Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review: Enhanced Classic Platforming Shines on Nintendo Switch

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe marks the celebrated return of one of the Kirby franchise’s standout entries, now remastered in HD for the Nintendo Switch.

Developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, this enhanced edition revisits the classic 2011 Wii platformer with updated visuals, fresh content, and improved gameplay features.

Launching on February 24, 2023, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe offers newcomers and returning fans an expanded, polished experience that solidifies its status as a must-play for platforming enthusiasts. Building on the legacy of Kirby and the Forgotten Land—the series’ first foray into 3D platforming, which garnered widespread acclaim in 2022—this remaster carries forward the magic of classic 2D Kirby games.

In the original Wii release, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land was hailed for its inventive level design and accessibility.

Those strengths remain intact in this Deluxe edition, which now shines with enhanced HD graphics and a host of new features tailored for the Nintendo Switch. The game’s premise is straightforward: after a spaceship crashes on Planet Popstar, Kirby and friends—King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee—lend a hand to the vessel’s owner, Magolor, by searching for the missing pieces scattered throughout the world.

While the core story leans into simplicity, players can find deeper lore by exploring the game’s levels and side content.

The focus, however, is firmly on energetic platforming and the signature Kirby gameplay. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe delivers side-scrolling, level-based action where players journey through inventive stages, defeat enemies, collect hidden items, and experiment with the franchise’s hallmark Copy Abilities.

The game now features 26 Copy Abilities—three new to the remaster: Mecha, Sand, and Festival (first seen in Kirby Star Allies).

Each Copy Ability dramatically alters gameplay by granting Kirby distinct powers and moves, encouraging experimentation and replayability.

Super Abilities, introduced in the original, make a return as show-stopping power-ups that temporarily give Kirby extraordinary strength. The platforming adventure is enriched by hidden Energy Spheres scattered through the stages.

Collecting these unlocks new modes, including specialized rooms for practicing Copy Abilities and challenging bonus stages designed for skilled players.

While main levels remain approachable, the challenge, especially in these bonus stages, is enough to appeal to competitive gamers. In addition to the main campaign, which takes about 5–10 hours to complete, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe adds substantial replay value.

After finishing the story, players unlock Extra Mode—a more difficult variation of the main game—and The Arena, a boss rush mode for those seeking an extra challenge.

Completing Extra Mode further unlocks The True Arena, home to the game’s toughest battles. One of the major additions in the Deluxe version is Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler.

This new story mode, unlocked after the main game, allows players to step into Magolor’s role.

Starting with basic abilities, Magolor regains power by progressing through over 20 unique stages, upgrading his magical skills and offering a fresh take on classic Kirby gameplay. Another key feature is Merry Magoland, an in-game amusement park packed with ten selectable minigames from across the Kirby series.

These digestible, Mario Party-style sub-games can be enjoyed solo or with up to three local players, capitalizing on the Switch’s strengths in couch multiplayer.

Achievements, collectible mask rewards, and a lively competitive spirit add to the charm.

A free trial for two of these minigames is also available via the Nintendo eShop. Multiplayer is at the core of the experience, with up to four players able to join the main story or Magolor Epilogue locally.

Friends can jump in as King Dedede, Meta Knight, Bandana Waddle Dee, or uniquely colored Magolors for cooperative fun. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe isn’t just a visual upgrade.

HAL Laboratory and Nintendo have reimagined this Wii classic—enhancing graphics, expanding content, and modernizing gameplay for Switch audiences.

While the main story remains accessible and family-friendly, new challenges and multiplayer options ensure there’s depth for dedicated fans and competitive players alike.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a resplendent return to form, delivering a charming, satisfying platformer that appeals to all ages—and stands as an essential addition to any Nintendo Switch collection.

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