this is how color powers shoulda been

i just realized how nuts this game's system would be if adapted to kirby
>a small number of copy essences deluxe are found in each world to collect
>you can temporarily gain and use one of 2-3 pre-slotted abilities for a base duration of 10 seconds, during which you can switch between any other slotted ability, and it CAN'T be knocked out of you
>as per standard, abilities add on to kirby's movement and combat options while keeping all of his original moveset
>accessing any ability requires a full bar of "star power," restored by collecting stars and damaging enemies,
>cancelling the ability transformation will refund energy proportional to the time remaining
>can gain energy while using abilities, but as a spare bar to use after the current transformation as opposed to extending the current one
>game's collectables (i.e. the gears, sunstones, code cubes du jour) can be traded for enhancements to kirby's kit
>enhancements include additional ability slots, extended ability duration, max health boosts, attack upgrades, and extra techniques a la copy scrolls