Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe for Nintendo Switch offers a delightful return to a classic 2D platforming experience. Originally released on the Wii, this enhanced port brings back the familiar charm of Dream Land, with some welcome additions that make it a worthwhile revisit for veterans and a solid entry point for newcomers.
This installment sees Kirby and his companions embarking on a quest to aid the stranded alien Magolor, whose ship has crash-landed. The objective? To retrieve scattered ship parts across seven distinct worlds. The gameplay follows the traditional Kirby formula: inhale enemies, absorb their powers, and utilize them to navigate vibrant levels filled with secrets. Up to three friends can join the adventure, choosing from a colorful cast including Meta Knight, Bandana Waddle Dee, and King Dedede.
kirby-mecha-rdd.jpgThe core gameplay of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe remains largely unchanged from its Wii predecessor, which can be both a strength and a weakness. While the familiar mechanics and cheerful soundtrack are undeniably enjoyable, it lacks the innovation seen in more recent titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The tried-and-true formula, however, continues to deliver a fun and accessible experience.
HAL Laboratory has injected some fresh elements into this Deluxe version. Two new copy abilities, Mecha and Sand, add exciting new dimensions to Kirby’s arsenal. Mecha equips Kirby with powerful armor and ranged attacks, while Sand grants him versatile sand manipulation powers. Both abilities seamlessly integrate with the existing roster, feeling natural and not at all forced. The Festival ability from Kirby Star Allies also makes an appearance, albeit less frequently.
kirby-rdd-sub-game.jpgMerry Magoland, a new hub area, adds another layer of enjoyment. Featuring ten sub-games with 100 unique challenges, Merry Magoland provides ample opportunities for solo or multiplayer fun. Completing challenges and finding hidden tickets in the main campaign unlocks rewards such as Energy Drinks, Copy Essence, and a collection of charming character masks. These cosmetic masks, featuring familiar faces like Rick, Coo, and Whispy Woods, offer a delightful nod to Kirby’s history and provide a fun incentive for completionists.
Perhaps the most significant addition is the Magolor Epilogue. Unlocking after the main campaign’s completion, this epilogue follows Magolor’s journey to recover his lost powers. Players collect Magic Points throughout stages to unlock and upgrade Magolor’s abilities, offering a degree of customization and a distinct playstyle compared to Kirby. With additional stages focusing on these unique abilities, the Magolor Epilogue adds a substantial 90-120 minutes of gameplay.
kirby-rdd-magolor.jpgWhile the Magolor Epilogue and the unlockable Extra Mode offer welcome additions, their availability only after completing the main story might frustrate those already familiar with the Wii version. These features would have benefited from being accessible from the outset.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe delivers a charming and enjoyable experience, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Kirby formula. The added content and enhancements make it a worthwhile purchase for fans and newcomers alike. While it may not be as groundbreaking as some other entries, the delightful gameplay, charming visuals, and new additions make it a solid addition to the Switch library.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe releases February 24th, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. This review was conducted on a Nintendo Switch OLED using a copy provided by the publisher.
