Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is a direct sequel to Kirby's Dream Land 3, despite the name not making that very clear.
One day, the peaceful world of Ripple Star is attacked by Dark Matter Trio, which quickly begins to cover the planet in darkness. In a last-ditch effort, the Ripple Star Queen sends a fairy named Ribbon away to protect the treasured Crystal. Ribbon manages to escape, but not before having the Crystal shattered in an ambush from Dark Matter.
Ribbon crashes down on Planet Popstar, right on top of Kirby as he was watching the night sky. Sharing her problems with him, the carefeee hero gladly decides to help out. The two then set out on another adventure, recruiting a few friends along the way!
