https://www.siliconvalley.com/2022/04/01/review-kirbys-first-foray-into-a-3-d-world-hits-the-mark-in-forgotten-land/

Among Nintendo’s stable of characters Kirby holds a special place. He’s not the most popular. That distinction belongs to Mario (think of the scores of games that bear his name). He’s not as revered as Link who stars in the venerable “Legend of Zelda” series.

Still, the puffball has managed to carve a niche. It’s especially notable seeing as how he and Mario both started as side-scrollers and developed their distinct gameplay styles.