| Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards | |
|---|---|
 North American box art | |
| Developer(s) | HAL Laboratory |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Director(s) | Shinichi Shimomura |
| Producer(s) |
|
| Programmer(s) | Teruyuki Gunji |
| Composer(s) | |
| Series | Kirby |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 64 |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Action, platform |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards[a] is a 2000 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 (N64). It is the first Kirby game to feature 3D computer graphics and follows Kirby as he attempts to reassemble a sacred crystal shattered by Dark Matter. Gameplay is viewed from a 2.5D perspective and is similar to previous Kirby titles; the player traverses levels and obtains powers by eating enemies. Kirby 64 introduces Power Combos, the ability to mix powers to create more powerful ones. In a multiplayer mode, up to four players can compete in three minigames.
Development began in September 1997. The game was intended for the N64's 64DD add-on, but became a standard N64 title after the add-on failed. HAL initially planned to use the N64 controller's analog stick for Kirby 64, but switched to the D-pad about a year before release.
The game received mainly positive reviews, with praise directed at its colorful visuals and classic style of gameplay, but criticism towards its underwhelming low difficulty and short length. The game was rereleased for the Virtual Console on the Wii in 2008, Wii U in 2015, and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in 2022. The game was also included in the Wii compilation Kirby's Dream Collection (2012). Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards was the last traditional Kirby game for home consoles until Kirby's Return to Dream Land (2011).
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