If we’re going to discuss classic Kirby games, then Return To Dream Land has to be pretty high on the list. Released over a decade ago, this remains one of the pinnacles of the pink hero’s side-scrolling adventures. So, of course, when Nintendo opted to revisit it with a remastered version of the game, we were eager to jump on board.
Now we have Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe, and, as expected, it hits us in all the right places. The classic side-scrolling action makes a return, but there are several new tweaks to keep things interesting, including a new “Merry Magoland” option, where you can play mini- games along with others.
It’s a cakewalk for some, so you’ll likely coast through its content in a matter of hours. Still, it’s the journey, not the destination; and Return To Dream Land Deluxe certainly packs on a fun one.

The Main Adventure
Dream Land’s main journey has you (and up to three friends) via co-op – battling the likes of older Kirby favorites while helping a traveler repair his destroyed ship. Which, surprise, just crashed into Kirby’s home world.
Along the way, Kirby and his friends can score some helpful power-ups to clear out enemies, while collecting all sorts of goodies along the way. These include energy spheres, with three to each stage that can open up bonuses, depending on how many you acquire.
The gameplay is as fun as ever, though a bit on the easy side. No matter, as it’s a blast rip- roaring through enemies and bosses. There are also segments where you can destroy pretty much parts of the stages with your power-ups, and then slip through a hole in the Kirbyverse (?) to visit a new area, where time is of the essence as you collect even more goodies.
But along with the main game, there’s also Merry Magoland. This opens up shortly after you beat the first stage, giving you access to 11 different Kirby games, which you can play locally with others or online. I do wish there was an online option for the campaign, but no matter. What’s here is a tremendous add-on, packed with leaderboards and other neat little things.
You’ll be busy for some time.

A Good Looking Side of Kirbo
I’m a little spoiled by last year’s Kirby 3D adventure The Forgotten Land, as it opened up a side of the character we’ve never seen before. But Dream Land Deluxe isn’t too shabby on looks. In fact, this is the best a side-scrolling 2D Kirby game has looked, right down to its incredible animations and neat little backdrops. There’s also some challenging stage designs later on down the road, though hardly impossible, to say the least.
On top of that, the music is pleasant and vibrant to listen to, as with all Kirby soundtracks. And the sound effects are cute as well, fitting the character justly. Just be prepared for an overload of that cuteness.

It’s Kirby!
Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe probably could’ve benefited from a New Game +, as well as online play with the main story mode. But aside from these small omissions, there’s a whole
lot of game here.
The main adventure is really something, with lots of destruction and creativity for you and your friends. Plus it looks and sounds great; and Merry Magoland adds a whole lot of replay value.
If Kirby’s your thing, you can’t be without Return To Dream Land Deluxe. It’s literally a dream
come true.

The Bottom Line:
Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is another must-own for the Nintendo Switch, an endearing adventure that keeps you hooked – even with its slightly easy difficulty level.

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