Kirby Conversations | Exploring Kirby, Nintendo, and More

For this episode we're heading back to 1990--and forward to 2056--for Kabuki: Quantum Fighter, a pre-Kirby sci-fi platformer that marked the first time HAL Laboratory published a game they did not develop themselves. Sean and Bridget are here to discuss this bizarre adventure, in which a kabuki actor (actually a colonel who got uploaded into Earth's main defense computer) flips and hair-whips his way to defeating an evil virus. It might not be one of HAL's greatest hits, but if you're into classic NES platformers, Kabuki: Quantum Fighter is still a good time today (although you might want to make use of that level select cheat to help dull the difficulty).Along the way they also look back on its appearance in Nintendo Power issue 21 (https://archive.org/details/nintendo-power-issue-021-february-1991/page/26/mode/2up) and its "bodacious" 90's commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVgIJqadh5w).Our outro music is a little different today--the Round 1 music from Kabuki: Quantum Fighter.Want to reach out? You can email us at mail@kirbyconversations.com and we may read your letter on a future episode.We will also now be uploading more visual versions of each episode to YouTube! Subscribe to us there, and you can expect new uploads a few days after each new episode releases.***Also--want to win $300 in a special holiday giveaway we're doing with our friends at Flashback 64? Check out our audio scavenger hunt, where you can win gift cards by answering trivia questions about our two podcasts. Check out all the details here.***Join us online:Kirby ConversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialIG: @kirbyconversationsThreads: @kirbyconversationsBridgetThreads: @no1kirbyfanSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerousGigiCarrd linkOur opening music is by Megan Kellough (https://diamondthorns.bandcamp.com) and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/).Liking Kirby Conversations? Then you may also enjoy another retro gaming podcast we recommend, Flashback 64: https://flashback64pod.podbean.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2025 approaches, the excitement for Kirby's future is palpable. The hosts reflect on the surprising lack of new game announcements this year, while speculating on what’s next for the franchise. They dive into nostalgia with discussions on Super Smash Bros. and classic titles available through Nintendo Switch Online. The potential for a Kirby RPG sparks imagination, along with hopes for innovative projects that blend 2D and 3D styles. Fans can look forward to remastered games and continuous support for their favorite pink hero.

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.

With Halloween approaching for our staff and listeners in the U.S., for this episode we decided to explore our favorite scarier or high-tension moments from Kirby games. From frightening final bosses to surprisingly sophisticated moments that explore themes like death or colonialism, the Kirby series is no stranger to going to some darker places. (Lest this sound like a heavy episode, we have plenty of fun with this topic along the way, and in fact this interplay between Kirby games' lighter and darker sides is something we feel many players enjoy about the series.) And in the last few minutes, we also share some of our picks for favorite games or levels to check out if you're in the mood for something spooky or scary this time of year.Also please note: SPOILERS ABOUND in this episode! Our conversation includes discussion of several games' final bosses or later plot-twists, so please be careful listening to this one if you don't want anything given away that you would prefer to discover for yourself.Want to reach out? You can email us at mail@kirbyconversations.com and we may read your letter on a future episode.Follow us online:Kirby ConversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.social IG: @kirbyconversationsThreads: @kirbyconversationsBridgetThreads: @no1kirbyfanSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerousGigiCarrd linkOur music is by Megan Kellough (https://diamondthorns.bandcamp.com) and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/).Liking Kirby Conversations? Then you may also enjoy another retro gaming podcast we recommend, Flashback 64: https://flashback64pod.podbean.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into a delightful discussion about the original Kirby's Return to Dream Land! The hosts reminisce about its charming art style, unique motion controls, and the beloved character Magalore. They share nostalgic co-op gameplay stories and the humor that makes multiplayer sessions so memorable. Insights into the evolution of Bandana Waddle Dee add depth to the conversation, while reflections on unused ideas from the game intrigue listeners. Join in for a whimsical journey through one of Kirby's standout adventures!

Gigi has been translating Japanese developer interviews from the Kirby Star Allies artbook, and with it she's discovered some intriguing new insights about the history of KSA's extensive DLC. So for this episode, we're talking all about KSA's final DLC mode Heroes in Another Dimension and all the character additions the game received throughout 2018. How do we feel about DLC in Kirby games, and how did the developers' plans change (drastically) from what they originally had in mind? And what do we make of the complex, inspired, and sometimes technologically boundary-pushing challenges of Another Dimension? Listen as we set off in search of 120 Friend Hearts and new trivia on this unique celebration of Kirby history. Have a question or comment for the show? Reach out at mail@kirbyconversations.com, and we may read your letter on a future episode.Follow us online:Kirby ConversationsIG: @kirbyconversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialThreads: @kirbyconversationsBridgetThreads: @no1kirbyfanSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerousGigiCarrd linkOur music is by Megan Kellough (https://diamondthorns.bandcamp.com) and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/).If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd be so grateful if you could click the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in your podcast app.And lastly, we hope you'll check out another gaming podcast we recommend, Flashback 64: https://flashback64pod.podbean.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gigi joins seasoned hosts Bridget, Ky, and Sean, bringing fresh insights into game recommendations for Kirby fans. They dive into hidden gems that mirror Kirby's charm, sharing nostalgia about classics like Spyro and Klonoa. Explore titles such as 'A Hat in Time' and 'Gimmick!' that captivate with engaging mechanics. The conversation also covers the challenging 'Einhänder,' perfect for those craving a tough transition. Don't miss the adorable indie 'Smushi Come Home,' showcasing whimsical adventures that resonate with fans!

Hi everyone. There's no regular episode this week, but we've got a few updates about the show to share. Most importantly, we are happy to announce that we will now be joined by Gigi, WiKirby Editor-in-Chief and avid translator of non-English Kirby content, as a new official member of the Kirby Conversations team! Welcome Gigi!And among other news, we also have a new giveaway running, where you can win a $50 Nintendo eShop gift card! You can enter at this Gleam giveaway page. We hope everyone who listens to this show can throw their name into the hat, and good luck to everyone that enters.After a short break, we will be back with the next new episode of Kirby Conversations on 9/17. See you again soon!Follow us online:Kirby ConversationsIG: @kirbyconversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialThreads: @kirbyconversationsBridgetThreads: @no1kirbyfanSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerousGigi: Carrd linkOur show art is by DJ (IG: @drawing_lemonz).Liking Kirby Conversations? Then you may also enjoy another retro gaming podcast we recommend, Flashback 64: https://flashback64pod.podbean.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gigi, a prolific Kirby translator and editor-in-chief of WiKirby, shares her journey from a fan in Brazil to a key figure in the Kirby community. She reveals surprising Kirby facts sourced from Japan-only content and discusses the intricacies of translating game materials, emphasizing cultural nuances. Gigi highlights collaborative efforts in managing WiKirby, citing the importance of teamwork. The conversation also touches on her love for various games like Pokémon and personal gaming recommendations, creating an engaging blend of insights and passion for the franchise.

There are so many ways to approach the Magolor Epilogue in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Along with completing the story, you can earn medals, speedrun it, or even take advantage of its brilliant combo system to go for amazing, triple-digit runs through each level. So for this episode, Sean and Bridget are breaking down all the gameplay possibilities for this ambitious subgame. Sean played through it the traditional way, maxing out Magolor's skills to earn platinum metals, but Bridget has her own "weird" (her words) way of playing through it to bring even more challenge. And of course, they also dig into some history and trivia behind the game, including surprising regional changes across its different translations.Have you played the Magolor Epilogue, and how did you feel about its unique systems and mechanics? Tell us your thoughts at mail@kirbyconversations.com and we may share them on a future episode.Follow us online:Kirby ConversationsIG: @kirbyconversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialThreads: @kirbyconversationsBridgetThreads: @no1kirbyfanSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerousOur 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). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.