Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is a platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 console in the year 2000. The game features Kirby and his friends as they search for the pieces of a magical crystal that has the power to grant wishes.

The game begins when a mysterious alien named Ribbon arrives in Dream Land seeking help to retrieve the crystal pieces. Kirby volunteers to help and begins an adventure to collect all the crystal pieces before they fall into the wrong hands.

The game features seven different worlds, each with its own set of levels and unique challenges. Each world has a final boss that must be defeated to advance to the next world. In addition, the game features secret levels and hidden objects that can be unlocked by collecting certain items in the levels.

One of the most notable features of the game is Kirby's ability to combine different abilities and powers to create unique and powerful abilities. For example, if Kirby combines his ability to absorb enemies with the ice ability, he can create a freezing ability that can freeze enemies and help him progress through the game.

The game also features several playable characters, each with their own abilities and special moves. The characters include Kirby, Ribbon, Waddle Dee, and Adeleine. Players can switch between characters according to their needs and objectives in the game.

As for the plot, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards follows Kirby and his friends as they battle against the villains to retrieve the pieces of the magical crystal. Once all the crystal pieces are collected, a final level is unlocked where the power of the crystal can be used to defeat the final villain.