Kirby dev on synergy between core games and spin-offs, HAL Laboratory not burnt out on making Kirby titles, more

Kotaku published a new round of quotes from Shinya Kumazaki, the chief creator at HAL Laboratory. Kumazaki had plenty to say about the Kirby series, including the synergy between core games and spin-offs as well as having more ideas and not being burnt out on the series.

We’ve rounded up some of the more notable comments from Kumazaki below. For the full article, head on over to Kotaku.

On the synergy between core Kirby games and spin-offs…

“The core titles have an important role as the core of the series, but leave a separate role for the more unrestrained spin-off Kirby titles that are full of surprises you’d never expect to see in a Kirby game. And then these slightly more unusual spin-off Kirby games drive anticipation for the core Kirby games, which helps us get enthusiastic about developing a title that meets those expectations. The series keeps getting bigger as we fill those roles and make it more diverse.”

On the smaller Kirby games…

“With each passing year, the development of Kirby games gets larger in scale and more complicated. Completing smaller games like these is a good experience that gives the younger staff members at HAL Laboratory an opportunity to take up a more active role. Kirby’s Blowout Blast was originally a mini-game that came about because we wanted to try out 3D action. A younger director worked hard to develop both that title and Team Kirby Clash Deluxe.

With these experiments, we were able to create wonderful opportunities for users to experience new gameplay that make the most of the Kirby series.”

On having Kirby be “approachable yet deep”…

“I think this quality of being approachable while culminating in a climax with some depth is one of the things that makes Kirby games unique,” he said. “You get drawn in by the cuteness, and find yourself playing until suddenly you and Kirby are ready to face the final battle with the fate of the world on the line. Then, after completing the game, you can take on a new mode that is surprisingly difficult.”

On the future of Kirby…

“I feel like we’ve accomplished a lot at this point. But in no way is our team at HAL Laboratory burnt out. There are still a lot of things I personally want to try, and I hope we can bring Kirby’s endeavors to even more people around the world.”