The [[wikirby:Kirby (series)|'''''Kirby''''' series]] is a series of platformers created by [[Nintendo]]. Starring [[Kirby|the eponymous pink blob-like mascot]], the series is noted for its "cute" pastel aesthetic, unique mechanic of Kirby copying enemy abilities, and final bosses that skewhas surprisinglycrossed darkover formultiple family-friendlytimes games. While some of the games are directly targeted towards younger gamers (in contrast to the official stance onwith the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' series]]),. theyareThe playedmost andnotable enjoyedexample byis fansthe of[[Super allSmash ages,Bros. with(series)|''Super manySmash memorableBros.'' sideseries]]; charactersoutside suchof asthis, [[Metaboth Knight]]franchises andhave [[Kingfreely Dedede]]referenced whoeach areother, occasionallymainly givenin the form of playablecameo appearances.
The ''Kirby'' series and [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' series]] have crossed over multiple times. The most notable example is the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], where the ''Kirby'' series holds a high degree of influence as series creator [[Masahiro Sakurai]] also directs the ''Smash'' games. Many mechanics in ''Smash'' are based on ''Kirby'' and vice-versa, and its three playable characters have very prominent and well-developed roles in ''[[The Subspace Emissary]]'' story mode for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. Outside of this, both franchises have freely referenced each other, mainly in the form of cameo appearances.
