Kirby Super Star Ultra

When I first played Kirby Super Star Ultra on the Nintendo DS, I didn’t expect it to be as content-packed as it turned out to be. I knew it was a remake of the Super Nintendo classic Kirby Super Star, but I wasn’t prepared for how much variety and replay value it would offer. After finishing multiple modes and diving into the extra challenges, I can confidently say it’s one of the most complete and polished Kirby experiences on handheld.

Unlike traditional platformers that follow a single linear campaign, Kirby Super Star Ultra is structured as a collection of different sub-games or adventures. Each one offers a slightly different gameplay style, story premise, or challenge structure. Spring Breeze serves as an accessible introduction, retelling the story of Kirby’s Dream Land with enhanced visuals and mechanics. It’s short but charming, easing players into Kirby’s world.

Then there’s Dyna Blade, The Great Cave Offensive, Revenge of Meta Knight, Milky Way Wishes, and more. What I love about this structure is how each mode feels distinct. The Great Cave Offensive leans into exploration and treasure hunting, encouraging you to search every corner of the map. Revenge of Meta Knight feels more story-driven and cinematic, with time pressure adding tension. Milky Way Wishes removes the traditional copy mechanic and replaces it with an ability collection system, changing the dynamic entirely.

Kirby’s signature copy ability system is the heart of the gameplay. Inhaling enemies and absorbing their powers never gets old. From sword-wielding to fire-breathing to using wrestling-style throws, each ability feels unique. What impressed me most is that every ability has multiple moves, not just a single attack. This adds depth that many people don’t expect from a Kirby game. It’s easy to pick up, but there’s surprising complexity if you experiment.

The DS remake enhances the original with updated visuals and additional content. The sprites are colorful and clean, maintaining the charm of the SNES version while benefiting from sharper presentation. Animations are fluid, and the environments are lively and creative. Even on a handheld screen, the game looks vibrant and polished.

One of the biggest highlights for me was The True Arena mode. It’s brutally challenging and clearly designed for experienced players. Facing boss after boss in succession without much room for error tests your mastery of Kirby’s mechanics. It’s the kind of mode that transforms a cute platformer into a surprisingly intense experience. I remember replaying it multiple times just to prove I could conquer it consistently.

The addition of new sub-games and modes in Ultra gives returning players even more incentive to dive back in. Meta Knightmare Ultra, for example, lets you play through the game as Meta Knight, which significantly changes combat pacing and ability access. It’s a fantastic bonus that adds replayability beyond the original content.

Multiplayer is another strong feature. You can create a helper character from absorbed abilities, and a second player can control that character. While I mostly played solo, having the option for cooperative gameplay makes it even more engaging, especially for younger players or siblings sharing a DS.

The soundtrack deserves special praise. Kirby games are known for cheerful, catchy music, and Super Star Ultra delivers. From energetic boss themes to relaxing stage tracks, the music enhances every moment. Even years later, certain melodies remain stuck in my head.

If there’s any criticism, it’s that some sub-games are shorter than expected. A few modes can be completed quickly, especially if you’re familiar with the mechanics. But the sheer variety compensates for this. It never feels repetitive because each adventure shifts the focus slightly.

Overall, playing Kirby Super Star Ultra felt like experiencing multiple full games in one cartridge. It blends accessibility, charm, depth, and challenge in a way few handheld platformers manage. Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime Kirby fan, it remains one of the strongest titles on the Nintendo DS—colorful, creative, and surprisingly rich in content.