Idle animation: Difference between revisions
m (→Kirby's Dream Land: Removing extra space.) |
|||
(23 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{image|could use some images or videos, preferably animated, of various idle animations}} | {{image|could use some images or videos, preferably animated, of various idle animations}} | ||
'''Idle animation''' refers to any character animation in gameplay (as opposed to [[ | {{incomplete|Missing documentation for the idle animations present in the Castle Village and Port Village in the ''Kirby Clash'' titles}} | ||
'''Idle animation''' refers to any character animation in gameplay (as opposed to [[cutscene]]s or other non-playable events) that occurs when that character (typically a playable one) is not being moved around or otherwise controlled by the player. These can range from simple eye blink animations to exaggerated interactions, and mainly serve to impart a sense of life and personality onto the player character. Though exceptions exist across the board, idle animations for characters were generally not a feature in earlier sprite-based games, becoming more common with increasing graphical fidelity, particularly the advent of 3D [[model]]-based graphics. | |||
The [[Kirby (series)|''Kirby'' series]] is notable in its use and development of idle animations, and the progression of their use serves to highlight both the larger trend of increasing expressiveness for characters in video games over time, as well as [[Kirby]]'s own development as a character since his debut in 1992. The scope of this article will include Kirby's idle animations by game, and will also touch on the idle animations of other playable characters (where they differ from Kirby's), as well as those of other characters and entities where applicable. This article will also place a stronger emphasis on occasional "special" animations, as opposed to the more regular idle stances. | The [[Kirby (series)|''Kirby'' series]] is notable in its use and development of idle animations, and the progression of their use serves to highlight both the larger trend of increasing expressiveness for characters in video games over time, as well as [[Kirby]]'s own development as a character since his debut in 1992. The scope of this article will include Kirby's idle animations by game, and will also touch on the idle animations of other playable characters (where they differ from Kirby's), as well as those of other characters and entities where applicable. This article will also place a stronger emphasis on occasional "special" animations, as opposed to the more regular idle stances. | ||
== Idle animations by game == | ==Idle animations by game== | ||
The following is a list of games that feature notable idle animations or milestones relating to them. Games that do not feature noteworthy or unique idle animations will not be mentioned here: | The following is a list of games that feature notable idle animations or milestones relating to them. Games that do not feature noteworthy or unique idle animations will not be mentioned here: | ||
=== ''Kirby's Dream Land'' === | ===''Kirby's Dream Land''=== | ||
{{VideoEmbed|KDL pause animation.mp4|240|216|gif=y|thumbcaption=Kirby dancing in a paused [[Green Greens]].}} | |||
''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' is notable in that it features no regular idle animations for Kirby whatsoever during normal gameplay. When not being moved by the player, Kirby stands perfectly still, and does not even blink. However, when the game is [[pause]]d for long enough, Kirby will start to dance in place, breaking the [[fourth wall]] in the process. This action does not repeat, however, as once Kirby is done with his dance, he will freeze in place again until the game is resumed. | ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' is notable in that it features no regular idle animations for Kirby whatsoever during normal gameplay. When not being moved by the player, Kirby stands perfectly still, and does not even blink. However, when the game is [[pause]]d for long enough, Kirby will start to dance in place, breaking the [[fourth wall]] in the process. This action does not repeat, however, as once Kirby is done with his dance, he will freeze in place again until the game is resumed. | ||
=== ''Kirby's Adventure'' === | ===''Kirby's Adventure''=== | ||
''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'' is the first game in the series that gives Kirby a blink cycle when he is not moving. The cycle runs on a regular pattern of three successive blinks in a row, with no randomization at play. Aside from that, Kirby has no special idle animations in this game. Notably, this blink cycle does not occur when Kirby is using | ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'' is the first game in the series that gives Kirby a blink cycle when he is not moving. The cycle runs on a regular pattern of three successive blinks in a row, with no randomization at play. Aside from that, Kirby has no special idle animations in this game. Notably, this blink cycle does not occur when Kirby is using any [[Copy Ability]], because he uses a different set of sprites for them. | ||
=== ''Kirby Super Star'' === | ===''Kirby Super Star''=== | ||
''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' features a more elaborate blink cycle for Kirby, though, like before, it is not randomized. Instead, it follows a fixed pattern where Kirby blinks three times in quick succession, with the third being slightly delayed, does this pattern a second time, then closes his eyes for an extended moment, and then finishes with one more pronounced blink before starting the whole loop again. Unlike with ''Kirby's Adventure'', this blink cycle persists even if Kirby has a Copy Ability. Kirby's blink cycle will be reset when he performs most actions, but [[crouch]]ing does not affect the cycle. | ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' features a more elaborate blink cycle for Kirby, though, like before, it is not randomized. Instead, it follows a fixed pattern where Kirby blinks three times in quick succession, with the third being slightly delayed, does this pattern a second time, then closes his eyes for an extended moment, and then finishes with one more pronounced blink before starting the whole loop again. Unlike with ''Kirby's Adventure'', this blink cycle persists even if Kirby has a Copy Ability. Kirby's blink cycle will be reset when he performs most actions, but [[crouch]]ing does not affect the cycle. | ||
None of Kirby's [[helper]]s have distinct idle animations. | None of Kirby's [[helper]]s have distinct idle animations. | ||
=== ''Kirby's Dream Land 3'' === | ===''Kirby's Dream Land 3''=== | ||
''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'' is the first ''Kirby'' game to give Kirby an "active" idle stance, where he is constantly swaying back and forth as opposed to standing perfectly still. Despite this, he does not have a blink cycle in this game. The same applies to [[Gooey]] and when either is paired up with an [[Animal Friend]]. | ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'' is the first ''Kirby'' game to give Kirby an "active" idle stance, where he is constantly swaying back and forth as opposed to standing perfectly still. Despite this, he does not have a blink cycle in this game. The same applies to [[Gooey]] and when either is paired up with an [[Animal Friend]]. | ||
=== ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' === | ===''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards''=== | ||
''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' is the first game in the series to introduce special incidental animations that may play at random when Kirby is holding still. There are three distinct animations that can play, as follows: | ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' is the first game in the series to introduce special incidental animations that may play at random when Kirby is holding still. There are three distinct animations that can play, as follows: | ||
#Kirby puts his arms behind his back and kicks the ground with his feet. | #Kirby puts his arms behind his back and kicks the ground with his feet. | ||
#Kirby sits down and taps his feet on the ground, then hops back up to his feet after rolling on his back. | #Kirby sits down and taps his feet on the ground, then hops back up to his feet after rolling on his back. | ||
#Kirby looks from side to side, and then looks up and around a bit. | #Kirby looks from side to side, and then looks up and around a bit. | ||
The second and third of these would return in various forms throughout nearly all of Kirby's subsequent | The second and third of these would return in various forms throughout nearly all of Kirby's subsequent 3D appearances. | ||
{{Youtube|TE8AO4uagqg|300|Video collage of Kirby's idle animations in ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards''.}} | {{Youtube|TE8AO4uagqg|300|Video collage of Kirby's idle animations in ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards''.}} | ||
Line 32: | Line 34: | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
=== ''Kirby Air Ride'' === | ===''Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble''=== | ||
{{multiple image | |||
| align = right | |||
| direction = horizontal | |||
| total_width = 384 | |||
<!--image 1--> | |||
| image1 = KTnT idle dizzy.png | |||
| alt1 = Kirby looking dizzy with swirly eyes. | |||
<!--image 2--> | |||
| image2 = KTnT idle distressed.png | |||
| alt2 = Kirby looking extremely sad and distraught. | |||
<!-- and so on, to a maximum of 10 images (image10) --> | |||
| image3 = KTnT idle mad.png | |||
| alt3 = Kirby jumping angrily at the player, as if to indicate decidedly un-jolly excitement. | |||
| image4 = KTnT idle stunned.png | |||
| alt4 = Kirby circled by particle effects and with an open mouth, as if to indicate a stunned state. | |||
| image5 = KTnT idle happy jump.png | |||
| alt5 = Kirby jumping happily looking at the player, as if to indicate gleeful excitement. | |||
| image6 = KTnT idle sleep.png | |||
| alt6 = Kirby falling asleep. | |||
<!-- Footer --> | |||
| footer = In-game idle animations in ''Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble''. | |||
}} | |||
One of six idle animations may play at random in the game if Kirby is left alone in a stage. | |||
#Kirby sits in place with cartoonish swirling eyes. | |||
#Kirby looks extremely sad and distraught. | |||
#Kirby jumps angrily. | |||
#Kirby sits in place with an open mouth and circled by particle effects, as if to indicate being stunned. | |||
#Kirby jumps indefatigably with a happy smile. | |||
#Kirby sleeps. | |||
Kirby jumps into each of these, including the sleeping idle animation. | |||
{{clear}} | |||
===''Kirby Air Ride''=== | |||
In ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]'', when Kirby is on his [[Air Ride Machine]], he will regularly look back toward the player and motion with his arm if the player waits too long to perform an action. When Kirby is off his machine in [[City Trial]], he may occasionally look left and right. | In ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]'', when Kirby is on his [[Air Ride Machine]], he will regularly look back toward the player and motion with his arm if the player waits too long to perform an action. When Kirby is off his machine in [[City Trial]], he may occasionally look left and right. | ||
=== ''Kirby: Squeak Squad'' === | ===''Kirby: Squeak Squad''=== | ||
In ''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad]]'', if he has no ability, Kirby will fall asleep if left alone for long enough, and will start to dream of his missing [[Strawberry Shortcake]], then when he wakes up, he will [[inhale]] his dream. | {{multiple image | ||
| align = right | |||
| direction = horizontal | |||
| total_width = 625 | |||
| footer = Idle animations in ''Kirby: Squeak Squad''. | |||
| image1 = KSqS idle animation.png | |||
| alt1 = Kirby dreams of cake before inhaling the dream. | |||
| image2 = KSqS idle Animal.png | |||
| alt2 = Kirby scratches his ear with his foot. | |||
| image3 = KSqS idle Fighter 1.png | |||
| alt3 = Kirby does a taunt. | |||
| image4 = KSqS idle Fighter 2.png | |||
| alt4 = Kirby yells and wipes his face after. | |||
| image5 = KSqS idle Magic.png | |||
| alt5 = A door appears on his hat, with a mini Kirby entering, bouncing on the brim of the hat, and leaving through it. | |||
| image6 = KSqS idle Ninja.png | |||
| alt6 = Kirby stands still with an arm raised, looking to his right. | |||
| image7 = KSqS idle parasol.png | |||
| alt7 = Kirby bounces around with a parasol. | |||
| image8 = KSqS idle Throw.png | |||
| alt8 = Kirby stands readily with his arms up. | |||
| image9 = KSqS idle Wheel.png | |||
| alt9 = Kirby pulls down on his hat. | |||
}} | |||
In ''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad]]'', if he has no ability, Kirby will fall asleep if left alone for long enough, and will start to dream of his missing [[Strawberry Shortcake]], then when he wakes up, he will [[inhale]] his dream. He has several unique idle animations for specific copy abilities as well, a trait unique to this game. | |||
*With [[Animal]], Kirby will scratch his ear with his foot. | |||
*With [[Fighter]], Kirby will assume a battle-ready stance, occasionally yelling then wiping his nose, or holding his arm out briefly. | |||
*With [[Magic]], a smaller Kirby will pop out of his hat. | |||
*With [[Ninja]], Kirby will assume a ninja pose with a stoic expression. | |||
*With [[Parasol]], Kirby will bounce on his feet. | |||
*With [[Throw]], Kirby will keep his arms raised, as if preparing to grapple. | |||
*With [[Wheel]], Kirby will tug down on his hat. | |||
=== ''Kirby Super Star Ultra'' === | ===''Kirby Super Star Ultra''=== | ||
''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'' features a similar set of animations for Kirby himself. However, all of Kirby's helpers have been given more active idle stances, as opposed to holding completely still like they did in the original game. | ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'' features a similar set of animations for Kirby himself. However, all of Kirby's helpers have been given more active idle stances, as opposed to holding completely still like they did in the original game. | ||
=== ''Kirby's Epic Yarn'' === | ===''Kirby's Epic Yarn''=== | ||
Kirby's incidental animations in ''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]'' are as follows: | Kirby's incidental animations in ''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]'' are as follows: | ||
#Kirby pulls out his [[Yarn Whip]] and starts to jump rope with it. He gets more ambitious after a while, but eventually trips and falls over, getting back on his feet a moment later. | #Kirby pulls out his [[Yarn Whip]] and starts to jump rope with it. He gets more ambitious after a while, but eventually trips and falls over, getting back on his feet a moment later. | ||
Line 48: | Line 119: | ||
These animations are also shared with [[Prince Fluff]]. | These animations are also shared with [[Prince Fluff]]. | ||
=== ''Kirby Mass Attack'' === | ===''Kirby Mass Attack''=== | ||
In ''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]'', each Kirby runs on his own set of the following idle animations, which can occur at random: | In ''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]'', each Kirby runs on his own set of the following idle animations, which can occur at random: | ||
#Sitting down | #Sitting down | ||
Line 56: | Line 127: | ||
After a while, if the player does nothing, the Kirbys will all fall asleep. | After a while, if the player does nothing, the Kirbys will all fall asleep. | ||
=== ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'' === | ===''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'' / ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe''=== | ||
''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'' introduced a set of three standard idle animations for Kirby that would persist through every subsequent game in the series that used its style and/or engine as a base, including all of the main-series games up until the present. These three main idle animations are as follows: | ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'' introduced a set of three standard idle animations for Kirby that would persist through every subsequent game in the series that used its style and/or engine as a base, including all of the main-series games up until the present. These three main idle animations are as follows: | ||
#Kirby sits down and taps his feet on the ground for a moment. | #Kirby sits down and taps his feet on the ground for a moment. | ||
Line 73: | Line 144: | ||
*Kirby, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee all wave toward the player. Meta Knight initially remains stoic, but eventually joins in reluctantly. | *Kirby, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee all wave toward the player. Meta Knight initially remains stoic, but eventually joins in reluctantly. | ||
=== ''Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition'' === | ===''Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition''=== | ||
Kirby has the same set of idle animations in [[New Challenge Stages]] as in ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. | Kirby has the same set of idle animations in [[New Challenge Stages]] as in ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. | ||
Line 81: | Line 152: | ||
*Get tired and fall asleep for a moment before waking up with a startle. | *Get tired and fall asleep for a moment before waking up with a startle. | ||
=== ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe'' === | ===''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''=== | ||
Kirby has the same set of idle animations in ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'' as in ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. | Kirby has the same set of idle animations in ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'' as in ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. | ||
Line 89: | Line 160: | ||
#He lets out a big sneeze. | #He lets out a big sneeze. | ||
=== ''Kirby: Planet Robobot'' === | ===''Kirby: Planet Robobot''=== | ||
{{multiple image | |||
| align = right | |||
| direction = horizontal | |||
| total_width = 300 | |||
| image1 = KPR idle stretch.png | |||
| alt1 = Kirby stretching. | |||
| image2 = KPR idle sit.png | |||
| alt2 = Kirby sitting and tapping his feet. | |||
| image3 = KPR idle look.png | |||
| alt3 = Kirby looking around him. | |||
| footer = Kirby's idle animations as seen in ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''. | |||
}} | |||
Kirby has the same set of idle animations in ''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'' as in ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. There are no special animations to note for when he is in the [[Robobot Armor]]. | Kirby has the same set of idle animations in ''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'' as in ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. There are no special animations to note for when he is in the [[Robobot Armor]]. | ||
Line 97: | Line 180: | ||
*He holds out and examines his sword. | *He holds out and examines his sword. | ||
=== ''Kirby Star Allies'' === | ===''Kirby Star Allies''=== | ||
''[[Kirby Star Allies]]'' is notable in the sense that every playable | ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]'' is notable in the sense that every playable friend and [[Dream Friend]] has unique idle animations. The following table lists all of the animations which pertain to each character: | ||
{| class="sortable wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="2" | {| class="sortable wikitable mw-collapsible" border="1" cellpadding="2" | ||
!Character | !Character | ||
!class=unsortable|Animations | !class=unsortable|Animations | ||
!class=unsortable|Notes | !class=unsortable|Notes | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Kirby]] | |[[Kirby]] | ||
Line 193: | Line 276: | ||
| | | | ||
*Driblee jumps for joy with two swaying hops. | *Driblee jumps for joy with two swaying hops. | ||
*Driblee turns | *Driblee turns its head to the side and nods gently with its eyes closed. | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 295: | Line 378: | ||
|[[Adeleine]] & [[Ribbon]] | |[[Adeleine]] & [[Ribbon]] | ||
| | | | ||
*Ribbon appears and faces Adeleine. The two then give each-other three high-fives before Ribbon disappears again. | *Ribbon appears and faces Adeleine. The two then give each-other three high-fives before Ribbon disappears again. These high-fives mirror the ones Kirby and Waddle Dee do in the "Adding Adeleine" cutscene from ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards''. | ||
*Adeleine sits down, and then Ribbon appears beside her. The two silently chat with each-other for a moment, finishing off with a spin from Ribbon and a chuckle from Adeleine before Ribbon disappears again and Adeleine gets up. | *Adeleine sits down, and then Ribbon appears beside her. The two silently chat with each-other for a moment, finishing off with a spin from Ribbon and a chuckle from Adeleine before Ribbon disappears again and Adeleine gets up. | ||
| | | | ||
Line 331: | Line 414: | ||
|[[The Three Mage-Sisters]] | |[[The Three Mage-Sisters]] | ||
|Each of the Mage-Sisters use the same animations. These are as follows: | |Each of the Mage-Sisters use the same animations. These are as follows: | ||
* | *The chosen sister puts her weapon away, and then brings her palms together in reverence, then she opens them in an arc above her head before throwing them to her sides. | ||
* | *The chosen sister puts her weapon away, waves toward the screen, then out in front of her, and then brushes her hair briefly. | ||
| | | | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 338: | Line 421: | ||
In addition, the main menu features a large number of "skits" that play out between various characters. For a full list of those, see the [[Skit]] page. | In addition, the main menu features a large number of "skits" that play out between various characters. For a full list of those, see the [[Skit]] page. | ||
=== ''Kirby and the Forgotten Land'' === | ===''Kirby and the Forgotten Land''=== | ||
In ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'', Kirby has the following idle animations: | In ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'', Kirby has the following idle animations: | ||
#Kirby smiles and gently sways from side to side. | #Kirby smiles and gently sways from side to side. | ||
Line 345: | Line 428: | ||
Bandana Waddle Dee has the same set of idle animations as Kirby. | Bandana Waddle Dee has the same set of idle animations as Kirby. | ||
Kirby's sitting pose from previous games has been moved to one of his | Kirby's sitting pose from previous games has been moved to one of his [[emote]]s. Additionally, the player can actively trigger Kirby's looking animation by pressing another of the emote buttons. | ||
== Trivia == | ==Trivia== | ||
*Generally speaking, incidental idle animations will not play when a character is holding an [[item]], is standing on a sloped surface, or is at low [[health]]. | *Generally speaking, incidental idle animations will not play when a character is holding an [[item]], is standing on a sloped surface, or is at low [[health]]. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
{{Navbox-Game Design}} | |||
[[Category:Gameplay mechanics]] | [[Category:Gameplay mechanics]] |
Latest revision as of 00:23, 16 April 2024
Idle animation refers to any character animation in gameplay (as opposed to cutscenes or other non-playable events) that occurs when that character (typically a playable one) is not being moved around or otherwise controlled by the player. These can range from simple eye blink animations to exaggerated interactions, and mainly serve to impart a sense of life and personality onto the player character. Though exceptions exist across the board, idle animations for characters were generally not a feature in earlier sprite-based games, becoming more common with increasing graphical fidelity, particularly the advent of 3D model-based graphics.
The Kirby series is notable in its use and development of idle animations, and the progression of their use serves to highlight both the larger trend of increasing expressiveness for characters in video games over time, as well as Kirby's own development as a character since his debut in 1992. The scope of this article will include Kirby's idle animations by game, and will also touch on the idle animations of other playable characters (where they differ from Kirby's), as well as those of other characters and entities where applicable. This article will also place a stronger emphasis on occasional "special" animations, as opposed to the more regular idle stances.
Idle animations by game[edit]
The following is a list of games that feature notable idle animations or milestones relating to them. Games that do not feature noteworthy or unique idle animations will not be mentioned here:
Kirby's Dream Land[edit]
Kirby's Dream Land is notable in that it features no regular idle animations for Kirby whatsoever during normal gameplay. When not being moved by the player, Kirby stands perfectly still, and does not even blink. However, when the game is paused for long enough, Kirby will start to dance in place, breaking the fourth wall in the process. This action does not repeat, however, as once Kirby is done with his dance, he will freeze in place again until the game is resumed.
Kirby's Adventure[edit]
Kirby's Adventure is the first game in the series that gives Kirby a blink cycle when he is not moving. The cycle runs on a regular pattern of three successive blinks in a row, with no randomization at play. Aside from that, Kirby has no special idle animations in this game. Notably, this blink cycle does not occur when Kirby is using any Copy Ability, because he uses a different set of sprites for them.
Kirby Super Star[edit]
Kirby Super Star features a more elaborate blink cycle for Kirby, though, like before, it is not randomized. Instead, it follows a fixed pattern where Kirby blinks three times in quick succession, with the third being slightly delayed, does this pattern a second time, then closes his eyes for an extended moment, and then finishes with one more pronounced blink before starting the whole loop again. Unlike with Kirby's Adventure, this blink cycle persists even if Kirby has a Copy Ability. Kirby's blink cycle will be reset when he performs most actions, but crouching does not affect the cycle.
None of Kirby's helpers have distinct idle animations.
Kirby's Dream Land 3[edit]
Kirby's Dream Land 3 is the first Kirby game to give Kirby an "active" idle stance, where he is constantly swaying back and forth as opposed to standing perfectly still. Despite this, he does not have a blink cycle in this game. The same applies to Gooey and when either is paired up with an Animal Friend.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards[edit]
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is the first game in the series to introduce special incidental animations that may play at random when Kirby is holding still. There are three distinct animations that can play, as follows:
- Kirby puts his arms behind his back and kicks the ground with his feet.
- Kirby sits down and taps his feet on the ground, then hops back up to his feet after rolling on his back.
- Kirby looks from side to side, and then looks up and around a bit.
The second and third of these would return in various forms throughout nearly all of Kirby's subsequent 3D appearances.
Video collage of Kirby's idle animations in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.
|
Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble[edit]
One of six idle animations may play at random in the game if Kirby is left alone in a stage.
- Kirby sits in place with cartoonish swirling eyes.
- Kirby looks extremely sad and distraught.
- Kirby jumps angrily.
- Kirby sits in place with an open mouth and circled by particle effects, as if to indicate being stunned.
- Kirby jumps indefatigably with a happy smile.
- Kirby sleeps.
Kirby jumps into each of these, including the sleeping idle animation.
Kirby Air Ride[edit]
In Kirby Air Ride, when Kirby is on his Air Ride Machine, he will regularly look back toward the player and motion with his arm if the player waits too long to perform an action. When Kirby is off his machine in City Trial, he may occasionally look left and right.
Kirby: Squeak Squad[edit]
In Kirby: Squeak Squad, if he has no ability, Kirby will fall asleep if left alone for long enough, and will start to dream of his missing Strawberry Shortcake, then when he wakes up, he will inhale his dream. He has several unique idle animations for specific copy abilities as well, a trait unique to this game.
- With Animal, Kirby will scratch his ear with his foot.
- With Fighter, Kirby will assume a battle-ready stance, occasionally yelling then wiping his nose, or holding his arm out briefly.
- With Magic, a smaller Kirby will pop out of his hat.
- With Ninja, Kirby will assume a ninja pose with a stoic expression.
- With Parasol, Kirby will bounce on his feet.
- With Throw, Kirby will keep his arms raised, as if preparing to grapple.
- With Wheel, Kirby will tug down on his hat.
Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]
Kirby Super Star Ultra features a similar set of animations for Kirby himself. However, all of Kirby's helpers have been given more active idle stances, as opposed to holding completely still like they did in the original game.
Kirby's Epic Yarn[edit]
Kirby's incidental animations in Kirby's Epic Yarn are as follows:
- Kirby pulls out his Yarn Whip and starts to jump rope with it. He gets more ambitious after a while, but eventually trips and falls over, getting back on his feet a moment later.
- Kirby lets out a big exaggerated yawn, and then wipes the water from his eyes while quivering with his lips.
- If Kirby is made to sit down on certain furniture items or scenery, he falls asleep and slumps over on his belly. After a moment, he wakes back up with a startle and gets back into a sitting position.
These animations are also shared with Prince Fluff.
Kirby Mass Attack[edit]
In Kirby Mass Attack, each Kirby runs on his own set of the following idle animations, which can occur at random:
- Sitting down
- Waving while facing away from the screen
- Swaying back and forth
- Looking from side to side
After a while, if the player does nothing, the Kirbys will all fall asleep.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land / Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]
Kirby's Return to Dream Land introduced a set of three standard idle animations for Kirby that would persist through every subsequent game in the series that used its style and/or engine as a base, including all of the main-series games up until the present. These three main idle animations are as follows:
- Kirby sits down and taps his feet on the ground for a moment.
- Kirby raises his arms and stretches his body upward briefly.
- Kirby puts his arm over his eyes and looks from side to side.
Kirby's companions - King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee - also have a set of idle animations. Some are shared between characters, but the unique ones are as follows:
- King Dedede may hold out his hammer and twirl it.
- Meta Knight may hold out and examine his sword.
- King Dedede may let out a big sneeze.
- Meta Knight may stretch in a similar way to Kirby, though his eyes do not close, and flap his wings twice.
- King Dedede may briefly fall asleep before popping back awake again.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land also features idle animations for when Kirby and his friends are waiting on the Warp Star on the title screen. These include the following:
- King Dedede gets Kirby's attention, and then makes a childish face at him, causing Bandana Waddle Dee to chuckle and Meta Knight to shake his head in embarrassment, while Kirby just looks confused.
- Kirby, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee all wave toward the player. Meta Knight initially remains stoic, but eventually joins in reluctantly.
Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition[edit]
Kirby has the same set of idle animations in New Challenge Stages as in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
In the Kirby's History menu, Kirby has a number of unique animations. By default, he looks toward the player with a closed smile, but if left alone for a moment, he will perform one of the following actions at random:
- Wave at the player with an open smile.
- Look toward the item he is standing next to and admire it with an open smile.
- Get tired and fall asleep for a moment before waking up with a startle.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]
Kirby has the same set of idle animations in Kirby: Triple Deluxe as in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
In Dededetour!, King Dedede has the following unique animations:
- He may briefly fall asleep before popping back awake again.
- He twirls and tosses his hammer while giving a stern look toward the screen.
- He lets out a big sneeze.
Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]
Kirby has the same set of idle animations in Kirby: Planet Robobot as in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. There are no special animations to note for when he is in the Robobot Armor.
In Meta Knightmare Returns, Meta Knight has the following unique animations:
- He stretches in a similar way to Kirby, though his eyes do not close, and flaps his wings twice.
- He puts his free hand up to his eyes and looks around, similar to Kirby.
- He holds out and examines his sword.
Kirby Star Allies[edit]
Kirby Star Allies is notable in the sense that every playable friend and Dream Friend has unique idle animations. The following table lists all of the animations which pertain to each character:
Character | Animations | Notes |
---|---|---|
Kirby |
|
These are the same as in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. |
Blade Knight |
|
|
Sir Kibble |
|
|
Poppy Bros. Jr. |
|
|
Rocky |
|
|
Wester |
|
|
Bonkers |
|
|
Bio Spark |
|
|
Gim |
|
|
Jammerjab |
|
|
Burning Leo |
|
|
Chilly |
|
|
Waddle Doo |
|
|
Plugg |
|
|
Driblee |
|
|
NESP |
|
|
Birdon |
|
|
Broom Hatter |
|
|
Knuckle Joe |
|
|
Bugzzy |
|
|
Beetley |
|
|
Como |
|
|
Parasol Waddle Dee |
|
|
Vividria |
|
|
Chef Kawasaki |
|
|
King Dedede |
|
|
Meta Knight |
|
|
Bandana Waddle Dee |
|
|
Rick & Kine & Coo |
|
Rick's sleeping animation is by far the longest idle animation of any character in the series. |
Marx |
|
Marx does not have any incidental animations while on his ball. |
Gooey |
|
Unlike other characters, Gooey will not repeat his idle animations unless he is moved and stopped again. This may be a glitch. |
Adeleine & Ribbon |
|
|
Dark Meta Knight |
|
|
Daroach |
|
|
Magolor |
|
|
Taranza |
|
|
Susie |
|
Susie has no additional animations while piloting her Business Suit. |
The Three Mage-Sisters | Each of the Mage-Sisters use the same animations. These are as follows:
|
In addition, the main menu features a large number of "skits" that play out between various characters. For a full list of those, see the Skit page.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land[edit]
In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby has the following idle animations:
- Kirby smiles and gently sways from side to side.
- Kirby looks around himself quickly.
- Kirby does a big stretch, raising his arms high while his eyes are closed.
Bandana Waddle Dee has the same set of idle animations as Kirby.
Kirby's sitting pose from previous games has been moved to one of his emotes. Additionally, the player can actively trigger Kirby's looking animation by pressing another of the emote buttons.
Trivia[edit]
- Generally speaking, incidental idle animations will not play when a character is holding an item, is standing on a sloped surface, or is at low health.
|