“ | 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[]
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:
- Sub-Tree Area - Boss: Fatty Whale
- Crystal Area - Boss: Computer Virus
- Old Tower Area - Boss: Chameleo Arm
- Garden Area - Final Boss: Wham Bam Rock
Treasures[]
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 | ||
Gold Medal | きんメダル | Gold Medal | 10000G | The Gold Medal is from Kirby's Dream Course. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Star Stone | ほしのしずく | Star Drop | 82100G | Appears to be a shooting star. | |
Beast's Fang | まじゅうのきば | Monster Fang | 7300G | ||
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. | |
Springtime | はるのおもいで | Memories of Spring | 250000G | ||
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. | |
Glass Slippers | ガラスのくつ | Glass Shoe | 120000G | The Glass Slippers are likely the ones specifically worn by Cinderella. | |
Goblet | ゴブレット | Goblet | 800G | ||
Saucepan | じょうぶなおなべ | Durable Pot | 10G | ||
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. | |
Amber Rose | こはくのバラ | Amber Rose | 22100G | ||
Fish Fossil | さかなのかせき | Fish Fossil | 8250G | ||
Beast Fossil | けもののかせき | Beast Fossil | 24220G | ||
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. | |
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. | |
Summertime | なつのおもいで | Memories of Summer | 250000G | ||
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Dud | ふはつだん | Unexploded Bomb | 30G | ||
Truth Mirror | しんじつのかがみ | Truth Mirror | 500000G | ||
Star Tiara | スターティアラ | Star Tiara | 408200G | ||
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. | |
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. | |
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's Horn | ユニコーンのつの | Unicorn's Horn | 80300G | ||
Autumntime | あきのおもいで | Memories of Autumn | 250000G | ||
Rice Bowl | かけたおちゃわん | Broken Rice Bowl | 50G | ||
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. | |
Mr. Saturn | どせいさんのぞう | Mr. Saturn Figure | 120000G | Mr. Saturn is from the EarthBound series. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Mannequin | マネキン | Mannequin | 3000G | ||
Gold Crown | クイーンクラウン | Queen Crown | 528000G | ||
King's Cape | はおうのマント | High King's Cape | 508000G | Somewhat resembles King Dedede's robe. | |
Model Ship | つきのうきふね | Floating Moon Ship | 800000G | ||
Sun Ring | たいようのゆびわ | Sun Ring | 800000G | ||
Wintertime | ふゆのおもいで | Memories of Winter | 250000G | ||
Katana | めいとうサムライ | Famous Sword "Samurai" | 990000G | The Katana is the most valuable of all 60 Treasures. | |
Charm | アミュレット | Amulet | 8000G | The charm on the necklace appears to be a cross or Ankh. | |
Xmas Tree | クリスマスツリー | Christmas Tree | 40000G | ||
Kong's Barrel | コングのたる | Kong's Barrel | 1500G | A barrel from the Donkey Kong Country series. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Tire | カートのタイヤ | Kart Tire | 1100G | The Tire is likely a reference to Super Mario Kart. | |
Spirit Charm | たましいのうでわ | Spirit Bracelet | 78500G | ||
Pegasus Wing | ペガサスのはね | Pegasus Wing | 42800G | ||
Raccoon Doll | たぬきのおきもの | Tanuki Figure | 8150G | ||
Shell Whistle | さざなみのふえ | Ripple Whistle | 82000G | ||
Orihalcon | オリハルコン | Orichalcum | 512000G | Orihalcon is a mythical metal of Atlantis that is quite valuable in most RPGs. | |
Platinum Ring | プラチナリング | Platinum Ring | 40000G | ||
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 | ||
Gold Medal | きんメダル | Gold Medal | 10000G | The Gold Medal is from Kirby's Dream Course. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Star Stone | ほしのしずく | Star Drop | 82100G | Appears to be a shooting star. | |
Beast's Fang | まじゅうのきば | Monster Fang | 7300G | ||
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Glass Slipper | ガラスのくつ | Glass Shoe | 120000G | The Glass Slipper is likely the one specifically lost by Cinderella. | |
Goblet | ゴブレット | Goblet | 800G | ||
Saucepan | じょうぶなおなべ | Durable Pot | 10G | ||
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. | |
Amber Rose | こはくのバラ | Amber Rose | 22100G | ||
Fish Fossil | さかなのかせき | Fish Fossil | 8250G | ||
Beast Fossil | けもののかせき | Beast Fossil | 24220G | ||
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Truth Mirror | しんじつのかがみ | Truth Mirror | 500000G | ||
Star Tiara | スターティアラ | Star Tiara | 408200G | ||
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. | |
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. | |
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's Horn | ユニコーンのつの | Unicorn's Horn | 80300G | ||
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. | |
Broken Bowl | かけたおちゃわん | Broken Rice Bowl | 50G | ||
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. | |
Mr. Saturn | どせいさんのぞう | Mr. Saturn Figure | 120000G | Mr. Saturn is from the EarthBound series. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Mannequin | マネキン | Mannequin | 3000G | ||
Gold Crown | クイーンクラウン | Queen Crown | 528000G | ||
King's Cape | はおうのマント | High King's Cape | 508000G | Somewhat resembles King Dedede's robe. | |
Model Ship | つきのうきふね | Floating Moon Ship | 800000G | ||
Sun Ring | たいようのゆびわ | Sun Ring | 800000G | ||
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. | |
Katana | めいとうサムライ | Famous Sword "Samurai" | 990000G | The most valuable of all 60 Treasures. | |
Charm | アミュレット | Amulet | 8000G | The charm on the necklace appears to be a cross or Ankh. | |
Xmas Tree | クリスマスツリー | Christmas Tree | 40000G | ||
Kong's Barrel | コングのたる | Kong's Barrel | 1500G | A DK Barrel from the Donkey Kong Country series. | |
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. | |
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. | |
Tire | カートのタイヤ | Kart Tire | 1100G | The Tire is likely a reference to Super Mario Kart. | |
Spirit Charm | たましいのうでわ | Spirit Bracelet | 78500G | ||
Pegasus Wing | ペガサスのはね | Pegasus Wing | 42800G | ||
Raccoon Doll | たぬきのおきもの | Tanuki Figure | 8150G | ||
Shell Whistle | さざなみのふえ | Ripple Whistle | 82000G | ||
Orichalcum | オリハルコン | Orichalcum | 512000G | Orihalcon is a mythical metal of Atlantis that is quite valuable in most RPGs. | |
Platinum Ring | プラチナリング | Platinum Ring | 40000G | ||
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[]
- The music that plays on the title screen is a slow version of Kirby Super Star's main leitmotif, "Peanut Plains".
- The music that plays in the Sub-Tree Area and Old Tower Area, "Sub-Tree Area," plays and is remixed on various occasions in the Kirby series.
- The music also plays in Hotbeat, the fourth stage in Milky Way Wishes.
- The original version plays in Kirby Star Allies in the Nature's Navel-based segments of the second extra stage of World of Miracles - Planet Popstar, Duplex Dream.
- The music that plays in the Crystal Area and Garden Area, "Crystal Area," is a remix of Green Greens and "Kirby's Triumphant Return".
- The music that plays in the Save Cottages is a remix of part of the Float Islands theme, and has become its own distinct song under the same "Rest Area".
- The music also plays in ???, the optional stage in Milky Way Wishes.
- In Kirby Super Star Ultra, the music additionally plays on the file select screen and the rest areas in The Arena and The True Arena (before reaching the final four).
- A remix plays in Kirby's Return to Dream Land in The Arena in the rest area with all of the Copy Abilities.
- A remix plays in Kirby: Triple Deluxe on the file select screen.
- This remix also plays in Kirby: Planet Robobot on the file select screen.
- A remix plays in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse in the Music Room as an unlockable song.
- A remix plays in Super Smash Bros. Melee in All-Star Mode in the rest areas.
- The music that plays in the mine cart sections is a remix of "Underground Stage" from Kirby's Adventure.
- "Sub-Tree Area" and "Crystal Area" are remixed as a medley in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, titled "The Great Cave Offensive," in The Great Cave Offensive stage.
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.