HAL Laboratory Games Collection
Founded in 1980 and based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, HAL Laboratory has been a key second-party developer for Nintendo for over four decades. Best known for creating the Kirby series and co-developing Super Smash Bros., this studio specializes in charming, accessible games with surprising depth beneath their colorful surfaces.
Signature Franchises & Collaborations
HAL's portfolio includes:- Kirby Series (1992-present): The pink puffball debuted in Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy), revolutionizing platformers with copy abilities and beginner-friendly design
- Super Smash Bros. Series (1999-2008): Co-developed the first three entries with Nintendo, establishing the iconic crossover fighting formula
- Mother/EarthBound Series (1989-1994): Provided key development support for Nintendo's cult classic RPG trilogy
Design Philosophy
The studio's games are characterized by:- Approachable mechanics: Easy-to-learn controls with hidden complexity (e.g., Kirby's simple float masking intricate ability combos)
- Whimsical aesthetics: Vibrant colors, exaggerated animations, and infectious musical scores
- Multiplayer focus: Local co-op and competitive modes in nearly all major titles
Technical Innovations
Notable engineering feats:- Pioneered memory management techniques for early Game Boy games
- Developed proprietary physics engines for Smash Bros.' precise platform fighting
- Created the "Helper to Hero" AI system in Kirby games
Modern Era & Legacy
While maintaining close Nintendo ties, HAL continues to:- Expand the Kirby universe with experiments like Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022)
- Support Nintendo hardware with tech demos showcasing new features
- Influence indie developers through its "simple but deep" design ethos
With over 40 years of consistently polished releases, HAL Laboratory remains the gold standard for family-friendly game design that appeals to all skill levels.
Kirby's Adventure
1993
PlatformerThe 1993 NES platformer that introduced Kirby's iconic copy abilities. Players guide the pink hero through seven dreamy worlds to restore the shattered Star Rod and save Dream Land from Nightmare's dark influence.
Adventures of Lolo
1989
PuzzleAdventures of Lolo is a puzzle-action game where players control Lolo, a blue spherical hero, through maze-like rooms to rescue Princess Lala. The game combines strategic block-pushing mechanics with enemy avoidance in increasingly complex puzzles.
Kirby & the Amazing Mirror
2004
Action-AdventureA groundbreaking Metroidvania-style Kirby adventure featuring nonlinear exploration and 4-player cooperative gameplay via link cable. Kirby must navigate a mirror-shattered world to defeat Dark Meta Knight.
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
2002
PlatformerA vibrant GBA remake of Kirby's Adventure (NES) featuring enhanced graphics, new multiplayer modes, and the debut of Kirby's iconic copy abilities. Players inhale enemies to gain their powers while battling the evil Nightmare who's stolen Dream Land's star rod.
Kirby Super Star
Kirby Super Star is a compilation of platforming games featuring Kirby, developed by HAL Laboratory for the SNES. Known for introducing Kirby's signature 'Helper' system and multiple gameplay modes, it's considered one of the best Kirby titles.
Othello World
1993
Board GameOthello World is a 1993 board game adaptation for the SNES featuring the classic strategy game Othello (also known as Reversi). Players compete to flip their opponent's pieces by trapping them between their own pieces on an 8×8 grid.
Super Smash Bros.
1999
FightingThe revolutionary crossover fighting game that redefined the genre, featuring Nintendo all-stars battling with percentage-based damage systems and ring-outs. The original 12-character roster established the foundation for one of gaming's most beloved franchises.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
2000
PlatformerKirby's first 3D adventure! Combine copy abilities to create 35+ power mixes while collecting crystal shards to save Ripple Star from Dark Matter.
Pokémon Snap
1999
RPGThe first Pokémon photography adventure where players become Pokémon photographer Todd Snap, capturing wild Pokémon in their natural habitats across seven scenic courses. Developed by HAL Laboratory with Nintendo's guidance.
Kirby: Squeak Squad
2006
PlatformerKirby's DS debut features the pink hero battling the mischievous Squeak Squad mice who stole his strawberry shortcake. Introduces bubble storage for copying abilities and collecting items, with touch-screen controls for managing Kirby's inventory.
Kirby Super Star Ultra
2008
PlatformerAn enhanced remake of the SNES classic Kirby Super Star, featuring updated graphics, new modes, and additional content. This DS version includes all original sub-games plus brand new adventures.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
1995
PlatformerKirby's second Game Boy adventure introduces animal friends Rick the Hamster, Coo the Owl, and Kine the Fish. Features copy abilities combined with animal partners, seven Rainbow Drops to collect, and the debut of Dark Matter as the series' antagonist.