For the most part, the latest entry in the Kirby franchise, Planet Robobot, is a straightforward one that isn't too far removed from 2014’s Triple Deluxe. One of the ways it sets itself apart, however, is with its surprise ending.
Mecha-Kirby below is guarding you from having the game's final moments spoiled, but if you've already beaten the game, or are just curious to see exactly what I was talking about in my review when I called its ending, "a surprising leap from the established Kirby norms for a wholly surprising and engaging climax," feel free to keep scrolling.
Kirby has its traditional ending, with a pair of challenging platforming boss battles and a few story twists, but it's not until after defeating the game's presumed main antagonist that things get crazy. Kirby merges with Meta Knight's iconic ship to turn into a gigantic spaceship Kirby, and then the game suddenly turns into Star Fox as you fly through space to do battle with an enemy that has a surprising amount in common with Mass Effect's Reapers. And then, to tie it all into a neat little bow, Kirby and his mech share a Big Hero 6 moment before the credits roll and Kirby proceeds to punch everyone's names as they scroll by.
You can check out the higlights of the ending in the video below.
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For a look at another surprisingly related ending, head here for a look at the ending of Star Fox Zero.