Rick

Rick is a hamster. He's the terrestrial pet Kirby rides to gain the advantage on land.

Rick first appeared with the two other original Animal Friends in Kirby's Dream Land 2. Here, he was the pet skilled at travelling land. Along with these other two, he next was seen in Kirby's Star Stacker as one of three possible Friend Blocks. The hamster returned to action along with five other helpers in Kirby's Dream Land 3 where his specialization was less outward.

Rick makes a cameo in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards as a statue carved from the combination of the Stone and Cutter abilities.

Appearence
Rick is fat, rotund hamster. He is shaped like a chubby bean with ears and tiny nubs for hands. He has beady black eyes and a pink nose with whiskers. Pink shoes adorn his feet, which are hidden beneath his fat when he stands still. His fur is white with three brown spots: one covers from his nose to the back of his head, the second covers his back, and the last covers his tail.

Personality
Rick is a happy, energetic sort who is always ready to go.

Kirby's Dream Land 2
Rick's skills are on land. This comes from his traction. His step won't slip on ice or slow down on sand, keeping Kirby on path. Rick would inhale in the same manner as Kirby. However, he could not inflate with air to fly, leaving Kirby earthbound. His height was also twice the size of Kirby's, preventing him from squeezing through small spaces. Kirby's Copy Abilities are changed into the following:


 * Burning: Rapid Fireballs
 * Cutter: Kirby Boomerang
 * Ice: Snowman Chill
 * Needle: Porcupine Back
 * Parasol: Balancing Act
 * Spark: Beam
 * Stone: Rolling Rock

Kirby's Dream Land 3
Rick gained the ability to scale walls by jumping off them. This allowed him and Kirby to get over tall points without the hamster needing to be left behind. Additionally, his massive size allowed him to "stomp" on top of enemies, destroying them. In exchange for these new skills, he lost the ability to suck in objects. Instead, Rick could only open his mouth wide and run at a meal. The item would still be spit up as normal. Here, Kirby's Copy Abilities are changed into the following:

Burning: Rapid Fireballs Clean: Tiny Duster Cutter: Kirby Boomerang Ice: Snowman Snowfall Needle: Porcupine Back Parasol: Balancing Act Spark: Beam Stone: Rolling Rock

Relationships
Kirby saves Rick in Dream Land 2 from the mini-bosses that capture him, and the hamster is glad to return the favor by aiding Kirby through dangerous terrain. The same friendship is offered to Gooey, who also is allowed to ride on his back. While Rick does not hate the other Animal Friends, he is saddened when they are chosen over him to assist in Kirby's efforts.

There is a female hamster, Pick, who is Rick's girlfriend.

In the Anime
Rick also appeared in the anime in a few episodes. Kirby never actually rode him in the series so, combo abilities were never actually seen. He often spends his time in the Eastern side of the forest where he resides within the ancient tree, Acore where in return, he and the other animal friends keep him company and repel people who try to harm him.

In the Dub version, he speaks with an Australian accent.