher enemies.

Highlights: The giant robot suit lets you explore the world in two different ways, with some 3D movement for extra fun.

7. Kirby Super Star (SNES)

This Nintendo DS game was promoted as a collection with eight games: seven short sections with similar gameplay and two mini-games.

Mechanics: Control Kirby to navigate levels. Jump, swim, and fight enemies. Kirby can also suck up enemies to gain powers and defeat enemies. You can guard against weak attacks, too.

Kirby can call a friend (another player) to play as a Helper with the same power. Helpers can fly but can't change powers. Both Kirby and the Helper can take damage and lose lives, leading to a game over.

Highlights: Features seven mini-game modes, including Gourmet Race, Dyna Blade, Revenge of the Meta Knight, and two sub-games, where you can play single-player or local multiplayer.

You can also check out our favorite Kirby gifts here.

8. Kirby's Triple Deluxe

Kirby's Triple Deluxe is a classic game with new features, like Hypernova Kirby, who can swallow huge objects that are usually too big for him.

Mechanics: Team up with friends to float and fight in a fun game. Each player can control a different Kirby or one of Kirby's famous allies, such as King Dedede, Meta Knight, or Bandana Waddle Dee.

Press and release the L or R buttons simultaneously for a powerful Team Attack. The effects change depending on the number of players and who's at the bottom of the stack.

Highlights: Triple Deluxe has more fun levels to explore and tons of secrets to find, and it tells you more about Kirby's return to dream land in a cool way. Plus, you get to use a super fun Beetle power!

9. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards [2] is the first Kirby game on the Nintendo 64 and the first game to use 3D graphics.

Mechanics: Control him to jump, run, and gobble up enemies. Kirby has a special trick: he can combine his powers to create even stronger attacks.

In some parts of the game, you'll even get to hitch a ride on King Dedede's back or zoom through levels in a minecart.

Highlights: The gameplay is viewed from a 2.5D perspective, featuring cool new power combos and exciting rides.

10. Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Kirby's Return to Dream Land returned the pink hero to his classic roots in a colorful adventure on the Wii.

Mechanics: Kirby can find food to heal himself, extra lives, and special items to interact with the environment. Collecting 100 stars also gives an extra life.

Each level ends with a fun bonus game where you jump high to earn even more goodies.

Highlights: The addition of super abilities and drop-in co-op (online multiplayer) makes the game even more fun. Now, you can pair up with a friend and unleash powerful attacks together.

Other Kirby Games to Try

Team Kirby Clash Deluxe
Kirby's Blowout Blast
Kirby Squeak Squad
Kirby's Avalanche
Super Kirby Clash
Kirby Fighters Deluxe (similar to Super Smash Bros)
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Canvas Curse (Nintendo DS)
Kirby Mass Attack (Nintendo DS)
Kirby's Dream Buffet
Kirby's Dream Collection
Kirby & The Rainbow Curse
Kirby's Dream Course
Kirby's Pinball Land
Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy)

FAQs

What is the most difficult Kirby game?

The most difficult game is True Arena [3] on Super Star Ultra. However, some gamers believe the Kirby Mass Attack and the Canvas Curse are the hardest. It really depends on the game's preference and skills.

Does Kirby have any weaknesses?

Kirby does have weaknesses despite his versatility. One notable weakness is his relatively low health and vulnerability to enemy attacks, especially in games where he cannot gain defensive abilities.

Kirby's floaty movement can sometimes make precise platforming challenging, particularly in levels with hazards like bottomless pits or spikes.

Certain environmental hazards or obstacles, such as strong winds or impassable terrain, can also pose challenges for Kirby to overcome.

However, with practice and strategic use of his abilities, Kirby can usually overcome these weaknesses and emerge victorious.

Game On

Kirby has been a beloved gaming icon, charming players of all ages with his cuteness and exciting adventures. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there's a Kirby game perfect for you.

After the first-ever release of Kirby's Dream Land on Game Boy, came fantastic Kirby titles, from the first classic Kirby's Adventure on NES to the modern Kirby and the Forgotten Land [4] on Nintendo. Each game offers unique mechanics and unforgettable experiences.

Ready to join Kirby on his quests? Explore vibrant worlds, battle enemies with amazing copy abilities, and discover the magic of Kirby!

Want to learn more or snag some Kirby merch? Check out our Kirby collection today!