Kirby definitely lives up to the name as a gem from the SNES golden days resurfaces.
Storyline-wise, SS(U) doesn't exactly build off of any past Kirbys (then again, the connections between most games in the series is quite vague). Similarly, the actual storyline of SSU doesn't seem to be connected. However, the latter can be attributed to the fact that SSU is made up of various "sub-games" that don't contain an interlocking plot. Regardless, the actual stories of the aforementioned sub-games rank as some of the best in the overall story. For example, "The Revenge of Meta Knight" still has fans divided on whether Meta Knight truly is a hero, villain, or something else.
Kirby Super Star (Ultra) was the first game (of few) to introduce copy abilities with an increased repertoire of attacks. This adds a layer of depth to the series rarely matched in latter attempts. The sheer amount of tricks you can do is staggering. Ever seen Yo-Yo Kirby spin into an enemy at blistering speeds, grab it, and then chuck it into another enemy? I have.
Super Star (Ultra) has another claim to fame, that (sadly) hasn't resurfaced in ther series: the Helper system. As you know, Kirby has the unique ability to inhale his enemies and make their powers his own. While in a copy form, Kirby has the option of releasing his power. Alternatively, Kirby can now reconfigure his copy power into an exact replica of the power he just absorbed, giving him a helping hand in battle. While the Helpers are limited to the one power Kirby had, Kirby can change their form (and, at the same time, restore their health) by throwing a different power at them.
Kirby Super Star (Ultra) also includes a few quirks that have popped up from time to time in later entries. The first is the ability to transfer the the effects from an item (such as Maxim Tomatos and Invincibility Candy) to a partner (or Kirby) via a kiss (i.e you have to have both characters touch). The other is the nifty inclusion of a lifebar. No longer do you have to worry about being hit six times and then dying. Finally, Kirby has the (useful) ability to block, which reduces the damage he takes from enemy attacks.
As I've said before, Kirby Super Star Ultra is divided into a plethora of sub-games and mini-games. The majority of the "games" are platformers, but a few do deviate from the norm. Each subgame also has its own rules and regulations, preventing them from feeling stale.
The original subgames include:
"Spring Breeze" - Here Kirby must find and do battle with King Dedede to reclaim the food he's stolen from the denizens of his kingdom. In essence, this is nothing more than a warm-up to get you adjusted to SSU.
"Gourmet Race" - Kirby and Dedede partake in a series of races for food. One of the only subgames that isn't a platformer.
"Dyna Blade" - A mysterious bird is destroying Dream Land's vegetation. Kirby goes on an adventure to find it. A platformer, but you can freely travel between worlds.
"The Great Cave Offensive" - Kirby stumbles across an underground cave and now must find his way out, all the while collecting loot from as many of the sixty treasure chests scattered throughout as he can. Funnily enough, most of these treasures are memorabilia from other Nintendo franchises.
"Revenge of Meta Knight" - Meta Knight and his followers attempt to conquer Dream Land via the use of Meta's mammoth airship, the Halberd. Naturally, it's up to Kirby to stop him. It's a platformer, but the various sections have time limits.
"Milky Way Wishes" - The sun and moon have begun quarrelling. Egged on by the enigmatic Marx, Kirby seeks out N.O.V.A., a machine with untold power, at the galaxy's edge to stop this crisis. Here, Kirby can't copy the power of his enemies by swallowing them. Instead, he comes across "Copy Pedestals" that allow him to take on the powers whenever he chooses. Contains a level select a la "Dyna Blade".
"The Arena" - A boss rush against all of the (original) bosses in the game.
Of course, this wouldn't be a remake without some additional content. While most of the content from the original subgames are repackaged, the extra content is greatly. appreciated. "Revenge of the King" is a harder version of "Spring Breeze", dealing with Dedede's scheme of revenge on Kirby after his defeat at the end of "Spring Breeze." "Helper to the Hero" and the "True Arena" are remixed versions of "The Arena"; in the former, you control one of several helpers while the latter pits Kirby against the 10 new bosses exclusive to the new subgames.
Personally, my favorite (and probably the best of the extra subgames) would have to be "Meta Knightmare Ultra". In the vein of Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland's "Meta Knightmare", this game chronicles Meta Knight's (modified) venture throughout "Spring Breeze", "Dyna Blade", "The Great Cave Offensive", "Revenge of Meta Knight", and "Milky Way Wishes". Whereas Kirby can copy his enemies, Meta Knight (whose moveset is akin to Sword Kirby) merely hacks away at them without a second's thought. Upon doing so, Meta Knight receives energy to power his sword, thus granting him with a number of deadly attack techniques ("Mach Tornado" can devastate lesser foes and bosses alike) and supplemental abilities ("Heal" restores life, "Knight Call" summons a Sword or Blade Knight to aid in battle, and "Meta Quick" boosts Meta and his companions' speed to the point that afterimages form). While Meta Knight's adventure is a retread of Kirby's, there are some events exclusive to the elusive knight, including a rad, end-of-game boss battle.
Super Star Ultra also allows from co-op multiplayer. While the A.I. for helpers in this game aren't bad, the frustration is greatly reduced when you know that you're aided by a thinking, fully-functional human being instead.
Finally, SSU contains six mini-games; three are from the original Super Star (and require use of the "a" button) while the others (which require the stylus) are brand new. All six are relatively fun and act as good (albeit short) distractions from the main game.
Like the past 4 games, SSU uses the same graphical template. I'll let that slide for two reasons. For one, Kirby Super Star contained a large amount of additional animations for Kirby and co., and they all look quite stunning thanks the enhanced graphics. Secondly, the new subgames include new sprites that either blend in wholeheartedly with the charming visual style or stand out due to colorful aesthetics. Kirby Super Star Ultra is also filled with charming FMVs that play during important moments of each subgame. Think Kirby Right Back at Ya! (the anime), only all in 3D, with less 4Kids, and even cuter/cooler. It's a nice touch for the game, don't you you think?
Super Star Ultra's musical selection consist of the same tunes from 12 years back. That's not a problem, considering that a lot of the music is well done. Whether it's another rendition of Dedede's theme, Marx's chilling boss tune, or a very NES-styled boss theme that accompanies a mock RPG battle, the music clearly holds up, even over a decade later. In addition, the original music is complemented by new music made specifically for the new content. Whether it's the jazzy chime in the Options menu, the triumphal music playing as Meta Knight begins his arduous journey, a rocking tune while Meta duels with the universe's strongest warrior, or simply the happy-go-lucky beat for the opening FMV, the new music is just as memorable as the old, and they combine to create a top-notch selection.
There isn't much more to say except for that we're lucky that this game has graced us. Kirby isn't the biggest name in Nintendo history, but the polish, brilliance, and sheer charm of this game should win over many. With more bells and whistles than you can shake a Star Rod at, Kirby Super Star Ultra easily ranks as one of the best entries in the series, if not the best. Now then, with that being said, when will HAL Laboratories finish up that Kirby for the Wii? It's been over three years people!