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Nintendo explains Kirby Star Allies' subtitle, how they chose what copy abilities would return
Nintendo Dream magazine had a chance to chat with Shinya Kumazaki, general director for Kirby Star Allies. A number of topics are discussed in the interview, including tidbits on the game's subtitle, as well as how returning copy abilities were chosen for this title. Check out those snippets below, with translations courtesy of NintendoEverything.
ND: Please tell us the meaning hidden in the subtitle Star Allies.
Kumazaki: Star Allies can also mean Star Friends in Japanese. While we had also thought of mainstream titles that are easier to understand like Friends or Deluxe, we chose this because we’re putting emphasis on a title that can be understood well worldwide.
The word “Allies” is a bit unfamiliar in Japan, but it can be conveyed like a mainstream title overseas; in Japan itself it also sounds like a new word worthy of a new Kirby game, so we’ve decided that this title is fitting for this game that is released simultaneously worldwide.
ND: If you have any basis on selecting returning Copy Abilities (Clean, Yo-Yo, Cook, etc.), please do tell us.
Kumazaki: Recently a Copy Ability poll had been held (in your magazine), but unfortunately we had already finished selecting them before it even began. However, when we tried taking a look at it, I think we have chosen quite a lot of abilities that have been desired.
For the selection, basically we’re thinking about the game’s overall balance, but this game is more special when compared to the usual titles. We also considered how they would become Friend Helpers, and it was also influenced by how this title is supposed to mark the 25th anniversary, like bringing back long-time Copy Abilities from Kirby Super Star or bringing ones from Kirby 3; the latter of which, if you think normally, would be far away from the Helper system.
It troubled us every time, but when we were creating the game while keeping the balance, the schedule would only allow up to 20 types as a maximum. In this game we wanted to answer expectations on adding as many things as possible, so we created it by working on various parts. As a result, we were able to implement the highest amount in the series, which connects to a variety of gameplay.