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Archer
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| “ | Wait for the right moment, and open fire. Hide in the shadows, and become aSharpshooter! Your precision aiming will let you hit asmall target from long distance. | ” | — Kirby: Triple Deluxe pause caption |
Archer is aCopy Ability which givesKirby a bow and arrow with which to sharp-shoot his foes with from a distance. The ability was first introduced inKirby: Triple Deluxe, where it can be obtained by swallowing theenemySpynum. Unlike with theCupid ability, Archer Kirby can shoot rapid-fire volleys of fast and straight-flying arrows from one end of the screen to the other. In addition, Kirby can carefully angle his arrows for a more precise hit, and can also charge them up to create powerful penetrating projectiles. Other moves include the ability to slash with an arrow like asword at close quarters or don camouflage to avoid enemy attacks.
When Kirby gains the Archer ability, he obtains a fancy purple hat with a white trim and a big yellow feather sticking out the back. His bow is red with a star insignia in the center, and his arrows are silver-tipped with golden-brown shafts. Since its debut, Archer has only appeared one other time in the main series (inKirby: Planet Robobot), with the rest of its appearances being in theKirby Fighters games. InKirby: Triple Deluxe, Archer is the only ability able to hitTarget Switches, which is required for several puzzles.
Overview and moveset[edit]
| “ | Have you tried the new Archer ability yet? Doesn’t Kirby look charming wearing a fashionable hat while sniping enemies with arrows? The Archer ability enables three levels of attacks depending on the amount of power you charge up: the Shot, Snipe Shot, and Magic-Star Arrow. You can also use Arrow Slash to attack enemies up close. Kirby using his Hitman attack while hiding behind a bush is quite a sight, too! For the Archer ability, inhale a Spynum before it hits you! | ” | — Satoshi Ishida,Miiverse post on 05/23/2014 9:18 AM |
Since its debut inKirby: Triple Deluxe, Archer has remained more or less consistent in its look and functionality. Archer Kirby's moveset allows him to shoot different types of arrows in various patterns. He can also swing his arrows in close quarters or camouflage himself with a cardboard cutout colored in crayon. Archer Kirby's full moveset is as follows (excluding minor changes made inKirby Fighters 2, detailed in a separate table below):
| Archer moveset forKirby: Triple Deluxe,Kirby Fighters Deluxe, andKirby: Planet Robobot while facing right | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill | Image | Button Execution | Description |
| Shot |  | B | Kirby fires an arrow straight forwards which flies until it leaves the screen or hits something. |
| Snipe Shot |  | Hold B to charge, and then release | Kirby charges up and releases a more powerful arrow. |
| Magic-Star Arrow |  | Hold B longer before releasing | After charging up further, Kirby releases a magical comet-like arrow that can pass through enemies it hits. |
| Sharpshooter |  | While holding B, press either of ↨ | While prepping a Shot, Snipe Shot, or Magic-Star Arrow, Kirby can aim up or down for more precision. |
| Sky Shot |  | ↑ + B | Kirby fires an arrow straight above him which flies until it leaves the screen or hits something. |
| Sky-Shot Shower |  | Press ↑ and then hold B, and then release | After charging up, Kirby shoots a powerful arrow above him that then splits into four and rains down in a small perimeter around himself, two on either side of him. |
| Arrow Slash |  | Dash + B | Kirby quickly slashes twice using an arrow while stepping forward, damaging foes up close. |
| Leaping Quiver |  | Dash jump + B in midair | While in the air, Kirby shoots three arrows diagonally downward very quickly. |
| Camouflage |  | ↓ | Kirby hides behind a makeshift cardboard cutout meant to resemble an environmental object. While camouflaged, Kirby cannot be harmed by most attacks (not as effective in theKirby Fighters games). Each time Kirby uses this move, the object he hides behind will be different (more details in the next table). |
| Hitman |  | B while camouflaged | Kirby shoots an arrow straight forward while still hiding under his camouflage. This arrow travels close to the ground. Camouflage's intangibility is negated while Kirby fires the arrow. |
| Crawl |  | Either of ↔ while camouflaged | Kirby can slowly waddle left or right while holding his camouflage. Camouflage's intangibility is negated while Kirby is crawling. |
When Archer Kirby uses his Camouflage, the object he hides behind can be a number of different things chosen at random (similar to theStone transformations in many games). These are as follows:
| Camouflage forms | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Name | Description | Form | Name | Description |
 | 草 Grass | A green bush |  | 犬たまご Inutamago | TheHAL logo |
 | 花 Flowers | A green bush with pink flowers |  | King Dedede[conjectural title] | A picture of King Dedede (Not inKirby: Planet Robobot) |
 | 樹木 Tree | A short tree |  | デデデでデンZ Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe[derived from Japanese] | A picture of King Dedede, styled fromDedede's Drum Dash (Kirby: Planet Robobot exclusive) |
 | 岩 Rock | A large rock |  | タランザ Taranza | A picture of Taranza (Kirby: Planet Robobot exclusive) |
 | 星ブロック Star Block | A Star Block |  | カンパニーロゴ Company Logo | TheHaltmann Works Company logo (Kirby: Planet Robobot exclusive) |
| Japanese names taken fromKirby: Planet Robobot Official Nintendo Guidebook. English names and translations are unofficial. | |||||
Game appearances[edit]
| Archer Kirby's video game appearances | ||
|---|---|---|
| Game | Role | Notes |
| Kirby: Triple Deluxe | Copy Ability | Obtainable fromSpynum. Also selectable inKirby Fighters. |
| Kirby Fighters Deluxe | Playable character | Selectable in all game modes. Comes with an unlockable Rare Hat. |
| Kirby: Planet Robobot | Copy Ability | Obtainable fromSpynum. |
| Kirby Fighters 2 | Playable character | Selectable in all game modes after reachingFighters Rank 28. Comes with two unlockable Rare Hats. |
| Kirby's Dream Buffet | Reference | A collectibleCharacter Treat featuring Archer Kirby appears. |
Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]
Archer makes its debut inKirby: Triple Deluxe, and can be obtained from the enemySpynum. There are a number of puzzles in this game which specifically require the use of the Archer ability and involves the player tilting theNintendo 3DS to line a pathway for Kirby's arrows.
Archer is also available as one of the abilities in the sub-gameKirby Fighters.
Kirby Fighters Deluxe[edit]
Archer is one of the available Copy Abilities which can be selected inKirby Fighters Deluxe. It functions identically to the way it did in Kirby Fighters. Additionally, an unlockableRare Outfit for Archer Kirby can be obtained in this game, which gives him a green hat with upward-facing frills and a different bow with a largely green coloration.
Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]
Archer returns inKirby: Planet Robobot, and is still supplied bySpynum. Aside from gaining a few new Camouflage forms, it is unchanged from its appearance inKirby: Triple Deluxe.
Kirby Fighters 2[edit]
Archer returns inKirby Fighters 2, playing largely the same way it did in its previous appearance. It is unlocked for use by the player upon reachingFighters Rank 28. This game also features twoRare Hats for the ability, those being the Hunter's Hat (unlocked at Rank 64) and the Cyber Hat (unlocked at Rank 92). Choosing the Cyber Hat also replaces the cardboard Camouflage cutouts with holographic equivalents.
For more precise competitive-oriented information on the Archer ability inKirby Fighters 2, seeMizuumi Wiki's page.
Moveset[edit]
| Archer moveset inKirby Fighters 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill | Button Execution | Description | Damage (unmodified) |
| Shot | Press and release B | Kirby shoots an arrow straight forward. | 12 |
| Snipe Shot | Hold B to charge, then release | Kirby shoots a more powerful arrow which passes through opponents and other objects, but not walls. | 16 |
| Magic-Star Arrow | Hold B longer before releasing | Kirby shoots a powerful magic missile that passes through opponents and other objects, but not walls. | 32 |
| Sharpshooter | While holding B, move ↑/↓ | Kirby can aim his bow up or down while holding an arrow to shoot. | N/A |
| Sky Shot | ↑ + press and release B | Kirby fires an arrow straight upward. | 20 |
| Sky-Shot Shower | Move ↑ and hold B to charge, then release | After charging up, Kirby shoots a magic arrow into the sky that then splits into four and rains down in a small perimeter around himself. | 26 (main arrow) 22 (energy streams) |
| Arrow Slash | Dash + B | Kirby pulls out an arrow and swipes opponents with it at melee range. After the first swipe, he steps forward and performs a second. | 8 (first hit) 12 (second hit) |
| Leaping Quiver | Dash + B in midair | Kirby fires three arrows in rapid succession diagonally downward. | 12 (first arrow) 7 (second arrow) 7 (third arrow) |
| Camouflage | ↓ | Kirby hides behind a cardboard cut-out with crayon drawing on the front resembling a background object. He can still take damage, but has a lower profile. | N/A |
| Hitman | B while camouflaged | Kirby shoots a low-to-the-ground arrow, and can shoot them very rapidly. | 10 |
| Crawl | Move ←/→ while camouflaged | Kirby shuffles slowly to the left or right, keeping his low profile in the process. | N/A |
Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]
InKirby's Dream Buffet, Archer Kirby is depicted alongsideFighter Kirby on the "Archer vs. Fighter"Character Treat, using artwork fromKirby Fighters Deluxe. Archer does not appear as an ability inKirby's Dream Buffet itself.
In theKirby novel series[edit]
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In theKirby novel series, the Archer ability makes an appearance inKirby's Labyrinth Rescue! and inKirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!.
InKirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, during the fight against the giganticMagolor,Kirby inhalesSpynum and gains the Archer ability. He uses it to attack Magolor with all his might, but the arrows barely reach him, not doing any damage. When givenMinny to inhale, Kirby drops the Archer ability.
InKirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby andBandana Waddle Dee encounter an Archer Kirby copy as one of their opponents in the Buddy Fighters Tower's seventh floor. Kirby shoots the Archer Kirby copy with his newly acquiredWater copy ability. As they fight, Archer Kirby tries to shoot an arrow at Waddle Dee, but Kirby knocks the arrow midair with a stream of water. Kirby uses a Wave Surf attack to defeat the Archer Kirby copy.
Flavor text[edit]
| Image | Game | Flavor text |
|---|---|---|
 | Kirby: Triple Deluxe | Wait for the right moment, and open fire. Hide in the shadows, and become aSharpshooter! Your precision aiming will let you hit asmall target from long distance. |
 | Kirby Fighters Deluxe | American English: Wait for the right moment, and open fire. Hide in the shadows, and become aSharpshooter! Use precision aiming to fire upward, across, and diagonally. |
 | Kirby: Planet Robobot | Wait for the right moment, and open fire. Hide in the shadows, and become aSharpshooter! Your precision aiming will let youshoot through tight spots. |
Trivia[edit]
- Arole based on Archer was planned forTeam Kirby Clash, but it was ultimately scrapped.
- The officialKirby Fighters 2Copy Compendium #4 video refers to Archer by its Japanese name, Sniper. Anupdated version of the video (archive) released on February 3rd, 2021 fixed the error and refers to the ability by its English name.
- The same mistake was made ina listing of an Archer Kirby plush in the official Nintendo North American online shop, referring to it as "Kirby Sniper".
Gallery[edit]
Pause screen artwork fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Ability Star fromKirby: Triple Deluxe andKirby: Planet Robobot
Pause subscreen fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Credits picture of Archer Kirby attackingPaintra fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
A puzzle that is designed specifically for the Archer ability fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Camouflaging behind a King Dedede cardboard inKirby: Triple Deluxe
Camouflaging behind a HAL Laboratory logo cardboard inKirby: Triple Deluxe
Artwork fromKirby Fighters Deluxe
Credits picture of Archer andBeam Kirby posing together inFlower Land fromKirby Fighters Deluxe
Credits picture of Archer Kirby andDyna Blade finding a suspicious bush inDyna Blade's Nest fromKirby Fighters Deluxe
Credits picture of Archer Kirby and many others saying goodbye in Flower Land fromKirby Fighters Deluxe
Icon fromKirby Fighters 2
"Hunter's Hat" Archer Kirby, fromKirby Fighters 2
"Cyber Hat" Archer Kirby, fromKirby Fighters 2
Concept art of Archer andBomb Kirby's Rare Hats forKirby Fighters 2
Mii Maker badge from theKirby: Triple Deluxe set inNintendo Badge Arcade
Archer Kirby inFind Kirby!!
Archer Kirby inFind Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party!
Archer Kirby inFind Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party!
Archer Kirby inFind Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party!
Archer Kirby with the Hunter's HatRare Hat inFind Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party!
Archer's hat is featured in this artwork for KIRBY HAT STUDIO merchandise series
Banner from theKirby Personality Quiz
Archer Kirby plushie, manufactured by San-ei
Videos[edit]
Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data.Privacy Policy OfficialKirby Portal video showcasing Archer |
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | スナイパー Sunaipā | Sniper |
| Traditional Chinese | 狙擊手 jū jī shǒu | Sniper |
| Simplified Chinese | 狙击手 jū jī shǒu | |
| Dutch | Boogschutter | Archer |
| French | Archer | - |
| German | Bogenschütze | Archer |
| Italian | Arciere | Archer |
| Korean | 스나이퍼 Seunaipeo | Sniper |
| Portuguese | Arqueiro | Archer |
| Russian | Лучник[1] Luchnik | Archer |
| Spanish | Arquero | Archer |
References
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- Articles which list Japanese names
- Articles which list Chinese names
- Articles which list Dutch names
- Articles which list French names
- Articles which list German names
- Articles which list Italian names
- Articles which list Korean names
- Articles which list Portuguese names
- Articles which list Russian names
- Articles which list Spanish names
