Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kirby: Squeak Squad delivers a classic side-scrolling platform experience rooted in the series’ inhale-and-copy mechanic. Players guide Kirby through a variety of themed stages, inhaling enemies to transform into numerous abilities—Fire, Ice, Spark, and many more. Each ability plays a unique role not only in combat but also in navigating environments, from lighting torches with Fire to freezing water paths with Ice. This interplay between powers and level design keeps the action fresh and encourages experimentation.

One of the standout additions is the Copy Scroll system. As Kirby explores the islands, he uncovers scrolls that enhance his abilities—upgrading Ice to create thicker ice bridges or beefing up Spark to summon multiple thunder clouds. These optional power-ups add a layer of strategy for completionists who want to uncover every secret or tackle later bosses with maximum strength. The inclusion of environmental puzzles that require specific powers, such as freezing water or moving heavy blocks with Stone, ensures that gameplay remains engaging between standard platforming and boss encounters.

The Nintendo DS touchscreen is cleverly employed to manage Kirby’s wallet of items. Every collectible toy or treasure picked up is stashed in Kirby’s stomach, represented on the lower screen. Players can “roulette” between two stored abilities by dragging the stylus, adding unpredictability and a bit of chaos to the usual power-grab routine. This roulette feature can occasionally interrupt careful planning—forcing you to adapt on the fly—but it also injects a playful risk-and-reward element that keeps each run exciting.

Graphics

Visually, Kirby: Squeak Squad embraces vibrant, cartoon-inspired aesthetics that pop on the DS’s dual screens. The titular pink puffball and his adversaries are rendered in crisp, colorful sprites with charming animations: Kirby’s inhale is delightfully squishy, and the Squeak Squad scampers and squeaks with cheeky vigor. Backgrounds feature lush forests, crystalline caverns, and mechanical lairs, all brimming with detail and smooth parallax scrolling.

Boss encounters are particularly eye-catching. King Dedede’s exaggerated movements and the Squeak Squad’s various gadget-equipped forms showcase playful creativity in design. Cutscenes are delivered through expressive sprite sequences, with occasional speech bubbles that emphasize the game’s lighthearted tone. While the hardware limits 3D complexity, the game’s art direction brilliantly uses shading, particle effects, and layered backgrounds to create depth and ambiance.

The touchscreen interface for inventory management and roulette selection is seamlessly integrated without detracting from the action. Icons and menus are intuitively laid out, ensuring that even younger players can navigate Kirby’s stash without confusion. Frame rates remain stable throughout most levels, and load times between stages are brief—maintaining momentum and immersion.

Story

The narrative of Squeak Squad begins with Kirby’s beloved strawberry cake being pilfered from his picnic basket, launching him on a whimsical quest for sweet justice. Initially, King Dedede claims the prize, but after Kirby secures his cake from the waddling tyrant, the true culprits emerge: the Squeak Squad. Believing Kirby’s collected treasures grant ultimate power, these infamous thieves make off with his hoard, setting the stage for a treasure-hungry adventure.

While the plot is deceptively simple, it’s enriched by charming character interactions and playful humor. The Squeak Squad members each have distinct personalities—bossy leader, brainy rodent, and bumbling underlings—creating memorable mini-battles and cutscene banter. Kirby’s silent heroism contrasts nicely with their chatter, reminding players that the pink protagonist needs no words to convey determination and cuteness.

Story progression is paced through short, vivid cutscenes that maintain momentum without overstaying their welcome. Each region reveals a new chunk of the Squeaks’ lair or motive, culminating in a final showdown. Though the tale is light on twists, it’s the game’s spirited presentation and dynamic boss designs that carry players through to a satisfying, cake-filled conclusion.

Overall Experience

Kirby: Squeak Squad strikes a delightful balance between kid-friendly accessibility and depth for seasoned platform fans. Levels are forgiving yet peppered with hidden treasures, encouraging replay to collect every Copy Scroll and unlock bonus mini-games. The difficulty curve is gentle early on but ramps up with tougher platform sequences and boss patterns, ensuring that players of all skill levels stay engaged.

Replay value is boosted by optional challenges—speed runs, 100% treasure hunts, and secret door quests. Completing these goals often yields new abilities or bonus stages, making the game feel fresh long after the main story concludes. Additionally, the DS’s local wireless features allow players to share certain mini-games and compare high scores, adding a social dimension to Kirby’s solo quest.

Ultimately, Squeak Squad shines as a quintessential Kirby adventure. Its inventive use of copy powers, charming visuals, and snappy pacing deliver an experience that’s both comforting and occasionally deceptively challenging. Whether you’re chasing every collectible or simply enjoying a breezy afternoon romp, Kirby’s search for his cake is a sweet treat that won’t disappoint.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10