Do we like them?

Do we like Kirby?

A character from Kirby's Dream Land (1992–present)

Our score: 9 out of 10. Yes, easily. He's a cheerful, loyal little hero who saves his home again and again and never asks for thanks. Mostly he wants a snack and a nap.

Kirby lives in Dream Land, a peaceful country on the star-shaped Planet Popstar. He is small, round and pink, with stubby arms and big red shoes. He eats when he's hungry and sleeps when he's tired. His origins are a mystery, but he turned up one day and has lived there ever since.

His sweet, easygoing manner hides serious power. When Dream Land is threatened, whether by a greedy king, an alien menace or something stranger, Kirby inhales his enemies. He can often copy their abilities, which makes him a very flexible fighter. He's also a surprisingly good team player, and in many games he works alongside friends such as Bandana Waddle Dee and even King Dedede, Dream Land's self-styled ruler, who is sometimes an ally and sometimes a rival.

Why 9 out of 10? He's brave and kind, and he's never cruel. He protects people because it's the right thing to do, not because he's after glory. He loses a point only because he's a bit of a glutton and can be oblivious. Still, he's one of the safest heroes to follow into a boss fight.