Dark Matter has enveloped the planet Popstar, and only Kirby can save the day, with the help of his animal friends.
Graphically the game adopts a crayoned style that makes the game look more detailed, but in terms of gameplay it strips down many of the elements introduced in previous installments. Kirby can still fly, suck in his enemies and absorb their powers, but the powers seem purely functional to solving puzzles in the game rather than an extravagant ways of pummeling the enemies.
You can also still call up a helper (Gooey), but only at the expense of half your life bar. Each stage has a puzzle to solve related to the character waiting for you at the end. If you succeed, the character will give you a Heart Star. These are needed for 100% completion of the game.
Chao & Goku
At the end of Grassland stage 4 you will find Chao, the female protagonist from the Japan only Famicom Disk System game Yuuyuuki.
To earn her Heart Star you must use the Rock ability earlier in the level to find the fire miniboss and defeat him to find Goku, the monkey king and hero of Yuuyuuki.
This time, when you reach Chao, Goku will have joined her, and the Heart Star will be yours.
Donbe & Hikari
At the end of Sand Canyon stage 4 you will find Hikari, the female protagonist of Famicom Disk System game New Onigashima.
To earn her Heart Star you must take the following route in the scrolling underwater section earlier in the level: Bottom, Top, Middle. Enter the door and defeat the Broom miniboss to find Donbe, the hero of New Onigashima.
This time when you reach Hikari, Donbe will have joined her and you are rewarded with a Heart Star.
ROB & Professor Hector
At the end of Sand Canyon stage 6 you will find Professor Hector from the ROB series (Stack-Up and Gyromite).
To earn his Heart Star you must use Kirby, Kine and Coo's powers to collect the pieces of ROB scattered around the temple.
Once you have all the pieces, go to Professor Hector and ROB will be assembled next to him, and you are rewarded with a Heart Star.
Samus & Metroids
At the end of Iceberg stage 2 you will find Samus Aran, hero of the Metroid series.
To earn her Heart Star, collect the Ice power before you enter the volcano and defeat all of the Metroid enemies that you find hidden in each room.
If you defeat them all, Samus will not only award you with a Heart Star, but she will also remove her Power Suit's helmet.
Kirby of the Stars 3
