Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kirby Super Star Ultra preserves the pick-up-and-play charm of the original SNES classic while layering in a wealth of fresh challenges. Each of the seven main games delivers a concise adventure, varying from the gentle learning curve of Spring Breeze to the breakneck pace of The Arena, where you face every boss in succession. The inclusion of five brand-new games and three sub-games further amplifies the variety, ensuring that no two play sessions feel the same.

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Copy abilities remain at the heart of the experience, allowing Kirby to inhale enemies and gain special powers that transform his attack style, movement, and even personality. Meta Knightmare Ultra shakes up the formula by letting you tackle the first five games as Meta Knight, complete with his fast-paced swordplay and signature cloak dash. Meanwhile, Revenge of the King offers a more punishing take on Spring Breeze, testing even series veterans with tighter enemy patterns and fewer health pickup opportunities.

Multiplayer adds another layer of replayability, supporting both cooperative and competitive modes across almost every minigame. Two players can team up in Spring Breeze on a single system, or face off in card-flipping contests such as Kirby Card Swipe and lightning-fast reflex challenges like Kirby on the Draw. Snack Tracks further mixes in light puzzle elements as you gobble treats and dodge obstacles, demonstrating how Ultra’s extra content caters to both solo completionists and social play sessions.

Graphics

Visually, Kirby Super Star Ultra is a feast of bright colors, smooth animations, and endearing character designs rendered on the Nintendo DS’s dual screens. The classic 16-bit sprites have been lovingly upscaled, with new background details and particle effects that bring Dream Land to life without sacrificing the original’s nostalgic appeal. From the lush fields of Whispy Woods to the stark metallic corridors of The Arena, each stage bursts with personality.

Boss encounters are particularly well-realized, showcasing oversized sprites that remain fluid in motion, even when the action intensifies. Special effects—such as shimmering water in aquatic areas or the glint of metal on mech bosses—highlight the DS hardware’s enhanced palette. The menus and HUD have been given a polished makeover, with crisp icons for each copy ability and intuitive touchscreen controls that keep the focus on gameplay rather than fiddly button inputs.

Even the newly introduced sub-games benefit from charming visual touches: cards flip with satisfying flair in Kirby Card Swipe, while bombs and bugs animate with enough detail to make Kirby on the Draw feel like a carnival attraction. Soundtrack remixes and remastered sound effects complement the visuals, ensuring that every punch, inhalation, and star-spitting moment feels both authentic to the series and refreshed for modern audiences.

Story

True to Kirby’s lighthearted legacy, Super Star Ultra doesn’t rely on a deeply intricate narrative but instead stitches together a series of episodic adventures that emphasize fun over lore. Spring Breeze’s rescue mission to save Dream Land from King Dedede’s food heist sets the tone, while The Great Cave Offensive and Revenge of the King add exploration and difficulty spikes that feel like self-contained chapters in a larger saga.

Meta Knightmare Ultra reframes the narrative from Meta Knight’s perspective, presenting the same stages with new dialogue flourishes and a brooding musical motif that contrasts Kirby’s upbeat heroism. The Arena takes a more tongue-in-cheek approach, turning every previous boss fight into a gladiatorial challenge—complete with a narrator’s quips and victory fanfare that reinforce the game’s playful mood.

Sub-games such as Kirby on the Draw and Snack Tracks weave in minimal story elements—enemies popping up for a quick tap or snacks appearing along a track—but these modes feel like whimsical side attractions rather than standalone plot points. Overall, the storytelling in Super Star Ultra is charmingly simple, giving players bite-sized narratives that never overstay their welcome and always circle back to the core joy of playing as Kirby.

Overall Experience

Kirby Super Star Ultra stands out as one of the most generous remakes on the Nintendo DS, delivering hours of tight platforming, inventive minigames, and lighthearted co-op fun. Whether you’re a newcomer curious about Kirby’s origins or a veteran seeking to master Ultra’s tougher challenges, the sheer volume of content ensures excellent value for money. The ability to tackle bite-sized adventures or dive into extended play sessions makes it a perfect choice for both quick commutes and marathon gaming nights.

The balance between newly added modes and faithfully preserved classics means you’re not just replaying a familiar game—you’re discovering fresh twists that feel seamlessly integrated. Replayability thrives in The Arena’s boss gauntlets, the speed-run incentives of Revenge of the King, and the novelty of mini-games like Kirby Card Swipe. Cooperative play encourages teamwork, while competitive face-offs keep the spirit of friendly rivalry alive.

Ultimately, Kirby Super Star Ultra shines as a celebration of Kirby’s playful versatility. It takes the best elements of the SNES original, spruces them up with modern enhancements, and bundles them with enough extra content to satisfy the most dedicated fans. For players seeking a cheerful, accessible platformer with layers of depth and endless charm, Ultra remains a must-own title on the DS library.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10