HomeReviewsKirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Developer:HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms:Switch
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $59.99 – Available Here | $79.95 – Available Here

Overview

Kirby has had a pretty good tenure on the Nintendo Switch during the console’s lifespan. One of the most important titles in the franchise’s lifespan however has been missed up until recently, and that was Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, which was released on the Wii an entire decade ago. A port of an older game at full price can be rather controversial, but with such an acclaimed title being packed full of new content, is the Deluxe offering worth a new helping? Let’s find out. 

Story 

If you’re new to this title in any way, it is rather easy to get caught up in its cheeky, yet endearing plot. When a mysterious ship comes to Dream Land, a new foe by the name Magolor tricks Kirby and his friends into gathering ship parts so he can steal the “Master Crown” and take over the Universe. Kirby then must restore the world and put a stop to Magolor once and for all, in what is a classically built platformer tuned to the same direction as the original titles in the franchise. Yes, the remake is beat for beat the same, but the plot still works and is enjoyable enough to trek through yet again. Magolor also has his own story, which has the player control him as he works to regain his powers in an all-new adventure dubbed “Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler”, providing a few more hours into an already solid experience.  

Gameplay 

As far as the gameplay is concerned, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, not much has changed aside from platform. The game still controls incredibly well, with our pink puff and friends featuring their main abilities and attacks in a gentle platformer. I feel like you could best compare this package to that of Kirby Super Star Ultra, as it follows the prior compilation title’s beats quite closely. Players have the main story mode and the previously mentioned Magolor mode to trek through, but there is a lot more this time around to keep them coming back in for more. 

The concept stays true to the original experience, as co-op is still a focus for those who want to join in with friends. I have always heard the original game’s difficulty being its main critique, and while nothing has changed, I feel it is also relevant to remind weary folk of why that argument is still quite silly overall. Kirby isn’t about platforming as much as it is discovery. Instead of making it difficult to complete simple tasks such as making it from point A to point B, this game is built around a sense of discovery, where the player is rewarded for finding new items, collectibles, and so on. Sure, it’s easy to beat as a standard platformer, but difficult to do so in a burst as the game is filled with content and collectibles, and this time features some fun additions to make the playthrough even more enticing as players try to see everything it has to offer. Stress is meant to be low, so players take in the world and get the most of it. If you are new to this pink mascot’s offerings, the mainline of games are built around this mindset, allowing players to have the joy of executing new abilities in order to create a unique experience for each and every person who joins in. 

Those who want new gameplay options are in luck, as a new carnival-esque styled mini-game compilation is also present, where players can collect tickets to unlock new mini-games, with most built around a multiplayer format that all come off as a welcome addition. Again, the extras here bring about a similar structure to that of Super Star, but with far more content to offer that allows deviation from the main story with hectic and fun little squabbles to take place in-between. There is a lot new to do and see, but it’s good to remind folks of how well built the original title was, and still is within this new offering. Deluxe brings a few new copy abilities, but still maintains every brilliant piece of game design and pacing the original had years ago, yet still feels fresh as the minor new additions do so much to make this new trek feel engaging and unique. Return to Dream Land is a special game, built around a formula that asks the player to slow down and take in what the development team built for the player, and it was a joy seeing it all again with these new offerings. 

Visuals 

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland maintains its stellar presentation with the addition of black outlines on the main character models, which seem to fit well enough here. Animations and other graphical portions have been enhanced as well but do keep in mind that the game was only ten years old and came out very late in the Wii’s lifespan, so there wasn’t too much that really needed an update. From the bold colors to the lavish world designs, it’s nice to get lost in this landscape yet again and the team did well to bring this to the Switch with almost zero optimization issues.  

Audio

The soundtrack is also fantastic. I mentioned this years ago when I first reviewed this title, but the lovely beats and tunes should keep you immersed and smiling until the very end. Minor sound effects also do well at capturing the charm of the characters and enemies within, with top-notch quality stitched throughout for an audibly pleasing experience. 

Overall

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a familiar joy that is more than welcome on the Switch. Kirby isn’t about difficulty; he is about innovation. It’s a lot harder to create an experience that can highlight simplicity and keep it engaging, rather than aim for difficulty and challenge within game design. That is what this title is all about, and its execution of the concept is flawless. Is an upgraded port worth full price? Well, that is really up to the consumer, but those wanting Kirby’s best will have a full buffet here, as this offering is easily one of the easiest recommendations to give for the platform. Absolutely wonderful. 

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Summary

Excellent
9
Kirby brings back an old favorite to the Switch in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. With charming new visuals and new features alike, there has never been a better time for a second helping.
Kirby brings back an old favorite to the Switch in <i>Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe</i>. With charming new visuals and new features alike, there has never been a better time for a second helping.Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review