I present my latest
discussion, the proof that small things come in... small
packages... or something to that effect. Minimum Kirby
Or, "Mini" Kirby, as it is known in the English version.
Kirby is endowed with this ability by inhaling and
copying a small character known as "Minny" (ugh). I
think they're a species of Waddle Dee, albeit a small
one that usually hides in enclosed spaces. Generally,
when you see Minny, it's inside a space that nothing may
enter. You must INHALE it to get it loose, and that
usually means you need to copy their ability, and get
small! . You might also find them just pop into the
scene after you get Cook or Magic from Cookin' or Boxy;
they're meant to be used as cannon fodder to cook up, or
in the event that the Magic Roulette lands on 1UP or the
Cherry icon. Occasionally, Boxy conceals these in her
presents. DON'T inhale them then, I'll explain why.
You see, once Kirby
gets small, he is unable to use many of his moves. In
fact, he's defenseless. He can't inhale anything, as
he's too small to suck up most enemies. He can't copy
anything, since he already has Mini as his ability
(plus, his inhale is disabled, and even if Copy Kirby
were in this game abilities don't stack, bar Kirby
64). And, he can't puff up to float (again, that
involves the inhale) to use air pellets, NOR can he
use the slide kick. No offense to use in his defense,
so he's vulnerable. That said, if Boxy spits a
present, you hold out for it to open (in case it's a
battery or food), and it's Minny, exhale it back. If
you swallow it by mistake, use Select to drop it
IMMEDIATELY (or just get hit, it's your call, but I
don't recommend pain), catch the star, and blow it
back at Boxy. You don't need a disabling ability.
Or DO you? As it
happens, if you see Minny otherwise, you should
probably copy it. For some passages exist that only
Minimum Kirby can fit into. Don't worry it the ceiling
looks a little jagged; those aren't spikes. Small
passages just look a bit distorted at times. There can
be spikes, enemies, and fire around, though.... with
Kirby unable to do anything but run and jump, this is
taking you back to classic Kirby's Dream Land gameplay,
but with NO attacks or floating. A nice touch, and a
good way to test your skill at maneuvering around
obstacles and foes, instead of THROUGH them. On a few
occasions, you may need to drop the power to move an
obstacle, then take it back to continue. Droppy will
be on hand to relieve you of the ability, at no cost
to your HP, and thus, you don't risk the power's star
vanishing on you. You'll need to use Minimum Kirby to
get to treasures, and find some doors, so in those
cases, it's a blessing, not a curse. Mind you, Minny
(and to the same extent, Bomber and UFO) doesn't have
an Ability Pedestal. It's a good thing, though... you
don't need it other than in those few situations, and
being able to copy it anywhere would just be
asinine... besides, it is nullified once you leave a
room, so why bother? If you took Minimum in the
ability rooms between levels (or the big one after you
link all doors), you'd lose it the second you went
through the next door.
Anyway... I REALLY don't know what to rate Minimum Kirby...
he's devoid of defense, so that'd normally be a 0/10
score... but, it's an ability meant for treasure and secret
seeking, and without it, kiss that 100% goodbye... so a
10/10 for that? 9/10? I REALLY can't choose one. I'll throw
Minimum Kirby a 5/10 for mild nostalgia and secret hunting,
but that's it. I can't see this one having any real purpose
otherwise, save to be annoying to the player.
