Review: Cutter/Spark

Ability : Cutter/Spark

Title : Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Reviewer : Faital Ryuu


When combining Cutter and Spark in Kirby 64, you get a weapon that looks remarkably like Darth Maul's double light saber in Star Wars Episode 1. It could be presumed that this particular combination ability is a nod to thefirst Star Wars prequel since Episode 1 was released 10 months prior to Kirby's first Nintendo 64 release.

Anyways, the double light saber ability is a good close-range ability, even though it could be better. Kirby swings the light saber much like a very long baton four times both in front and behind him. The attack is almost identical in the air, but less accurate due to Kirby jumping in the air. Before being able to attack with it, the attack button prompts Kirby to take out the light saber first much like the flame sword ability. A plus is that when Kirby takes out the light saber, it can hurt enemies that come into contact with it.

As cool as the double light saber is, it has its drawbacks. The primary drawback is that when the light saber is out, you can't fly. It may be wise to fly through some parts of the levels with bottomless pits and to use his breath attack to kill both grounded and airborne enemies while traveling. If you're really courageous, however, feel free to have that light saber out and just time your jumps correctly.

The other drawback which is really more of a nuisance than dangerous is that Kirby puts his light saber away when he goes through thin platforms. A particular level that can cause this problem is the first level on Aqua Star, near the last Crystal Shard. It's best to remind yourself that you'll need to take the light saber out over and over again so you can kill enemies.

The double light saber Kirby uses is overall a good ability. It's a good for a standard difficulty speed run through the game even though it's impossible to nab all the Crystal Shards without temporarily scrapping the saber. While many people would've preferred Kirby to go as far as to wield the original double light saber Darth Maul used and to look like him, keep in mind, Kirby would've lost his innocence and cuteness. And there most likely would've been copyright issues if the original light saber was used. If you want an evil Kirby, settle for Ganondorf Kirby in Smash Bros.


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Last Updated - September 20th, 2008