Kirby Conversations | Exploring Kirby, Nintendo, and More

The Developers of Grand Theft Auto Almost Made a Kirby Game?

Jul 24, 2024

Guests from DMA Design Limited, who later became Rockstar North, discuss the canceled Kirby game Kid Kirby. Topics include the unique game concept, strained relationship with Nintendo, potential for a Kirby mobile game, development challenges, and summer gaming experiences.

55:15

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Episode guests

DMA Design Limited

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The cancelled Kirby game 'Kid Kirby' by DMA Design offered unique Angry Birds-style gameplay.

Kid Kirby intended to introduce innovative mechanics like flicking Kirby with various powers.

Kid Kirby showcased unconventional 3D graphics and hinted at potential creativity in Kirby's universe.

Deep dives

Development of Kid Kirby by Western Company

A Western company, DMA Design Limited, worked on an unreleased Kirby game called Kid Kirby for the Super Nintendo. Despite having limited details about Kirby, the game was planned to utilize the SNES mouse for gameplay. The unique collaboration between the West and Japan led to an intriguing project that offered a different take on Kirby's universe.

Intro

3min

Exploring the Relationship Between a Scottish Studio and Nintendo for a Kirby Game

2min

The Unreleased Kid Kirby Game Concept

20min

Exploring Ideas for a Kirby Mobile Game and Unreleased Kirby Game Concepts

12min

Exploring the Development Team's Initial Lack of Knowledge about Kirby and Conceptualizing a Kirby Game Similar to Angry Birds

3min

Creating Miniature Sets for Figure Photography at Conventions

10min

Sharing Hobby Experiences and Discussing Summer Gaming

2min

Discussion on Online Play in Paper Mario and Game Preferences

3min

Today we're discussing Kid Kirby, a canceled Kirby title from the 90s developed by DMA Design Limited, the Scottish company that would go on to become Rock Star North of Grand Theft Auto fame. While Kid Kirby was never finished, many assets from this unique Angry Birds-esque platformer can still be found, and they show a strikingly different take on Kirby from anything you might've seen in his official released games. After digging through Kid Kirby's history for Act 1, we then check in with Ky for Act 2 about her time at Anime Expo, her new plans in the works with Good Smile, and what games she's playing this summer.

If you'd like a monthly bonus episode, along with merchandise and other rewards, we hope you'll check out our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/KirbyConversations. July's monthly bonus episode will be all about busting Kirby myths and misconceptions, and you won't want to miss it!

Questions or comments about the show? Email us at mail@kirbyconversations.com.

Kirby Conversations

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Bridget

Threads: @no1kirbyfan

Sean Douglass

Bluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.social

Ky "Captain Dangerous" Parker

IG: @captaindangerous

Our music is by Megan Kellough (https://diamondthorns.bandcamp.com) and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/). Our show art is by DJ (IG: @drawing_lemonz).