The multiplayer notification in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe .
Multiplayer refers to when more than one human player is able to play a game. There has been numerous games in the Kirby series that support multiplayer whether it may be only during the main story, the sub-games, or both. Typically, multiplayer Kirby games support up to four players, or just two.
In Games[ ]
Kirby's Dream Course [ ]
In Kirby's Dream Course, another play can join the game via 2Play Game where both players will battle against each other to see who can collect the most Point Stars in an 8-hole round. Points are collected by defeating enemies (one point) and sinking into the hole (two points). Stars can also be stolen by other players by running through them before the other player has a chance to collect them. Player 1 plays Kirby where collected stars are represented in pink whereas Player 2 plays Keeby and their collected stars are yellow instead. There are four courses to choose from: Whispy Woods, Mr. Shine & Mr. Bright, Kracko, and Gordo. When a game ends, the scoreboard at the stage selection screen will be updated with the number of wins and loses from Player 1 and 2, as well as the number of draws.
Kirby's Avalanche [ ]
In Kirby's Avalanche, when selecting a mode, players can choose "1P VS. P2" to play against each other. When the mode is selected, both players can select a level out of five that determines how fast each blob pairs fall. From ascending order starting from the lowest (1), the level names are: Mild, Medium, Spicy, Hot, Cajun. The cursor that highlights each level is a chili pepper that starts off green and turns more red as the level choices get higher. This spicy-themed level system, though common in many games for its literal pun definition, would not return until The Ultimate Choice in Kirby Star Allies .
With the XBAND modem accessory for the SNES, players could actually play against other players through an online network, marking this game the first Kirby game to support online multiplayer. Players typically had matchmaking via dial up, hoping other players who were also playing Kirby's Avalanche were also using the phone and connected to the same network.
Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra [ ]
In both games, a second player can join the game to control a Helper. As the Helper, the player can perform all the actions of the respective Helper as well as Helper-only actions such as the Infinity Jump, a manual Space Jump, and even picking up recovery items. However, as the camera is fixed on Kirby himself, the controller Helper cannot scroll or move past the screen and will automatically Space Jump back to Kirby if tried.
Two-player multiplayer for Samurai Kirby and Megaton Punch can also be played for both games with Kirby Super Star Ultra adding three new sub-games, Snack Tracks, Kirby Card Swipe, and Kirby on the Draw, all of which also support a second player.
Connecting with Nintendo DS [ ]
- Player 1 selects a mode Player 1 selects a mode
- Player 2's screen during DS Download Play with no copy of their own Player 2's screen during DS Download Play with no copy of their own
In Kirby Super Star, playing a two-player game was as simple as connecting a second controller as the game was made for the SNES, a home console. Supporting two-players in Kirby Super Star Ultra is a little more complicated as the game debuted on the Nintendo DS, a handheld console. Multiplayer in that game can be played with either one game card or two with both methods utilizing the game's hosting menu. Upon selecting a file, the game asks the player two options: to play a "1P Adventure" or a "2P Adventure." By choosing the "2P Adventure" option, two more options are brought up: "Create Room" or "Join Room," with the latter option meant for players with two copies of the game where all the joining player has to do is join the room created by the host. All modes and sub-games can be played on separate systems this way.
If the game is played with only one system having one card, then the player with the game must still host a room for the player without a card to join. The joining player must use the DS Download Play application on their Nintendo DS (or Nintendo 3DS for cross system play) to connect to the host's game. By using this method, all sub-games can be played separately on each system, however, the game is restricted to only Spring Breeze, and the secondary player must look at the hosting player's screen to track their character. On the joining player's screen during Spring Breeze, it will show a short animation of Kirby and a Waddle Dee playing on two Nintendo DS systems while the Waddle Dee is struggling to control his character as he has to constantly look at Kirby's system, as well as a prompt to look at Player 1's screen to control the Helper.
Kirby's Star Stacker (Game Boy) and Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom)[ ]
In both games, there is a "VS," mode where two players can battle each other. Star Stacker for the Game Boy requires a Game Link Cable to multiplayer, and depending on the Game Boy system, a different Link Cable may be used for cross play across upgraded console versions such as the Game Boy Light and Game Boy Color. Star Stacker for the Super Famicom simply requires two controllers as the Super Famicom is a home console.
Kirby's Dream Land 3 [ ]
The secondary player can join the game as Gooey at any time during the game costing two the five Health points to be summoned. As Gooey, the player can lick enemies to absorb their powers similarly to Kirby, however he cannot eat twice at once. Gooey can also devour underwater and fly as opposed to Kirby who uses the Water Gun and hovers instead. The player can also manually activate a Space Jump as Gooey where he can destroy Star Blocks as he travels to Kirby.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards [ ]
Different colored-Adeleines for multiplayer
Multiplayer for this game is only supported through the game's sub-games: 100-Yard Hop, Bumper Crop Bump, and Checkerboard Chase. Up to four players can play each sub-games with unique color alterations for each playable character that are respective to the player's number if more than one player decides to play the same character.
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land [ ]
Using Game Link Cables[ ]
To set up multiplayer play on the Game Boy Advance, all participating players must have a Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable. Three cables are required if four players want to play together, two cables for three players, and only one cable for two players. If the group only has one copy of the game, they can play Single Game Pak Multiplayer, but if all members have their own copies, then they can play with Multi Game Pak Multiplayer. Both version of co-op play require the same set up in terms of Game Link Cables. All systems must be linked together before the game is booted up; when all the set up is done, all participating consoles must be turned on.
With Single Game Pak Multiplayer, the group can only play the sub-games Bomb Rally, Kirby's Air Grind, and Quick Draw. Players 2, 3, and 4 must wait for Player 1 to pick a sub-game and select the "Multiplayer" option when prompted. The sub-game will then be temporarily downloaded to each player's console from Player 1's until the sub-game appears on everybody's screen. After Player 1 selects the difficulty, all players can start playing.
With Multi Game Pak Multiplayer, the main game as well as the Extra Game and Boss Endurance can be played with up to four players. To set up co-op play for any mode, each player must select the same mode as everyone else and also choose "Multiplayer." The player who connects the purple end of the Game Link Cable into their GBA is determined as Player 1; all other purple ends of the Cable are connected to the center box of each Cable. Once all players select the multiplayer option, a screen will appear displaying the status of all linked players. Player 1 should then press the A Button to confirm everything is in place and the mode begins.
Playing the Story[ ]
Each player plays as a member of Kirby's species: Player 1 is Kirby, Player 2 is a Yellow Kirby, Player 3 is a Red Kirby, and Player 4 is a Green Kirby. Unlike previous and future Kirby co-op modes, if Player 1 is defeated, the game does not force a collective loss; the game is over when all players lose all their 1UPs. A unique Game Over screen is displayed when all players love their lives depending on how many players there are.
Regarding the special rules of co-op, they are the following:
- The adventure picks up on the highest level all players have completed. For example, if three players have completed Level 5, but only one player has completed Level 2, then all players start at Level 2.
- All players enter the first door any player enters during the hub world.
- All players can only enter a door during a stage when they are all near it. A red arrow will appear on the respective player's screen to remind them which color Kirby they are in control of.
- All players have their own separate lives count; all 1UP sub-games are evenly distributed amongst all players.
- Should a player lose all their lives, they have the option to sit out for the rest of the game until a Game Over, or they can choose to borrow a life. If a request to borrow is accepted, then the defeated player will respawn in the next room with a portrait icon of a bored Kirby appearing telling the player to wait. A unique Pause Screen can be seen during this waiting period
Kirby Air Ride [ ]
Kirby Air Ride supports four-player multiplayer in all three of its modes: Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial. All players compete against each other to complete the goal of the mode.
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror [ ]
As the game runs on the GBA, Game Boy Advance Link Cables are required to connect each system as with Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land; Single and Multi Game Pak rules also apply in this game in terms of playing sub-games and the Main Mode.
If each player has their own copy to use Multi Game Pak play, then the game now gives Player 1 the option to choose which Game Pak to save data on; all collectibles and progress will only be saved on the Game Pak that was selected so even if Player 2 collects an item but is playing on Player 1's Game Pak, then that item will only be saved in Player 1's data, not Player 2's. Despite which Game Pak is being played, Player 1 is once again the player who connects the purple end of the Game Link Cable into their system.
The main game features up to four-player multiplayer with the same color differentiations as Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land for each player. A Kirby can call the others to their location with a Cell Phone. Should a player lose their lives, they can ask to borrow a single life to all players. Whoever responds first by pressing the R button when prompted will give away one of their lives so the defeated player can start back at the beginning of the room they were defeated in. Otherwise, if a player chooses not to borrow, then they will begin from Central Circle with two lives.
Kirby's Epic Yarn [ ]
At anytime during the game outside of stages, a second player can connect their Wii Remote to play as Prince Fluff. Before entering a stage, the game prompts the player if they want to tackle the stage in One-Player or Two-Player. If the player selects One-Player, then a secondary player cannot join the game until the stage is completed. Players can Yarn Whip each other to turn the other player in a ball to throw at weaker enemies to defeat them or carry them around. The two can also push each other with the Weight transformation. Both players share the same Bead count, however at the end of the stage during the results screen, it will display who collected the most beads with the winner doing a short dance in celebration. Both Kirby and Prince Fluff will also do the Kirby Dance at the end of the stage.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe [ ]
In both games, up to four players can join the adventure at any time. Player 1 will always be Pink Kirby while everyone else who decides to join can choose between Yellow Kirby, Blue Kirby, Green Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee; only one of each character can be chosen at a time. When a player joins the game, they will borrow one 1UP to do so, but if there are no 1UPs to spare, then the joining player will start with half health. If a player who isn't P1 quits the game, the 1UP will only return if their health is full.
As a team, all players can piggyback on each other to perform a Team Attack, a powerful attack that gets stronger the higher the stack is and changes depending on who is at the bottom. Face-to-Face sharing can also be done between all four players. If a player performs a Space Jump by pressing the A button (besides Player 1 who cannot perform this action), they will be teleported back to Player 1. Kirbys can inhale and swallow other Kirbys to steal their Copy Ability, and additionally, any Kirby can Super Inhale any team member to spit them out as a Star Bullet.
Multiplayer for the sub-games are also supported with Scope Shot being a team effort to defeat the robot(s) and Ninja Dojo being a competition. In Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe for Merry Magoland, all sub-games can be played with two or more players as well, however riding on the Warp Star across the Entrance Plaza can only be controlled by Player 1 with each joined member riding on the Warp Star's corners. Players can perform separate emotes on the Warp Star so long as it is not moving.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe [ ]
The Kirby Fighters sub-game supports multiplayer with up to four players. Players can participate in Local Play if every participant has a copy of the game; multiplayer can be played with only one copy of the game, however all players who do not own a copy must use Download Play and join the host's lobby. Once the host confirms the amount of players, the joining players will download the game until the game begins; an error will occur if the user has not updated their system to the current build or if a player decides to cancel.
When the game starts, players can choose any supported Copy Ability to fight with, however players who joined via Download Play will only have access to Cutter and Sword. Colors can be changed by pressing L/R, though no player can share the same color. Handicaps for how much health a player has can also be toggled on the ability-selection screen. The host can also select Options by pressing Y after choosing an ability to toggle item spawns, stage hazards, and ghosts on or off, as well as deciding if handicaps should be manually selected or random upon starting a battle. During Option toggling, joining players will have to wait until the host finishes changing the rules. Once everyone is content with their selections, everyone is then prompted to pick a stage which will be randomly selected by the game. Players can then proceed to brawl it out until the last Kirby standing prevails to which a win will be added to their counter as represented by a crown. Players are then brought back to the ability-selection screen to do it all again until the host ends the game.
Kirby Fighters Deluxe [ ]
Connecting players for multiplayer is the same as how it was for Kirby Fighters in Kirby: Triple Deluxe. As for gameplay, it remains largely the same with a couple differences: "Options" is now referred to as "More Settings", players who join via Download Play will have access to Cutter, Sword, and now Beam, and the addition of team battles or free-for-all battles (referred to as Solo). Once a Solo battle is chosen, the host cannot go back and switch to team battles. When selecting a team battle, there are three groups the host can choose for each player: hearts, spades, and diamonds. Alternatively, the host can press Y during this screen to shuffle teams, though the host will still have to confirm the result. Besides the aforementioned changes, everything else for multiplayer is the same as its predecessor.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse [ ]
Up to four players can use different-colored Bandana Waddle Dees (which have two hit points each) that can double jump and carry and throw Kirby. Unlike Kirby, they can walk around the stage playing the game as if it were a traditional platformer.; they can also stand on rainbow ropes. They will also be equipped with the appropriate weapons, should Kirby be in a transformed state that they are capable of mimicking. When at least a single Bandana Waddle Dee is present, Grab Hands will halt Kirby's progress at certain points, which can only be defeated by a Waddle Dee's spear. Bandana Waddle Dees can also poke Kirby with their spears to produce one Point Star; up to 50 can be produced per stage.
Kirby: Planet Robobot [ ]
The Team Kirby Clash sub-game supports multiplayer with up to four players with system connection and limiting gameplay options functioning similarly to how Kirby Fighters worked in Kirby: Triple Deluxe. Joining players via Download Play will only have access to Sword Hero and Doctor Healmore, and although these players do not have their own copy of the game, their levels, EXP, and stats are saved if they join via Download Play again.
Multiplayer during quests are functionally the same as playing single player, however players cannot pause while doing battle. If players wish to remind themselves of their role's controls, they can only do so during the role selection screen, and if any player wishes to end a quest early, they can input the button combinations L + X + START to immediately do so. It should be noted that any player can input these buttons to end a quest without consent of all players.
Two features that would be carried over to the sub-game's Nintendo eShop game successors are the EXP bonuses for multiplayer and the Final Blow mechanic. The EXP bonus for Team Kirby Clash is around a 1.1 to 1.4x multiplier. The Final Blow mechanic simply states who dealt the last attack to defeat the boss to add a competitive aspect to otherwise teamwork-heavy gameplay.
Team Kirby Clash Deluxe [ ]
Up to four players can join the adventure similarly to how previous 3DS Kirby games worked, except all players must own the game to play co-op and choose the "Wireless Quest" mode on the Quest Board. Red Heroic Missions can only be completed by the host and every player gets a 1.5 multiplier to EXP.
Kirby Battle Royale [ ]
Full Game[ ]
As with previous Kirby 3DS titles, Kirby Battle Royale supports multiplayer with both Local Play, for all players who have a copy of the game, and Download Play, for where only one user has a copy. Making and joining rooms are also the same as aforementioned titles, as well as saving the Download Play player(s)' data and restricting certain features for said players. However, specific only to Download Play are game mode Packs: Pack A includes Battle Arena, Apple Scramble, Coin Clash, Attack Riders, and Crazy Theater whereas Pack B includes Rocket Rumble, Robo Bonkers, Slam Hockey, Ore Express, and Flagball. As Download Player players can only play five modes at a time, the "All 10 Battles" when selecting battle settings cannot be selected. Bonuses Battle Points also cannot be toggled on for this mode, and only the host earns Battle Points at the end of a set of battles. Download Play participants besides the host are only allowed to select Sword, Bomb, Beetle, Spear, Cutter, and Fighter as their Copy Ability of choice. The host is also not allowed to use Waddle Dee, Meta Knight, and King Dedede if unlocked. For some unknown reason many Copy Abilities are restricted from both players despite having the empty slots being there. The host notably has more empty slots than the rest of the participants even if the host has unlocked every Copy Ability and character. All players cannot unlock these abilities by playing together, yet they exist.
Local Play has all game modes unlocked with no restricted features. This includes all Copy Abilities plus the DLC Mirror and Sleep, all characters, and all game modes can be played at once. Both players can also receive Battle Points and the Bonus points can be toggled on.
The game supports online play where players can battle it out against each other for an online ranking.
Demo[ ]
Kirby Battle Royale has a demo that also supports multiplayer, however only through Download Play. Oddly, despite there being an option to join a room, when hosting a room, it brings users to the Download Play host screen making the joining room function useless. Unlike Singleplayer, Multiplayer for the demo has a maximum of seven Demo Tickets instead of five. As with Singleplayer, however, players can only select Battle Arena, Apple Scramble, and Crazy Theater for battle modes and Sword, Cutter, and Beetle for Copy Abilities. The host will also only be rewarded Battle Points. Unique to the demo's multiplayer is that all players must press A after viewing the results of a mode whereas only the host had to press A in the full game.
Once all Demo Tickets have been used, the connection will be disbanded and the host will be shown a cinematic sneak peak of the full game; the other players will receive an error telling them to exit the application, as with previous 3DS entries.
Kirby Star Allies [ ]
Kirby Star Allies is a multiplayer-heavy game with many puzzles and gimmicks revolving around the use of four Friends. Any player can join the game by first connecting the number of controllers to be used and will control the Helper corresponding to their controller number. All sub-games can be played with up to four players as well.
Super Kirby Clash [ ]
Super Kirby Clash now allows up to four players on the same system when playing Story Quests or Party Quests by pressing "-/+ Share Play" during role selection. Players 2, 3, and 4 are assigned the role of whatever Player 1 chooses; these can be the default roles for the original Team Kirby CPUs or Wandering Adventurers from the Adventurer Bell.
In the Party Quest mode, players can play on a single system or with others locally and online. By choosing to play locally, a host needs to begin a quest by pressing -/+ upon choosing the mode and joining participants can join the room during the Quest Selection screen. If a player decides to play online, they can join or create a quest room for half the vigor and even earn a 1.3x multiplier in EXP. Heroic Missions that require equipping armor and weapon or using a Potion or an EXP Orb are completed for all players even if only one player satisfies the requirement.
Kirby Fighters 2 [ ]
As with its predecessors, this game can be played with up to four players in team battles or in a free-for-all. Story Mode: The Destined Rivals can be played with only a second player where Player 1 gets to decide who their Buddy character is. The game can even be continued even if Player 2 isn't controlling the Buddy where Player 2 can join in or leave as many times as they please. Multiplayer is not available for Single-Handed Mode.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land [ ]
Co-op multiplayer can be unlocked after Kirby finishes the introductory stage Point of Arrival. Bandana Waddle Dee will appear at the end of the stage amongst the ruins and tells Kirby he is ready to embark together with him at anytime. From this point, if the player accesses the Pause Screen, they can select "Play Co-op" which will lead to the controller confirmation screen which connects all controllers that both player want to use. Player 2 will take control of Bandana Waddle Dee having access to his new 3D-centered moveset. Bandana Dee and Kirby share the same previous co-op features in previous multiplayer games such as the ability to Space Jump and perform Face-to-Face, although in this game, the sharing animation is changed to a high-five instead of direct mouth-to-mouth. Every stock item can be shared between both players with Bandana Dee even joining Kirby and Elfilin on top of the Waddle Dee Café for a meal, as well as sleeping with them on Kirby's bed in Kirby's House.
Kirby's Dream Buffet [ ]
Of the three modes on the Main Menu, only two players on the same system can play Battle Mode via split screen whereas the other two modes, Online Mode and Local Play Mode all support up to four players on individual systems. Every game mode can be played with multiplayer including Free Rolling where there exists a 60 second timer and players can defeat each other to steal strawberries; each player can also reset their own strawberry count by pressing a shoulder button. If two players play on the same system, then only Player 1 will receive Gourmet Points from what their total strawberries are even if Player 2 got the most strawberries.
In Online Mode, players can decide to compete against others randomly or with friends via a Password Match. After waiting in a lobby for one minute, a Grand Prix will begin automatically, filling any missing slots with CPUs. A 1.8x multiplier in Gourmet Points will also be given to all players at the end of each online game even if there was only one player.
In the Super Smash Bros. series [ ]
Every entry in the Super Smash Bros. series is able to support multiplayer with up to four players, however from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U , up to 8 players can play with each other at a time. A second player can also join the game in The Subspace Emissary in Super Smash Bros. Brawl . Certain event matches in Super Smash Bros. Melee , Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U can only be played in co-op mode. Additionally, from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, players can/could battle other fighters via online play; in for Wii U and Ultimate, online play can be played with a second player in team battles. Online and Event Tourneys in Ultimate are both online options where players are pit in a tournament with 64 opponents (max of 6 matches per tourney before a winner overcomes) and fight on tournament legal rules, or with very specific rulesets during an Event Tourney.