Released in 2006, Kirby: Squeak Squad was the first mainline Kirby videogame released for the Nintendo DS, following a more traditional formula than its predecessor Kirby & the Amazing Mirror.

There isn't open world, multiple Kirbies or some unique gimmick like the Animal Friends from Kirby's Dream Land 2/3 or the Power Combos from Kirby 64. The main innovations are new abilities with multiples moves, similar to Kirby Super Star, the possibility to store chests, abilities and healing items in the touch screen; and the enemy team, a group of mice thieves called The Squeaks.

While the lack of gimmicks makes this game an ideal place to start playing the franchise, it feels unoriginal and unremarkable when compared to previous entries, especially when Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, released just two years prior, is a lot longer and innovative. Talking about length, you can easily get all the 120 chests under 5 hours, a much shorter experience than games like Kirby: Canvas Curse or even Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, games that offer extra modes more interesting than the Time Trial you unlock here.

However, that doesn't mean this is a bad Kirby game at all, as it's still fun completing the levels, using different abilities, watching your collection grow, trying new colors and playing the optional minigames when you want a change of pace. Plus, it doesn't have problems like being forced to bring an ability from a previous level to get a chest or a good ending that needs 100% completion in order to be unlocked, which is really appreciated.

In conclusion, Kirby: Squeak Squad is the perfect Kirby videogame to start if you are new to the franchise, but if you are already familiarized with it then you'll probably be dissappointed with the lack of innovation and short length, even if the gameplay is as fun as always.