Editing Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

{{Featured}}{{Infobox-Game
|image=<tabs><tab name="North American box art">[[File:K64 The Crystal Shards box art.png|300px]]</tab><tab name="Japanese box art">[[File:K64 The Crystal Shards JP box art.jpg|300px]]</tab></tabs>
|caption=Box art for ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' in various regions.
|developer=[[HAL Laboratory]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|designer=[[Shinichi Shimomura]]
|released='''Nintendo 64'''<br>{{Released|Japan|March 24, 2000|NA|June 26, 2000|Europe|June 22, 2001|Australia|June 22, 2001}}<br> '''Virtual Console (Wii)'''<br>{{Released|NA|February 25, 2008|Europe|March 7, 2008|Australia|March 7, 2008|Japan|April 15, 2008|South Korea|September 16, 2008<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080913194943/http://www.nintendo.co.kr:80/Wii/wii/vconsol/kerby64/kerby64_01.php Nintendo of Korea (Wayback Machine snapshot)]</ref>}}<br>'''Virtual Console (Wii U)'''<br>{{Released|Europe|June 25, 2015|Australia|June 26, 2015|NA|July 30, 2015|Japan|August 19, 2015}}<br>'''Nintendo 64: Nintendo Switch Online'''<br>{{Released|Japan|May 20, 2022|NA|May 20, 2022|Europe|May 20, 2022|Australia|May 20, 2022}}
|platforms=[[Nintendo 64]]<br>[[Wii]] (''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]'')<br>[[Virtual Console|Wii Virtual Console]]<br>[[Virtual Console|Wii U Virtual Console]]<br>[[Nintendo Switch]] <small>(Nintendo 64: Nintendo Switch Online)</small>
|language={{languages|jp=y|en_us=y}}
|rating={{ratings|esrb=e|pegi=3|cero=a}}<!-- NOTE: The ESRB Teen rating in the Kirby 64 trailer for Nintendo Switch Online refers to the entirety of the service itself, not the game specifically.-->
|predecessor=[[Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom)|''Kirby's Star Stacker'' (Super Famicom)]]
|successor=''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]''
}}{{title font}}{{redirect|Crystal Shards|titular Crystal Shards|[[Crystal Shard]]}}
<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|}}}|lead|
'''''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards''''' is a side-scrolling platformer in the main [[Kirby (series)|''Kirby'' series]] featuring [[Kirby]] and some of his friends, produced by [[HAL Laboratory]] and initially released in 2000 and 2001 for the [[Nintendo 64]]. It is notable for being the first installment in the series to depict Kirby and his surroundings in full 3D, although only for visual effects. Like ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'' and ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'' before it, ''Kirby 64'' was not directed by [[Masahiro Sakurai]], but instead by [[Shinichi Shimomura]]. Unlike those titles, however, ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' does not feature [[Animal Friend]]s with which to combine with and alter Kirby's [[Copy Ability|Copy Abilities]]. Instead, Kirby does this himself by combining abilities together into [[Power Combo]]s. This results in 36 total unique abilities that Kirby can use in the game.

''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' departs from earlier games in the series in other ways as well. In addition to being the first 3D game in the series, it also is the first game to give Kirby an upper limit to how high he can [[hover]], the first game to allow him to [[inhale]] underwater, the first game to let him hold enemies and objects over his head or toss them, and the first game in the series to give him [[Kirby's voice|a voice]] courtesy of [[Makiko Ohmoto]]. ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' also features three [[Sub-Game]]s which can be played with up to four players, completely separate from the main game.
}}</onlyinclude>{{:{{ROOTPAGENAME}}|transcludesection=lead}}
==Story==
[[File:K64 RibbonEscape.png|thumb|left|200px|Ribbon's escape.]]
The story of ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' begins on a far-off planet called [[Ripple Star]], which is inhabited by fairy-like beings. The inhabitants of Ripple Star are also the guardians of a powerful crystal. Shortly before the game begins, an ill-willed creature called [[Dark Matter (cloud)|Dark Matter]] attacks Ripple Star. Concerned with the crystal's safety, the [[Queen]] asks [[Ribbon]], a young fairy, to take the crystal and escape to a safe place with it. Ribbon obeys her ruler, but as she flies off, she is pursued by Dark Matter. Eventually, the powerful being is able to assault Ribbon, which destroys the crystal and splits it into several [[Crystal Shard]]s. Meanwhile, Ribbon crash-lands on [[Popstar|Pop Star]], Kirby's home planet.

[[File:K64 RibbonMeetsKirby.png|thumb|left|200px|Ribbon, explaining her trouble to Kirby.]]
It is not long before Ribbon meets Kirby, as she unintentionally uses him to break her fall. After both of them find and merge two of the Crystal Shards, Ribbon explains her misery to Kirby, who instantly agrees to help out. While they search for the missing shards on Pop Star, they manage to add a [[Waddle Dee (Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)|Waddle Dee]], an artist girl called [[Adeleine]], and even Kirby's arch-rival [[King Dedede]] to their cause. The group then travels to several planets to look for shards, using the crystal's transportation powers. 

After traveling through several regions on numerous planets, the group finally gets the chance to travel to Ripple Star. The planet has become covered in thick, black clouds and is generally in a bad state. The Queen herself has been possessed by Dark Matter, which the group remains unaware of. Ribbon is visibly shocked to see her home planet in such a condition, but the rest of the group quickly comforts her. They then journey to Ripple Star together, where they battle their way into the palace and confront [[Miracle Matter]], the apparent master of the Dark Matter. Kirby finally manages to defeat the foe and restore peace to the fairy planet. The Queen remains influenced by the Dark Matter, however, and after Kirby and his friends leave the planet to return home in a spaceship, the queen can be seen giving Ribbon a malicious glare.

The ending changes if Kirby and his friends manage to collect all of the Crystal Shards. If they do this successfully, the restored crystal reveals the possession of the Queen and expels the Dark Matter from her body. The remaining Dark Matter then flies off into space, where it forms a new level called [[Dark Star]]. Intending to destroy the dark threat, the group travels into the heart of Dark Star with Kirby's [[Warp Star]]. Inside the black cloud, Kirby uses the abilities of his friends for one last time. Eventually, Kirby and Ribbon engage [[0²]], the master of Dark Matter, and an angelic version of Kirby's old enemy [[Zero]], in a fierce battle. The two of them manage to defeat the creature with the help of the Crystal Shards, though, and Dark Matter is eliminated. To thank the heroes for their efforts, the Queen awards each of them with a piece of the crystal. In the end, Kirby receives a kiss from Ribbon.

{{clear|left}}

==Gameplay==
[[File:K64 PowerCombo.png|thumb|Kirby, creating a Power Combo.]]
Despite the fact that ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' features full 3D graphics for the first time, the game itself still plays like a 2D sidescroller. The game makes another distinction from its predecessors, giving Kirby only seven different abilities to copy, as opposed to the vast ability pool of other games. The base abilities are [[Burning|Burn]], [[Stone]], [[Ice]], [[Needle]], [[Bomb]], [[Spark]], and [[Cutter]]. However, by inhaling enemies, Kirby can create ability stars, which he can spit at other enemies. If an ability star connects to another enemy with an ability, the two abilities will merge and form a [[Power Combo]]. By combining abilities, Kirby can master 28 different abilities, plus the seven base abilities, making a total of 35 abilities. While ability combinations exist and have existed to a degree in several other titles, ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' is the first and so far only game in the series where every copy ability can be mixed with every other ability (excluding [[Ribbon's Crystal]]).

The game features six levels, or planets, each with three or four stages and one boss fight. From the beginning, only the first stage of Pop Star is available. In every stage, there are three Crystal Shards to be found. The Crystal Shards are often hidden in remote places or behind obstacles that can be destroyed only by a certain ability (usually indicated by the obstacle's color). Finding all the Crystal Shards is not necessary to complete the game, but it is essential to 100% complete the game, as finding all 74 Crystal Shards (66 from every stage, six from every boss, and two during the intro) unlocks the true ending of the game.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="1" cellpadding="2"
!colspan=5|General controls &nbsp;
|-
!Control
!Nintendo 64 Controller
!Wii Remote (using ''Kirby's Dream Collection'')
!Classic/GameCube Controller
!Nintendo Switch
|-
|'''Move''' (press twice to dash)
|align=center|Directional Pad
|align=center|Directional Pad
|align=center|Directional Pad or Analog Stick
|align=center|Directional Pad
|-
|'''Inhale'''
|align=center|B
|align=center|1
|align=center|B
|align=center|B
|-
|'''[[Jump]]'''
|align=center|A
|align=center|2
|align=center|A
|align=center|A
|-
|'''[[Crouch]]'''
|align=center|↓
|align=center|↓
|align=center|↓
|align=center|↓
|-
|'''[[Slide]]'''
|align=center|↓ + A
|align=center|↓ + 2
|align=center|↓ + A
|align=center|↓ + A
|-
|'''Combine abilities'''
|align=center|L, R or any C button
|align=center|A
|align=center|L, R or any direction on C Stick (GameCube controller) or Right Stick (Classic Controller)
|align=center|ZL, R or any direction on Right Stick
|}

{{clear}}

==Characters==
{|class="wikitable"
!Image
!Character
!Description
!Manual bio
|-
|[[File:K64 Kirby artwork.png|130px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Kirby]]
|Kirby returns as the main playable character and protagonist of this game. After [[Ribbon]] crashes into him in the opening scene, Kirby agrees to help her recover the lost [[Crystal Shard]]s which have scattered across the galaxy. Instead of relying on his [[Animal Friend]]s to help him, Kirby now boasts the ability to combine his own [[Copy Ability]] powers to create [[Power Combo]]s. Every ability Kirby gains can be combined with another or with itself to create surprising methods of defeating enemies. Despite this, he still will not be heading out alone, as he will bring a cadre of friends to help rid the afflicted Stars of Dark Matter's presence.
|"''Kirby, naturally, is the hero of this tale. Kind and jolly by nature, he turns tough-guy to lend his storied talents to the imperiled fairies of the Ripple Star planet. Surely he'll be able to recover the Crystal Shards.''" (page 22)
|-
|[[File:K64 Ribbon artwork 2.png|130px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ribbon]]
|Newly introduced in this game, Ribbon is a young fairy girl from [[Ripple Star]]. Unfortunate circumstances led her to attempt to flee her homeworld with a massive crystal, but the invading Dark Matter pursues her through outer space and manages to knock her away, shattering the crystal in the process. She crash-lands on [[Popstar|Pop Star]] with only a single shard of the crystal left in her grasp, but manages to land right on top of Kirby's head, who agrees to help her find the missing pieces. Their journey takes the two across several levels until they return to Ripple Star to deal with the invading Dark Matter. Ribbon does not appear to be a fighter and tends to keep behind Kirby for most of the journey, but she may be able to [[Ribbon's Crystal|lend her power]] when the need arises.
|"''A fairy from Ripple Star, Ribbon escapes the planet with the fairies' Crystal, only to fall victim to a Dark Matter ambush. When she loses control of the Crystal, she turns to Kirby for help.''" (page 22)
|-
|[[File:K64 King Dedede Artwork 3.png|130px]]
|style="white-space:nowrap"|[[King Dedede]]
|This gluttonous bird-man styles himself as a king, and has been Kirby's arch-rival for a long time. When he finds one of the scattered Crystal Shards, he seeks to keep it for himself, and will not let Kirby have it. Before long, however, Dark Matter appears and possesses the king to get at his shard, and Kirby must fight Dedede to get rid of the dark presence. Once the invading creature is driven off, King Dedede comes to his senses and, reluctantly, agrees to join Kirby's team to save the galaxy. At several points during their adventure, King Dedede appears to clear away obstructions using his massive hammer.
|"''Long-time rival King Dedede finds one of the missing Crystal Shards on his castle grounds. Whatever will he do with it?''" (page 22)
|-
|[[File:K64 Waddle Dee Artwork 2.jpg|130px]]
|style="white-space:nowrap"|[[Waddle Dee (Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)|Waddle Dee]]
|An unassuming resident of [[Popstar|Pop Star]], Waddle Dee becomes a stalwart member of Kirby's team when the pink puffball saves him from possession by Dark Matter, who had turned him momentarily into a [[Waddle Doo]]. Waddle Dee may not look like much, but he has many tricks and gadgets which can help Kirby get through various obstacles in the levels they travel through.

This is the first main-series ''Kirby'' game that does not feature [[Waddle Dee]]s as standard enemies. The second would not be until ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'', 22 years later.
|"''Kirby cohort Waddle Dee gets himself in gobs of trouble when he happens upon another of the powerful Shards.''" (page 22)
|-
|[[File:K64 Adeleine artwork 3.png|130px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Adeleine]]
|A human girl who visited Pop Star to practice painting. She is possessed by Dark Matter, but even though her artwork literally leaps off the page, she is not much of a fighter. After Kirby rescues her, she proves to be a reliable ally as she conjures up useful items for Kirby's journey. Adeleine will also attempt to look ahead for clues to find hidden Crystal Shards, and convey what she finds to Kirby via her illustrations.
|"''Adeleine, an aspiring young artist, comes to Pop Star to study art but finds herself in the middle of a Dark Matter mess.''" (page 22)
|-
|[[File:K64 Queen scene.png|130px]]
|[[Queen]]
|The sovereign ruler of Ripple Star sends Ribbon off with the crystal in order to prevent Dark Matter from getting a hold of it. When Kirby and Ribbon return to Ripple Star to save her, she seems relieved, but she is revealed to have been possessed by [[0²]].  Once 0² is defeated, she thanks Kirby and his friends, and gives them medals of honor.
|N/A
|-
|[[File:K64 S DarkMatter.png|130px]]
|[[Dark Matter (cloud)|Dark Matter]]
|Dark Matter is the principal villain of the game. It primarily takes the form of an amorphous black mass capable of engulfing entire planets. It can also split off pieces of itself as needed to possess hapless denizens of otherwise peaceful Stars. Its main aim is to capture the Crystal, but for what purpose is uncertain.
|"''The cloud, a sinister force known as Dark Matter, had come in search of the fairies' secret treasure--their shining Crystal.''" (page 4)
|}

==Levels==
There are a total of seven levels. Most levels have five stages, the last of which is a boss battle. Every level's name consists of a single word, followed by "Star". Both the first and the sixth level have only four stages each, and the last one consists solely of the final boss battle.

{| class="wikitable"
!Level
!Appearance
!Stages
!Boss
!Mid-Bosses
!Description
|-
|[[Pop Star (Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)|Pop Star]]
|[[File:Pop Star K64 space.png|200px]]
|4
|[[Whispy Woods]]
|Big [[N-Z]], [[Waddle Doo]], [[Big Bouncy]], [[Adeleine]], [[King Dedede]]
|Pop Star is a verdant world with wide-open grasslands, deep forests, and ancient castles. The [[Crystal Shard]]s here are relatively easy to find, and a mid-boss awaits Kirby at the end of each regular stage.
|-
|[[Rock Star]]
|[[File:Rock Star K64 space.png|200px]]
|5
|[[Pix]]
|Big [[Kacti]], Big [[Fishbone]], Big [[Spark-i]]
|Rock Star features extensive desert zones, along with massive caverns, ancient ruins, and a futuristic pyramid. Shards can be tricky to find, and lots of enemies are invulnerable hazards. The interior of the black pyramid can be tricky to navigate.
|-
|[[Aqua Star]]
|[[File:Aqua Star K64 space.png|200px]]
|5
|[[Acro]]
|Big [[Tick]], Big [[Kany]], Big [[Kapar]], Big [[Blowfish]]
|Aqua Star is a very wet world, featuring tropical shorelines, river rapids, and deep ocean zones. Some shards are hidden away, while others require good timing to obtain. Kirby will have to fight against deep-sea currents in later stages.
|-
|[[Neo Star]]
|[[File:Neo Star K64 space.png|200px]]
|5
|[[Magman]]
|Big [[Galbo]]
|Neo Star is a wild world featuring deep jungles, high craggy cliffs, massive caverns, and active volcanoes. Kirby must mind the terrain much more so than the enemies as he traverses this level. Shards are often hidden in hard-to-reach spots.
|-
|[[Shiver Star]]
|[[File:K64 ShiverStar.png|200px]]
|5
|[[HR-H|HR-H/HR-E]]
|Big [[Chilly]], Big [[Mopoo]], Big [[Pupa]], Big [[Burnis]]
|Shiver Star is a very cold world with snowy drifts, solid cloudscapes, a massive shopping complex, and a deep underground factory. Shards are relatively out in the open but are guarded by a multitude of varied enemies. Shiver Star bears an uncanny resemblance to the real-world planet [[wikipedia:Earth|Earth]], albeit frozen over. 
|-
|[[Ripple Star]]
|[[File:Ripple Star K64 space.png|200px]]
|4
|[[Miracle Matter]]
|Big [[Sawyer]]
|Ripple Star is a heart-shaped analogue to Pop Star, though much more heavily developed in terms of architecture. Crystal Shards are relatively easy to obtain here, but enemies amass in great numbers, particularly in the palace. If Kirby did not collect every shard prior to defeating the boss of this realm, this will be the last world he visits.
|-
|[[Dark Star]]
|[[File:Dark Star K64 space.png|200px]]
|1
|[[0²]]
|
|Dark Star is a level made from the coalesced Dark Matter that was expelled from the [[queen]] by the reassembled Crystal. It is the only planet without any stages. There is very little terrain to traverse here, and few enemies to fight before the showdown against the final boss.
|}

==Copy Abilities==
===Regular Powers===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%"
!Name
!Appearance
!Icon
!Function
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burning|Burn]]
|[[File:K64_A_Burn.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_Base_Burn.png]]
|Engulfs Kirby into a fireball and lets him fly a short distance.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Stone]]
|[[File:K64_A_Stone.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_Base_Stone.png]]
|Gives Kirby a hide of stone which lets him walk through enemies unharmed.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ice]]
|[[File:K64_A_Ice.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_Base_Ice.png]]
|Allows Kirby to breathe a cone of frost which can freeze enemies solid.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Needle]]
|[[File:K64_A_Needle.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_Base_Needle.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a spiky ball that can pierce enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Bomb]]
|[[File:K64_A_Bomb.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_Base_Bomb.png]]
|Gives Kirby an arsenal of explosives to throw at enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Spark]]
|[[File:K64_A_Spark.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_Base_Spark.png]]
|Lets Kirby generate a small field of electricity around him.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Cutter]]
|[[File:K64_A_Cutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_Base_Cutter.png]]
|Gives Kirby a boomerang to throw at his foes. Since the boomerang is made from part of his body, he can throw only one at a time.
|}

===Power Combos===
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Appearance
!Icon
!Function
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burn-Burn]]
|[[File:K64_A_DoubleBurn.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_DoubleBurn.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a large fireball and lets him fly over a long distance.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burning Stone|Burn-Stone]]
|[[File:K64_A_BurnStone.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BurnStone.png]]
|Lets Kirby shoot burning rocks at enemies like a volcano. The direction can be altered with the Directional Pad.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burn-Ice]]
|[[File:K64_A_BurnIce.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BurnIce.png]]
|Changes Kirby into a burning ice cube that instantly melts.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burn-Needle]]
|[[File:K64_A_BurnNeedle.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BurnNeedle.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a bow that shoots flaming arrows at enemies. The angle can be altered by holding down the B Button.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burn-Bomb]]
|[[File:K64_A_BurnBomb.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BurnBomb.png]]
|Lets Kirby summon three fireworks explosions that defeat enemies and have a great range.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burn-Spark]]
|[[File:K64_A_BurnSpark.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BurnSpark.png]]
|Kirby rubs his head with a tinder sheet and lights it on fire, running about and damaging any enemies he makes contact with.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burn-Cutter]]
|[[File:K64 BurnCutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BurnCutter.png]]
|Gives Kirby a flaming sword to wield against enemies. The sword can be swung, held over the head, and thrown at enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Stone-Stone]]
|[[File:K64_A_DoubleStone.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_DoubleStone.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a giant version of himself, made of rocks. Can pass most enemies unharmed. This may have been an inspiration for the [[Metal]] ability in later games.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Stone-Ice]]
|[[File:K64_A_StoneIce.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_StoneIce.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a curling stone that slides through enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Stone-Needle]]
|[[File:K64_A_StoneNeedle.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_StoneNeedle.png]]
|Gives Kirby a giant drill that can be used against enemies. The drill head can also be launched forward.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Stone-Bomb]]
|[[File:K64_A_StoneBomb.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_StoneBomb.png]]
|Lets Kirby use dynamite that defeats all enemies on screen. When the dynamite explodes, Kirby needs to protect himself or he gets hurt as well.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Stone-Spark]]
|[[File:K64_A_StoneSpark.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_StoneSpark.png]]
|Lets Kirby summon a giant rock which he controls with a leash of electricity. The rock soars through the air and bounces off of walls and floors.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Stone-Cutter]]
|[[File:K64_A_StoneCutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_StoneCutter.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into stone figurines of his friends from ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]''. The various animals possess different abilities.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ice-Ice]]
|[[File:K64_A_DoubleIce.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_DoubleIce.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a rolling snowball that grows in size and runs over any enemy on its way. The direction cannot be changed.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ice-Needle]]
|[[File:K64_A_IceNeedle.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_IceNeedle.png]]
|Lets Kirby hide inside a giant snowflake made of ice. Possesses great range, but is slow and makes Kirby unable to move.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ice-Bomb]]
|[[File:K64_A_IceBomb.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_IceBomb.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a walking snowman. The snowman eventually explodes, taking out enemies nearby.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ice-Spark]]
|[[File:K64_A_IceSpark.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_IceSpark.png]]
|Changes Kirby into a refrigerator that generates healing food. The thrown food can also damage enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ice-Cutter]]
|[[File:K64_A_IceCutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_IceCutter.png]]
|Gives Kirby a pair of skates and lets him ice-skate through stages. He can also twist jump when the A Button is pressed.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Needle-Needle]]
|[[File:K64_A_DoubleNeedle.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_DoubleNeedle.png]]
|Gives Kirby the ability to use various pointy objects against enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Needle-Bomb]]
|[[File:K64_A_NeedleBomb.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_NeedleBomb.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a Gordo that can float through the air. After a short time the Gordo will explode and launch its spikes across the screen.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Needle-Spark]]
|[[File:K64_A_NeedleSpark.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_NeedleSpark.png]]
|Lets Kirby change into a lightning conductor and summon a bolt that fries enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Needle-Cutter]]
|[[File:K64_A_NeedleCutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_NeedleCutter.png]]
|Transforms Kirby into a giant bear trap with two big spiky arms. The arms snap together once the B Button is released.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Bomb-Bomb]]
|[[File:K64_A_DoubleBomb.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_DoubleBomb.png]]
|Changes Kirby into a rocket launcher that shoots three missiles. The missiles home in on enemies.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Bomb-Spark]]
|[[File:K64_A_BombSpark.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BombSpark.png]]
|Lets Kirby transform into a light bulb. The bulb can attack enemies, as well as lighten up dark rooms.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Bomb-Cutter]]
|[[File:K64_A_BombCutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_BombCutter.png]]
|Gives Kirby an arsenal of shuriken that can be thrown at enemies. The projectiles explode when they make contact with something.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Spark-Spark]]
|[[File:K64_A_DoubleSpark.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_DoubleSpark.png]]
|Lets Kirby generate a giant electrical force field around himself that calls lightning down upon enemies. The force field shrinks if Kirby moves around while using it.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Spark-Cutter]]
|[[File:K64_A_SparkCutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_SparkCutter.png]]
|Gives Kirby a double-bladed lightsaber which he can wield against enemies. Crouching will discard the lightsaber.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Cutter-Cutter]]
|[[File:K64_A_DoubleCutter.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_DoubleCutter.png]]
|Gives Kirby a greater boomerang to throw at his enemies. Only one boomerang can be thrown at a time.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[Ribbon's Crystal]]
|[[File:K64_A_WingCrystal.png|100px]]
|[[File:K64_PC_WingCrystal.png]]
|An ability that is usable only during the final battle against [[0²]]. It lets Kirby and Ribbon fly around while shooting crystal projectiles at the enemy.
|}
{{clear}}

===Kanji display===
In the Japanese version, a selectable display uses [[wikipedia:kanji|kanji]] instead of symbols.
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
!colspan=3|''Kirby 64'' kanji display &nbsp;
|-
!Display
!Kanji
!Meaning
|-
|Remaining [[Health]] bar
|{{XL|気}}
|Energy
|-
|Depleted [[Health]] bar
|{{XL|鬱}}
|Depression
|-
|No Copy Ability
|{{XL|無}}
|Nothing
|-
|[[Burning|Burn]]
|{{XL|{{color|red|火}}}}
|Fire
|-
|[[Stone]]
|{{XL|{{color|brown|石}}}}
|Stone
|-
|[[Ice]]
|{{XL|{{color|cyan|氷}}}}
|Ice
|-
|[[Needle]]
|{{XL|{{color|orange|針}}}}
|Needle
|-
|[[Bomb]]
|{{XL|爆}}
|Burst
|-
|[[Spark]]
|{{XL|{{color|gold|電}}}}
|Electric
|-
|[[Cutter]]
|{{XL|{{color|green|切}}}}
|Cut
|-
|[[Ribbon's Crystal]]
|{{XL|{{color|red|妖}}{{color|blue|晶}}}}
|{{color|red|Fairy}}-{{color|blue|Crystal}}
|}

{{clear}}

==Enemies==
===Neutral enemies===
These enemies do not provide any abilities when swallowed, but may have some secondary function if held above Kirby's head, if they can be inhaled at all.
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Appearance
!Description
|-
|[[Bivolt]]
|[[File:K64 Bivolt screenshot.png|center]]
|This electric-spark foe moves up and down poles and will harm Kirby on collision. It cannot be attacked in any way.
|-
|[[Bo]]
|[[File:K64 Bo screenshot.png|center]]
|A black ball of fluff that can move slowly or fall and harm Kirby by collision.
|-
|[[Bonehead]]
|[[File:K64 Bonehead screenshot.png|center]]
|A skull with wings that will flutter about when Kirby gets near and may attempt to collide with him.
|-
|[[Bouncy]]
|[[File:K64 Bouncy screenshot.png|center]]
|A spring-bound bow-wearing pink creature that bounces up and down repeatedly and does not actively try to hit Kirby.
|-
|[[Bronto Burt]]
|[[File:K64 Bronto Burt screenshot.png|center]]
|A brash pink flyer who may attempt to charge at Kirby from the background.
|-
|[[Bumber]]
|[[File:K64 Bumber screenshot.png|center]]
|A small orange creature who glides gently down through the air using its striped hat.
|-
|[[Chacha]]
|[[File:K64 Chacha screenshot.png|center]]
|A grass skirt-wearing creature that attacks by flailing its maracas at Kirby.
|-
|[[Drop]]
|[[File:K64 Drop screenshot.png|center]]
|An amoeba-like creature made of water that hangs from ceilings and will try to drop on Kirby.
|-
|[[Flopper]]
|[[File:K64 Flopper screenshot.png|center]]
|A red fish that can sometimes be seen flopping around on land.
|-
|[[Flora]]
|[[File:K64 Flora screenshot.png|center]]
|A conical flower-like enemy that glides gently through the air.
|-
|[[Flutter]]
|[[File:K64 Flutter screenshot.png|center]]
|A harmless butterfly that Kirby cannot attack.
|-
|[[Gabon]]
|[[File:K64 Gabon screenshot.png|center]]
|A skull-wearing creature that throws bones at Kirby.
|-
|[[Glom]]
|[[File:K64 Glom screenshot.png|center]]
|A large frog who hides in a hole and will try to eat Kirby when he gets near. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Glunk]]
|[[File:K64 Glunk screenshot.png|center]]
|A sea anemone with eyes that sticks to surfaces and fires projectiles out of its head.
|-
|[[Gobblin]]
|[[File:K64 Gobblin screenshot.png|center]]
|A cactus with an alligator's mouth that tries to chomp at Kirby when he gets close. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Gordo]]
|[[File:K64 Gordo screenshot.png|center]]
|A hovering spiky orb that may move back and forth. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[I³]]
|[[File:K64 I3 screenshot.png|center]]
|A large cycloptic blocky foe who will attempt to crush Kirby with its girth by falling on him. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Ignus]]
|[[File:K64 Ignus screenshot.png|center]]
|An igneous rock that falls from the sky. Comes in various sizes, with the larger ones splitting into smaller ones on impact.
|-
|[[Kany]]
|[[File:K64 Kany screenshot.png|center]]
|A bright red crab-like enemy that moves back and forth and will try to snip at Kirby.
|-
|[[Keke]]
|[[File:K64 Keke screenshot.png|center]]
|A small white-haired cat girl who rides a broomstick. She only appears in the background and cannot be interacted with.
|-
|[[Mahall]]
|[[File:K64 Mahall screenshot.png|center]]
|A mole-like creature who appears from underneath a circular floor panel and shoots bubbles at Kirby.
|-
|[[Mariel]]
|[[File:K64 Mariel screenshot.png|center]]
|A black spider-like creature with a circular body. Kirby will take damage if he inhales it.
|-
|[[Maw]]
|[[File:K64 Maw screenshot.png|center]]
|A teardrop-shaped cycloptic enemy that will try to eat Kirby with its huge maw when he approaches. Cannot be inhaled.
|-
|[[Mite]]
|[[File:K64 Mite screenshot.png|center]]
|A small orange creature that tunnels out of the ground and pursues Kirby.
|-
|[[Mopoo]]
|[[File:K64 Mopoo screenshot.png|center]]
|A white puffball enemy that jumps out of fissures in clouds and snowbanks.
|-
|[[Mumbies]]
|[[File:K64 Mumbies screenshot.png|center]]
|A floating ball enemy wrapped in bandages that will pursue Kirby slowly if he is not looking at it. Cannot be inhaled.
|-
|[[N-Z]]
|[[File:K64 N-Z screenshot.png|center]]
|A dark-gray circular creature similar in size to Kirby, with pointy ears. It holds still or runs back and forth.
|-
|[[Noo]]
|[[File:K64 Noo screenshot.png|center]]
|A ghostly creature that tosses embers at Kirby. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Nruff]]
|[[File:K64 Nruff screenshot.png|center]]
|A woolly boar-like creature that will charge and leap toward Kirby.
|-
|[[Pteran]]
|[[File:K64 Pteran screenshot.png|center]]
|A flying purple Pterodactyl-like enemy who slowly drops altitude as it glides.
|-
|[[Pupa]]
|[[File:K64 Pupa screenshot.png|center]]
|A limbless bug who drops down from the ceiling on a string, and will explode upon contact. Its string can be cut, but it cannot be inhaled.
|-
|[[Putt]]
|[[File:K64 Putt screenshot.png|center]]
|A small worm-like creature that sits next to a large polygonal boulder. When Kirby approaches, it knocks the boulder toward him. The boulder cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Sandman]]
|[[File:K64 Sandman screenshot.png|center]]
|A dimple-shaped sand creature that rises out of the ground to get in Kirby's way. It cannot move from its position.
|-
|[[Scarfy]]
|[[File:K64 Scarfy screenshot.png|center]][[File:K64 Angry Scarfy screenshot.png|center]]
|A hovering creature with a deceptively cute face. If Kirby tries to inhale it, it will instead change to a demon and chase him.
|-
|[[Shotzo]]
|[[File:K64 Shotzo screenshot.png|center]]
|A stationary cannon foe who aims at and shoots toward Kirby with slow-moving cannonballs. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Slushy]]
|[[File:K64 Slushy screenshot.png|center]]
|A pale jellyfish-like enemy that drifts slowly in pools of water.
|-
|[[Snipper]]
|[[File:K64 Snipper screenshot.png|center]]
|A small orange bug with massive jaws that jumps out of sandpits and tries to snip at Kirby. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Splinter]]
|[[File:K64 Splinter screenshot.png|center]]
|A spiky log that rolls toward Kirby. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Squibby]]
|[[File:K64 Squibby screenshot.png|center]]
|An oddly-shaped translucent sea creature that shoots tendrils out from the top of its head.
|-
|[[Wall Shotzo]]
|[[File:K64 Wall Shotzo screenshot.png|center]]
|A Shotzo situated in the wall. It attempts to aim toward Kirby's last position before firing. Cannot be attacked.
|-
|[[Whispy Woods Jr.]]
|[[File:K64 Whispy Woods Jr screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|One of [[Whispy Woods]]' children, this sapling jumps around on a circular path, and must be defeated before Whispy himself can be fought.
|-
|[[Yariko]]
|[[File:K64 Yariko screenshot.png|center]]
|A jungle child who jumps and throws a spear at an angle toward Kirby.
|-
|[[Zebon]]
|[[File:K64 Zebon screenshot.png|center]]
|A hovering green circular blob which acts as a [[Cannon]] when Kirby enters it. It cannot harm Kirby, nor can Kirby harm it.
|}

===Ability-yielding enemies===
These enemies will provide a copy ability if swallowed, and can combine with [[Ability Star]]s thrown at them to make Power Combos.
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Appearance
!Ability
!Description
|-
|[[Blowfish]]
|[[File:K64 Blowfish screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|An aquatic enemy who swims slowly or holds a position. If Kirby gets too close, it will puff up and explode in his face.
|-
|[[Bobo]]
|[[File:K64 Bobo screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Burning|Burn]]
|A continuously-burning ember with eyes and feet that runs back and forth.
|-
|[[Burnis]]
|[[File:K64 Burnis screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Burning|Burn]]
|A small burning bird that flies in a straight line and "drops" burning embers on Kirby.
|-
|[[Cairn]]
|[[File:K64 Cairn screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Stone]]
|A living pile of rocks who hops in place.
|-
|[[Chilly]]
|[[File:K64 Chilly screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Ice]]
|An anthropomorphized snowman who attacks by conjuring a freezing aura around itself.
|-
|[[Emp]]
|[[File:K64 Emp screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Ice]]
|A small black penguin who will attempt to slide away from Kirby when he approaches.
|-
|[[Fishbone]]
|[[File:K64 Fishbone screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Cutter]]
|A triangular fish skeleton that can throw its head as a projectile.
|-
|[[Frigis]]
|[[File:K64 Frigis screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Ice]]
|A small freezing bird that flies in a straight line and "drops" icy pellets on Kirby.
|-
|[[Galbo]]
|[[File:K64 Galbo screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Burning|Burn]]
|A red limbless dragon that breathes fire at Kirby.
|-
|[[Ghost Knight]]
|[[File:K64 Ghost Knight screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Needle]]
|A spectral lancer who can block attacks with its shield.
|-
|[[Hack]]
|[[File:K64 Hack screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Stone]]
|A hatchet with feet that tries to run after Kirby and crash into him.
|-
|[[Kacti]]
|[[File:K64 Kacti screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Needle]]
|A small diamond-shaped cactus creature that bounces in place.
|-
|[[Kapar]]
|[[File:K64 Kapar screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Cutter]]
|A green monster that throws spiky rings at Kirby. It can be found on land or in water.
|-
|[[Magoo]]
|[[File:K64 Magoo screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Burning|Burn]]
|A burning black circular creature that can be found hopping out of magma pools.
|-
|[[Pedo]]
|[[File:K64 Pedo screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|A torpedo with eyes that will attempt to seek Kirby in underwater areas and explode on him.
|-
|[[Plugg]]
|[[File:K64 Plugg screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Spark]]
|An enemy shaped like an electrical plug that jumps head-first into the floor to shoot out sparks.
|-
|[[Pompey]]
|[[File:K64 Pompey screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Stone]]
|A rocky clam-shaped enemy that erupts hot stones from the top of its head.
|-
|[[Poppy Bros. Jr.]]
|[[File:K64 Poppy Bros Jr screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|A trickster dressed in blue who throws bombs at Kirby.
|-
|[[Propeller]]
|[[File:K64 Propeller screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Ice]]
|A blue blob-like foe with a propeller on its head which will try to fly toward Kirby and collide with him.
|-
|[[Punc]]
|[[File:K64 Punc screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Needle]]
|A roly-poly foe covered in spikes who can retract into a ball.
|-
|[[Rockn]]
|[[File:K64 Rockn screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|A missile foe who flies in a straight line and will explode on impact with Kirby.
|-
|[[Rocky]]
|[[File:K64 Rocky screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Stone]]
|A heavy stone enemy with eyes and feet which will try to fall on Kirby from a high place.
|-
|[[Sawyer]]
|[[File:K64 Sawyer screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Cutter]]
|A metal sawblade with an eye inset in the middle. It grinds along the ground and will try to run into Kirby.
|-
|[[Sir Kibble]]
|[[File:K64 Sirkibble screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Cutter]]
|A yellow suit of armor who throws blade boomerangs at Kirby.<br>Known in-game as "Sirkibble".
|-
|[[Skud]]
|[[File:K64 Skud screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Bomb]]
|A rocket-shaped enemy who launches itself upward and then flies back down in a haphazard trajectory.
|-
|[[Spark-i]]
|[[File:K64 Spark-i screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Spark]]
|A floating cycloptic orb situated within a diamond shell. It opens its shell to fire electric bolts at Kirby.
|-
|[[Sparky]]
|[[File:K64 Sparky screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Spark]]
|A green teardrop-shaped blob that generates an electric field around itself in defense.
|-
|[[Tick]]
|[[File:K64 Tick screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Needle]]
|A white teardrop-shaped blob with a face that becomes decidedly less cute when it thrusts the spike atop its head.
|-
|[[Turbite]]
|[[File:K64 Turbite screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Spark]]
|A hovering metal creature that spins with an electric surge toward Kirby on approach. It can also operate underwater.
|-
|[[Zoos]]
|[[File:K64 Zoos screenshot.png|center]]
|[[Spark]]
|A yellow sprite who rides a thundercloud and tries to zap Kirby with lightning.
|}

===Mid-Bosses===
These enemies are found in specific locations and have higher HP than normal enemies, but are not as powerful as bosses. They cannot be inhaled. The following table lists them in the order they are encountered in-game:

{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Appearance
!Location
!Description
|-
|Big [[N-Z]]
|[[File:K64 Big N-Z screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Pop Star - Stage 1]]
|A big version of N-Z who just stands in place.
|-
|[[Waddle Doo]]
|[[File:K64 Waddle Doo screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Pop Star - Stage 1]]
|Waddle Dee takes on this appearance when possessed by Dark Matter. Unlike in other games, he only attacks with charges and body slams. After defeating him, he cannot be fought again without starting a new file.
|-
|[[Big Bouncy]]
|[[File:K64 Big Bouncy screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Pop Star - Stage 2]]
|A big version of Bouncy who just bounces in place.
|-
|[[Adeleine]]
|[[File:K64 Adeleine screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Pop Star - Stage 2]]
|Adeleine turns hostile when possessed by Dark Matter. She attacks by painting monsters for Kirby to fight, then rushes after Kirby with her paintbrush when she runs out of paint. After defeating her, she cannot be fought again without starting a new file.
|-
|[[King Dedede]]
|[[File:K64 King Dedede screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Pop Star - Stage 3]]
|King Dedede turns hostile when possessed by Dark Matter. He is fought in two phases; once on the ground, and again in the air. After defeating him, he cannot be fought again without starting a new file.
|-
|Big [[Kacti]]
|[[File:K64 Big Kacti screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Rock Star - Stage 1]]
|A big version of Kacti who just bounces in place.
|-
|Big [[Fishbone]]
|[[File:K64 Big Fishbone screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Rock Star - Stage 3]]
|A big version of Fishbone who just hovers in place.
|-
|Big [[Spark-i]]
|[[File:K64 Big Spark-i screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Rock Star - Stage 4]]
|A big version of Spark-i who stays still and occasionally fires energy projectiles at Kirby.
|-
|Big [[Tick]]
|[[File:K64 Big Tick screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Aqua Star - Stage 1]]
|A big version of Tick who just sits in place.
|-
|Big [[Kany]]
|[[File:K64 Big Kany screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Aqua Star - Stage 2]]
|A big version of Kany who moves back and forth.
|-
|Big [[Kapar]]
|[[File:K64 Big Kapar screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Aqua Star - Stage 3]]
|A big version of Kapar who occasionally throws projectiles.
|-
|Big [[Blowfish]]
|[[File:K64 Big Blowfish screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Aqua Star - Stage 4]]
|A big version of Blowfish which moves in a big circle around its arena.
|-
|Big [[Galbo]]
|[[File:K64 Big Galbo screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Neo Star - Stage 1]]
|A big version of Galbo which occasionally breathes fire.
|-
|Big [[Chilly]]
|[[File:K64 Big Chilly screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Shiver Star - Stage 1]]
|A big version of Chilly who regularly conjures his freezing aura.
|-
|Big [[Mopoo]]
|[[File:K64 Big Mopoo screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Shiver Star - Stage 2]]
|A big version of Mopoo which dives through the walls of the arena.
|-
|Big [[Pupa]]
|[[File:K64 Big Pupa screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Shiver Star - Stage 3]]
|A big version of Pupa which drops and rises in three different locations.
|-
|Big [[Burnis]]
|[[File:K64 Big Burnis screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Factory Tour]]
|A big version of Burnis which flies back and forth across the arena, dropping flaming projectiles.
|-
|Big [[Sawyer]]
|[[File:K64 Big Sawyer screenshot.png|50px|center]]
|[[Ripple Star - Stage 1]]
|A big version of Sawyer which pops out of the floor in two different locations.
|}

==Bosses==
Just as there are seven levels (planets), the game has seven bosses, one for each planet.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Name
!class=unsortable|Appearance
!Level
!Copy Abilities
!Description
|-
|[[Whispy Woods]]
|align=center|[[File:K64 Whispy Woods Battle.png|150px]]
|[[Pop Star (Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)|Pop Star]]
|None.
|This fight with Whispy takes place on a looping circular stage, with the old tree occupying the middle. Kirby must first defeat his three children, called [[Whispy Woods Jr.]], by using the parent tree's [[Apple]]s to hit them with. Once all three are gone, Whispy becomes furious, and attacks Kirby by shooting out his roots, and tossing out a lot of apples. Kirby must hit the roots to defeat the tree.
|-
|[[Pix]]
|align=center|[[File:K64 Rock Star Stage 5 screenshot 04.png|150px]]
|[[Rock Star]]
|None.
|The first phase of this fight has Kirby dodging the attacks of each Pix crystal as the platform rises into the sky. At the top, Kirby can attack Pix by spitting out constructs of similar color at the crystals to destroy them.
|-
|[[Acro]]
|align=center|[[File:K64 Aqua Star Stage 5 screenshot 01.png|150px]]
|[[Aqua Star]]
|[[Cutter]] (Fishbone), [[Bomb]] (Torpedoes)
|This fight takes place entirely underwater, as Kirby has to inhale and return objects that Acro spits at him while avoiding the killer whale's gymnastics. The fight takes place in two separate phases, with a separate [[Health]] bar for each one.
|-
|[[Magman]]
|align=center|[[File:K64 Neo Star Stage 5 screenshot 04.png|150px]]
|[[Neo Star]]
|[[Burning]] (Magoo, Burnis)
|Magman is a giant [[Sandman]], though made of magma. It fights in two phases, first with extending tendrils, then with its full body. It can cause tremors, breathe fire, and spit out smaller foes for Kirby to contend with.
|-
|[[HR-H]] and HR-E
|align=center|[[File:K64 Shiver Star Stage 5 screenshot 01.png|150px]]
|[[Shiver Star]]
|[[Bomb]] (missiles)
|A giant robot that can shift form between a humanoid and a lobster shape. It attacks by shooting missiles and attacking with its arms.
|-
|[[Miracle Matter]]
|align=center|[[File:K64 Ripple Star Stage 4 screenshot 01.png|150px]]
|[[Ripple Star]]
|All base abilities
|A polygonal foe with eyes on all 20 of its facets. It continually shifts forms, based on each of the base [[Copy Ability|Copy Abilities]] that Kirby can use in the game. To defeat it, Kirby has to attack it with the matching ability or spit out an element that appears during the attack to disable that form. Unless all the [[Crystal Shard]]s were collected, this is the last boss.
|-
|[[0²]]
|align=center|[[File:K64 Dark Star screenshot 06.png|150px]]
|[[Dark Star]]
|[[Ribbon's Crystal]]
|The true final boss of the game that Kirby and [[Ribbon]] must team up to defeat. They have to continually shoot crystals into its eye to stun it, then hit the halo to flip it and attack the green underside to defeat it. Defeating this boss completes the game.
|-
|}

==Mini-Games==
''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' has three [[Sub-Game|Mini-Games]] that can be played outside the main adventure. Every Sub-Game has a single-player mode and a multiplayer mode involving 2-4 players. The Sub-Games have four difficulty levels, each unlocked by defeating the CPU in the previous difficulty level (meaning at most 3 human players can unlock difficulty levels together): Easy, Medium, Hard, and Intense. There are four playable characters: Kirby, Waddle Dee, Adeleine, and King Dedede, who do not differ in gameplay.

*[[100-Yard Hop]]: A game where players hop over obstacles in a race to the finish.
*[[Bumper Crop Bump]]: A game where players shove each-other to catch falling fruit.
*[[Checkerboard Chase]]: A game where players try to make the stage crumble under their opponents' feet.

==Staff==
The following is a list of staff who have worked on ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'':
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="1" cellpadding="2"
|-
!colspan=2|Staff of ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' &nbsp;
|-
!Position
!Developer(s)
|-
!Director
|[[Shinichi Shimomura]]
|-
!Chief Programmer
|Teruyuki Gunji
|-
!Programmer
|Katsuhiro Sakoda<br>Isao Takahashi<br>Yoshimi Takahashi<br>[[Tetsuya Abe]]<br>Yasuyuki Nagashima<br>Kouichi Wanatabe
|-
!Designer
|[[Kenichiro Kita]]<br>Reiko Iwao<br>Michiko Takahashi<br>Hiro Takeshita<br>[[Shigeru Hashiguchi]]<br>Tetsuya Mochiduki<br>Tomomi Minami<br>Sanae Kubota<br>Youichi Sukino<br>Tatsuhiro Tanoue<br>Tadashi Hashikura<br>Masanobu Yamamoto<br>Tsuyoshi Wakayama<br>Hitoshi Kikkawa<br>Satoko Nakamura<br>Kunio Watanabe
|-
!Sound Composer
|[[Jun Ishikawa]]<br>[[Hirokazu Ando]]
|-
!Assistant Director
|Kazuya Konishi<br>Ryuichi Noguchi
|-
!Assistant Manager
|Ryuki Kuraoka<br>Yoshiki Suzuki<br>Kensuke Tanabe
|-
!Voice Actors
|[[Makiko Ohmoto]] (as [[Kirby]])<br>[[Masahiro Sakurai]] (as [[King Dedede]])
|-
!Localization Manager
|Leslie Swan
|-
!Localization
|Bill Trinen<br>Michelle Powers
|-
!Special Thanks
|[[Satoshi Ishida]]<br>Chieko Obikane<br>Hisatoshi Takeuchi<br>[[Tetsuya Notoya]]<br>Senji Hirose<br>Chiharu Itoh<br>Takaaki Kazuno<br>Kazuhiro Mizusawa<br>Jun Yamazaki<br>HAL Debug Team
|-
!Very Special Thanks
|Minoru Arakawa<br>Mike Fukuda<br>Gail Tilden<br>Yoshihito Ikebata<br>Hironobu Kakui<br>Hiroyasu Sasano<br>Super Mario Club<br>NOA Product Testing<br>The Treehouse
|-
!Project Manager
|Takashi Saito
|-
!Progress Manager
|Kimiyoshi Fukui
|-
!Producer
|[[Masayoshi Tanimura]]<br>[[Hiroaki Suga]]<br>Kenji Miki
|-
!Supervisor
|[[Satoru Iwata]]<br>Shigeru Mitamoto
|-
!Executive Producer
|Hiroshi Yamauchi
|-
!colspan=2|[[HAL Laboratory|HAL Laboratory,Inc.]]<br>[[Nintendo|NINTENDO Co.,Ltd.]]
|}

==Nintendo eShop description==
''Kirby™ stars in his first 3D adventure, which is also his Nintendo 64™ debut.''

''This game finds the always-versatile hero battling a new enemy called Dark Matter. Dark Matter is after a distant land's powerful crystal, but a young fairy named Ribbon attempts to save it by escaping with the gem to Dream Land. Now the crystal has been broken, and it's scattered around the world.''

''Take control of Kirby, and help him journey across six worlds, battling a wide variety of enemies and challenging bosses, as he tries to collect all 100 pieces of the shattered crystal. Along the way, you'll use Kirby's trademark Copy Ability to use enemies' strengths against them. Not only that, but try combining any two abilities to create a brand-new one that is usually stronger than the original.''

''Throw in three exciting multiplayer minigames, and you've got a package of which even King Dedede would be proud. Fans of Kirby and action games with bright, colorful graphics should vacuum this one up.''

==Nintendo 64: Nintendo Switch Online description==
''Venture beyond Dream Land. Stop the hungering Dark Matter.''

''Kirby stars in his first 3D adventure, which is also his debut on the Nintendo 64™ console. This game finds the always versatile-hero battling an enemy called Dark Matter. Dark Matter is after the distant Ripple Star's powerful crystal, and a young fairy named Ribbon attempted to save it by escaping with the gem. As she fled, though, the crystal was broken and its pieces scattered. Take control of Kirby, and help him journey across six worlds, battling a wide variety of enemies and challenging bosses as he tries to collect all the pieces of the shattered crystal. Along the way, you'll use Kirby's trademark Copy Ability to use enemies' strengths against them. Not only that, but you can also combine any two abilities to create a brand-new one, which is usually stronger than the original! Throw in three exciting multiplayer minigames, and you've got a package of which even King Dedede would be proud. Fans of Kirby and action games with bright, colorful graphics should vacuum this one up.''

==Trivia==
<!-- NOTE: The ESRB Teen rating in the Kirby 64 trailer for Nintendo Switch Online is reflecting the rating of ''Sin and Punishment'', and by extension, the entirety of the service itself, not any other game. -->
*Although this was the first ''Kirby'' game with 3D graphics, Kirby's actual first 3D appearance was in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' for the Nintendo 64. His appearance in that game served as direct inspiration for the way he looked and sounded in this game.
**Despite this, even earlier 3D models of Kirby have been depicted and showcased, such as Kirby's appearance in the [[Kirby's Air Ride (Nintendo 64)|unreleased Nintendo 64 build]] of ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]''.
*The Wii Virtual Console description on Nintendo of America's website and the eShop description incorrectly say there are 100 crystal shards to collect.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20081219075002/http://www.nintendo.com:80/wii/virtualconsole/games/detail/BKessW9avC_Mcl5L2D6p_bMcyUIqK3ww Nintendo.com] (Wayback Machine)</ref> There are actually only 72 shards throughout the stages, in addition to the two shards collected by Kirby and Ribbon in the intro sequence.
*The Wii Virtual Console description and the eShop description incorrectly suggest that this game is the first to feature Dark Matter. In actuality, that distinction varies: ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'' introduced [[Dark Matter|the singular character]], while the [[Dark Matter (cloud)|greater species]] would first appear in ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]''.
*There is a secret button code that can be used to instantly generate a [[100% completion|100% completed]] save file. First, File 2 must be blank, while File 3 must be created with no progress. Then, while the HAL Laboratory logo is displayed during the game startup sequence, the player should insert the P2 controller, hold L, and press the buttons C-up, C-up, R, C-right, C-left, and Start in that order. If performed correctly, the 1-UP jingle will play to indicate that the code was input correctly, and File 3 will be replaced with a 100% completed save file, with all [[Enemy Info Card]]s collected. This code is not available on the Wii Virtual Console or ''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]'' versions of the game, as the C button inputs are not mapped anywhere.
*This game's original North American release was rated E by the ESRB. However ''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]'' was rated E10+ (a rating that did not exist at the time of this game's release, having been introduced in 2005), possibly because of the blood from both the [[0²]] battle in this game and the [[Zero]] battle in ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'', as the description of the game says that "One boss character (a giant eyeball) fires red droplets at Kirby; additional red-damage effects appear as its health decreases."<ref>[https://www.esrb.org/ratings/32367/kirbys-dream-collection-special-edition/ ''Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition'' ESRB description]</ref>

==Gallery==
{{Main|Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards/gallery}}
<gallery>
K64 title screen.png|Title screen
Group artwork K64.jpg|Group artwork
K64 wallpaper 1.jpg|Wallpaper
K64 wallpaper 2.jpg|Wallpaper
K64 wallpaper 3.jpg|Wallpaper
King Dedede and Kirby K64 artwork.jpg|Artwork of King Dedede & Kirby.
</gallery>

===Videos===
{{Youtube|GnEM6c17x6o|300|Official [[Kirby Portal]] video showcasing Power Combos}}
{{Youtube|cSTtWk9inJQ|300|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] release trailer (JP)}}
{{Youtube|0VfAsbGvXrA|300|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] release trailer (EN)}}
{{clear}}

==Names in other languages==
{{names
|ja={{furi|星|ほし}}のカービィ 64
|jaR=Hoshi no Kābyi Rokuyon
|jaM=Kirby of the Stars 64
|de=Kirby 64: Die Kristall-Splitter<br>Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|deM=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards<br>-
|esA=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|esAM=-
|esE=Kirby 64: Las Piedras de Cristal<br>Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|esEM=Kirby 64: The Crystal Stones<br>-
|frA=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|frAM=-
|frE=Kirby 64 : Les éclats de cristal<ref>{{Cite manual|game=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards|page=52, EU print}}</ref><br>Kirby 64: Eclats de cristal<ref>From the European French version of ''Kirby Air Ride''</ref><br>Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|frEM=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards<br>Kirby 64: Crystal Shards<br>-
|it=Kirby 64: I Frammenti di Cristallo<br>Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|itM=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards<br>-
|nl=Kirby 64: De Kristallen Scherven<br>Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|nlM=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards<br>-
|ko=별의 커비 64
|koR=Byeorui Keobi 64
|koM=Kirby of the Stars 64
|zh=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards<br>星之卡比64<ref>From the Chinese versions of ''Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Switch Online''.</ref>
|zhR=xīng zhī kǎ bǐ 64
|zhM=-<br>Kirby of the Stars 64
|pt=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|ptM=-
|ru=Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
|ruM=-
}}

==External links==
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20000815225332/http://www.kirby64.com/ Official website] (Wayback Machine)
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nk4j/index.html Official Japanese website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20000620114347/http://www.nintendo.com/n64/kirby64/index.html Official Nintendo's website]
*[https://www.kirbyinformer.com/kirby-64-the-crystal-shards ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' on Kirby Informer]
*[https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/nintendo_8/Manual_Nintendo64_Kirby64TheCrystalShards_EN.pdf English manual (European print)] ([http://www.kirbysrainbowresort.net/games/kirby64/instruction.html North American print])

{{ref}}
{{Navbox-Games}}
{{Navbox-K64}}
[[Category:Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards|*]]
[[Category:Main series games]]
[[Category:Games on Nintendo 64]]