Kirby’s capable of some pretty amazing things. After all, over the years he’s accumulated a collection of over 55 standard copy abilities, 25 of which are in Kirby Triple Deluxe . That isn’t even counting the mix, super, or final abilities our favorite pink blob is capable of using. He’s a pastel powerhouse, to be sure, but we all know that not every one of those special skills is gold. You know there are more than a few that you go out of your way to avoid in his games because they aren’t worth your valuable time (we’re looking at you, Sleep and Stone !) So, as you’re preparing to play Kirby Triple Deluxe on May 2, 2014, reminisce with us about some of the absolute best abilities Kirby can get.
Leaf
I love Leaf Kirby, and I’m not just saying that because we just had Earth Day pass. It isn’t just an eco-friendly power. It’s pretty powerful. You wouldn’t expect that, since Kirby’s basically throwing and slashing with leaves, but it’s true. Whether it’s the standard leaf attack, a leaf tornado, an uppercut, or he’s making it rain, Leaf Kirby makes you wonder if we should be worried about a treant uprising. Not to mention, the Leaf’s guard attack comes in pretty handy if you’re so distracted by throwing foliage that an opponent gets a little too close.
FIghter
I’m really happy for you Fighter copy ability fans, I’m going to let you tout its varied move set and salutes to fighting games, but Ninja does everything Fighter can do, only better. I mean, it’s got jutsus. Do you have jutsus, Fighter Kirby? No, you just have some vicious backdrops, crazy kicks and few good jabs. Still, you are better than most of the other copy abilities, so props for that. Even if absorbing this power does mean players are checking the pause menu every few seconds to figure out what button combinations they need to press.
Ninja
If you’re a Ninja fan, I’m sorry. I know that this is a fantastic copy ability that’s only gotten better for Kirby over the years. Especially since, in Kirby Triple Deluxe , it gets Blossom Storm and Smoke Screen abilities added to its already impressive move set of short range and long range attacks. But, as fast as it is, someone really has to know what they’re doing to unleash a massive amount of damage. Plus, it shares Fighter’s inherent flaws of requiring someone to pause every few minutes to recall how to perform each move. (So I hold up, then press down and B at the same time?)
Sword
Sword Kirby is an old standby. Need to flip an awkward switch? Grab that sword! Meta Knight’s shown up for a duel? You know what to do. And as cool as the new Ninja Kirby is, Sword Kirby will always win. I mean, it’s one of the few abilities you can use underwater. That definitely earns it some extra points. Not to mention, you’ve got to love that passing resemblance to Link.
Spear
A spear doesn’t just beat a sword in Fire Emblem, it beats it in Kirby’s world as well (oh snap!). It’s like anything the Sword ability can do, the Spear ability can do better. It’s got distance, as it has a longer reach and Kirby can throw spears at enemies. It works great underwater. Not to mention, Spear Kirby can fly if you charge up the attack. Well, a better form of flying than his typical floating thing. Fine, the Sword and Spear are very nearly identical, but the Spear is just plain better.
Hammer
The mighty Hammer is one of Kirby’s most desired weapon-based, copy abilities, even more so than Sword and Spear. Though, I suppose that’s primarily because the Hammer is so rare. I mean, you can pretty much only get it from Bonkers when he shows up for a mini-boss fight or if it’s specifically made available via a power pedestal. That immediately makes it more desirable. Plus, it’s the only power that can hammer a stake into the ground, unlocking certain areas or items. That, and it’s more powerful than the Sword or Spear. It may not have as versatile a move set and be a bit slower, but that doesn’t matter; Kirby doesn’t need speed when he can one-hit KO anything in his way.
Sing
There’s something that’s just so charming about a Kirby who’s sucked up a Mic. Perhaps it’s the fact that his animation when he’s belting out a tune is adorable. Part of it is definitely the destructive power, since each song completely destroys anything on screen. Though, I suppose the biggest selling point is the fact that it’s superior to the similar Crash ability, except it gives Kirby three chances to destroy everything in his way. Sing is powerful, adorable and funny. It’s a triple threat!
Fire
I used to hate Kirby’s Fire ability. The only time I’d bother with it was when I needed to light a fuse for a cannon. But, in the last few years, Fire has grown on me, especially since it’s been combined with Burning for many titles, the awesome ability that pretty much turns Kirby into an invincible, flaming comet of doom. Now, Fire has proven itself to be one of the ultimate Kirby jams. His flame breath’s direction can be controlled in Kirby Triple Deluxe , for example, and can be used to burn through ice and grass. Not to mention there are all the move variations with it that make it about more than sending a steady stream of flames in front of Kirby. He’s going to spin, dash and explode his way through everything. Everything!
Beetle
Beetle Kirby is the best Kirby. It isn’t just because he’s stylish and gaining this copy ability makes him look like he’s wearing a kabuto helmet. It’s just so darn versatile. Like the Fighter and Ninja abilities, Kirby is able to perform all kinds of special attacks with the horn by pressing the B button and certain directional buttons. Especially handy is catching an enemy and carrying it around on the Beetle’s horn, in case you need to hit something far away. Though, the devastating aerial attacks are what make it. By fluttering in the air with the A button, then pressing certain combinations, Kirby becomes a flying force of destruction. It’s practically supernatural!
UFO
If a Kirby game has the UFO ability, then that’s the only ability you will ever want to get and use. It’s OP, and HAL Laboratory knew it was a game breaker. In most of the games where Kirby can suck up a UFO, he can only use its powers in the stage he found it. Can you blame them? He turns into an actual UFO, with four different beam attacks! He can do anything. Well, anything except go down through a platform, but that’s fine. Always keep moving forward to the future.