Kirby: Squeak Squad (2006) | Nintendo DS Video Game
Play Kirby: Squeak Squad on Nintendo DS, a charming platform adventure where Kirby tracks down stolen treasure, copies enemy abilities, discovers hidden chests, and unlocks powerful upgrades across colorful stages.
Game Intro
Kirby: Squeak Squad is a side-scrolling platform adventure released for the Nintendo DS in 2006. Developed by HAL Laboratory and Flagship, the game follows Kirby on a surprisingly large treasure hunt after his favorite slice of strawberry shortcake mysteriously disappears. What starts as a simple search quickly turns into a chase involving a group of treasure-hunting mice known as the Squeaks.
Like many entries in the Kirby series, the game focuses on accessible platforming, colorful environments, and the ability to borrow powers from enemies. While it stays true to the formula fans already knew, Squeak Squad introduces a few mechanics that make use of the Nintendo DS hardware, particularly the touchscreen inventory system. The result is a lighthearted adventure that's easy to pick up but still offers plenty of secrets for players who enjoy exploring every corner of a level.
Throughout the journey, players travel across multiple themed worlds, uncover hidden collectibles, unlock special treasures, and experiment with a large collection of Copy Abilities. Its straightforward design makes it approachable for newcomers, while the hunt for every chest and collectible provides extra goals for completionists.
How to Play
The main objective is to guide Kirby through a series of platforming stages while defeating enemies, avoiding hazards, and collecting treasures. Kirby's signature ability remains the core of the experience: he can inhale many enemies and absorb their powers, gaining new attacks and movement options that help him overcome obstacles.
Each stage contains hidden treasure chests scattered throughout the level. Some are easy to find, while others require specific abilities, secret routes, or special challenges to obtain. Successfully finishing a stage while carrying these chests rewards players with collectibles, upgrades, and unlockable content.
One of the game's unique features is Kirby's stomach inventory, displayed on the DS touchscreen. Players can store up to five items, abilities, or treasures at once. This system allows abilities to be saved for later instead of being used immediately, adding a small layer of strategy when exploring longer stages.
As players progress, they will discover Copy Scrolls that enhance existing abilities. These upgrades can improve attacks or unlock new techniques, making familiar powers more useful as the adventure continues.
The game also includes an ability-mixing mechanic. Certain Copy Abilities can be combined through the touchscreen to create entirely new powers. Experimenting with different combinations becomes part of the fun, especially when searching for the most effective abilities against bosses or difficult sections.
In addition to the main adventure, Kirby: Squeak Squad offers several multiplayer minigames that can be enjoyed with friends. These side activities provide a break from the story mode and showcase the mischievous members of the Squeak Squad in competitive challenges.
Controls
D-Pad / Arrow Keys – Move Kirby
A Button / Z Key – Jump / Float
B Button / X Key – Inhale enemies, attack, or use Copy Abilities
Touch Screen & Stylus – Manage inventory items, combine abilities, and interact with stored objects
Start Button – Pause the game
Select Button – Access additional menus and options
Touch Device Controls
You can use on-screen controls on touch devices, such as Android mobiles, Apple phones, iPhones, tablets, iPads, and other devices with touch support.
Final Thoughts
Kirby: Squeak Squad may not reinvent the Kirby formula, but it delivers exactly what many fans expect from the series: bright visuals, creative powers, hidden collectibles, and relaxed platforming. The touchscreen inventory system and ability upgrades add enough variety to keep the adventure engaging, while the treasure-hunting focus encourages players to revisit stages in search of secrets. For Nintendo DS owners looking for a classic Kirby experience, Squeak Squad remains an enjoyable and approachable entry in the franchise.
