Editing Kirby Super Star

{{Featured}}{{Infobox-Game
|title=Kirby Super Star
|image=
<tabs>
<tab name="North American box art">
[[File:KSS Box NA.jpg|250px]]
</tab>
<tab name="German box art">
[[File:KSS EU German box art.jpg|250px]]
</tab>
<tab name="Australian box art">
[[File:KSS Australian box art.jpg|250px]]
</tab>
<tab name="Japanese box art">
[[File:KSS_Box_Japan.jpg|250px]]
</tab>
</tabs>
|caption= Box art of '''''Kirby Super Star''''' in various regions
|developer=[[HAL Laboratory]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|designer=[[Masahiro Sakurai]]
|released='''SNES''':<br>{{Released|Japan|March 21, 1996|NA|September 3, 1996|Europe|January 23, 1997|Australia|January 23, 1997}}<br>'''Virtual Console (Wii)''':<br>{{Released|Japan|October 13, 2009|NA|May 17, 2010|Europe|May 28, 2010|Australia|May 28, 2010}}<br>'''Virtual Console (Wii U)''':<br>{{Released|Japan|May 1, 2013|NA|May 23, 2013|Europe|May 23, 2013|Australia|May 23, 2013}}<br>'''SNES: Nintendo Switch Online'''<br>{{Released|Japan|December 12, 2019|NA|December 12, 2019|Europe|December 12, 2019|Australia|December 12, 2019}}
|platforms= [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]<br>[[Wii]] ([[Virtual Console]], ''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]'')<br>[[Wii U]] (Virtual Console)<br>[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES Classic]]<br>[[Nintendo Switch]] (SNES: [[Virtual Console|Nintendo Switch Online]])
|language={{languages|jp=y|en_us=y|en_gb=y}}
|rating={{ratings|esrb=ka|pegi=3|cero=a}}
|predecessor=''[[Kirby's Block Ball]]''
|successor= [[Kirby's Star Stacker (Game Boy)|''Kirby's Star Stacker'' (Game Boy)]]
|switcher=kirby-super-star
}}
{{title font|title=Kirby Super Star}}
<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|}}}|lead|
'''''Kirby Super Star''''', occasionally known as '''''Kirby's Fun Pak''''' in European languages and code-named '''''Kirby Active''''' during development, is a main-series [[Kirby (series)|''Kirby'' game]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] that was developed by [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]]. Unlike other games in the series, it is notable for not following a single storyline, but instead consisting of six different main games, one extra game in the form of a boss endurance mode, and two sub games, each with its own scenario and gameplay elements.

''Kirby Super Star'' is often considered by fans to be the most important game in the ''Kirby'' series, as it defined several of the series' most enduring tropes, and its legacy stretches through most if not all subsequent games in the series. ''Kirby Super Star'' introduced the idea of giving (nearly) every [[Copy Ability]] a distinct hat and an expanded moveset which relies on specific controller inputs like in traditional fighting games. It also introduced several recurring characters (such as [[Dyna Blade]], [[Chef Kawasaki]], and [[Marx]]), several recurring abilities (such as [[Wing]], [[Fighter]], and [[Yo-Yo]]), and several recurring musical themes (such as the [[Gourmet Race (theme)|Gourmet Race theme]], the full versions of the [[Green Greens (theme)|Green Greens theme]] and [[King Dedede's Theme]], and the [[Boarding the Halberd|two]] [[Havoc Aboard the Halberd|themes]] associated with the [[Halberd]]), among other ideas. It was also the first main series ''Kirby'' game to feature [[multiplayer]], allowing a second player to take control of a [[Helper]] that Kirby can call to his side by sacrificing a Copy Ability.

In 2008, the game received a remake named ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'' on the [[Nintendo DS]].

}}</onlyinclude>{{:{{ROOTPAGENAME}}|transcludesection=lead}}
==Gameplay==
[[File:KSS Gameplay 1.png|thumb|left|150px|Kirby makes his way through a common landscape in the [[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]] game.]]
''Kirby Super Star'' is a two-dimensional side-scrolling action platformer game set in the fictional cartoon world of [[Popstar|Planet Popstar]] (and neighboring planets by extension). There are six primary games (or stories) to choose from, and while each differs in theme, objective, and rules, they all share the same basic play-style. Each of them has the player playing as [[Kirby]]; a deceptively powerful pink ball-shaped denizen of [[Dream Land]] who can [[inhale]] his opponents and swallow them to [[Copy Ability|gain their powers]]. Kirby also possesses the ability to [[hover|puff up and fly]], thus being able to surpass obstacles he would not be able to jump over normally. As such, the central focus of the gameplay is not on the platforming per se, but rather on combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The only real exception to this is [[Gourmet Race]], which pits Kirby's speed against [[King Dedede]]'s on a series of linear courses with relatively few hazards.

[[File:KSS Gameplay 3.png|thumb|left|150px|Kirby does battle with the [[Combo Cannon]], a boss from [[Revenge of Meta Knight]].]]
Using his Copy Abilities, Kirby has a massive variety of ways to fight his opponents, most of whom have relatively few ways of attacking in turn aside from simply running into Kirby (an action that also harms them in the process). Instead, more potent enemies known as [[Boss]]es and [[Mid-Boss]]es appear on occasion to block Kirby's path and provide a more substantial fight. These enemies typically have a high amount of [[stamina|durability]], cannot be inhaled while standing, and will take several hits to defeat. Unlike standard enemies, they are also resistant to flinching or being knocked back, meaning Kirby has to find an opening to attack them or he will be hit in return. Each game in ''Kirby Super Star'' keeps a score, which increases whenever an enemy is defeated or a certain object destroyed. However, this score has very little bearing on the gameplay proper, and is not saved by the game after completion. If Kirby runs out of stamina, he will be defeated, losing whatever ability he may have had and having to start again from the point where he entered the area. Each defeat subtracts a [[1-Up]] from his count, and if he loses all of them, a [[Game Over]] will occur, though this has little consequence aside from having the score reset.

''Kirby Super Star'' was the first game to employ [[multiplayer]] in the main series. Whenever Kirby has a Copy Ability, he can use it up in order to call a [[Helper]]; a friendly character who resembles one of the ability-providing enemies. This character can then be controlled by a second player and can tag along with Kirby and help him in the fights, though the helper cannot venture off in their own direction. The helper is limited to whichever abilities the corresponding character has, and cannot inhale like Kirby can to gain a new one, instead relying on Kirby to change their ability through various means. Kirby and his helper can [[Face-to-Face|share recovery items]] they collect, and in some cases, perform combination moves, with the most famous example being the [[Wheelie Rider]]. While helpers have less stamina than Kirby, a defeated helper does not detract from Kirby's 1-Up count and can be brought back by using up another ability, using the [[Normal Beam|Suppin Beam]], or using some other method.

{{clear|left}}

==Controls==
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" border=1 cellpadding=2
!colspan=6|Kirby's moveset
|-
!Move
!Image
!Controls
!Move
!Image
!Controls
|-
|Walk
|[[File:KSS Kirby Walking artwork.png|100px]]
|←or→
|Dash
|[[File:KSS Kirby Dashing artwork.png|100px]]
|←or→ (tap twice)
|-
|Sit
|[[File:KSS Kirby Sitting artwork.png|100px]]
|↓
|Copy/Swallow
|[[File:KSS Kirby Swallow artwork.png|100px]]<br>[[File:KSS Beam.png|100px]]
|↓ or A
|-
|Enter a door
|[[File:KSS Kirby Entering Door artwork.png|100px]]
|↑
|Jump
|[[File:KSS Kirby Jump artwork.png|100px]]
|B
|-
|Slide
|[[File:KSS Kirby Slide artwork.png|100px]]
|↓ + B
|Fly
|[[File:KSS Kirby Fly artwork.png|100px]]
|B (continuously while jumping)
|-
|Swim
|[[File:KSS Kirby In Water artwork.png|100px]]
|B (in water)
|Inhale
|[[File:KSS Kirby Inhale.jpg|100px]]
|Y
|-
|Exhale
|[[File:KSS Kirby Exhale artwork.png|100px]]
|Y
|Shoot air bullets
|[[File:KSS Kirby Air Bullet artwork.png|100px]]
|Y (midair)
|-
|Water gun
|[[File:KSS Kirby Water Gun artwork.png|100px]]
|Y (in water)
|Use ability
|[[File:KSS Cutter.png|100px]]
|Y
|-
|Create helper
|[[File:KSS Wheelie Rider.png|100px]]
|A
|Cancel helper
|[[File:KSS Kirby Cancelling Helper artwork.png|100px]]
|A
|-
|Guard
|[[File:KSS Kirby Guard.jpg|100px]]
|L or R
!colspan=3|
|}

==Game modes==
[[File:KSS corkboard full.png|thumb|The fully-unlocked "corkboard" menu for the game.]]
''Kirby Super Star'' consists of six primary games, an extra boss endurance mode known as [[The Arena]], and two [[Sub-Game]]s. Only four of the main games are available at first, with the other two ([[Revenge of Meta Knight]] & [[Milky Way Wishes]]) unlocked as the former are completed. While all of the main games share the same basic play-style, their objectives and rules differ greatly, as well as their general tone and aesthetic.

===Main games===
{| class="sortable wikitable" border=1 cellpadding=2
!Name
!Difficulty
!class=unsortable|Caption
!class=unsortable|Unlock requirement
!class=unsortable|Description
!class=unsortable|Boss(es)
!class=unsortable|Notes
|-
|{{Center|[[File:KSS Spring Breeze title.png|100px]]<br>'''[[Spring Breeze]]'''}}
|{{color|orange|★}}
|''HELP! All the food from Dream Land has been stolen! Hurry, Kirby, or everyone will starve!''
|N/A
|[[King Dedede]] and his goons have stolen all the food from [[Dream Land]], prompting Kirby to go and get it back from them.
|[[Whispy Woods]], [[Lololo & Lalala]], [[Kracko]], [[King Dedede]]
|This game is a truncated remake of ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]''. Clearing this game is not required.

|-
|{{Center|[[File:KSS Dyna Blade title screen.png|100px]]<br>'''[[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]]'''}}
|{{color|orange|★★★}}
|''Dyna Blade is destroying all the crops. She must be stopped. Master the different abilities and defeat her.''
|N/A
|[[Dyna Blade]] is disrupting Dream Land's crops, and Kirby is tasked with finding out why.
|[[Dyna Blade]]
|This game features an overworld map and [[Trial Room|secret areas]] to discover.

|-
|{{Center|[[File:KSS Gourmet Race title screen.png|100px]]<br>'''[[Gourmet Race]]'''}}
|?
|''Race through "Gourmet World" to the finish, gobbling up all the tasty treats you can find.''
|N/A
|Kirby and King Dedede compete in three races while also grabbing [[Food]] along the way.
|N/A
|This game is a test of speed and accuracy, with the goal being to win by both reaching the end of the tracks first and/or collecting the most food. Clearing this game is not required.

|-
|{{Center|[[File:KSS The Great Cave Offensive title screen.png|100px]]<br>'''[[The Great Cave Offensive]]'''}}
|{{color|orange|★★★★}}
|''Get through the deadly cave while collecting hidden treasures.''
|N/A
|Kirby stumbles into a massive cavernous region. He will need to find his way out while nabbing the [[Treasure]]s along the way.
|[[Fatty Whale]], [[Computer Virus]], [[Chameleo Arm|Ghameleo Arm]], [[Wham Bam Rock]]
|This game-mode features a more open map with the ability to freely move back and forth between the different areas. Unlike other modes, the game does not automatically save: Kirby must instead find [[Rest Area]]s to save his progress. There are a total of 60 treasures to collect, though actually collecting them is not necessary to complete the game.

|-
|{{Center|[[File:KSS Revenge of Meta Knight title screen.png|100px]]<br>'''[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]'''}}
|{{color|orange|★★★★}}
|''Save Dream Land! Defeat Meta-Knight and his giant warship Halberd!''
|Complete Dyna Blade
|[[Meta Knight]] and his crew are seeking to take over [[Dream Land]] using their new toy - the Battleship [[Halberd]]. Kirby must stop them by bringing down their ship.
|[[Whispy Woods]], [[Twin Woods]], [[Combo Cannon]], [[Heavy Lobster]], [[Reactor|Halberd's Reactor]], [[Meta Knight]]
|This game has a chapter-based progression and a time limit on each stage, and Kirby will be defeated if he runs out of time. Additionally, this game features a real-time dialogue exchange between the Halberd crew members as they try to repulse Kirby from the ship.

|-
|{{Center|[[File:KSS Milky Way Wishes title screen.png|100px]]<br>'''[[Milky Way Wishes]]'''}}
|{{color|orange|★★★★★}}
|''HELP! You must stop the Sun and Moon from fighting!''
|Complete The Great Cave Offensive and Revenge of Meta Knight
|The sun and moon over [[Popstar|Pop Star]] are fighting. A strange jester-like creature named [[Marx]] tasks Kirby to find the stars from each [[Fountain of Dreams]] across the galaxy and summon the comet [[Galactic Nova|Nova]] to fix the situation.
|[[Twin Woods]], [[Fatty Whale]], [[Kracko]], [[Chameleo Arm|Ghameleo Arm]], [[Wham Bam Rock]], [[Heavy Lobster]], [[Computer Virus]], [[Galactic Nova Nucleus|Heart of Nova]], [[Marx]]
|This game does not allow Kirby to gain copy abilities from enemies under normal circumstances, and instead tasks him with finding [[Copy Essence Deluxe|Deluxe copy abilities]] on pedestals in order to freely switch between abilities at any time. Stages are selected from an outer-space map and most can be visited in any order. Clearing this game triggers the staff credits and unlocks [[The Arena]].

|-
|{{Center|[[File:KSS The Arena title screen.png|100px]]<br>'''[[The Arena]]'''}}
|{{color|orange|★★★★★}}
|''THE FINAL CHALLENGE! In his toughest battle yet, the {{color|blue|Pink Wonder}} faces his strongest enemies.''
|Complete Milky Way Wishes
|Kirby faces off against all of his enemies in a fighting tournament.
|All previous bosses and mid-bosses, plus [[Waddle Dee]]
|This bonus game is a [[Boss Endurance]] mode in which Kirby picks a copy ability and fights against all the bosses in the game in a randomized order, always ending with Marx. Kirby is afforded a rest area between rounds where he can recover with a limited stock of [[Maxim Tomato]]es. Clearing this game unlocks the [[Jukebox|Sound Test]].
|}

===Sub-games===
*'''[[Megaton Punch]]''' – A game of precision in which Kirby and an opponent face off in a tournament to create the greatest fissure in the ground.
*'''[[Samurai Kirby]]''' – A game of reaction time in which Kirby and an opponent compete in a single-hit samurai duel, similar to [[Quick Draw]] from ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]''.

==Copy Abilities==
''Kirby Super Star'' features 24 standard [[Copy Ability|Copy Abilities]] and two special abilities. Unlike previous titles, these abilities often feature extensive movesets, with several different attacks that can be performed with specific inputs, including by holding the attack button, performing moves in midair, or while [[dash]]ing, or inputting a specific direction while attacking. Additionally, almost every ability comes with a special hat and/or [[Color|color change]] which is applied to Kirby when he gains the ability (''Kirby Super Star'' being the first game in the series to do this).

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" border=1 cellpadding=2
!colspan=7|Copy Abilities in ''Kirby Super Star'' &nbsp;
|-
!Name
!Icon
!Appearance
!Obtained from
!Helper
!Description
!Notes
|-
!colspan=7|'''''New Abilities'''''
|-
|[[Bomb]]
|[[File:KSS Bomb Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Bomb Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Jungle Bomb]], [[Poppy Bros. Jr.]], [[Combo Cannon]]'s bomb drops, [[Poppy Bros. Sr.]]
|[[Poppy Bros. Jr.]]
|Kirby can prep and toss bombs at his opponents.
|
|-
|[[Cook]]
|[[File:KSS Cook Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Cook Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Chef Kawasaki]]
|{{N}}
|Kirby pulls out a cooking pot and boils any enemies on screen, transforming them into [[food]] items.
|Single-use ability.
|-
|[[Copy]]
|[[File:KSS Copy Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Copy Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Tac|T.A.C.]]
|[[Tac|T.A.C.]]
|Kirby can scan an enemy in order to steal its powers. Works on some enemies that cannot normally be inhaled.
|Ability is replaced when another is copied. Kirby does not gain a physical change until using the ability.
|-
|[[Fighter]]
|[[File:KSS Fighter Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Fighter Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Knuckle Joe]], [[Iron Mam|Iron Mom]]
|[[Knuckle Joe]]
|Kirby can use a wide array of martial arts-based moves and can fire energy blasts from his hands.
|Fighter Kirby's moveset is heavily inspired by the ''[[wikipedia:Street Fighter|Street Fighter]]'' games.
|-
|[[Jet]]
|[[File:KSS Jet Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Jet Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Capsule J]]
|[[Capsule J]]
|Kirby gains a jet pack that can be used to fly quickly and perform tackles. The exhaust can light [[Fuse]]s.
|
|-
|[[Mirror]]
|[[File:KSS Mirror Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Mirror Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Simirror]]
|[[Simirror]]
|Kirby can attack by throwing reflections of himself and reflecting projectiles from opponents.
|
|-
|[[Ninja]]
|[[File:KSS Ninja Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Ninja Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Bio Spark]]
|[[Bio Spark]]
|Kirby gains a wide arsenal of ninja-style weapons and techniques to battle opponents.
|
|-
|[[Paint]]
|[[File:KSS Paint Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Paint Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Chameleo Arm|Ghameleo Arm]]'s glob attacks, [[Heavy Lobster]]'s goop projectiles
|{{N}}
|Kirby can splatter paint all over the place, defeating enemies and inflicting specific effects on some bosses. [[Chameleo Arm|Ghameleo Arm]] changes color when hit, and [[Heavy Lobster]] is blinded.
|Single-use ability. This is the only ability in the game with no enemy who specifically provides it.
|-
|[[Plasma]]
|[[File:KSS Plasma Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Plasma Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Plasma Wisp]]
|[[Plasma Wisp]]
|Kirby can build up static and fire various electric blasts at enemies.
|Based slightly on [[Spark]] from earlier games, though without its signature barrier move.
|-
|[[Suplex]]
|[[File:KSS Suplex Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Suplex Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Bugzzy]], [[Jukid]]
|[[Bugzzy]]
|Kirby can grab enemies and toss or slam them in several different ways.
|Based on [[Backdrop]].
|-
|[[Wing]]
|[[File:KSS Wing Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Wing Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Birdon]]
|[[Birdon]]
|Kirby gains a pair of wings and can attack by divebombing or shooting feathers.
|
|-
|[[Yo-Yo]]
|[[File:KSS Yo-Yo Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Yo-Yo Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Gim]], [[Combo Cannon]] (cannonballs)
|[[Gim]]
|Kirby gains a yo-yo and can attack with many different tricks.
|
|-
!colspan=7|'''''Returning Abilities'''''
|-
|[[Beam]]
|[[File:KSS Beam Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Beam Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Laser Ball]], [[Waddle Doo]]
|[[Waddle Doo]]
|Kirby can fire a magical beam whip and shoot spherical beam blasts.
|
|-
|[[Crash]]
|[[File:KSS Crash Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Crash Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Bomber]], [[Scarfy]] (when [[Copy|scanned]])
|{{N}}
|Kirby can cause a huge explosion, defeating all enemies on the screen.
|Single-use ability. This ability has no hat, but Kirby flashes while he has it.
|-
|[[Cutter]]
|[[File:KSS Cutter Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Cutter Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Poppy Bros. Jr.]], [[Sir Kibble]], [[Computer Virus]] (red dragon swipes), [[Marx]] ([[Shooter Cutter]])
|[[Sir Kibble]]
|Kirby can toss bladed boomerangs which return to him.
|This game introduced the iconic [[Final Cutter]] to the Cutter moveset.
|-
|[[Fire]]
|[[File:KSS Fire Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Fire Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Burning Leo|Burnin' Leo]]
|[[Burning Leo|Burnin' Leo]]
|Kirby can breathe fire and combust into a fireball.
|First instance of [[Fire]] and [[Burning]] being fused into a single ability.
|-
|[[Hammer]]
|[[File:KSS Hammer Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Hammer Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Bonkers]]
|[[Bonkers]]
|Kirby gains a powerful mallet that can pulverize enemies and pound [[Stake]]s. Can be used underwater.
|This game introduced the iconic [[Hammer Flip]] and Hammer Throw techniques. Kirby does not gain a hat with this ability (Hammer's headband would first appear in ''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]''.)
|-
|[[Ice]]
|[[File:KSS Ice Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Ice Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Chilly]], [[Mr. Frosty]]
|[[Chilly]]
|Kirby can freeze enemies and kick them aside with his breath and with an aura.
|First instance of [[Ice]] and [[Freeze]] being fused into a single ability.
|-
|[[Mike]]
|[[File:KSS Mike Icon 3.png|center]] <br> [[File:KSS Mike Icon 2.png|center]] <br> [[File:KSS Mike Icon 1.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Mike Sprite 3.png|center]] <br> [[File:KSS Mike Sprite 2.png|center]] <br> [[File:KSS Mike Sprite 1.png|center]]
|[[Walky]]
|{{N}}
|Kirby can shout at enemies to defeat them with powerful sound waves. Each shout is more powerful than the last.
|Three-use ability. The first instance of this ability gaining a different look and sound for each shout. The third shout was provided by [[Masahiro Sakurai]].
|-
|[[Parasol]]
|[[File:KSS Parasol Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Parasol Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Parasol (enemy)|Parasol]]
|[[Parasol Waddle Dee]]
|Kirby gains a parasol which can be used to attack, defend, or gently glide downward.
|Parasol first gained its Circus Throw and the ability to douse flames in this game.
|-
|[[Sleep]]
|[[File:KSS Sleep Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Sleep Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Noddy]]
|{{N}}
|Kirby falls asleep, and cannot do anything until he wakes up or is attacked.
|
|-
|[[Stone]]
|[[File:KSS Stone Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Stone Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Rocky]], [[Fatty Whale]]'s boulders, [[Wham Bam Rock]]'s stones
|[[Rocky]]
|Kirby can transform into a stone and slide down slopes.
|This was the first game where Kirby's stone transformations could vary.
|-
|[[Sword]]
|[[File:KSS Sword Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Sword Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Blade Knight]], [[Meta Knight]]
|[[Blade Knight]]
|Kirby gains a sword and a large array of sword-fighting techniques. Can be used underwater.
|Kirby's hat is based on [[zeldawiki:Link|Link]] from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Series)|The Legend of Zelda]]''.
|-
|[[Wheel]]
|[[File:KSS Wheel Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Wheel Sprite.png|center]] [[File:KSS Wheel Sprite 2.png|center]]
|[[Wheelie]]
|[[Wheelie]]
|Kirby can transform into a wheel and ride through enemies at high speed.
|
|-
!colspan=7|'''''Special Abilities'''''
|-
|[[Wheelie Rider]]
|[[File:KSS Wheelie Rider Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Wheelie Rider Sprite.png|center]]
|Mounting a [[Wheelie]] [[Helper]]
|N/A
|Kirby and Wheelie move as one, riding extremely quickly and defeating enemies they run over.
|Kirby can perform an [[Infinity Jump]] while riding Wheelie.
|-
|[[Starship|Star Chariot]]
|[[File:KSS Starship Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Starship Sprite.png|center]]
|The [[Sparkling Star]]s
|Star Chariot "Helper"
|Kirby rides a starship that can move freely and fire star bullets at a rapid pace. Used to battle the [[Galactic Nova Nucleus|Heart of Nova]].
|Based on the [[Star Rod]] ability. Cannot be discarded while in use.
|}

===Helpers===
[[File:KSS Helper introduction.png|thumb|The [[Beginner's Room]] introducing the concept of [[Helper]]s.]]
While in possession of an ability, Kirby can spend it to call a [[Helper]] to his side, who resembles an enemy who would normally provide that ability. The Helper gains access to all of the same moves as its corresponding ability on Kirby, and in most cases also gains an [[Infinity Jump]], but has less [[health]] than Kirby most of the time. The Helper can be controlled by a second player for co-op play, but will normally be controlled by the [[CPU]]. At any time if Kirby is without an ability, he can use the [[Normal Beam|Suppin Beam]] to transform his helper into an inanimate object which can be inhaled and swallowed for the original ability the helper was based on.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" border=1 cellpadding=2
!colspan=5|Helpers in ''Kirby Super Star'' &nbsp;
|-
!Name
!Icon
!Appearance
!Copy Ability
!Notes
|-
|[[Bio Spark]]
|[[File:KSS Bio Spark Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Bio Spark Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Ninja]]
|
|-
|[[Birdon]]
|[[File:KSS Birdon Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Birdon Sprite 1.png|center]]
|[[Wing]]
|
|-
|[[Blade Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Blade Knight Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Blade Knight Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Sword]]
|
|-
|[[Bonkers]]
|[[File:KSS Bonkers Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Bonkers Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Hammer]]
|Cannot use Hammer Throw.
|-
|[[Bugzzy]]
|[[File:KSS Bugzzy Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Bugzzy Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Suplex]]
|
|-
|[[Burning Leo|Burnin' Leo]]
|[[File:KSS Burnin Leo Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Burning Leo Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Fire]]
|Can breathe fire underwater.
|-
|[[Capsule J]]
|[[File:KSS Capsule J Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Capsule J Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Jet]]
|
|-
|[[Chilly]]
|[[File:KSS Chilly Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Chilly Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Ice]]
|
|-
|[[Gim]]
|[[File:KSS Gim Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Gim Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Yo-Yo]]
|
|-
|[[Knuckle Joe]]
|[[File:KSS Knuckle Joe Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Knuckle Joe Sprite 2.png|center]]
|[[Fighter]]
|
|-
|[[Parasol Waddle Dee|Parasol W. Dee]]
|[[File:KSS Parasol Waddle Dee Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Parasol Waddle Dee Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Parasol]]
|
|-
|[[Plasma Wisp]]
|[[File:KSS Plasma Wisp Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Plasma Wisp Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Plasma]]
|
|-
|[[Poppy Bros. Jr.]]
|[[File:KSS Poppy Bros Jr Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Poppy Bros Jr Sprite 2.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|
|-
|[[Rocky]]
|[[File:KSS Rocky Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Rocky Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Stone]]
|
|-
|[[Simirror]]
|[[File:KSS Simirror Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Simirror Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Mirror]]
|
|-
|[[Sir Kibble]]
|[[File:KSS Sir Kibble Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Sir Kibble Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Cutter]]
|
|-
|[[Tac]]
|[[File:KSS Tac Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Tac Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Copy]]
|Can attack enemies using its 'grab'.
|-
|[[Waddle Doo]]
|[[File:KSS Waddle Doo Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Waddle Doo Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Beam]]
|
|-
|[[Wheelie]]
|[[File:KSS Wheelie Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Wheelie Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Wheel]]
|Can be mounted to form the [[Wheelie Rider]] ability.
|-
|[[Starship|Star Chariot]] Helper
|[[File:KSS Starship Helper Icon.png|center]]
|[[File:KSS Starship Helper Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Starship|Star Chariot]]
|Cannot be controlled by the [[CPU]].
|}

==Enemies==
===Standard Enemies===
During most of the main games (excluding [[Gourmet Race]]), [[Kirby]] encounters various enemies that he can interact with on his adventure, some of which may only be found in certain games. Most of these can be inhaled and either spat at other enemies to deal them damage, or swallowed. Swallowing certain opponents may grant Kirby a [[Copy Ability]] (except in [[Milky Way Wishes]], where abilities cannot be acquired from foes in typical fashion).

Every enemy in the game, apart from those that are invincible, possesses a certain amount of health that Kirby must deplete if he decides to defeat it by using physical attacks instead of inhaling it. In all main games apart from [[The Great Cave Offensive]], eliminating an opponent by inhaling or otherwise destroying it adds a certain amount of points to Kirby's score, which varies depending on the enemy.

(Legend: '''SB''' = [[Spring Breeze]], '''DB''' = [[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]], '''TGCO''' = [[The Great Cave Offensive]] , '''RoMK''' = [[Revenge of Meta Knight]], '''MWW''' = [[Milky Way Wishes]]
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" border=1 cellpadding=2
!colspan=11|Standard enemies in ''Kirby Super Star'' &nbsp;
|-
!Name
!Appearance
!Copy Ability
!Health
!Score
!Description
!SB
!DB
!TGCO
!RoMK
!MWW
|-
!colspan=11|Neutral enemies
|-
|[[Blipper]]
|[[File:KSS Blipper.png|center]]
|None
|8
|260
|A fish that follows Kirby in water or helplessly flops around outside of it.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Bounder]]
|[[File:KSS Bounder.png|center]]
|None
|8
|140
|Runs back and forth in front of Kirby, always keeping at a distance from him and climbing walls in its way, tossing harmful stars from time to time.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|-
|[[Bronto Burt]]
|[[File:KSS Bronto Burt.png|center]]
|None
|8
|300
|A magenta, winged creature that flies in wave motions or up and down, follows Kirby or walks or stands on the ground, taking off and flying forward or in Kirby's direction when he gets near.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Broom Hatter]]
|[[File:KSS Broom Hatter.png|center]]
|None
|16
|200
|This small, pointy-hatted creature walks left and right, cleaning the floor with its broom at briefly increasing its speed with every sweep.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Cappy]]
|[[File:KSS Cappy Cover.png|center]] [[File:KSS Cappy Uncovered.png|center]]
|None
|12
|200 (cap), 200 (body)
|Attempting to inhale this hopping enemy will first remove its mushroom cap, unmasking it. Sometimes stops to blow its cap high into the air.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Coconut]]
|[[File:KSS Coconut.png|center]]
|None
|1
|0
|Coconuts hang on ceilings until Kirby walks under them, then they fall down and explode.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Gator (Kirby Super Star)|Gator]]
|[[File:KSS Gator.png|center]]
|None
|16
|400
|This alligator pounces on Kirby, trying to bite him. This attack cannot be guarded against.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Glunk]]
|[[File:KSS Glunk.png|center]]
|None
|16
|300
|A sea anemone that sticks to the ground or ceiling and periodically launches projectiles upwards or downwards.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Gordo]]
|[[File:KSS Gordo.png|center]]
|None
|N/A
|N/A
|Invincible spike balls that move horizontally or vertically, bounce around, follow walls or remain in one place, causing harm to Kirby when touched.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Grizzo]]
|[[File:KSS Grizzo.png|center]]
|None
|55
|600
|This large bear hops around or charges at Kirby, causing a massive amount of damage if it rams him. Can sometimes be found asleep.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Kabu]]
|[[File:KSS Kabu.png|center]]
|None
|16
|200
|A spinning stone head that jumps, slides or floats up and down. The sliding variety eventually rockets into the sky, while the floating type teleports around, eventually falling down, sliding towards Kirby and exploding.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Lovely]]
|[[File:KSS Lovely.png|center]]
|None
|28
|800
|A large flower that sprouts from the ground or the ceiling, occasionally launching its head towards Kirby to try and grab him. Cannot be inhaled or guarded against.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Magical Sweeper]]
|[[File:KSS Magical Sweeper.png|center]]
|None
|9
|500
|This glowing disc follows walls or floats up and down, releasing rapid salvos of projectiles, or flies in a straight line, dropping singular, large projectiles on Kirby when he moves under it.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|-
|[[Moto Shotzo]]
|[[File:KSS Moto Shotzo.png|center]]
|None
|26
|500
|A mobile cannon that rolls and jumps around, aiming and firing cannonballs at Kirby.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Shotzo]]
|[[File:KSS Shotzo.png|center]]
|None
|N/A
|N/A
|An invincible cannon that aims at Kirby and fires singular cannonballs or always faces the same direction, but gives off three consecutive shots.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Slippy]]
|[[File:KSS Slippy.png|center]]
|None
|16
|400
|A spherical toad that swims in water or bounces around outside of it.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Squishy]]
|[[File:KSS Squishy.png|center]]
|None
|16
|300
|This white squid can walk and jump on land or swim in water.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Tookey]]
|[[File:KSS Tookey.png|center]]
|None
|6
|220
|This hen flies towards Kirby, often waiting on the ground for him to come near before taking off.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Twizzy]]
|[[File:KSS Twizzy.png|center]]
|None
|6
|180
|A little bird that either hops around or flies up and down or in wave motions.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Waddle Dee]]
|[[File:KSS Waddle Dee.png|center]]
|None
|12
|200
|The most basic enemy, all a Waddle Dee does is walk and occasionally jump.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
!colspan=11|Ability-providing enemies
|-
|[[Bio Spark]]
|[[File:KSS Bio Spark.png|center]]
|[[Ninja]]
|8
|300
|A fast-moving ninja that jumps back and forth, tossing daggers or rapidly stabbing at Kirby, as well as grabbing him and slamming him onto the ground when he touches him, regardless of whether Kirby is guarding.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Birdon]]
|[[File:KSS Birdon Sprite 2.png|center]]
|[[Wing]]
|16
|500
|This bird flies left and right or hops along the ground, shooting its feathers at Kirby or diving at him.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Blade Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Blade Knight.png|center]]
|[[Sword]]
|26
|500
|This armor-clad knight walks back and forth in a small area, slashing or rapidly stabbing at Kirby with its sword if he comes too close. Can destroy projectiles fired by Kirby with its blade.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Bomber]]
|[[File:KSS Bomber.png|center]]
|[[Crash]]
|1
|0
|When this walking bomb falls off the edge of a platform, it explodes, harming friend and foe alike.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Burning Leo]]
|[[File:KSS Burnin Leo.png|center]]
|[[Fire]]
|16
|500
|Similarly to [[Hot Head]] in other ''Kirby'' games, Burnin' Leo breathes flames or spits singular, large fireballs at Kirby.<br>Referred to in this game as "Burnin' Leo".
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Capsule J]]
|[[File:KSS Capsule J.png|center]]
|[[Jet]]
|18
|400
|Walks and hovers around and attempts to charge into Kirby, causing massive damage. Eventually flies off the screen if Kirby does not destroy it.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Chilly]]
|[[File:KSS Chilly.png|center]]
|[[Ice]]
|20
|400
|This snowman does not move fast, but can freeze Kirby if he gets too close or cause three icicles to fall down in front of itself.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Gim]]
|[[File:KSS Gim.png|center]]
|[[Yo-Yo]]
|16
|300
|This robot walks slowly, but uses its yo-yo as a fast weapon, throwing it at different angles depending on Kirby's position.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Jungle Bomb]]
|[[File:KSS Jungle Bomb.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|16
|300
|A pineapple with a helmet that either spits up to three bombs at Kirby at a time or lays one on the ground and runs away.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Knuckle Joe]]
|[[File:KSS Knuckle Joe.png|center]]
|[[Fighter]]
|30
|500
|This martial artist fires small and rapid or singular large blasts of energy at Kirby when he comes to close, as well as jumping backwards, forwards or straight into the air to kick at him.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Laser Ball]]
|[[File:KSS Laser Ball.png|center]]
|[[Beam]]
|4
|200
|Floating through the air, this orb attempts to get in front of Kirby to fire a laser at him.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Noddy]]
|[[File:KSS Noddy.png|center]]
|[[Sleep]]
|12
|100
|Always tired, Noddy alternates between slowly walking and sleeping. Swallowing it causes Kirby to immediately fall asleep as well.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Parasol (enemy)|Parasol]]
|[[File:KSS Parasol.png|center]]
|[[Parasol]]
|8
|300
|On its own, this parasol simply floats away or in circles. Usually held by Waddle Dees or Waddle Doos to slow their fall.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Plasma Wisp]]
|[[File:KSS Plasma Wisp.png|center]]
|[[Plasma]]
|10
|500
|This will-o-the-wisp flies in small circles, firing needles, arrows or large, long-range blasts of energy from its hands, depending on Kirby's distance from it.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Poppy Bros. Jr.]]
|[[File:KSS Poppy Bros Jr Sprite.png|center]]
|None, [[Bomb]], [[Cutter]]
|16
|200
|A simple enemy that makes small hops and sometimes balances on an apple. May carry and attack with bombs or a cutter boomerang, yielding the ability associated with the respective weapon if it does.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Rocky]]
|[[File:KSS Rocky.png|center]]
|[[Stone]]
|44
|400
|This living rock slowly walks left and right, jumping into the air when Kirby gets close and attempting to fall on him.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Scarfy]]
|[[File:KSS Scarfy sprite.png|center]] [[File:KSS Scarfy angered sprite.png|center]]
|[[Crash]]
|16*
|1000
|Floating up and down, a Scarfy poses little threat unless Kirby hurts or tries to inhale it, causing it to transform, chase him and eventually explode. Some specimens also follow Kirby while his back is turned to them.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Simirror]]
|[[File:KSS Simirror.png|center]]
|[[Mirror]]
|20
|500
|With its wand, this small wizard can create barriers that reflect Kirby's attacks, as well as create copies of itself. Sometimes, it attempts to teleport to safety when attacked.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Sir Kibble]]
|[[File:KSS Sir Kibble.png|center]]
|[[Cutter]]
|20
|400
|A small knight that stands in one place and tosses the top part of its helmet like a boomerang, sometimes jumping over it as it returns.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Tac]]
|[[File:KSS TAC.png|center]]
|[[Copy]]
|8
|1000
|This masked cat attempts to steal Kirby's copy ability, running away with it if it is successful. Kirby can only recover it by defeating the Tac that took it.<br>Referred to in this game as "T.A.C."
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Waddle Doo]]
|[[File:KSS Waddle Doo.png|center]]
|[[Beam]]
|18
|300
|Waddle Dee's one-eyed cousin walks and jumps like its weaker relative, but may fire a beam whip from its singular eye. In [[The Great Cave Offensive]], some Waddle Doos swing on chains.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Walky]]
|[[File:KSS Walky.png|center]]
|[[Mike]]
|16
|890
|A walking stage microphone that stops from time to time to sing, generating three harmful notes that fly out of its mouth.
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|-
|[[Wheelie]]
|[[File:KSS Wheelie.png|center]]
|[[Wheel]]
|14
|200
|A tire that rolls after Kirby, accelerating at times and attempting to run him over. Colliding with a wall causes it to briefly stop and bounce upwards.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>A transformed Scarfy explodes instantly when attacked in any manner.

===Mid-Bosses===
Mid-Bosses are stronger opponents encountered at different points throughout many of the game's stages. When Kirby engages in battle with one or multiple Mid-Bosses, he usually cannot progress further until all Mid-Bosses on the screen have been destroyed. Like [[boss]]es, each possesses a health meter; once its health reaches zero, it is defeated. Apart from [[Kracko Jr.]] and the [[Meta-Knights]], all Mid-Bosses can be inhaled after their defeat and swallowed for a [[Copy Ability]]. Unlike regular enemies, most of them are invulnerable to Kirby's [[slide]] attack or [[Air Bullet]]s.

All Mid-Bosses apart from Kracko Jr. and the Meta-Knights have to be re-fought in [[The Arena]].

(Legend: '''SB''' = [[Spring Breeze]], '''DB''' = [[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]], '''TGCO''' = [[The Great Cave Offensive]], '''RoMK''' = [[Revenge of Meta Knight|Revenge of Meta-Knight]], '''MWW''' = [[Milky Way Wishes]])
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" border=1 cellpadding=2
!colspan=11|Mid-Bosses in ''Kirby Super Star'' &nbsp;
|-
!Name
!Appearance
!Copy Ability
!Health
!Score
!Description
!SB
!DB
!TGCO
!RoMK
!MWW
|-
|[[Bonkers]]
|[[File:KSS Bonkers.png|center]]
|[[Hammer]]
|150
|2300
|Tosses [[Coconut]]s at Kirby - singular ones or three at a time - which can be inhaled and spat back, or attempts to pound him with its hammer after running towards him, creating a star that can be used as ammunition.
|colspan="5"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Bugzzy]]
|[[File:KSS Bugzzy.png|center]]
|[[Suplex]]
|160
|2600
|A giant bug that may charge at Kirby, trying to grab him and slam him onto the ground, or release two ladybugs, which fly in a wave motion and can be inhaled for ammunition. Can also jump into the air and glide towards Kirby, trying to drop on him.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="2"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Chef Kawasaki]]
|[[File:KSS Chef Kawasaki.png|center]]
|[[Cook]]
|100
|1800
|This cook tries to grapple Kirby with his extendable frying pan, briefly cooking him if he manages to do so. He may also toss plates at him - singular ones or three at a time - which can be inhaled and spat back.<br>Referred to in this game as "Cook Kawasaki".
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="2"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Iron Mam]]
|[[File:KSS Iron Mom.png|center]]
|[[Fighter]]
|140
|2200
|Walks back and forth, occasionally stopping to throw a long-range punch at Kirby or pound the ground four times, creating stars that can be inhaled and spat out. Slowly walks towards Kirby while pounding if its health has dropped below 50%.<br>Referred to in this game as "Iron Mom".
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="2"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Jukid]]
|[[File:KSS Jukid.png|center]]
|[[Suplex]]
|130
|2500
|A martial artist that launches blasts of energy - which can be inhaled for ammunition - at Kirby or attempts to grab him, slamming him onto the ground repeatedly if it is successful.
|colspan="2"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{n}}
|colspan="3"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}

|-
|[[Kracko Jr.]]
|[[File:KSS Kracko Jr.png|center]]
|N/A
|128
|10000
|A weaker form of Kracko encountered in [[Bubbly Clouds]]. Swoops at Kirby or drops three bombs on him, which are worth 100 points each and can be spat back. May also create [[Waddle Doo]]s. Unlike most Mid-Bosses, Kracko Jr. is instantly destroyed when defeated (and thus cannot be inhaled).
|align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|colspan="4"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{n}}
|-
|[[Meta-Knights]]
|[[File:KSS Axe Knight sprite.png|center]]<br>[[File:KSS Javelin Knight.png|center]]<br>[[File:KSS Mace Knight.png|center]]<br>[[File:KSS Trident Knight.png|center]]
|None
|Varies
|Varies
|A group of up to four types of Mid-Bosses - [[Axe Knight]], [[Trident Knight]], [[Mace Knight]] and [[Javelin Knight]] - which attack in different ways and need to be defeated separately, despite all sharing a health meter, often multiple times in succession. At least two are usually fought at the same time. Unlike other Mid-Bosses, all four can be inhaled before being defeated, but doing so takes longer than inhaling a regular enemy. They are also vulnerable to Kirby's slide and air bullets.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="4"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|{{key|Meta-Knights}}[[Axe Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Axe Knight sprite.png|center]]
|None
|64
|700
|Part of the Meta-Knights. Chops as Kirby with its axe, either once or multiple times while pushing towards him, or throws the axe like a boomerang.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="4"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|{{key|Meta-Knights}}[[Javelin Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Javelin Knight.png|center]]
|None
|46
|700
|Part of the Meta-Knights. Hovers around and either spins rapidly while holding a javelin or tosses burning javelins at Kirby.
|colspan="3"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{n}}
|colspan="2"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|{{key|Meta-Knights}}[[Mace Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Mace Knight.png|center]]
|None
|84
|800
|Part of the Meta-Knights. Swings a large spiked ball at Kirby or walks towards him while attempting to slam him with it.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="4"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|{{key|Meta-Knights}}[[Trident Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Trident Knight.png|center]]
|None
|64
|700
|Part of the Meta-Knights. This small samurai tosses pitchforks at Kirby or charges at him, repeatedly stabbing at him with its trident when it gets close.
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="4"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Mr. Frosty]]
|[[File:KSS Mr Frosty.png|center]]
|[[Ice]]
|110
|1700
|This walrus tosses blocks of ice, which are worth 100 points, at Kirby, pounces on him or runs towards him, attempting to swallow him and spit him against a wall. Its ice cubes can be used against it.
|colspan="2"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|align=center|{{key|3}}{{n}}
|colspan="2"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|-
|[[Poppy Bros. Sr.]]
|[[File:KSS Poppy Bros Sr.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|80
|1500
|Hops back and forth and tosses bombs at Kirby, which are worth 100 points and can be spat back. May occasionally charge at Kirby or increase the distance of its jumps to bound over him.
|colspan="5"; align=center|{{key|1}}{{y}}
|}

===Bosses===
Bosses are very powerful opponents who tend to lay at the end of levels and stages in the various games. Unlike previous games, however, bosses are not always fought at the end of levels, with some being entirely skippable. They can be distinguished from proper mid-bosses however by their distinct battle music, their on-screen appearances, and the fact that they cannot be [[inhale]]d under any circumstances.

All bosses are re-fought in [[The Arena]], so the 'Appearance' category will not include that mode for the sake of brevity.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" border=1 cellpadding=2
!colspan=11|Bosses in ''Kirby Super Star'' &nbsp;
|-
!Name
!Appearance
!Copy Abilities
!Appears in
!Description
!Notes
|-
|[[Whispy Woods]]
|[[File:KSS Whispy Woods Sprite.png|center]]
|{{N}}
|[[Spring Breeze]]<br>[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]
|A stationary tree boss who attacks Kirby by dropping [[Apple]]s and blowing [[Air Bullet]]s at him. His apples can be inhaled and spat back to deal damage.
|
|-
|[[Lololo & Lalala]]
|[[File:KSS Lololo Sprite.png|center]] [[File:KSS Lalala Sprite.png|center]]
|{{N}}
|[[Spring Breeze]]
|A duo boss who attacks by pushing emerald frames along corridors. These frames can be inhaled. Sometimes they push [[Gordo]]s instead.
|Lololo & Lalala have separate [[Stamina|health]] from each-other.
|-
|[[Kracko]]
|[[File:KSS Kracko Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Beam]] (from dropped Waddle Doos)
|[[Spring Breeze]]<br>[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|A spiky cycloptic cloud that attacks by swooping, firing beams from its eye, and dropping [[Waddle Doo]]s.
|
|-
|[[King Dedede]]
|[[File:KSS King Dedede Sprite.png|center]]
|{{N}}
|[[Spring Breeze]]<br>[[Gourmet Race]]
|Kirby's eternal rival; a gluttonous robed penguin-like figure who wields a hammer in combat and can inhale and take in air. Kirby races against him in Gourmet Race.
|Final boss of [[Spring Breeze]].
|-
|[[Dyna Blade]]
|[[File:KSS Dyna Blade Sprite.png|center]]
|{{N}}
|[[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]]<br>[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]
|A giant metal bird who attacks by swooping, striking with her beak, and grabbing with her talons. She comes to Kirby's aid in Revenge of Meta Knight.
|Final (and only) boss of [[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]].
|-
|[[Fatty Whale]]
|[[File:KSS Fatty Whale Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Stone]] (dropped boulders)
|[[The Great Cave Offensive]]<br>[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|A large whale in a sailor's outfit who attacks with body slams and by causing objects to fall.
|
|-
|[[Computer Virus]]
|[[File:KSS CV Slime Sprite.png|center]] [[File:KSS CV Dancing Doll Sprite.png|center]] [[File:KSS CV Witch Sprite.png|center]] [[File:KSS CV Evil Knight Sprite.png|center]] [[File:KSS CV Red Dragon Sprite.png|center]]
|Random (from [[Copy Essence]]s)
|[[The Great Cave Offensive]]<br>[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|A hostile computer program that forces Kirby to fight three opponents in succession in a pseudo turn-based combat.
|In The Great Cave Offensive, Kirby fights the Slime, the Dancing Doll, and the Witch. In Milky Way Wishes, he fights the Witch, the Evil Knight, and the Red Dragon.
|-
|[[Chameleo Arm]]
|[[File:KSS Chameleo Arm Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Paint]] (glob projectiles)
|[[The Great Cave Offensive]]<br>[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|A misshapen chameleon-like entity that comes in many different colors and attacks with its tongue and claws.<br>Referred to in this game as "Ghameleo Arm".
|This boss can be skipped in The Great Cave Offensive.
|-
|[[Wham Bam Rock]]
|[[File:KSS Wham Bam Rock Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Stone]] (dropped stones)
|[[The Great Cave Offensive]]<br>[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|A disembodied face that controls two hands made of stone. Only the hands can be attacked.
|Final boss of [[The Great Cave Offensive]]. May have served as the inspiration for [[Master Hand]] and [[Crazy Hand]].
|-
|[[Heavy Lobster]]
|[[File:KSS Heavy Lobster Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Paint]] (glob projectiles)
|[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]<br>[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|A giant mechanical lobster tank that pursues Kirby several times. It is invulnerable during the pursuit, but it can be attacked once it stops chasing. It fights by spewing flames from its claws, charging forward, and sending out smaller robotic minions.
|This boss can be blinded by using the [[Paint]] ability on it.
|-
|[[Twin Woods]]
|[[File:KSS Twin Woods Sprite.png|center]]
|{{N}}
|[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]<br>[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|A pair of Whispy Woods who can attack by throwing sections of their trunks into each-other and spinning to cause poisonous [[Caterpillar]]s and [[Gordo]]s to drop from their combined canopies.
|Each Whispy has separate [[stamina|health]].
|-
|[[Combo Cannon]]
|[[File:KSS Combo Cannon Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]] (dropped bombs)<br>[[Yo-Yo]] (cannonballs)
|[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]
|An automated turret attached to a laser cannon and extendable robotic arm. The turret fires projectiles while the hand tries to grab Kirby or drop bombs, and the laser cannon will go off periodically with part of the floor lifting up to try and push Kirby into it.
|While other parts can be destroyed, the Combo Cannon can only be defeated by attacking the turret.
|-
|[[Reactor]]
|[[File:KSS Reactor Sprite.png|center]]
|{{N}}
|[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]
|The power core of the Halberd. It attacks Kirby by shooting out flamethrowers from the floor, shooting blasts from its main cannon, and firing a laser that it will try to aim at Kirby. The reactor core is invulnerable to everything except its own laser fire.<br>Referred to in this game as "Halberd's Reactor".
|The flamethrowers and cannon can be destroyed, but this does not deal damage to the reactor proper.
|-
|[[Meta Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Meta Knight Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Sword]] (mostly forced, but if waited long enough it will disappear)
|[[Revenge of Meta Knight]]
|The admiral of the Halberd; this masked swordsman forces Kirby to pick up a [[Sword]] before they may fight. When he is defeated, his mask breaks.
|Final boss of [[Revenge of Meta Knight]]. After his defeat, he tries to stop Kirby from escaping the Halberd by hounding him from the air.
|-
|[[Galactic Nova Nucleus]]
|[[File:KSS Heart of Nova.png|center]]
|[[Starship]] (forced)
|[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|The core of [[Galactic Nova|Nova]]. Kirby must fly around as the pillars spin and break the central pieces of each pillar to defeat this boss. The main hazard comes from avoiding colliding with the pillars.<br>Referred to in this game as "Heart of Nova".
|First example in the series of a boss arena which loops on itself.
|-
|[[Marx]]
|[[File:KSS Marx Sprite.png|center]]
|[[Cutter]] ([[Shooter Cutter]] projectiles) [[Ice]] (ice bombs)
|[[Milky Way Wishes]]
|This twisted jester betrayed Kirby to gain great power and a pair of radiant wings. He attacks using all manner of bizarre movements and weaponry and teleports around the arena.
|Final boss of [[Milky Way Wishes]] and [[The Arena]]. Defeating him initiates the staff credits.
|}

==Other displays==
In addition to the icons of Copy Abilities and Helpers, a number of extra portraits can appear in the heads-up display, signifying additional effects, or representing other characters. These are as follows:

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" border=1 cellpadding=2
!colspan=4|Additional icon displays in ''Kirby Super Star'' &nbsp;
|-
!Name
!Icon
!Description
!Notes
|-
|[[Kirby|Normal]]
|[[File:KSS Normal Icon.png|center]]
|This icon displays under normal circumstances when Kirby is without an ability or status effect.
|
|-
|Nothing
|[[File:KSS Nothing Icon.png|center]]
|This icon displays briefly if Kirby swallows an object which does not grant him an ability.
|
|-
|[[Damage|Ouch]]
|[[File:KSS Ouch Icon.png|center]]
|This icon displays briefly whenever Kirby takes a hit that is not lethal.
|

|-
|Call [[Helper]]
|[[File:KSS Call Helper Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears whenever Kirby calls for a [[Helper]].
|
|-
|[[Invincible Candy|Super]]
|[[File:KSS Invincible Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears whenever Kirby is under the effect of an [[Invincible Candy]].
|
|-
|[[Mix]]
|[[File:KSS Mix Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears whenever a [[mix]] is triggered by swallowing two or more ability-providing enemies at once.
|The icon is represented by mixed drinks.
|-
|Out of health
|[[File:KSS Miss Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears whenever Kirby runs out of [[health]] and tumbles off the screen.
|
|-
|[[Cannon]]
|[[File:KSS Cannon Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears whenever Kirby hops into a [[Cannon|Fuse Cannon]]. 
|Does not apply for rotating cannons.
|-
|[[Cart|Trolley]]
|[[File:KSS Trolley Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears whenever Kirby hops into a [[Cart|Trolley]]. 
|
|-
|[[Warp Star]]
|[[File:KSS Warp Star Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears whenever Kirby hops on to a [[Warp Star]].
|
|-
|Enemy
|[[File:KSS Enemy Icon.png|center]]
|This icon appears when a boss or mid-boss appears and its [[stamina|life bar]] is shown. 
|Does not appear in all game-modes.
|-
!colspan=4|Character portraits
|-
|[[King Dedede]]
|[[File:KSS Dedede Icon 1.png|center]] [[File:KSS Dedede Icon 2.png|center]] [[File:KSS Dedede Icon 3.png|center]]
|Various reaction portraits for King Dedede in [[Gourmet Race]].
|
|-
|[[Axe Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Axe Knight Portrait 1.png|center]] [[File:KSS Axe Knight Portrait 2.png|center]] [[File:KSS Axe Knight Portrait 3.png|center]]
|Various dialogue portraits for Axe Knight in [[Revenge of Meta Knight]].
|
|-
|[[Captain Vul]]
|align=center|[[File:KSS Vul Portrait 1.png]] [[File:KSS Vul Portrait 2.png]] <br> [[File:KSS Vul Portrait 3.png]] [[File:KSS Vul Portrait 4.png]] <br> [[File:KSS Vul Portrait 5.png]] [[File:KSS Vul Portrait 6.png]]
|Various dialogue portraits for Captain Vul in [[Revenge of Meta Knight]].
|Vul has by far the most portraits of any character.
|-
|[[Mace Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Mace Knight Portrait 1.png|center]] [[File:KSS Mace Knight Portrait 2.png|center]] [[File:KSS Mace Knight Portrait 3.png|center]]
|Various dialogue portraits for Mace Knight in [[Revenge of Meta Knight]].
|
|-
|[[Meta Knight]]
|[[File:KSS Meta Knight Portrait 1.png|center]] [[File:KSS Meta Knight Portrait 2.png|center]]
|Various dialogue portraits for Meta Knight in [[Revenge of Meta Knight]].
|
|-
|[[Sailor Waddle Dee]]
|[[File:KSS Sailor Dee Portrait 1.png|center]] [[File:KSS Sailor Dee Portrait 2.png|center]]
|Various dialogue portraits for Sailor Waddle Dee in [[Revenge of Meta Knight]].
|
|}

== Development ==
Development of ''Kirby Super Star'' began soon after the completion of ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'', as soon as the team at HAL Laboratory had a suitable SNES development environment. [[Masahiro Sakurai]] has shared many details about the game's development over the years, much of which can be found in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkeETXCSn5M this video released on his official YouTube channel]. In this video, Sakurai explains that there were two primary prerogatives behind designing ''Kirby Super Star'': the first was the emphasis on two-player co-op, and the second was the "omnibus" format. 

The emphasis on multiplayer was given to Sakurai and his team by [[Nwiki:Shigeru Miyamoto|Shigeru Miyamoto]], who'd had trouble implementing such a system for the ''Super Mario'' games because he felt the fast-paced gameplay got in the way, and hoped that it could be done in a "slower" game like ''Kirby''. Sakurai described this request as a "tall order", as he understood that it was not that simple, particularly given the fact that Kirby's Copy Ability could radically change the "speed" of the gameplay. Noting that traditional two-player co-op games which place equal emphasis on both players often resulted in them pulling on each-other too much, and that this might get in the way of a platformer experience, Sakurai ended up creating the Helper system, which places the main emphasis on player 1, and pulls player 2 back via a [[Space Jump]] if they wander off-camera. Notably, in the original draft for this concept, the P2 character would gradually lose [[health]] if they wandered off-screen, similar to how damage can accumulate on characters in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros'' games]] if they are off-screen.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkeETXCSn5M ''Kirby Super Star'' video on "Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games", document shown at 2:12]</ref> This general concept would then be tied into the Copy Ability system by allowing Kirby to create allied versions of enemy characters by using an [[Ability Item|item]] associated with the ability. From here, Sakurai explains that this was how he came up with the idea of giving Kirby his ability hats, which he proclaims greatly increased Kirby's character appeal. In relation to this addition, as well as due to Kirby's expanded Copy Ability movesets, Sakurai and his team decided to beef up the HP of regular enemies so that they would not just be defeated in one hit by most attacks, adding versatility to Kirby's moves.

The second prerogative, that of the "omnibus" format, was driven by Sakurai's desire to create a more approachable game that would not take too long to complete, as he felt there were too many games out at the time with big time demands placed on their players. To that end, he conceived the cork-board system of having several smaller games with differing themes, stories, and gameplay styles all together in one package. He also touched upon a scrapped concept for an additional horror-themed game which was planned to be included, which he had before mentioned in an interview for the [[SNES Classic Edition]]. In this game, Kirby chases a butterfly into a spooky forest and there finds a magical wall clock that belonged to a wizard who perished centuries ago. The wall clock curses Kirby by sealing his mouth shut, leaving him unable to inhale, hover, or eat food. To break the curse, Kirby would then have to venture into a haunted mansion in the forest that belonged to the late wizard.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkeETXCSn5M ''Kirby Super Star'' video on "Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games", document shown at 6:00]</ref> Instead of Copy Abilities, Kirby would have used items to emulate their effects; for example, a candle would give him the [[Fire]] ability. The game was titled "Heat Haze Mansion" (Kagero Mansion in the interview's official translation). No work was done on this game, as it needed to be deprioritized due to time and game memory constraints. The omnibus format of the game would eventually inform its Japanese title, ''Kirby of the Stars Super Deluxe'', which was suggested by celebrity copywriter [[wikipedia:Shigesato Itoi|Shigesato Itoi]]; Sakurai found the idea properly evocative of "how rich [the game] is in content." Said richness would also serve as the basis for the Japanese box art, which, also at Itoi's suggestion, is designed after paulownia wood boxes typically used in Japan to package luxury alcohol and tableware.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220424213612/https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-kirby/ Kirby Super Star Developer Interview - SNES Classic Edition - Nintendo]</ref>

Despite generally meeting Sakurai's vision, there were a few aspects of ''Kirby Super Star'' as a finished product which he felt detracted from the experience. For instance, Sakurai explained that he had originally wanted [[Spring Breeze]] to be completely without Copy Abilities, to distinguish it from [[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]], but he was urged to add them in at the request of one of the producers at Nintendo. To this day, he still wishes he had been allowed to do without them for that mode. Additionally, he described how the CGI-rendered backgrounds in the game were, in his opinion, not a great match to the style of ''Kirby'', though he values the learning experience that implementing those backgrounds provided.

{{ImCap|image=File:KSS_prototype.png|size=250px|align=right|caption=Animation sprites of Yo-Yo, Fighter, and Cutter from [[tcrf:Prerelease:Kirby Super Star|the NES prototype]] of ''Kirby Super Star''}}
A prototype of the game on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] was revealed during the [[Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert]] in April 2017. According to Sakurai, this prototype was only meant for internal use and not as a released product. It was "fairly feature-complete" and used as a template for the final game.<ref>[http://sourcegaming.info/2017/04/19/kirbys-development-secrets/ Kirby's Development Secrets – Source Gaming]</ref><ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/201705/17132636.html?page=2 おまけ 『星のカービィ スーパーデラックス』のファミコン版試作キャラクター！ - Famitsu]</ref>

==Legacy==
''Kirby Super Star'' was a massively influential game in the ''Kirby'' series, establishing a large number of tropes and features that would persist throughout most of the subsequent main-series games, as well as some games outside of the series. Some of the main influences include:

*The addition of a hat or costume to Copy Abilities, along with the expanded fighting game-related movesets.
**Increased focus on combat and boss fights.
**The introduction of certain abilities that would become mainstays, including [[Fighter]], [[Bomb]], [[Ninja]], and [[Wing]].
*Many of the musical themes from this title would be reused throughout the series, most notably the [[Gourmet Race (theme)|Gourmet Race theme]] and the [[Green Greens (theme)|Green Greens theme]] paired with [[Kirby's Triumphant Return|the ending motif]] to [[Milky Way Wishes]].
*Meta Knight's [[Halberd]] originated in this title. ''Kirby Super Star'' is also the first game where Meta Knight has wings.
*Kirby having a health bar instead of his health being measured in pieces. This would become standard in later main series games starting with ''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad]]''.
*Many of the tropes from this game would be explored again or referenced in ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]''. This is most notable in the design of the level [[Far-Flung Starlight Heroes]], which is heavily inspired by [[Milky Way Wishes]].
*Many elements were taken to develop the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' on the [[Nintendo 64]], including [[thin floor]]s, simple directional inputs for attacks, midair jumps, and [[Guard]]ing with a bubble shield.
**Likewise, most of the ''Kirby'' stages and other content featured in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series are derived from this title.

==Staff==
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="1" cellpadding="2"
|-
!colspan=3|Staff of ''Kirby Super Star'' &nbsp;
|-
!colspan=2|Position
!Developer(s)
|-
![[File:KSS Director.png]]
!Director
|[[Masahiro Sakurai]]
|-
![[File:KSS Programmer.png]]
!Programmer
|[[Tetsuya Abe]]<br>Junichi Aoyagi<br>Masakazu Ebibara<br>Teruyuki Gunji<br>Isao Takashi<br>Akio Hanyu
|-
![[File:KSS Programmer.png]]
!Chief Programmer
|Shigenobu Kasai
|-
![[File:KSS Designer.png]]
!Designer
|Kazu Ozawa<br>Hiroo Takeshita<br>Tetsuya Mochizuki
|-
![[File:KSS CG Designer.png]]
!CG Designer
|Hitoshi Kikkawa<br>Tatsuhiro Tanuoue<br>[[Shigeru Hashiguchi]]<br>Tadashi Hashikura
|-
![[File:KSS Designer.png]]
!Chief Designer
|Tsuyoshi Wakayama
|-
![[File:KSS Sound Composer.png]]
!Sound Composer
|[[Jun Ishikawa]]<br>[[Dan Miyakawa]]
|-
![[File:KSS Mapper.png]]
!Mapper
|[[Shinichi Shimomura]]<br>Tomomi Miyami
|-
![[File:KSS Adviser.png]]
!Special Thanks
|[[Hiroaki Suga]]<br>Tetsuo Kujiraoka<br>Hidetoshi Seki<br>Yoshiaki Shinohara<br>Shigeru Hirayama<br>Seiji Otoguro<br>Atsushi Kakuta<br>Takashi Saito<br>Yoshimi Takahashi<br>[[Satoshi Ishida]]<br>Chieko Obikane<br>Hiro Yamada<br>Jim Wornell<br>Kayomi McDonald
|-
![[File:KSS Adviser.png]]
!Adviser
|Kensuke Tanabe<br>Takao Shimizu
|-
![[File:KSS Project Manager.png]]
!Project Manager
|Ryuki Kuraoka
|-
![[File:KSS Producer.png]]
!Producer
|[[Satoru Iwata]]<br>Shigeru Miyamoto
|-
![[File:KSS Executive Producer.png]]
!Executive Producer
|Hiroshi Yamauchi
|-
!colspan=3|[[Nintendo|NINTENDO,Ltd.]]<br>[[HAL Laboratory|HAL Laboratory,INC.]]
|}

==Localization==
In American languages, the game was given the name ''Kirby Super Star'', while the game was originally named ''Kirby's Fun Pak'' in European languages. Despite this regional name difference, various European and Australian sources have used both titles interchangeably to refer to the original version, as follows:
*The ''Kirby's Fun Pak'' title has been used in the European versions of ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' (misspelled ''Kirby's Fan Pak''{{sic}}), ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]'', ''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse]]'' and ''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'', alongside other British/European localized names (such as ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land|Kirby's Adventure Wii]]''). The game was even referred to as such via an official upload of the "Kirby Super Star Medley" on the European Nintendo YouTube channels.
*The ''Kirby Super Star'' title has been used in the British English version of ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'', the non-English European language versions of ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]'', and the European language versions of ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' and ''[[Kirby's Dream Buffet]]'', despite using European localized names for other games as mentioned above.
*The DS remake ''Kirby Super Star Ultra'' uses the ''Kirby Super Star'' title for all Western language versions and refers to the original version as such on the back cover.
*One of the tips in the European versions of ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' states that ''Kirby Super Star'' was "originally known as ''Kirby's Fun Pak'' in Europe". Furthermore, the European and Australian [[Virtual Console]] versions on [[Wii U]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] alongside the Super NES Classic Edition are actually the American version of the game, listed with the ''Kirby Super Star'' title.
*Since ''Kirby Star Allies'' only has one English localization used for the game, it uses the American English names for all mentioned games in the English version, not just ''Kirby Super Star''.

==Descriptions==
===[[wikipedia:Nintendo eShop|Nintendo eShop]]===
''That awful King Dedede is at it again—he's stolen all the food in Dream Land! It's up to Kirby to get it back and ultimately save Popstar from being taken over! Our round, pink hero will have to journey through six main games and two minigames, finishing with the ultimate showdown in the Arena. Each game offers its own story and variation of platforming action, as well as unique environments and an assortment of enemies. Swallowing an enemy allows Kirby to copy the abilities of that enemy, granting him the power to perform special attacks and giving him a new hat to don. Kirby can also give up an acquired ability and use it to create a helper. The helper will follow Kirby around and automatically fight as his ally—or offer a second player the chance to join in the game by controlling it. There's never a dull moment as Kirby dashes, flies, and fights!''

(This description was reused for the game on [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] - [[Nintendo Switch]] Online.)

===Special version from Nintendo Switch Online===
'''''Meta Knight's revenge!'''''

''You can play Milky Way Wishes, and the Arena too!''

''In this special version of Kirby Super Star, the secret modes are all unlocked! Revenge of Meta Knight, Milky Way Wishes, and the Arena are all available—plus the Sound Room menu, a staple of the Kirby series. In Milky Way Wishes, you can't copy abilities from enemies like you normally would, but you can collect abilities by using the Deluxe Copy Ability. Then you can use an ability you've collected as much as you want, so there's no need to hold back!''

==Trivia==
[[File:KSS Mario References.gif|thumb|250px|Mario, Luigi, Toad and Birdo cheering at Stone Kirby transformed into a statue of Mario in the battle against King Dedede]]
*Not counting special abilities, ''Kirby Super Star'' introduced the highest number of new Copy Abilities to the series since the original ''Kirby's Adventure'', adding 12 to the game. Games that have introduced new abilities since then have not added more than five standard abilities at a go.
*Several ''Mario'' series references are made, such as Stone Kirby transforming into a statue of Mario, or Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Birdo appearing in the background of [[Megaton Punch]] and the [[King Dedede]] battle in Spring Breeze.
*In the European version of the game, the colors of the buttons on the SNES controller were changed from purple to red, yellow, green, and blue to match the configuration of the European SNES controllers' button layout. However, the text wasn't altered in the game's tutorial, and thus still refers to the controller having purple buttons.

==Quotes==
{{Main|List of Kirby Super Star quotes|List of Kirby Super Star quotes}}

==Gallery==
{{Main|Kirby Super Star/gallery}}
<gallery>
KSS opening scene 1.png|Part of the opening movie for ''Kirby Super Star''
KSS opening scene 2.png|Part of the opening movie for ''Kirby Super Star''
KSS opening scene 3.png|Part of the opening movie for ''Kirby Super Star''
KSS title screen.png|American title screen
KSS file select.png|File select (with a 100% file)
</gallery>

==Names in other languages==
{{Names
|ja={{furi|星|ほし}}のカービィスーパーデラックス
|jaR=Hoshi no Kābyi Sūpā Derakkusu
|jaM=Kirby of the Stars Super Deluxe
|ko=Kirby Super Star
|koM=-
|zhTrad=星之卡比 超級豪華版<ref>From the Chinese versions of ''Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online'' and an official upload of the "Kirby Super Star Medley" from the [[Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert]]</ref><br>''xīng zhī kǎ bǐ chāo jí háo huá bǎn''<br>Kirby Super Star
|zhSimp=星之卡比 超级豪华版<ref>From the Chinese versions of ''Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online''</ref><br>''xīng zhī kǎ bǐ chāo jí háo huá bǎn''<br>Kirby Super Star
|zhM=Kirby of the Stars Super Deluxe Version<br>-
|de=Kirby Super Star<br>Kirby's Fun Pak
|deM=-<br>-
|it=Kirby Super Star<br>Kirby's Fun Pak
|itM=-<br>-
|frA=Kirby Super Star
|frAM=-
|frE=Kirby Super Star<br>Kirby's Fun Pak
|frEM=-<br>-
|esA=Kirby Super Star
|esAM=-
|esE=Kirby Super Star<br>Kirby's Fun Pak
|esEM=-<br>-
|nl=Kirby Super Star<br>Kirby's Fun Pak
|nlM=-<br>-
|ptA=Kirby Super Star
|ptAM=-
|ptE=Kirby Super Star<br>Kirby's Fun Pak
|ptEM=-<br>-
|ru=Kirby Super Star<br>Kirby's Fun Pak
|ruM=-<br>-
}}
{{ref}}

==External links==
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/shvc/p_akfj/index.html Official Japanese website]
* [https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/c/article/e224cca9-9844-11e7-8cda-063b7ac45a6d.html Interview with Sakurai about Kirby Super Star]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20171010105955/https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-kirby/ Official Translation of Interview with Sakurai (Wayback Machine snapshot)]
* [https://www.kirbyinformer.com/kirby-super-star ''Kirby Super Star'' on Kirby Informer]
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/common/pdf/CLV-P-SAAQE.pdf English manual (official digital reproduction of the original printed manual)]
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/ja/pdf/CLV-P-VAAQJ.pdf Japanese manual (official digital reproduction of the original printed manual)]

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[[Category:Kirby Super Star|*]]
[[Category:Main series games]]
[[Category:Games on Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]