President Haltmann
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| “ | Well... Allow me to elaborate. In compliance with the business plan drafted by Star Dream... effective today, you are... terminated! | ” | — President Haltmann in Kirby: Planet Robobot |
President Haltmann (full name Max Profitt Haltmann) is a character in Kirby: Planet Robobot, serving as the game's primary antagonist. He is President of the Haltmann Works Company, even receiving the dignity of an anthem in his glory, and is responsible for the invasion of Planet Popstar and many worlds before it. He manages this invasion from the comfort of his executive suite on the Haltmann Works' flagship, the planet-sized Access Ark, powered by an ancient relic which he refers to as the Mother Computer.
In Kirby: Planet Robobot, President Haltmann is not formally introduced until the final stage of the level Access Ark (though allusions to him exist prior to this point). He is faced as the final boss of the level, engaging Kirby using his "Executive Suit" (a large robot suit made of solid gold and covered in jewels). After Kirby defeats him, President Haltmann attempts to take revenge by activating the Mother Computer, but is sabotaged by his Executive Assistant Susie, inadvertently causing Haltmann's mind to merge with Star Dream's and causing the computer to go haywire. After Kirby and Meta Knight defeat Star Dream, President Haltmann is presumably destroyed along with it, and the invasion of Popstar comes to an end.
Physical appearance[edit]
President Haltmann is fairly large and egg-shaped, with pale skin, and disembodied hands and feet. He sports solid cyan eyes, a prominent brow, and purple hair and moustache. He wears a very dark indigo suit with a maroon tie and pink collar. He also sports a small golden radio piece on the side of his head. His gloves and body are adorned with gold-encrusted rubies. Similar to Susie's Business Suit, he has a solid gold mech named the Executive Suit. When not in the suit, he moves about by means of his hovering golden chair, which suggests a generally sedentary lifestyle, as he is never seen walking or even standing up.
Relation to Susie[edit]
Though not explicitly stated through dialogue, pause screen flavor text and additional details imply that Susie is meant to be President Haltmann's daughter, who managed to return to her native dimension after an incident involving Star Dream stranded her in a different dimension before the events of Kirby: Planet Robobot. Susie being the president's daughter was later confirmed outright in the "Ask-a-thon" event held on Miiverse, though other details about her past were left unanswered.[1] Despite this familial relation, Haltmann does not seem to recognize her anymore. It is explicitly stated in the Japanese and Korean texts that Haltmann "cast aside his heart and memories" for the sake of finding his daughter, which is simplified in other languages to merely "dedicating his life to the company".[2][3]
Game appearances[edit]
| President Haltmann's video game appearances | ||
|---|---|---|
| Game | Role | Notes |
| Kirby: Planet Robobot | Main antagonist and boss | Also appears as a sticker. |
| Kirby Star Allies | Reference | He appears in the "Robobot Memories" Celebration Picture, and as a portrait in Echo's Edge alongside Susie since Version 4.0.0. He is also referenced in Susie's Guest Star ???? Star Allies Go! description. |
| Kirby's Dream Buffet | Reference | Appears on a Character Treat. |
| Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe | Reference | Appears as a Dress-Up Mask. |
Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]
Story Mode[edit]
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President Haltmann's likeness is first seen in Stage 1 of Access Ark, after Kirby has already boarded the mothership. He is later encountered directly at the end of that same level, in the Haltmann Works executive office. He dismisses Susie after Mecha Knight+ is defeated, and then proceeds to address Kirby directly. Haltmann then shows him Star Dream, explaining that they'd managed to reactivate it using the knowledge of lost ancient civilizations. He then mans a large mech made of pure gold, called the Executive Suit, and engages Kirby with it.
When he is defeated, he runs a tantrum, calling Kirby and his friends savages. In his rage, he turns to Star Dream and begins to activate it using a special helmet. As he boots it up, however, Susie steals the helmet from him, causing him to black out. As it turns out, Susie was aiming to betray Haltmann this entire time, and take Star Dream for herself. Star Dream itself then intervenes, knocking Susie out as well with a lightning bolt. Star Dream then uses Haltmann's body to declare that it will destroy all of history up to this point, in order to pave the way for "infinite prosperity".
At this point, it is explained, primarily through Pause Screen notes, that Haltmann's mind and soul have been intertwined with Star Dream's OS. The computer, having been granted sentience, decides to realize Haltmann's wish for "infinite prosperity" by eradicating all organic life. In The True Arena, Star Dream Soul OS activates its "final program" and begins the process of erasing Haltmann's memories and soul. His voice can be heard throughout Star Dream Soul OS's final phase, crying out every time one of its parts is destroyed and one last time when its "heart" breaks.
Meta Knightmare Returns[edit]
President Haltmann is encountered at the end of the Access Ark stage, this time as Pres. Haltmann 2.0. After his defeat at the hands of Meta Knight, Star Dream appoints the victor as the new admin. Haltmann is not seen again after this point.
Other appearances[edit]
President Haltmann is encountered as a Boss in The Arena, and his 2.0 form in The True Arena. He is also seen again during the special performance video which is unlocked upon 100% completion of the game.
Haltmann's likeness can be collected as a sticker, which is awarded for collecting every Code Cube in the game.
Boss Battle[edit]
| “ | - The Noble Haltmann - Noble Haltmann, we adore him Kingly lord of time and space! Every day we wish him glory, Gazing on his noble face! |
” | — Vs. President Haltmann pause screen description |
The following lists all of President Haltmann's attacks in Kirby: Planet Robobot. Most of Haltmann's attack names listed are taken from the Japanese strategy guide, which mostly are related to office and business.
Phase 1[edit]
| Attacks - Phase 1 | |
|---|---|
| Attack | Description |
| ミス・オフィサー Ms. Officer |
Haltmann launches his four Susie-shaped drones, which home in on Kirby and leave stars on impact. They can be swallowed for the Spark ability (or Bomb ability if swallowed during explosion). He may hop on the giant cube in the arena's center and fire four drones which home in on Kirby, while spraying Haltmann dollar bills to cover the screen.
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| オフィス・エグゼクティブローテート Office Executive Rotate |
Haltmann attaches to the central platform, and spins repeatedly around it, leaving two stars when the attack concludes. Four drones are deployed before the attack starts and will spin in sync with Haltmann.
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| Drone Dance | Haltmann deploys four drones, then hops down to the ground level, while the drones do the same. Then all five entities hop around the stage in synchronicity.
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| ハルトマニーキャッシュ Haltmann Cash |
Haltmann fires a multitude of Haltmann dollar bills into the air, which partially obscure the screen. |
In phase 1, Haltmann attacks in a fixed order on loop as follows:
- Ms. Officer (1 set)
- Ms. Officer (1 set)
- Office Executive Rotate
- Ms. Officer (drones that home in)
- Haltmann Cash
- Ms. Officer (3 sets)
- Drone Dance (3 sets)
- Office Executive Rotate
- Haltmann Cash
- Ms. Officer (2 sets)
Phase 2[edit]
When Haltmann has lost one-fifth of his Health, he lowers the central column in the battlefield, changing the arena into a straightforward one.
| Attacks - Phase 2 | |
|---|---|
| Attack | Description |
| アサイン ザ OJT Assign the OJT |
Haltmann rises into the air, and summons a Yesman to deal with Kirby. Haltmann himself takes severely reduced damage during this attack. The minion leaves a star whenever it punches.
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| エグゼクティブローテート Executive Rotate |
Haltmann charges up and does a spin dash across the stage, several times, and in several different patterns. He occasionally leaves a star in his wake.
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| エグゼクティブミサイル Executive Missile |
Haltmann jumps into the air, hovers for a moment, then fires the ruby attached to the bottom of his mech on the ground, leaving a magenta conflagration where it hits. This attack repeats four more times. Each shot can be swallowed for the Bomb ability. Haltmann may instead jump into the air, and fire five ruby-shaped bolts from the bottom of his mech onto the arena, which stay on the ground for a bit before Haltmann makes them explode. The rubies can be inhaled before they explode. |
| ドライバーフォール Driver Slam |
Haltmann leaps twice and then jumps high into the air, spins his mech's arms around, and then comes crashing down, leaving small shockwaves off to the side on impact. |
In phase 2, Haltmann attacks in a fixed order on loop as follows:
- Assign the OJT
- Executive Rotate
- Executive Missile (teleporting before dropping five bombs)
- Driver Slam
- Executive Missile (five ruby bombs from center of arena)
- Executive Rotate (stationary)
- Driver Slam
- Driver Slam
- Executive Missile (teleporting before dropping five bombs)
- Executive Rotate
- Executive Rotate (stationary)
- Driver Slam
- Driver Slam
- Executive Missile (five ruby bombs from center of arena)
Phase 3[edit]
When Haltmann is down to half health, he smashes a hole in the middle of the arena, making it a circular one again.
| Attacks - Phase 3 | |
|---|---|
| Attack | Description |
| キックオフパーティ Kickoff Party |
Haltmann fires a multitude of drones, which bombard the arena in a large wave.
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| ハルトマニーキャッシュ Haltmann Cash |
Haltmann fires a multitude of Haltmann dollar bills into the air, which partially obscure the screen. |
| アジャイル Agile |
Haltmann does a spin dash around the arena. After completing one full loop, he jumps across the hole, leaving stars on impact and repeats the dash maneuver two more times.
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| ビジネストリップ Business Trip |
Haltmann performs a series of 12 bounces across the arena, leaving stars wherever he lands. |
| アサイン ザ OJT Assign the OJT |
Haltmann summons two Yesmen into the arena. Haltmann takes minimal damage while they are out. |
In phase 3, Haltmann begins with this attack:
- Kickoff Party
After that, Haltmann attacks in a fixed order on loop as follows:
- Haltmann Cash
- Agile
- Business Trip
- Haltmann Cash
- Assign the OJT
- Agile
- Haltmann Cash
- Assign the OJT
- Haltmann Cash
- Business Trip
Phase 4[edit]
When Haltmann is down to one-fifth of his health, he "opens the office" (オープン ザ オフィス) by conjuring a large square platform to appear in the middle of the arena, and creating holes in it.
| Attacks - Phase 4 | |
|---|---|
| Attack | Description |
| リストラ・ショック Restructuring Shock |
After summoning two Yesmen into the arena, Haltmann jumps into the cube, and causes it to fire large beams outward. The third attack causes the cube to swivel before it commences.
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| オフィス・ストライク Office Strike |
Haltmann fires his mech like a drill into the cube, which causes him to warp after firing through. If Kirby is still on ground level afterwards, he will then crash into the ground and produce shockwaves and stars.
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| キックオフパーティ Kickoff Party |
Haltmann fires a multitude of drones, which bombard the arena in a large wave. |
| ミス・オフィサー Ms. Officer |
Haltmann launches his four Susie-shaped drones, which home in on Kirby through the open holes of the giant cube in the arena's center and leave stars on impact. They can be swallowed for the Spark ability (or Bomb ability if swallowed during explosion).
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In phase 4, Haltmann always starts with these attacks:
- Restructuring Shock
- Office Strike (charged) x2
- Kickoff Party
- Ms. Officer [1 set]
- Ms. Officer [1 set]
- Haltmann Cash
- Office Strike x2
After that, he then attacks in a fixed order on loop as follows:
- Restructuring Shock
- Office Strike (charged) x3
- Haltmann Cash
- Ms. Officer [1 set]
- Ms. Officer [1 set]
- Kickoff Party
- Office Strike (charged) x3
- Ms. Officer [2 sets]
- Haltmann Cash
- Office Strike x2
- Ms. Officer [1 set]
Once Haltmann is defeated, he attempts to pilot his mech further, but it short-circuits and explodes on him, leaving him helpless in his chair, as singed Haltmann dollars rain down on him.
Pres. Haltmann 2.0[edit]
| “ | His full name is Max Profitt Haltmann. Ever since losing his only child in an accident long ago, he's dedicated his life to the company. However, his only wish is to see his daughter once again... |
” | — Vs. Pres. Haltmann 2.0 pause screen description |
In Meta Knightmare Returns and The True Arena Haltmann is fought as Pres. Haltmann 2.0, similar to most other bosses. Similar to Susie 2.0, his actual design stays the same and only his Executive Suit changes in appearance, with it having black and platinum accents in addition to the original gold.
The following lists all of Pres. Haltmann 2.0's attacks in Meta Knightmare Returns and The True Arena:
| Attacks - 2.0 | |
|---|---|
| Attack | Description |
| ミス・オフィサー Ms. Officer |
Haltmann 2.0 launches his six Susie-shaped drones, which home in on Kirby or Meta Knight and leave stars and an electric field on impact. They can be swallowed for the Spark ability (or Bomb ability if swallowed during explosion). The drones can be destroyed, though they are fairly durable. He may hop on the giant cube in the arena's center and fire six drones which home in on Kirby or Meta Knight, while spraying Haltmann dollar bills to cover the screen. In phase 4, he may fire the drones through the cube. |
| オフィス・エグゼクティブローテート Office Executive Rotate |
Haltmann 2.0 attaches to the central platform, and spins repeatedly around it, leaving two stars when the attack concludes. Six drones are deployed before the attack starts and will spin in sync with Haltmann 2.0. |
| Drone Dance 2.0 | Haltmann 2.0 deploys six drones, then hops down to the ground level, while the drones do the same. Then all seven entities hop around the stage in synchronicity. Every third jump goes further than the others and lets them stomp three times. |
| ハルトマニーキャッシュ Haltmann Cash |
Haltmann 2.0 fires a multitude of Haltmann dollar bills into the air, which partially obscure the screen. This is often directly followed up with other attacks. |
| アサイン ザ OJT Assign the OJT |
Haltmann 2.0 rises into the air, and summons a Yesman 2.0 to deal with Kirby or Meta Knight. Haltmann himself takes severely reduced damage during this attack. The minion leaves a star whenever it punches and moves faster than the original battle. In Phase 3 and 4, Haltmann 2.0 summons four Yesmen 2.0 into the arena instead of one. |
| エグゼクティブローテート Executive Rotate |
Haltmann 2.0 charges up and does a spin dash across the stage, several times, and in several different patterns. He occasionally leaves a star in his wake. He may also jump if Kirby or Meta Knight are currently in the air. He may also use a more massive spin attack where he slowly ascends and then crashes down causing shockwaves on each side. He lifts up and crashes down three times in a row, with the final crash causing bigger shockwaves. |
| エグゼクティブミサイル Executive Missile |
Haltmann 2.0 jumps into the air, hovers for a moment, then fires the ruby attached to the bottom of his mech on the ground, leaving an electrical conflagration where it hits. This attack repeats several times. Each shot can be swallowed for the Bomb ability. He can also use the ruby similar to Susie's Drillbit, but fires five projectiles instead of four and does so twice. |
| ドライバーフォール Driver Slam |
Haltmann 2.0 jumps high into the air, then comes crashing down, leaving stars on the final impact. He repeats the huge jump three times in a row, with the final jump causing shockwaves and stars to appear on each side. |
| キックオフパーティ Kickoff Party |
Haltmann 2.0 fires a multitude of drones, which bombard the arena in a large wave. He fires two strings of these, which move in the same direction. |
| アジャイル Agile |
Haltmann 2.0 does a faster spin dash around the arena. After completing one full loop, he jumps across the hole, leaving stars on impact and repeats the dash maneuver two more times. Stars are left behind after the attack concludes. |
| ビジネストリップ Business Trip |
Haltmann 2.0 performs a series of bounces across the arena, leaving stars wherever he lands. He does a spin attack after three and six jumps, before concluding with nine more jumps. |
| リストラ・ショック Restructuring Shock |
After summoning four Yesmen 2.0 into the arena, Haltmann 2.0 jumps into the cube, and causes it to fire large beams outward. The third attack causes the cube to swivel for the duration of the attack. If hit, Kirby or Meta Knight will be launched towards the screen, breaking the fourth wall. |
| オフィス・ストライク Office Strike |
Haltmann 2.0 fires his mech like a drill into the cube. The cube swivels in an attempt to home in on Kirby or Meta Knight. Assuming Kirby or Meta Knight are still grounded afterwards, he then crashes into the ground and produces shockwaves and stars. He may charge up this attack through the cube, causing the shockwaves to become bigger, slower and last longer in the process. |
President Haltmann 2.0's attack orders across every phase in Meta Knightmare Returns and The True Arena are the exact same as those in the regular battle in Story Mode and The Arena.
Kirby Star Allies[edit]
The pause flavor text of Guest Star Susie Extermination By Blaster❤ reconfirms that President Haltmann and his company have been destroyed during the events of Kirby: Planet Robobot.[4] Thus, he is deceased as of Kirby Star Allies. However, his portrait still makes some cameo appearances in Kirby Star Allies:
- He is portrayed in the "Robobot Memories" Celebration Picture.
- In Version 4.0.0, a stone plate of him and Susie can be found in the Echo's Edge stage.
Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]
In Kirby's Dream Buffet, a Character Treat depicting President Haltmann can be collected. The treat uses the same artwork as the sticker from Kirby: Planet Robobot.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]
In Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, there is a Dress-Up Mask based on President Haltmann which replaces the wearer's voice with his voice clips from Kirby: Planet Robobot when worn. It is awarded upon completing card #45 in the Stamp Rally.
Music[edit]
- Main article: The Noble Haltmann
- Main article: Crazy Rolling in Money
President Haltmann is often associated with these musical themes:
- "The Noble Haltmann" - The anthem of his company in his own glory. His boss battle Special Page shows verse 1 of its lyrics. The song is performed by Susie several times during the course of Kirby: Planet Robobot, and the full version can be heard in the 100% completion bonus movie.
- "Crazy Rolling in Money" - His boss battle theme with shifting tempo.
Trivia[edit]
- The dollar bills that spew out of Haltmann's mech have his face on them. The purple bills that spew out of Haltmann 2.0's mech, however, have Susie's face on them.
- Haltmann's voice features a bitcrush effect in-game; it is noticeably lower-quality than the voices of most other characters. This trait is shared by Susie and Sectonia Clone. However, the Dress-Up Mask based on Haltmann in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe does not feature a bitcrush effect for its voice.
- The Invader Armor, Robobot Armor, and Sword Hero's Haltonium Helm are made of a "Haltonium alloy", named after Haltmann himself.
- In Kirby: Art & Style Collection, a section depicting concept art for Magolor includes early designs for his "normal" and "evil" forms, each of which feature various details that would be incorporated into Haltmann's design. Both designs feature an egg-like body, a large mustache, upwards-pointing tufts of hair on the back of the head, and gloved, disembodied hands, the early version of "normal" Magolor features blue skin and eyes and mitten-like hands, and the early version of "evil" Magolor features a similarly-shaped handlebar mustache.
- The name "Haltmann" may be a reference to Halman from 3001: The Final Odyssey. This character is the result of a fusion of man and machine, similar to the fusion between Haltmann and Star Dream, which itself has similarities to HAL 9000.
Gallery[edit]
Portrait of President Haltmann thoughtfully standing from Access Ark - Stage 1
Portrait of President Haltmann proudly standing from Access Ark - Stage 1
Data-rendered model of President Haltmann with his visor on
Model of one of President Haltmann's Susie drones
President Haltmann losing his cool after being defeated by Kirby
Haltmann having his mind merged with Star Dream after Susie backstabs him
Sticker from Kirby: Planet Robobot
Credits picture of Kirby looking at a magnificent portrait of President Haltmann
Credits picture of President Haltmann introducing himself to Kirby
Credits picture of Haltmann throwing out a lot of Haltmanns
Credits picture of Susie taking Star Dream's program controller as the computer merges with Haltmann
Meta Knightmare Returns credits picture of Meta Knight battling Security Force 2.0 as a portrait of Haltmann watches
Meta Knightmare Returns credits picture of Pres. Haltmann 2.0 in his Executive Suit
Meta Knightmare Returns credits picture of Susie performing The Noble Haltmann
"Robobot Memories" Celebration Picture from Kirby Star Allies, featuring a President Haltmann cameo
Kirby wearing the President Haltmann Dress-Up Mask in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Early design of President Haltmann by Shinya Kumazaki under the pseudonym of "Secret Kumazaki"
Final design of President Haltmann by Riki Fuhrmann under the pseudonym of "Grande Furhman"
Hoshi no Kirby: Kirby to Hisho Susie no 1-nichi Nintendo 3DS theme
Illustration from the Kirby JP Twitter featuring a constellation of President Haltmann
Illustration from the Kirby JP Twitter featuring Susie holding a cookie based on President Haltmann
Father's Day illustration from the Kirby JP Twitter featuring President Haltmann
New Year's Eve 2019 illustration from the Kirby JP Twitter, featuring President Haltmann
"October Birthday" keychain from the "Kirby's Dream Land: Pukkuri Keychain" merchandise line.
Quotes[edit]
| Quotes from President Haltmann in Kirby: Planet Robobot |
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Names in other languages[edit]
President Haltmann[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | プレジデント・ハルトマン Purejidento Harutoman |
President Haltmann Incorporates "HAL". Corruption of ハート "heart". |
| Traditional Chinese | 總裁‧哈魯特曼 zǒng cái hā lǔ tè màn |
President Haltmann |
| Simplified Chinese | 总裁·哈鲁特曼 zǒng cái hā lǔ tè màn | |
| Dutch | Directeur Haltmann | Director Haltmann |
| French | Président Haltmann | President Haltmann |
| German | Präsident Haltmann | President Haltmann |
| Italian | Presidente Haltmann | President Haltmann |
| Korean | 프레지던트 할트만 Peurejideonteu Halteuman |
President Haltmann |
| Portuguese | Presidente Haltmann | President Haltmann |
| Spanish | Presidente Haltmann | President Haltmann |
Max Profitt Haltmann[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ゲインズ インカム ハルトマン Geinzu Inkamu Harutoman |
Gains Income Haltmann |
| German | Max Profitt Haltmann | - |
| Italian | Max Avidus Haltmann | Second word comes from "avido" (greedy) |
| Korean | 게인즈 인컴 할트만 geinjeu inkeom halteuman |
Gains Income Haltmann |
| Spanish | Max Avarus Haltmann | Second word comes from "avaro" (greedy) |
Executive Suit[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | プレジデンバー purejidenbā |
Derived from プレジデント (president) and リレインバー (Japanese name of Susie's Business Suit). The exact etymology is unclear, but has a Western feel to it, much like the rest of the HWC. |
| Italian | Presidenbot | - |
| Spanish | Haltmannbot | - |
References
- ↑ "Susie is not a clone; she is Haltmann’s real daughter. I’d had in mind two story paths - one in which you finish the game and the story concludes comfortably even without knowing Susie’s identity, and one that reveals more answers after you sink a lot of time into the game. But in Planet Robobot, the story is designed with just a small twist to surprise you when you find out Susie’s last name." –Shinya Kumazaki (Kirby: Planet Robobot Behind the Scenes on Miiverse)
- ↑
“ フルネームは「ゲインズ インカム ハルトマン」。
かつて ひとり娘を じこで なくし、それいらい 人の心も
きおくさえも すて、カンパニーの成長の ためだけに
生きる男。だがそれも、娘に ふたたび会いたい
ただその ねがいを かなえるため であったのだが…。
Literal translation: "His full name is "Gains Income Haltmann".
He once lost his only daughter in an accident, and ever since then,
the man has been casting aside his heart and even his memories,
living only for the sake of his company’s growth.
But even that too was only for the sake of granting his wish -
to see his daughter once more…"”
— Vs. Pres. Haltmann 2.0, Japanese ver. (source)
- ↑
“ 풀 네임은「게인즈 인컴 할트만」.
무남독녀 외동딸을 사고로 잃은 후로는
마음도 기억도 모두 버리고 오로지 컴퍼니의
성장을 위해서만 살아온 남자. 하지만 그것도
딸을 다시 만나고 싶은 일념에 비롯한 것이었는데...”
— Vs. Pres. Haltmann 2.0, Korean ver.
- ↑ "The company he built... I will bring it back!
Cool and collected, Susie from Kirby: Planet Robobot is all business. Following in the footsteps of her employer, she uses science to advance her mission- mechanizing new planets and peoples." –Guest Star Susie (Kirby Star Allies)
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