
The elemental fusions last for as long as the power is held or until a new element is introduced over it, while some of the combinations are single-use moves that bear more of a resemblance to the combinations found in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. When Kirby has companions, new special attacks become available which allow Kirby to combine his abilities with those of his allies', a feature not seen since Kirby: Squeak Squad. The game can be played alone with the game's AI controlling companions or cooperatively with other players controlling companions. Kirby can throw hearts at enemies to turn them into allies.

Players control the series' titular protagonist Kirby who can be accompanied by up to three companions. Kirby Star Allies is a 2.5D platform game played from a side-on perspective. Kirby (left) throwing a Friend Heart at an approaching Sir Kibble - an enemy that grants the Cutter ability. The game has sold 3.98 million copies as of December 31, 2021, making it one of the best-selling games on the Switch.

General reception was later re-evaluated as positive after free additional content was later added, being praised for adding a new layer of difficulty. Star Allies initially received mixed reviews, with praise directed towards the game's graphics, mechanics and soundtrack, and criticism directed toward its lack of depth and low level of difficulty.

The game also features more emphasis on higher definition graphics by making the screen more spread out. The developers later added additional content for the game for the sake of adding more references from past games in the franchise. Kirby must complete each level by jumping, inhaling enemies, and using his array of abilities to progress.ĭevelopment of the game began during the 25th anniversary of the Kirby series. An installment in the Kirby series, the player controls Kirby in his quest to prevent a priest named Hyness from reviving a dark force to destroy the universe. Kirby Star Allies is a 2018 platform video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch.
