Blair Loveday
Kirby has generally been a really chill easy entry level platformer.
On top of the easy to learn 2D platforming, for older gamers it still provides a fun and chill platforming experience. After playing Kirby and the Forgotten Land and seeing our little pink bubble creature friend in the 3D world I didn’t think we could ever go back.
Well now with Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe which is a tidy up of the 2011 Wii game, I can say Kirby still rules in 2D.
When it comes to story, these games are light at the best of times.
In Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe basically a dimension traveling ship crashes into Kirby’s home planet. Kirby and friends go and check it out, and the meet the pilot Magolor. Magolor advises a bunch of parts have scattered around Kirby’s planet. If Kirby helps get the parts then he can join Magolor on a trip to his planet.
There is a tiny bit of plot more that happens, but with the paper thing story I should leave something to the journey for you.
The gameplay is very stock standard for a Kirby game, and to be honest, I am happy with that.
You will explore around the 2D world, jumping, floating and collecting cogs and these parts. Levels are relatively short and snappy, and the game isn’t difficult. If you do want to take away some of that challenge there is a new addition to the game in Magdalor mode.
Basically he throws you items and pulls you out of pits you fall down. The game is easy enough you won’t need this, but your kids might.
If you haven’t played a Kirby game before, the big hook is that Kirby can suck up objects and spit them out.
If he sucks up a certain type of character he can take on their powers. It can be as simple as gaining fire or water powers, to the real weirdness like a boomerang or magic wand. This is all a pretty standard Kirby affair, though it is consistently fun as hell. This new version of the game has some new powers including sand and mech.
This is cool for returning fans to throw some sweet new variations in there.
The Deluxe version has borrowed a few bits and pieces from Star Allies, but the biggest change is a new mode which is the Magolor Epilogues.
This one introduces a new playable character to go through a new adventure that is a couple of hours long.
Just like the addition of Bowser’s Fury to Super Mario 3D World, this new adventure feels different to the main game. I just really dig this idea as it adds some new flavour to a re-release, and adds serious value over a new coat of paint.
There is also the multiplayer mode in the game where your friends can drop in and out of the game. This doesn’t really change anything, but given the game isn’t lovely and hard and it is all about chill platforming action, it’s cool you can do it with your friends and family.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an easy recommendation. It’s an accessible platformer for newbies, and just chill fun for longer time fans. It looks fantastic, plays fantastic, and is just a damn good time.
Released: February 2023
Rating: G
Platforms reviewed: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Adventure
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo