Is Jigglypuff a Copy of Kirby? Unmasking the Pink Puffs
The question of whether Jigglypuff is a copy of Kirby is a complex one, often debated among fans of both the Pokémon and Kirby franchises. The short answer is: no, Jigglypuff is not a direct copy of Kirby, but it is heavily inspired by Kirby, especially in the Super Smash Bros. series. The initial similarities were primarily due to practical development reasons. However, their designs, move sets, and overall roles have grown distinct over time. While they share some visual cues and borrowed animation bases, they have fundamentally different identities. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
Origins and Development
Masahiro Sakurai’s Influence
Both Kirby and Jigglypuff are connected by a shared origin, in a way. Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of the Kirby series, was instrumental in bringing both characters into the Super Smash Bros. universe. In the initial Super Smash Bros. game on the Nintendo 64, Sakurai selected Jigglypuff to appear, not necessarily as a tribute to Kirby, but rather due to its similar shape and size. This allowed the development team to reuse a significant amount of the Kirby model and animations as a base for Jigglypuff, saving development time and resources. Therefore, Jigglypuff’s semi-clone status in that first game was largely due to technical convenience rather than direct design intent.
Shared Similarities
The most obvious similarities between the two characters are their round, pink appearances and seemingly soft, puffy bodies. These aesthetic choices initially contributed to the idea that Jigglypuff was a Kirby clone. However, beyond these surface-level similarities, their core designs and functionalities differ drastically. It’s also important to remember that at the time Jigglypuff’s inclusion was based heavily on its popularity in the Pokémon anime, not solely on its resemblance to Kirby.
Gameplay Differences
Super Smash Bros. and Beyond
The most significant argument against Jigglypuff being a Kirby clone stems from their unique playstyles in the Super Smash Bros. series. While they initially shared some moves, their gameplay has diversified in each installment. Kirby is often described as a more combo-oriented character, with an emphasis on inhaling opponents to copy their powers. On the other hand, Jigglypuff, especially in later games, is known for its unique aerial abilities and devastating Rest move, a move that leaves Jigglypuff vulnerable but can result in high damage output.
Distinct Fighting Styles
Kirby’s aerial ‘suck’ command grab already places him in a distinct fighting style compared to Jigglypuff. Kirby’s approach encourages spacing and neutral game control. Jigglypuff, however, emphasizes aggression and risk-taking with the Rest move and aerial prowess. These differences in strategy and execution highlight their divergent game mechanics, further distinguishing them. The argument that Jigglypuff is a Kirby clone is not true in regards to gameplay; they have drastically different fighting styles.
Conceptual Differences
Pokémon vs. Kirby
It’s crucial to recognize that Jigglypuff is a Pokémon, and therefore, its identity is shaped by the conventions of that universe. It is a Normal/Fairy-type that evolves from Igglybuff and into Wigglytuff. Its design and behaviors, particularly the pen-drawing gag from the anime after singing to a sleepy audience, contribute to its unique character. Kirby, on the other hand, is a resident of Dream Land and possesses the power to copy enemy abilities. These distinct origins and core characteristics underscore their different identities.
Personality and Lore
Jigglypuff’s personality is far from a Kirby clone. In the anime, Jigglypuff is characterized by a sassy and attention-seeking attitude. These personality traits are in stark contrast to Kirby’s more neutral and innocent demeanor. Jigglypuff’s short temper and tendency to draw on people’s faces after they fall asleep due to its singing adds to its uniqueness. Even their move, Rest, which puts Jigglypuff to sleep, showcases a unique element of gameplay not present in Kirby.
Conclusion
While Jigglypuff and Kirby share certain visual traits and had a shared animation base in the first Super Smash Bros. game, they are not clones of each other. Jigglypuff’s initial ‘clone status’ is due to the fact that they both share similar proportions, which allowed developers to utilize the same model as a base. The similarities are more superficial than fundamental. Their gameplay, personalities, and backgrounds distinguish them, highlighting the unique identities they have developed in their respective franchises. What was born as a technical time-saving measure became a staple of Super Smash Bros. that stands on its own two feet. It’s a relationship built on common origins and a nod to a shared creator, rather than actual game design. Therefore, Jigglypuff is best understood as a character that was initially inspired by Kirby, but has grown into its own unique and loved figure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Jigglypuff inspired by Kirby?
Yes, Jigglypuff’s initial design and animations in the early Super Smash Bros. games were inspired by Kirby. The developers reused the Kirby model as a base, which is why it initially appeared to be a clone.
2. What’s the difference between Kirby and Jigglypuff’s playstyle in Super Smash Bros.?
Kirby is more combo-oriented, focusing on inhaling and copying enemy abilities. Jigglypuff emphasizes aerial gameplay and the unique Rest move, which is a high-risk, high-reward attack.
3. Was Kirby originally designed to be pink?
Yes, Sakurai intended Kirby to be pink. Miyamoto initially suggested yellow, but Kirby was ultimately pink, though he did appear white in early promotional materials.
4. Is Jigglypuff a boy or a girl?
It’s heavily implied that Jigglypuff is female due to its hat designs and gender ratio in Pokémon games, but in the games, it’s always referred to with gender-neutral pronouns.
5. Why is Kirby not a Pokémon?
Kirby is not a Pokémon because it comes from a completely different video game franchise. The Kirby series was created by Masahiro Sakurai, whereas the Pokémon franchise was created by Satoshi Tajiri.
6. Is Jigglypuff a strong character?
Jigglypuff is considered to be a character that has high damage potential but is also very vulnerable, mostly due to Rest being high risk. It’s a character that requires a specific style of play and rewards risk-taking.
7. Is Jigglypuff known for its singing?
Yes, Jigglypuff is famous for its singing, which puts people to sleep. After they fall asleep, Jigglypuff becomes upset and draws on their faces.
8. What inspired the design of Jigglypuff?
Jigglypuff’s design seems to be inspired by a balloon due to its inflatable body. Its singing ability and soft fur may have been inspired by plush toys that play music.
9. Does Kirby have a gender?
In America, Kirby is often considered to be male. In Japan, Kirby’s gender is not explicitly stated, but considered neutral.
10. Is there a female version of Kirby?
There is no specifically identified female version of Kirby, as the character is not given a specific gender in its home country.
11. Why does Jigglypuff get mad when people sleep during its singing?
Jigglypuff assumes that if people are falling asleep, they must be bored by its song, which upsets it, and thus, it draws on their faces.
12. What are the best counters for Jigglypuff?
In Pokémon Go, the best counters for Jigglypuff include Mega Gengar, Shadow Gengar, and Shadow Mewtwo.
13. What makes Jigglypuff so cute?
Jigglypuff’s round shape, big googly eyes, and cat-like ears are the main factors contributing to its cuteness.
14. Is Kirby’s body smooth or fluffy?
According to Nintendo Japan, Kirby’s body is described as soft, bouncy, and comfortable to touch, implying a fluffy, pillow-like feel.
15. Has Kirby ever fought a god in his game series?
Yes, Kirby has fought the universe’s equivalent of god multiple times throughout the Kirby series.