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Explore an ancient cave and recover the 60 treasures hidden there, then make it back to the surface safely. Think of the value of each treasure in gold as your score.
— Game Modes • Kirby Super Star Ultra Instruction Booklet

The Great Cave Offensive is a sub-game in Kirby Super Star and its remake, Kirby Super Star Ultra.

Overview[]

KSSU GCO Kirby

Kirby falls into the cave - Kirby Super Star Ultra

In this sub-game's intro, Kirby is seen taking a walk- but he accidentally falls through a hole. He ventures through what seems to be a cave, and must escape. Throughout the sub-game, he has the option of collecting Treasure Chest items. Each treasure has a value in Gold, which is also the player's score. 100G (100 gold) is equivalent to 1 dollar - this is found in the Dime and 100-Dollar Coin items, which are worth 10G and 10,000G, respectively. The Great Cave Offensive's more adventure-based layout makes it somewhat unique within the classic Kirby series.

In Meta Knightmare Ultra, every piece of food riginally in the game mode disappears, and every Maxim Tomato and Treasure Chest is replaced with new food. Areas that do not lead to the mine cart are also removed.

Gameplay[]

As Kirby, the player walks through an environment that resembles a cave. There are a total of sixty treasures strewn throughout the cave. There are Save Cottages in every region which contain a pad to Kirby's progress, and special rooms before a boss fights which contain Copy Essences and a Maxim Tomato. The player traverses the regions in sequence; a forested area (Sub-Tree Area), a lake (Crystal Area), a castle (Old Tower Area), and a garden (Garden Area). Most are guarded by a boss - the bosses are unique to this game (including the Active-Battle System-based computer boss called Computer Virus).

The four areas are:

Treasures[]

KSSU TGCO treasures

The treasures in Kirby Super Star Ultra

Gathering treasure is the main objective and the source of difficulty in The Great Cave Offensive. In general, more treasures are hidden in obscure places and are more difficult to obtain in later regions, while the hidden treasures are worth more in Gold. Many of the treasures make references to other notable franchises through their appearance or names.

Treasure Value (G) Details
Image English Japanese Translation
GoldmedalKSS Gold Medal きんメダル Gold Medal 10000G The Gold Medal is from Kirby's Dream Course.
GoldcoinKSS Gold Coin こばん Koban 1000G The Gold Coin is specifically a Koban, a Japanese oval gold coin used in the Edo period of feudal Japan. It is worth one ryo.
WhipKSS Whip インディウィップ Indy Whip 6800G The Whip is specifically the one used by the titular character from the Indiana Jones media franchise.
CrystalballKSS Crystal Ball クリスタルオーブ Crystal Orb 200000G Crystal Balls are common items used by fortune tellers. The Crystal Ball closely resembles the one in the Famicom version of Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished.
LuckycatKSS Lucky Cat まねきねこ Beckoning Cat 500G The Lucky Cat is a common Japanese figurine believed to give good luck, the maneki-neko.
SeiryuswordKSS Seiryu Sword せいりゅうとう Seiryu Sword 142000G A sword named after Seiryu, the Azure Dragon from Chinese folklore who is the Dragon God of the east and of the essence of spring.
ScrewballKSS Screw Ball スクリューボール Screw Ball 80000G The Screw Ball is a power-up item in the Metroid series that allows Samus to perform a powerful jumping attack.
EchigocandyKSS Echigo Candy えちごやのおかし Echigoya Candy 8000G "Echigoya" refers to stock character in Japanese period dramas whose role is a nefarious businessman; this name derives from the Echigo Province, a place in old Japan currently part of the Niigata Prefecture.
ZebramaskKSS Zebra Mask しろくろマスク Black & White Mask 278000G A mask named after its black and white colors; vaguely resembles the nose of a zebra.
StarstoneKSS Star Stone ほしのしずく Star Drop 82100G Appears to be a shooting star.
Beast'sfangKSS Beast's Fang まじゅうのきば Monster Fang 7300G
BandannaKSS Bandanna コマンドバンダナ Commando Bandanna 1990G The Bandanna resembles the one Kirby wears when he gains the Fighter ability. It may also be a possible reference to the Rambo film series.
SpringtimeKSS Springtime はるのおもいで Memories of Spring 250000G
DimeKSS Dime じゅうえんだま 10 Yen Coin 10G This treasure serves as the first instance where the in-game value, Gold (G), can be equated to real-world value. This would mean 1 Gold is equal to 1 cent (United States) or 1 Yen (Japan); at the time of Kirby Super Star's release, 1 cent and 1 Yen were nearly equivalent in exchange rate. A real-world 10 Yen Coin feature the number 10 on its reverse side, much like how it features a 10 in game.
GlassslipperKSS Glass Slippers ガラスのくつ Glass Shoe 120000G The Glass Slippers are likely the ones specifically worn by Cinderella.
GobletKSS Goblet ゴブレット Goblet 800G
SaucepanKSS Saucepan じょうぶなおなべ Durable Pot 10G
BrassknucklesKSS Brass Knuckle ボンバーナックル Bomber Knuckle 20000G Its Japanese name, "Bomber Knuckle," may be a reference to the intended method of obtaining the treasure, by inhaling the Bomber enemy to obtain Crash to press the switch to open the shutter.
AmberroseKSS Amber Rose こはくのバラ Amber Rose 22100G
FishfossilKSS Fish Fossil さかなのかせき Fish Fossil 8250G
BeastfossilKSS Beast Fossil けもののかせき Beast Fossil 24220G
NunchuksKSS Nunchuks リーのヌンチャク Lee's Nunchuks 55480G The Nunchuks are likely the ones used by martial artist and actor Bruce Lee.
BucketKSS Bucket バケツ Bucket 200G The Bucket is from Mario & Wario; Wario throws it on top of Mario's (& Co's) head(s) to obstruct his/their vision. Oddly, the letter in front is colored orange instead of purple.
SummertimeKSS Summertime なつのおもいで Memories of Summer 250000G
100dollarcoinKSS 100 dollar coin いちまんえんだま 10,000 Yen Coin 10000G Similarly to the Dime, this treasure serves as an instance where the in-game value can be equated to real-world value. While the coin appears as gold in-game, a real-world 10,000 Yen Coin was silver prior to the release of Kirby Super Star.
AncientgemKSS Ancient Gem ほのおのまがたま Flame Magatama 68000G The Ancient Gem is based on a type of Japanese comma-shaped bead, the magatama.
FalconhelmetKSS Falcon Helmet ファルコンメット Falcon Helmet 41000G The Falcon Helmet is the helmet worn by Captain Falcon, the main character of the F-Zero series.
DudKSS Dud ふはつだん Unexploded Bomb 30G
TruthmirrorKSS Truth Mirror しんじつのかがみ Truth Mirror 500000G
StartiaraKSS Star Tiara スターティアラ Star Tiara 408200G
TurtleshellKSS Turtle Shell かめこうら Turtle Shell 800G The Turtle Shell is likely one used by a green Koopa Troopa from the Mario series.
SwordtreasureKSS Sword ファルシオン Falchion 325000G The Sword is likely Marth's Falchion from the Fire Emblem series. Its name in Kirby Super Star is likely because the Fire Emblem series had not been released outside of Japan.
WarriorshieldKSS Warrior Shield せんしのたて Warrior Shield 50000G The Hero Shield used by Sword Hero in Team Kirby Clash, and when wearing the Swordsman's Helm in subsequent entries, bears resemblance to the Warrior Shield.
Unicorn'shornKSS Unicorn's Horn ユニコーンのつの Unicorn's Horn 80300G
AutumntimeKSS Autumntime あきのおもいで Memories of Autumn 250000G
RicebowlKSS Rice Bowl かけたおちゃわん Broken Rice Bowl 50G
Tut'smaskKSS Tut's Mask ツタンカーム Tutankham 160000G Tut's Mask is the golden funerary mask of Tutankhamun, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Tutankham is also the name of an arcade game developed by Konami that's named after King Tut.
MrsaturnKSS Mr. Saturn どせいさんのぞう Mr. Saturn Figure 120000G Mr. Saturn is from the EarthBound series.
ArmorKSS Armor ミスリルよろい Mithril Armor 212000G The Armor is made from mithril (also spelled mythril), a fictional metal originating from Tolkien's mythos that appears in various fantasy works.
TreasureboxKSS Treasure Box せんりょうばこ 1000 Ryo Box 100000G A 1000 ryo box was used to transport Tokugawa coinage in feudal-era Japan, and was designed to hold an amount of Koban totaling 1000 ryo. As the Koban (Gold Coin) is worth 1000G, this box is only worth 1/10 of what it should be.
MannequinKSS Mannequin マネキン Mannequin 3000G
GoldcrownKSS Gold Crown クイーンクラウン Queen Crown 528000G
King'scapeKSS King's Cape はおうのマント High King's Cape 508000G Somewhat resembles King Dedede's robe.
ModelshipKSS Model Ship つきのうきふね Floating Moon Ship 800000G
SunringKSS Sun Ring たいようのゆびわ Sun Ring 800000G
WintertimeKSS Wintertime ふゆのおもいで Memories of Winter 250000G
KatanaKSS Katana めいとうサムライ Famous Sword "Samurai" 990000G The Katana is the most valuable of all 60 Treasures.
CharmKSS Charm アミュレット Amulet 8000G The charm on the necklace appears to be a cross or Ankh.
ChristmastreeKSS Xmas Tree クリスマスツリー Christmas Tree 40000G
Kong'sbarrelKSS Kong's Barrel コングのたる Kong's Barrel 1500G A barrel from the Donkey Kong Country series.
Ramia'sscaleKSS Ramia's Scale ラミアのうろこ Lamia's Scale 12800G The scale of a mythical creature, Lamia. Final Fantasy III features a Lamia Scale item, but its relation is unknown.
ShinybambooKSS Shiny Bamboo たけとりのむすめ The Bamboo Cutter's Daughter 600000G The Shiny Bamboo is a reference to The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, a folk tale well-known by Japanese children. In the story, the baby Princess Kaguya is discovered inside a glowing bamboo stalk.
TireKSS Tire カートのタイヤ Kart Tire 1100G The Tire is likely a reference to Super Mario Kart.
SpiritcharmKSS Spirit Charm たましいのうでわ Spirit Bracelet 78500G
PegasuswingKSS Pegasus Wing ペガサスのはね Pegasus Wing 42800G
RaccoondollKSS Raccoon Doll たぬきのおきもの Tanuki Figure 8150G
ShellwhistleKSS Shell Whistle さざなみのふえ Ripple Whistle 82000G
OrihalconKSS Orihalcon オリハルコン Orichalcum 512000G Orihalcon is a mythical metal of Atlantis that is quite valuable in most RPGs.
PlatinumringKSS Platinum Ring プラチナリング Platinum Ring 40000G
TriforceKSS Triforce トライフォース Triforce 800000G The Triforce is from The Legend of Zelda series.

Treasure Value (G) Details
Image English Japanese Translation
GoldmedalKSSU Gold Medal きんメダル Gold Medal 10000G The Gold Medal is from Kirby's Dream Course.
GoldcoinKSSU Gold Coin こばん Koban 1000G The Gold Coin is specifically a Koban, a Japanese oval gold coin used in the Edo period of feudal Japan. It is worth one ryo.
WhipKSSU Whip インディウィップ Indy Whip 6800G The Whip is specifically the one used by the titular character from the Indiana Jones media franchise.
CrystalballKSSU Crystal Ball クリスタルオーブ Crystal Orb 200000G Crystal Balls are common items used by fortune tellers. The Crystal Ball closely resembles the one in the Famicom version of Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished.
LuckycatKSSU Lucky Cat まねきねこ Beckoning Cat 500G The Lucky Cat is a common Japanese figurine believed to give good luck, the maneki-neko.
SeiryuswordKSSU Seiryu Sword せいりゅうとう Seiryu Sword 142000G A sword named after Seiryu, the Azure Dragon from Chinese folklore who is the Dragon God of the east and of the essence of spring.
ScrewattackKSSU Screw Attack スクリューボール Screw Ball 80000G The Screw Attack is a power-up item in the Metroid series that allows Samus to perform a powerful jumping attack.
EchigocandyKSSU Echigo Candy えちごやのおかし Echigoya Candy 8000G "Echigoya" refers to stock character in Japanese period dramas whose role is a nefarious businessman; this name derives from the Echigo Province, a place in old Japan currently part of the Niigata Prefecture.
PhantomaskKSSU Phanto Mask しろくろマスク Black & White Mask 278000G The Phanto Mask resembles the Phanto enemy from Super Mario Bros. 2, which is likely a reference to Phantom of the Opera. In Japanese, the mask is simply named after its black and white colors.
StarstoneKSSU Star Stone ほしのしずく Star Drop 82100G Appears to be a shooting star.
Beast'sfangKSSU Beast's Fang まじゅうのきば Monster Fang 7300G
BandannaKSSU Bandanna コマンドバンダナ Commando Bandanna 1990G The Bandanna resembles the one Kirby wears when he gains the Fighter ability. It may also be a possible reference to the Rambo film series.
SeasonsheartKSSU Seasons Heart しきのおもいで Memories of the Four Seasons 250000G Seasons Heart is a combination of the Springtime, Summertime, Autumntime, and Wintertime Treasures from Kirby Super Star. It replaces Springtime.
DimeKSSU Dime じゅうえんだま 10 Yen Coin 10G This treasure serves as the first instance where the in-game value, Gold (G), can be equated to real-world value. This would mean 1 Gold is equal to 1 cent (United States) or 1 Yen (Japan); at the time of Kirby Super Star's release, 1 cent and 1 Yen were nearly equivalent in exchange rate. A real-world 10 Yen Coin feature the number 10 on its reverse side, much like how it features a 10 in game.
GlassslipperKSSU Glass Slipper ガラスのくつ Glass Shoe 120000G The Glass Slipper is likely the one specifically lost by Cinderella.
GobletKSSU Goblet ゴブレット Goblet 800G
SaucepanKSSU Saucepan じょうぶなおなべ Durable Pot 10G
BrassknuckleKSSU Brass Knuckle ボンバーナックル Bomber Knuckle 20000G Its Japanese name, "Bomber Knuckle," may be a reference to the intended method of obtaining the treasure, by inhaling the Bomber enemy to obtain Crash to press the switch to open the shutter.
AmberroseKSSU Amber Rose こはくのバラ Amber Rose 22100G
FishfossilKSSU Fish Fossil さかなのかせき Fish Fossil 8250G
BeastfossilKSSU Beast Fossil けもののかせき Beast Fossil 24220G
MachinepartsKSSU Machine Parts マシンのパーツ Machine Parts 121300G The Machine Parts are Hydra Parts Y and Z in Kirby Air Ride. It replaces the Nunchuks from Kirby Super Star.
BucketKSSU Bucket バケツ Bucket 200G The Bucket is from Mario & Wario; Wario throws it on top of Mario's (& Co's) head(s) to obstruct his/their vision. Oddly, the letter in front is colored orange instead of purple.
PowerpaintbrushKSSU Power Paintbrush まほうのえふで Magical Paintbrush 222000G The Power Paintbrush refers to the Magical Paintbrush from Kirby: Canvas Curse; "Power Paintbrush" is its name in PAL regions. It replaces Summertime from Kirby Super Star.
100dollarcoinKSSU 100-Dollar Coin いちまんえんだま 10,000 Yen Coin 10000G Similarly to the Dime, this treasure serves as an instance where the in-game value can be equated to real-world value.
AncientgemKSSU Ancient Gem ほのおのまがたま Flame Magatama 68000G The Ancient Gem is based on a type of Japanese comma-shaped bead, the magatama.
FalconhelmetKSSU Falcon Helmet ファルコンメット Falcon Helmet 41000G The Falcon Helmet is the helmet worn by Captain Falcon, the main character of the F-Zero series.
CellphoneKSSU Cell Phone けいたいつうしんき Mobile Communication Device 40210G Kirby's Cell Phone from Kirby & The Amazing Mirror. It replaces the Dud from Kirby Super Star.
TruthmirrorKSSU Truth Mirror しんじつのかがみ Truth Mirror 500000G
StartiaraKSSU Star Tiara スターティアラ Star Tiara 408200G
KoopashellKSSU Koopa Shell かめこうら Turtle Shell 800G The Koopa Shell is one used by a green Koopa Troopa from the Mario series.
FalchionKSSU Falchion ファルシオン Falchion 325000G The Sword is likely Marth's Falchion from the Fire Emblem series. A falchion is also a type of one-handed, single-edged sword of European origin.
WarriorshieldKSSU Warrior Shield せんしのたて Warrior Shield 50000G The Hero Shield used by Sword Hero in Team Kirby Clash, and when wearing the Swordsman's Helm in subsequent entries, bears resemblance to the Warrior Shield.
Unicorn'shornKSSU Unicorn's Horn ユニコーンのつの Unicorn's Horn 80300G
ThreestarcaneKSSU Three-Star Cane みつぼしのつえ Three-Star Cane 222000G The Three-Star Cane refers to the Triple Star from Kirby: Squeak Squad. It replaces Autumntime from Kirby Super Star.
BrokenbowlKSSU Broken Bowl かけたおちゃわん Broken Rice Bowl 50G
Tut'smaskKSSU Tut's Mask ツタンカーム Tutankham 160000G Tut's Mask is the golden funerary mask of Tutankhamun, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Tutankham is also the name of an arcade game developed by Konami that's named after King Tut.
MrsaturnKSSU Mr. Saturn どせいさんのぞう Mr. Saturn Figure 120000G Mr. Saturn is from the EarthBound series.
ArmorKSSU Armor ミスリルよろい Mithril Armor 212000G The Armor is made from mithril (also spelled mythril), a fictional metal originating from Tolkien's mythos that appears in various fantasy works.
TreasureboxKSSU Treasure Box せんりょうばこ 1000 Ryo Box 100000G A 1000 ryo box was used to transport Tokugawa coinage in feudal-era Japan, and was designed to hold an amount of Koban totaling 1000 ryo. As the Koban (Gold Coin) is worth 1000G, this box is only worth 1/10 of what it should be.
MannequinKSSU Mannequin マネキン Mannequin 3000G
GoldcrownKSSU Gold Crown クイーンクラウン Queen Crown 528000G
King'scapeKSSU King's Cape はおうのマント High King's Cape 508000G Somewhat resembles King Dedede's robe.
ModelshipKSSU Model Ship つきのうきふね Floating Moon Ship 800000G
SunringKSSU Sun Ring たいようのゆびわ Sun Ring 800000G
GoldwateringcanKSSU Gold Watering Can きんのジョウロ Gold Watering Can 200000G The Gold Watering Can is an item in the Animal Crossing series. It replaces Wintertime from Kirby Super Star.
KatanaKSSU Katana めいとうサムライ Famous Sword "Samurai" 990000G The most valuable of all 60 Treasures.
CharmKSSU Charm アミュレット Amulet 8000G The charm on the necklace appears to be a cross or Ankh.
ChristmastreeKSSU Xmas Tree クリスマスツリー Christmas Tree 40000G
Kong'sbarrelKSSU Kong's Barrel コングのたる Kong's Barrel 1500G A DK Barrel from the Donkey Kong Country series.
Ramia'sscaleKSSU Ramia's Scale ラミアのうろこ Lamia's Scale 12800G The scale of a mythical creature, Lamia. Final Fantasy III features a Lamia Scale item, but its relation is unknown.
ShinybambooKSSU Shiny Bamboo たけとりのむすめ The Bamboo Cutter's Daughter 600000G The Shiny Bamboo is a reference to The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, a folk tale well-known by Japanese children. In the story, the baby Princess Kaguya is discovered inside a glowing bamboo stalk.
TireKSSU Tire カートのタイヤ Kart Tire 1100G The Tire is likely a reference to Super Mario Kart.
SpiritcharmKSSU Spirit Charm たましいのうでわ Spirit Bracelet 78500G
PegasuswingKSSU Pegasus Wing ペガサスのはね Pegasus Wing 42800G
RaccoondollKSSU Raccoon Doll たぬきのおきもの Tanuki Figure 8150G
ShellwhistleKSSU Shell Whistle さざなみのふえ Ripple Whistle 82000G
OrichalcumKSSU Orichalcum オリハルコン Orichalcum 512000G Orihalcon is a mythical metal of Atlantis that is quite valuable in most RPGs.
PlatinumringKSSU Platinum Ring プラチナリング Platinum Ring 40000G
TriforceKSSU Triforce トライフォース Triforce 800000G The Triforce is from The Legend of Zelda series.

In the Super Smash Bros. series[]

The Great Cave Offensive appears as a stage in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. All four sections of the cave form a stage. The Sub-Tree Area is at the top, the Crystal Area is to the right, the Old Tower Area is in the bottom middle, and the Garden Area is in the bottom left. This stage features Treasure Chests, mine carts, cannons, and Danger Zones, which can instantly KO players with more than 100% damage. Treasure Chests can be broken and will drop items. Players can ride and dismount from mine carts, using them to attack other players. The cannons act as they do in Kirby Super Star/Kirby Super Star Ultra: they continuously rotate in eight directions, and players who enter can be shot out by pressing a button. However, not every angle is preferable, as firing straight down will result in a self-destruct.

The Great Cave Offensive and its Ω and battlefield forms can be played in 8-Player Smash.

Music[]

Related Quotes[]

While on a picnic, Kirby fell into a huge cave. Rumor has it that this cave is full of treasures! Can Kirby find all of the treasures and make it out of the dangerous cave alive? We shall see.
— Great Cave Offensive Story • Kirby Super Star Instruction Booklet
Kirby finds himself lost in a deep cave full of peril... and treasure!
— The Great Cave Offensive • Kirby Super Star Ultra
Find all 60 treasures and get out safely!
— Game Mode Explanation • Kirby Super Star Ultra
Hunt treasure as you explore this huge cave! How cool! This place is ripe for adventure. To win, you'll have to look for treasure and make it out safely.
— Tutorial • Kirby Super Star Ultra
When treasure chests appear on this stage, break them to get items! Some chests explode, though, so it might be safer to use projectiles.
— Treasure Chests • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The burning red Danger Zones are as dangerous as their name implies. Touch them with more than 100% damage, and you'll be instantly KO'd.
— Danger Zones • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
On this stage, mine carts will sometimes appear. They start moving when someone gets inside or on their own after a while. Try not to get run over!
— Mine Carts • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Trivia[]

  • The Old Tower Area is fully optional. The player does not need to fight Chameleo Arm, even if he/she chooses to enter the Old Tower Area. As such, the location is skipped entirely in Meta Knightmare Ultra with the gates being shut.
  • Commas were added to the gold values in Kirby Super Star Ultra.
  • In Kirby Super Star Ultra, the new treasures have different values, but the total value of all the treasures is still 9999990G.
  • If the player completes the game without collecting a single treasure, during the ending sequence, "You didn't find even one treasure..." will appear instead.
  • According to the original Japanese manual, the name of the great cave is マジルテ (Majirute).
  • Before Nintendo formally announced the inclusion of The Great Cave Offensive stage in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the company's Facebook page leaked an image and teaser description of it. On October 5, 2014, Nintendo posted a weekly wrap-up highlighting the biggest updates announced in the last seven days—among these was an image of Kirby and Pikachu riding in a Mine Cart. This image was never revealed prior to the post.

Gallery[]

Stage maps[]

References[]

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