This article is about in-game objects used to travel. For cannons used for attack, seeCrackler or3D Helmet Cannon. For the common cannon-like enemy, seeShotzo. For the main cannon on theHalberd, seeCombo Cannon.
This article is about the objects that launch Kirby to new places, and should not be confused with "canon", another word forcontinuity.
ACannon is an object in theKirby series which can launchKirby or another character as a projectile. Using a cannon will allow Kirby to travel across an area, travel to a new area (much like aDoor orWarp Star), and/or bust through barricades. Cannons have been a common sight inKirby series' stage architecture sinceKirby's Adventure, with more types being gradually added over time.
There are several different kinds of cannons throughout the series, with each one having its own set of rules and restrictions. The following is a list of every type of recurring cannon (note that these names are conjectural unless otherwise stated):
Tutorial video showing the Fuse Cannon as used inKirby and the Forgotten Land
First appearing inKirby's Adventure, these large black cannons are hooked up to a longfuse, which can span an entire area and must be lit at the end using a fire-based attack from Kirby or another playable character. From there, Kirby must make his way to the cannon before the fuse burns out and enter it in time to be fired by it, usually resulting in gaining access to a new area. If Kirby does not make it in time, the fuse will regenerate, and he can (usually) try again.
Sometimes, enemies such asJack will take up residence inside a Fuse Cannon, making it unusable by Kirby unless it is forced out. InKirby: Triple Deluxe, some Fuse Cannons have broken fuses, which need to be aligned by tilting the block they are attached to; inKirby: Planet Robobot, a Fuse Cannon may need to be moved into place using theRobobot Armor before it can be used.
This variety of cannon, calledLaunch Cannon,[1] was first seen inKirby Super Star, holding fixed positions in the air. It comes in two main types: directional and auto variants, butKirby: Triple Deluxe introduces a rare third type.
When Kirby or another playable character enters, the cannon usually begins to rotate between fixed orientations at regular intervals, with the available directions and rotation speed depending on the specific cannon in question. Certain Directional Launch Cannons do not rotate, instead merely holding still. When the player presses the appropriate button to fire the cannon, the character inside will be launched at high speed in the direction the cannon was last facing. While being fired, the character acts as a projectile and will defeat enemies they come into contact with and also bust through sturdier obstacles like metal or stoneblocks. The player will not have control over the character until they hit a wall or other obstacle that stops the flight.
These sorts of cannons are often chained together (sometimes with other types of cannons) to create elaborate sequences where characters are shot from cannon to cannon, and are sometimes involved in puzzles.
This cannon functions almost identically to the directional launch cannon, but rather than changing direction or waiting for the player's input, the cannon will automatically fire out any character who jumps into it after a brief wind-up.
First appearing inKirby: Triple Deluxe,Tilt Launch Cannons[2] rely on tilt controls to be aimed. They also have a variant calledRail Tilt Launch Cannon[3] that is instead linked to a rail, and can be moved along that rail when the player tilts theNintendo 3DS system. Once they reach a favorable position, they can be triggered to fire, launching Kirby in much the same way as the Directional Launch Cannons.
There are a number of different cannons used forGoal Games in variousKirby titles. These vary in firepower based on where the power meter is when it is activated, sending Kirby further if the meter is higher.
Apart from the common types of cannon found in the series, there are a number of more obscure ones which only appear in a few titles, or only once ever:
TheKirby's Dream Land 3 enemy Zebon, while technically classified as anenemy, is effectively another type of Directional Cannon. Once it has absorbed Kirby, it will fire him in up to 8 different directions, and can send him to new areas.
InKirby: Canvas Curse, there are two distinct varieties of cannon. The type which would otherwise be considered a normal cannon in other games is referred to here as aSuper Cannon,[4] due to it being more powerful than the smaller variety that merely kicks Kirby forward when he uses them. The Super Cannon requires a tap from theNintendo DS stylus to use, and allows Kirby to bust throughMetal Blocks and enemies that he fires through.
Exclusive to theCastle Dedede stage inKirby's Epic Yarn andKirby's Extra Epic Yarn are large cannons that launch large, slow-moving cannonballs. These serve both as obstacles that can hurt the player and as platforms the player can jump on to access secret areas or progress through the stage.
An appearance of the large cannon at the beginning of Castle Dedede
The 3D cannon only appears once, during the fight withSectonia Vine at the end ofKirby: Triple Deluxe. It is brought in by thePeople of the Sky, andKing Dedede uses it to fire Kirby at the vines blocking the path toFlowered Sectonia's position. Once the obstruction is cleared, Kirby is fired again from this cannon to face Sectonia in the last battle.
The cannon has a full range of tilt-based aiming, though it only fires toward the background. Once Kirby hits a weak point on the vines (or fails to), he rebounds and lands in the cannon again.
Because the 3D cannon is only used in the final battle, it can be considered one of the two closest analogues to aLast Battle Ability inTriple Deluxe (the other beingHypernova, which is used against Flowered Sectonia's final phase, but also at several other points earlier in the game).
The People of the Sky bringing in the 3D Cannon
King Dedede taking aim using the cannon
Kirby being launched at one of Sectonia's eye stalks
Credits picture of the People of the Sky helping out the panicking Kirby and Dedede
Kirby Star Allies features a combination of four fuse cannons called theFour Friends Cannon,[5] which is activated by a single fuse. If boarded by four characters, they are all launched together, and their combined forces allow them to break the Huge Rock Block[6] at the end of their trajectory; if boarded by less than four characters, they cannot break said block.
Starting withKirby's Return to Dream Land, when being fired from a cannon, Kirby keeps his eyes closed tight until hitting a wall or otherwise reaching his destination.
Sprite fromKirby's Adventure
Sprite of Kirby in a Fuse Cannon fromKirby's Adventure
A Fuse Cannon inKirby's Adventure
Sprite fromKirby Super Star
Artwork fromKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
A Fuse Cannon inKirby & The Amazing Mirror
Artwork fromKirby: Squeak Squad
Keychain of Kirby inside a Fuse Cannon fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
A Fuse Cannon with a broken fuse, which needs tilting to align, fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Figure of a Fuse Cannon fromKirby and the Forgotten Land
"Pixel Kirby (Cannon)"Character Treat fromKirby's Dream Buffet, featuring a sprite fromKirby's Adventure
A Fuse Cannon inKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Sprite fromKirby Super Star
A directional launch cannon fromKirby: Triple Deluxe.
A directional launch cannon fromKirby Star Allies.
A Directional Launch Cannon inKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe.
An auto launch cannon fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Kirby in the Cannonfigurine fromKirby and the Rainbow Curse
Model of the figurine
An auto launch cannon fromKirby Star Allies
An auto launch cannon fromKirby's Dream Buffet
An Auto Launch Cannon inKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
A Tilt Launch Cannon
A Rail Tilt Launch Cannon
Two Rail Tilt Launch Cannons
TheKirby's Dream Land 3 enemy Zebon, while technically classified as anenemy, is effectively another type of Directional Cannon. Once it has absorbed Kirby, it will fire him in up to 8 different directions, and can send him to new areas.
InKirby: Canvas Curse, there are two distinct varieties of cannon. The type which would otherwise be considered a normal cannon in other games is referred to here as aSuper Cannon,[4] due to it being more powerful than the smaller variety that merely kicks Kirby forward when he uses them. The Super Cannon requires a tap from theNintendo DS stylus to use, and allows Kirby to bust throughMetal Blocks and enemies that he fires through.
An appearance of the large cannon at the beginning of Castle Dedede
The People of the Sky bringing in the 3D Cannon
King Dedede taking aim using the cannon
Kirby being launched at one of Sectonia's eye stalks
Credits picture of the People of the Sky helping out the panicking Kirby and Dedede
A Four Friends Cannon inHoney Hill
A Four Friends Cannon inExtra Eclair
Four characters being shot at the Huge Rock Block
Semi-unused icon for when Kirby is in a cannon inKirby's Adventure
Icon fromKirby Super Star
Meta Knightmare Returns credits picture fromKirby: Planet Robobot, featuring Meta Knight in a cannon
LINE animated sticker from "Kirby's Puffball Sticker Set"
Two toys of Kirby in a cannon, from the bookFind Kirby!! Full of Kirby
A cannon being used inFind Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party!
Big Kirby in a Cannon plushie, manufactured by San-ei
Buruburuzu mascot plush of Kirby in a Cannon
Cannon Vehicle from the "Kirby: MinimaginationTOWN" merchandise series
Cannon Vehicle with Kirby from the "Kirby: MinimaginationTOWN" merchandise series
Set of Kirby figurines made of soft vinyl
Gashapon Kirby-themed Hugcot figurines by Bandai
Kirby toy that swings back and forth in a Fuse Cannon. From "Kirby Swing Solar Collection Vol. 3" merchandise, by Eiko
Wonderful Towel Collection from "A New Pupupu Lifestyle!" merchandise series
