Introduction:

Well, what can I say. Kirby is back! This time, it doesn't suck! Well, maybe that was a little harsh, but seriously, this game is a huge improvement over Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. This time, Hal and Flagship got it right. All I have to say now is, I hate the name of this game. I guess the translated Japanese name is Kirby Dorreche Theif Gang or something like that. It sounds much better than Squeak Squad.

Story:

If you want a game with a good, in depth story, then I suggest you stop reading now and forget about this game. The story, like most Kirby games, is just a way for them to give you a reason to go on the adventure in the first place. Basically, Kirby is about to eat his Strawberry Shortcake when something wizzes by and steals it. He apparently has become a greedy pig because he immediately assumes it is Dedede and heads out to give him a beat down and get his cake back. He soon finds out that Dedede has nothing to do with it, that it was the Squeaks that stole his shortcake. So, he heads off to get his cake back.

What a cheesy story. I recommend just playing the game for what it is: A fun platformer. Just pay no attention to the story at all.

Gameplay:

So, what can I say about the gameplay? It's just awesome, that's what. They brought many classic elements back, as well as adding new elements. Although you can still jump repeatedly to start flying, you can also hit up to fly like in the the Kirby games of old. They brought back old moves like Hi-Jump, UFO, and Tornado. They also added new moves, like Animal, where you can dig through soft dirt and Cupid, which is almost like a crappy version of UFO, you fly slower and your arrows don't shoot straight.

A major new element is the bubbles and Kirby's belly. Basically, when you get items in bubbles, Kirby stores them in his belly, which is viewed on the touch screen. You can have up to 5 bubble items at once. You can also mix bubbles, making food into Maxim Tomatos, Copy abilities into other random copy abilities and in some cases, copy abilities into special copy abilities.

This game can be either medium difficulty or extremely easy. Throughout the game you need to collect chests. There up to 3 chest in each level and when you collect it, it takes up a bubble space. You need to beat the level with these chests to get the treasure in them and if you decide to just run through the game without getting chests then it will be extremely easy. There are 120 chests in the game and the treasures include things like songs for the sound test, different colors for kirby, and other unlockables that help you progress further in the game, like Star Seals.

In most levels, there will be one Big Chest. This one is usually guarded by the Squeaks. When you find one you usually have to fight a squeak or run from it to get to the exit without the Squeak stealing it from you. If the squeak does steal it, you have to fight it.

Unlike the atrocity of Amazing Mirror, this game is linear like the other good Kirby games. It is a little on the easy side, but it is still a fun platformer.

I give the gameplay: 8/10

Graphics:

The graphics in this game are pretty similar to Amazing Mirror, although there are many effects in the game that are better. Some are dissapointed but I believe Kirby games should stay in the 2D realm. But, they could have made it look a little better than the GBA games with oversaturated color. For the most part though, their ok.

The only thing I think about is, comparison to Kirby's Adventure. Kirby's Adventure was very colorful for an NES game, and there was a great amount of detail including being in a forest level but seeing the ocean through the trees in the background. Squeak Squad has good background elements and detail, but they do not push the limit of the DS like KA pushed the limit of the NES.

I give the graphics: 7/10

Sound:

The sound of this is pretty good. They have a mix of old and new Kirby songs, including 2 songs from Kirby 64. The only song I don't like is one of the songs they used from Amazing Mirror. It just drives me crazy.

http://www.vgmusic.com/music/console/nintendo/gba/KAM-Rainbow_Route.mid

That URL goes to a Midi of the song. I just can't stand it, I don't know why.

Other than that though, the sound is pretty good, like usual, they leave it simple like Kirby games are supposed to be.

I give the sound: 8/10

Replayability:

This game doesn't have much replay value. Once you beat it once, you know how to do everything. You know how to get all the chests and everything and it will just become incredibly easy. There are some extra features and there is a multiplayer mode. They did add a time trial mode, which helps the replay value a little, but unless you are crazy about a good 100% speed run then it doesn't matter much.

The multiplayer is just a few minigames. It's nothing special that will make the game last longer.

I give the replayability: 3/10

Challenge:

It's not too challenging unless you get the chests. Even then, it's only slightly difficult.

I give the challenge: 5/10

Frustration:

Not very frustrating. Which is a huge plus.

I give the frustration: 10/10

Value:

It might not be worth 30 bucks. Maybe 25 bucks. It's the length of the game that makes it not worth the price.

I give the value: 6/10

Overall:

Overall it's a pretty solid Kirby game. The story sucks, but Kirby games never have a good story. It has new and classic Kirby elements that are mixed well and it is a big improvement over Amazing Mirror. The game is on the short side though.

I give Kirby Squeak Squad: 7/10

Written By: Mr. X
Date Submitted: February 21st, 2006

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