Kirby Conversations | Exploring Kirby, Nintendo, and More

Kirby Sass Attack: Why the Feisty Kirby's Avalanche Never Released in Japan

Nov 13, 2024

Discover why Kirby's Avalanche is the only Kirby game never released in Japan, featuring a sassy Kirby redesigned from Super Puyo Puyo. Dive into the game's unique humor, character taunts, and its ties to Dark Prince from the Puyo Puyo series. Learn about the collaboration between Hal and Compile, the game's nostalgic aesthetic, and the impact of the innovative XBAND modem that introduced online multiplayer. Explore the legacy of this overlooked puzzle title and its significance in the gaming world.

57:48

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Quick takeaways

Kirby's Avalanche uniquely adapts Puyo Puyo gameplay with Kirby's characters, offering a comforting entry point for new players.

The game's portrayal of Kirby as a snarkier character has sparked discussions among fans regarding its humorous yet aggressive tone.

Deep dives

The Unique Appeal of Kirby's Avalanche

Kirby's Avalanche is notable for being the only Kirby game to not be released in Japan, serving as a Western adaptation of the Japanese game Super Puyo Puyo. This game wraps traditional Puyo Puyo gameplay in a familiar Kirby theme, making it appealing to fans who might not otherwise engage with the Puyo Puyo series. The use of Kirby gives players a comforting entry point, as many are drawn in by the character's charm, which significantly enhances their willingness to play despite any unfamiliarity with Puyo Puyo. The game is available on the Nintendo Switch Online, allowing contemporary players to explore this unique title and its stylistic departure from traditional Kirby games.

Intro

4min

Exploring Kirby's Unique Humor and Character Depiction

5min

Exploring Dark Prince: Puyo Puyo Meets Kirby

4min

Avalanche: A Dive into Collaboration and Gameplay

16min

The Dawn of Online Multiplayer

6min

The Legacy of Kirby's Avalanche

20min

Exploring the Unique Legacy of 'Kirby's Avalanche'

4min

Did you know Kirby's Avalanche is the only Kirby game never to release in Japan? That's because it's the Western version of Super Puyo Puyo, redesigned with Kirby characters instead of the usual Puyo Puyo crowd. (This also explains why Kirby is a little sassier in this one, as his personality is modeled after Puyo Puyo protagonist Arle Nadja.)

For this episode of Kirby Conversations, Sean, Bridget, and Gigi are going through the history of this classic Kirby puzzle game, with an avalanche of trivia, history, other puzzle games we recommend, and even notes on the XBAND, an early modem licensed by Nintendo that made Kirby's Avalanche the first Kirby game with online multiplayer! Whether you're a Puyo Puyo pro or just looking to try one of Kirby's more overlooked titles, Kirby's Avalanche is a tough but fun entry in the series that is still worth checking out almost thirty years later.

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Ky "Captain Dangerous" Parker