Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is much more than just a remake, offering plenty of new content to fresh and returning players alike. It’s impossible not to smile while playing this game, especially alongside friends.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe not only got me as giddy as a youngster in a candy shop, but was a solid reminder that, with a bit of pure imagination and innovation, Nintendo could still expand upon the worlds of existing IP, especially its pink pudgy ones.

Ultimately though… the game is a lot of fun and that’s really what it’s all about. It’s nothing serious, it’s not ground breaking (well ok… there is one mini game that is almost exactly that… but whatever). If you are after a huge challenge… you might find some in the extra challenges for the mini games… but the main storyline will likely leave you wanting. If however you just want a game to be able to pick up and enjoy and maybe get the odd grin out of for sheer cuteness or silly fun, then this is a great choice! Grab a copy and suck it up.

While I might have gone into Deluxe a virtual blank slate, it left me shocked at what a fun game it is. The stages feature clever (albeit relatively easy) challenges and set pieces that make each one a delight to explore. With the ability to pop in and out friends at will, it’s also simplicity itself to turn Deluxe into a proper multiplayer romp. If minigames are more your style, Merry Magoland takes the already solid selection from Return to Dream Land and spruces it up with new additions and a cohesive party experience. Rounded out with Magalor’s Epilogue and a bunch of other post-game unlockables, Deluxe lives up to its name and then some. This is a must for Kirby diehards and platformer fans in general.

It’s pretty much what you’d expect from a 2D Kirby game – but seeing as the baseline for those is “cute platformer that won’t tax you too much and that you can play with pretty much anyone,” that’s hardly a bad thing. Add in a few new elements, and you have the ingredients for a pretty solid remake.

Kirby’s Dream Land DX is what anybody would expect of a Nintendo remake: a combination of sleek, new content along with the recipe of the traditional game that made its mark back in the day. The addition of new modes and the four-player co-op are things that can be completely enjoyed by new players and can be a great incentive for old players to return. A memorable adventure, yet one that should pave the way for a brand-new adventure, starring Kirby, and can really push the series forward.

I played Kirby’s Return to Dream Land on Wii at launch and over the years, it’s never been a high-ranking game on my personal list of Kirby games. After playing through it on Switch, that’s changed, though partially because of the smart updates and changes made in the new version. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is the best 2D Kirby I’ve ever played, combining a lot of the side-scrolling entries' best elements into a heck of a total package that works as both a single-player adventure and a delightful co-op journey.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe proves that it's still a solid 2D platformer after all these years, and now it's been elevated. The inclusion of new powers makes the adventure feel new, even for those who have played the Wii original, while Helper Magolor's presence ensures that players will see the game's ending. The inclusion of Merry Magoland in a nice touch, as it provides several reasons to return to the oft-ignored minigames. Magolor's Epilogue continues Nintendo's current trend of giving remasters significant mini-campaigns to encourage a revisit from longtime fans. Unless you don't care at all for Kirby or platformers, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe should be in your Switch library.

Much like the original Wii release, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an excellent Kirby adventure, packed full of heart, classic gameplay and dipped in a delicious HD upgrade. Throw in bonus modes, collectable content, and backstory for a truly definitive platforming experience. It's unfortunate that there's no online co-op play, but both single and local couch-play are an absolute joy from the opening title.

Kirby’s Dreamland Deluxe was already a charming title back on the Wii, but this updated release allows old fans a chance to return to Dreamland to discover updated features and new players an opportunity to play a standout entry in this series. This release presents many improvements and additional content creating a memorable experience for all who play, even if it isn’t as genre-defining as Forgotten Land.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe offers the classic 2D Kirby experience: simple platforming, plenty of secrets, and fun power ups with a variety of different moves. The inclusion of new modes and new powerups give even players who played the original on the Wii something new to discover and play with.

The best platforming action game this year (so far) for the whole family.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, a remake of the Wii classic, is everything you want a Kirby game to be: colourful, adorable, and tons of fun. While hardcore gamers may be after more of a challenge, casual and younger players should dive head-first into Planet Popstar to see what it has to offer.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a quintessential package for newcomers to the franchise. A fantastically realized set of Copy Abilities, swathes of worthwhile content, a great new epilogue, and gorgeously enhanced new visuals make for a timeless experience that's only hindered by a noticeable lack of difficulty.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a classic Kirby game, with enough content to justify picking it up even if you already own Kirby Star Allies and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. It’s just an enjoyable, simple platformer with almost two dozen abilities, an extra campaign, and a bunch of minigames. As a remastered Wii title, it doesn’t do anything new, but it stands strong against Kirby’s more recent adventures and earns our Editors' Choice award in the process.

There’s tons of bonus activities to help keep you busy both in terms of subgames in Merry Magoland subgames and the new story content via the Magalor Epilogue. If you’re looking for a game for your kids to play, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is without a doubt one of the best offerings in 2023 with approachability found in every aspect from gameplay, to its whimsical core themes, to the fact that co-op multiplayer is offered pretty much throughout.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a wonderful revival of an already excellent game. Adorable, enjoyable, and absolutely oozing with charm, it offers a great range of platforming, puzzles, and minigames to explore either alone or with up to four players. Boasting enhanced visuals, fresh copy abilities, and new content, it’s an absolute delight, and a must for anyone looking for some family-friendly fun to brighten up their day.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a fantastic remake of one of our favourite Kirby adventures. With slick new visuals, some meaningful gameplay tweaks and two excellent new modes to dig into, this is a big, loud and colourful celebration of all things Kirby that should delight new and returning players alike. Magalor's Epilogue is a surprisingly chunky addition to the core action that gives the campaign a nice boost, whilst Merry Magoland ensures that you and your pals are kept busy with plenty of minigames, missions and online challenges to best once you're done with the main story mode. It's another win for everyone's favourite pink puffball.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a wonderful Kirby game that will feel both fresh and familiar to veterans and newcomers alike. While it isn’t particularly well-suited to multiplayer gameplay, everything else is as polished as can be, and the new epilogue is some of the most refreshing Kirby gameplay in years.

If you remotely like Kirby and haven't picked any series entries up in a while, it's hard to go wrong with this one.

Its revamped visuals, new mini-games and features, and a new great epilogue starring Magolor make Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe a very worthwhile game. If only it included online play with friends, it would be the perfect Kirby game.

Overall, Kirby's Return To Dream Land Deluxe is absolutely wonderful. It might not be a game that changes the world, but it's some of the most fun available on the Nintendo Switch.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe delivers a feast for the retinas, where even the transitions convey vibrant exuberance. Play is just as adept as the visuals, with a multitude of modes prepared to swallow your recreational hours, whether you’re playing solo or with a group of friends.

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is proof that the original game is one of the best Kirby games ever, and also that Nintendo can make great remasters. With a bunch of new and fun content, it is completely worth your time.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is still an enhanced remaster of a 12-year-old Wii game, but it effectively brings forward one of the pink puffball's best outings, complete with meaningful additions. The result is a game worthy of sitting in the Switch catalog next to last year's superb Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe took an already great game (perhaps the most underrated game in the series) and made it even better with sharp visuals, oodles of extras, and a brand new mode that allows you to play fun mini-games from Kirby's past titles.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is entertaining at its core. The game mechanics still feel fresh. It should have had a much more notable graphical improvement and valuable additional content because it looks like a repackaging of the same game that came out more than ten years ago. Despite the mistakes, it is a game worth it because it shows the best of Kirby.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe takes our pink puff out for another platforming romp. While it’s not a completely new game, there’s plenty of content on offer to make it a worthwhile purchase.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an accessible and gorgeous way for newer fans of one of Nintendo's best franchises to check out a great 2D platformer. While online multiplayer would've been great in the main campaign, it is packed with tons of extras and replay value making it an easy recommendation if you've not played it before.

So if you've already had a chance to try the original experience, it's a product worth re-experiencing for all the additions that have gone to the trouble of programming. On the other hand, if you haven't played it before and you're a Kirby fan, I think you shouldn't miss out on adding it to your Switch collection.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe doesn’t redefine the series like Kirby & the Forgotten World, but it’s a welcome addition to the Switch library. This feast of content for players of all stripes continues the pink puffball’s reign as Nintendo’s King of Co-Op.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a great excuse to revisit a classic Wii title, with just enough new additions to shake things up.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe gives a gorgeous new coat of paint to one of the most charming 2D platformers of the Wii era. It features expertly-crafted level design, fun and easy to use mechanics, and incredibly cute, colourful environments that offers an excellent escape from the often grueling tasks of the real world. While the main story may not be difficult enough to appeal to the more hardcore gamers, it’s still an absolute joy to play from start to finish, and there is enough of a challenge in the bonus content to mean there is something for everyone. Adorable and delightful, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe scratches a Kirby-sized itch as we patiently wait for the next big original adventure featuring our favourite pink puffball friend.

As a follow-up to the highly successful Forgotten Land, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe may tread on old ground, but it does so with confidence and colour aplenty.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is the best comeback for one of the best games that can be found within the franchise. The platforming game is perfect whether you play with family or friends, and it boasts a hefty amount of content between the main story, the minigames and the colisseum mode. Moreover: it includes a whole new chapter that adds up to 20 new levels while controlling Maglor, a new character with a unique moveset.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe only improves on the original. It's great to be able to play as Magolor in the new epilogue, which changes up the platforming gameplay simply but effectively. There's even more fun to be had playing subgames in Merry Magoland with your friends. If you're playing solo, there might not be as much to keep your attention, but it will still be a short and sweet adventure.

Those who keep a special memory of it since the days of the Wii will appreciate the myriad new features of this Deluxe Edition. Kirby Returns is therefore an excellent platformer and a fun party game; it remains only a bit of disappointment for the absence of online multiplayer especially if we consider the efforts that have been made to expand the multiplayer offer.

This Deluxe version is a beautiful and solid remake of one of the best Kirby games.

A throwback (in every sense) for Kirby, who brings back an old adventure of his for Nintendo Wii by adding an updated audio / video compartment to the original, new mini-games, a brand new supplementary adventure and much more Still. An unmissable "package" for fans of the character and for those looking for a pure and simple platformer... maybe even too much.

The game puts together a solid remake of the original game with a great presentation and essentially quite a lot of new content, including an excellent epilogue that will be enjoyed by a wide range of players from kids to experienced gamers. [Issue#326]

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a joy to play, particularly in co-op, as two players can spot more secrets than one. However: co-op is also the game's greatest weakness as everything revolves around player one: it's a dated approach to co-op compared to newer games that treat all players as equal participants. Thankfully, improved graphics and great additional content make this new version of Return to Dream Land truly "Deluxe".

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe brings back a game originally released in 2011 and gives it a fully contemporary clothing under the form of renewed graphics and sound, as well as its fun and fluid gameplay that will appeal to both newcomers and veterans alike. Adding to all the improvements, this remake further brings two new game modes that extend the experience and contribute to the length of this platformer.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a wonderful example of another great Nintendo remake. The price may be steep, but, if you are a fan of Kirby, or simply played the original, this is a great wholesome family-friendly game to fall back on.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a great time. The remake is faithful in the ways that count and adds enough new content to be well worth revisiting, even if that content isn’t universally brilliant. I could take or leave the theme park conceit, and I wish the Mecha ability was as good as Sand, but with an enjoyable epilogue campaign and a bunch of unlockable masks that I couldn’t stop thinking about, there’s no denying this is a remake that puts the work in to justify itself. I like it when things do that. Did I mention the game has masks? I can’t emphasize enough how important that is.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is undeniably an improvement over the Wii original. The new features in the remaster may not be enough to convince veterans, but it's still a fantastic and fun experience for those who like to play in the company of the young and inexperienced.

When you return to a return, you risk drowning in sentiment to the detriment of the experience. Instead, Return to Dream Land Deluxe skillfully channels its sentiments to refresh Kirby’s legacy and add something new on top of it. It is perhaps the most Kirby game to ever Kirby, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Dream Land has never looked better than it does on the Nintendo Switch with this release, which updates the relatively plain 3D characters of the Wii version with gorgeous cel-shaded renderings that look like a cartoon come to life.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a remake of higher effort than it may initially appear as, with a laundry list of improvements both obvious and subtle to bring a game that was already solid to begin with up to the modern standards of the series. As with many other Kirby games, it offers a wide array of things to do and mechanics to play with, and the multiplayer option adds some spice for those who can make use of it. It’s a very workmanlike game in many regards, and it’s not likely to convince those not already charmed by the pink puff. But that is often the role that Kirby finds himself occupying, and it’s one that he wears as smartly as he does his little red shoes.

Although players of the original Kirby’s Return to Dream Land will appreciate the experience of re-visiting the title with better graphics and smoother gameplay, yet the same familiar story, the title is still as appealing to new players who want an authentic Kirby experience.

For most players though, it’s the main meat of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe – the platforming adventure – that will draw them in. It might not be the most revolutionary game – after all, the original is 12 years old – but it’s a charming platformer that’s as joyous as it always has been. And with the addition of Merry Magoland, this is a sizeable package with essentially endless replayability.

Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe is much more than a remaster, it's a full-fledged remake because it offers new graphics and enough content to return to Dreamland. It is a fun game but too easy at the same time. The greatest thing is when you enjoy it with friends.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a wonderful remaster with a good amount of love put into it. While it may not be as vast as last year’s new Forgotten Land title, it has a lot to offer players, especially those who may not have touched it before. Those who have previously played Return to Dream Land might not have much to look forward here unless they’re a hardcore fan, but those who like Kirby and have never tried this title will want to consider picking it up. It doesn’t do anything crazy compared to the typical Kirby adventure, but it’s so well put together with tons of optional activities that it’s well worth going along with Kirby and his friends to see it through to the end.

This remastered version of one of the more interesting Kirby games not only makes the game look better than ever before, but also adds fresh. Return To Dream Land Deluxe is a successful - if at times too easy - platformer that's plenty of fun.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is top-shelf 2D Kirby platforming. It’s visually as good as non-stylized Kirby gets, rife with every copy ability you can dream of, and as nice and fulfilling a platformer as any Nintendo game should ever be expected to be.

If you’re new to the game, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is the version you want to play as it offers dozens of levels, tons of collectibles, and multiplayer mini-games to keep you busy. It’s great for families considering how accessible and friendly it is to new players, but it also offers some light challenges and colorful levels older fans can appreciate. It may not be a groundbreaking experience, but Deluxe is a testament the Kirby series is still as charming as ever.

The new-old Kirby feels right at home on the Switch, with beautiful graphics, lots of new content that feels like it's always been there, and of course the traditional lighthearted and fun Kirby experience that we love.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe showcases the best of Kirby's unique brand of 2D platforming. Unfortunately, veteran players will have to slog through the main campaign one more time to see everything on offer.

Overall, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a very nice remaster of a solid Wii game that had a great deal of affection from longtime players of the series back in the day. This remaster also runs very well on the Switch and is definitely worth picking up if you are a Kirby fan. However, if you are new to Kirby and want to experience the best of its 2D offerings, then I would have to recommend Planet Robobot instead.

While grown-up gaming is dominated by dark and brooding fantasies, Kirby makes the case for sweetness and light among families.

The remake, called Deluxe, is quite versatile. Nintendo has not improved just the story, but they've also added mini-games and cosmetic goodies. Add to that the polished graphics and we are in for some very enjoyable hours.

At 60 bucks, it's not exactly cheap and for people who already know this game from the Wii, the visual upgrade and new epilogue might not be worth the investment. If, like me, you haven't played it yet and you like Kirby, you can pick it up without much hesitation. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a magical game with typical Kirby charm, and the new content compared to the original is the icing on the cake.

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is packed with heartwarming charm, but it lacks HAL Laboratory’s playful invention that was to come later on Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch. There’s still more than enough fun to be found here, especially when playing with family and friends, but even with the new additions there isn’t as much that excites compared to the pink puffball’s more recent adventures. Kirby Planet Robobot next, please.

Without further inspection one could have feared that this was another one of those many quick ports coming from Wii or Wii U with HD graphics and little more to fill in an empty calendar, but nothing would be further from the truth, as both the restoration work and the added value make this a game as well-rounded as Kirby himself.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a delight of a remake that bumps into some of the similar issues of its predecessor, but still manages to be an incredibly engaging and charming platformer all the same.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is possibly the most family-friendly Kirby game, with all the good and bad that comes with it; and it is, at the same time, the one that offers the most content in the medium and long term.

The multiplayer element adds replayability, as does the mini-games section, and there are enough collectibles and hidden sections to want you coming back for more.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a fine remaster of an incredibly tight platformer. It may not have the same scope or energy as Kirby and the Forgotten Land, but it doesn’t need to. If you want a solid Kirby game for your Switch and don’t mind some of the lackluster add-on modes, then Kirby is worth a shot.

The small innovations, the visual upgrade and the new Magolor epilogue make it more than just a nice remaster that really comes into its own in co-op mode.

A fantastic platforming game with Nintendo's seal of quality that is now even more fun thanks to the minigames and the new epilogue. The launch price is a bit steep though, so you might want to wait a little before "swallowing it".

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a remake that knows how to nourish its offer with enough incentives to taste new. A title that outlines, enhances and completes what was offered in 2011 becoming, in this way, one of the best deliveries that starred the pink ball of Nintendo.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land is a much-welcomed entry in the beloved series, remastering the game with brilliant tweaks and unlimited charm.

Nintendo’s cutest mascot goes back to its root. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe serves us the same dish as on Wii, but with a new presentation, a side dish that will delight and a desert that will satisfy the hungriest players. The recipe and the ingredients are familiar, it's delicious as ever. Magolor‘s epilogue brings enough flavors to spice up an already well-cooked experience. Without innovating, this side story brings a touch of challenge that was missing in the original game. A terribly charming title.

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is an utterly charming platformer that serves as a wonderful gateway to the Kirby series’ 2D side. Though it struggles with laughably weak bosses, every second of the story mode is a visual treat; while a wealth of side activities and optional collectibles give Kirby’s latest adventure some welcome depth.

Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a reminder that no matter what dimension he’s put in, Kirby is one of Nintendo’s most consistently brilliant series.

Little promoted by Nintendo, and looking like a typical end-of-life port of a console, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe was not going to leave us with an imperishable memory. However, beyond a very nice HD remaster which graphically puts it at the level of Kirby Star Allies (which it surpasses in terms of gaming experience), the title of HAL Laboratory is distinguished by the substantial amount of new content generously inflating its lifespan. Whether solo or multiplayer, this new part of the franchise is more gourmet than you could have imagined, will give you plenty to enjoy for many hours, and fully deserves its "Deluxe" version label.

Whether you've played the Wii version or not, this remaster offers enough content to keep both newcomers and veterans busy for a while. As a Kirby game it's fairly typical and doesn't do anything particularly revolutionary, but what it does offer is strong, entertaining platforming.

"Potential" is the word I keep coming back to when playing through Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. I'm smitten with every piece of the package on its own merits, but I'm also left excited about what it could signal for the future of the series. There's a lot of room for Hal Laboratories to take the combo-based platforming of Magolor Epilogue or the progression systems of Merry Magoland and use them to innovate its next original Kirby game, whether it's 2D or not. This may be a blast from the past, but it's even more exciting when viewed as a peek at what's to come.

Return to Dream Land‘s lack of difficulty does dampen some of its more creative ideas, but it remains a colourful, sleek adventure – and one that’s been perfectly adapted, remastered, and expanded for Deluxe. Kirby, as always, deserves more time in the sun – and this collection is a wonderful ode to my favourite pink blob.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a very successful remake that adds a lot of new content in addition to the usual changes and improvements. However, the problem is that it doesn't improve anything at its core compared to its predecessors, and it's a step backwards compared to the more recent game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

A simple and entertaining Kirby game that isn't particularly original or creative, but includes a lot of extras to further enjoy a remarkable platformer, both alone and in company.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a valuable reissue for the aesthetic work and for the new contents which, although not mammoth, are a welcome addition. A much more than pleasant title whose novelties, however, are not so elaborate as to completely justify the full price at which it is sold. So how to judge Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe today? It also and above all depends on what is installed / which cartridges you have purchased on your Nintendo Switch.

Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe remains a fine jump-and-run game that makes mostly anything right concerning new HD graphics and new skills. It is fun to play, as long as you don't expect something very challenging. Also the scope of the game is fine, but especially fans of the Wii original should know that they should not expect too much from the completely new epilogue mode.

A conservative Jump'n'Run in a positive sense: playfully appealing hopping adventure - technically spotless and with a lot of additional content.

If you haven't played the original and love platformers – don't hesitate, this is a must-play! Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is one of the most pleasant games in this genre that you can play.

If you played it on the Wii, you might not see much in this version to justify the $60, but if you missed it like I did, this is definitely the best way to experience an original Kirby game.

Same good game, but with a few extra features and modes that make it better than the Wii Original while giving platforming veterans a challenge the main game won't.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is one of Nintendo’s more expansive “Deluxe” Switch repackaging efforts, offering a slick visual makeover and a slate of new content. That said, all the additions don’t really raise Kirby’s Return to Dream Land above its status as a fun yet somewhat unremarkable game from one of the pink guy’s less ambitious eras. There’s plenty of charm on display here and younger players are likely to enjoy themselves, but this wisp of a game can only be puffed up so much.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an enjoyable and nostalgic trip back to the classic formula of the franchise. Like previous releases, the game includes a wealth of content that will keep you busy for a substantial period. The new Magolor’s Epilogue is a welcome addition and changes the familiar recipe of the series. While the game is great for younger players and families, the lack of difficulty means that veterans will find it a breeze. Although it doesn’t deviate from conventions, it still maintains its charm which will resonate with fans.

This cutesy platformer is ideal if you have kids you want to play with, and excels at couch co-op. For solo gamers in an older bracket, we're not sure it's got enough zip.

So while in some ways it's a pity this most malleable of heroes should be forced to return to old haunts instead of breaking new ground, this 2D homecoming is more invigorating than we could have anticipated. [Issue#383, p.121]

We knew very much what to expect from Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe, and it doesn't disappoint. Perhaps not the boldest Kirby title we've seen, especially on the Switch - but it's a chirpy, charming throwback that brings the core of what Kirby is all about to the Switch after the frustrating misstep that Star Allies proved itself to be. For fans of who Kirby is, what Kirby has been, and what Kirby may become, Return to Dreamland is potentially a precursor to a new, changing era of the pink puffball, and may very well be the last of its kind as Nintendo looks to the future of the series. It's good news, then, that it's such a rosy treat.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a charming remaster for the Nintendo Switch that puts a happy smile on anyone with its colourful visuals and cutesy presentation. Fans who enjoy Kirby might want to experience all the new additions in this re-release, but with the game being charged at full price, you might want to ask if all the new stuff is worth the asking price. For new Kirby fans that found the pink blob through other games on their Nintendo Switch, then this will be an embodiment of pure fun for you, bringing all the good and enjoyment Kirby can offer for a group of friends sitting around the TV. Be warned, the game is still overly easy on its standard mode, which makes the Extra Mode unlock a huge shame that it was not available from the start, but at least the level design makes up some for the lack of challenge. For people who just want to sit down after a hard day of work and relax with some entertaining platforming, then Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is suited for such circumstances with its sweet, colourful adventure that is ideal for family fun or stress-free gaming.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is a good game, and by extension, so is Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. But it’s also a remaster of a game that’s now more than a decade old, which was itself a deliberate effort to return to the series’ roots, and it comes hot on the heels of one of the best—and most creative—games in Kirby’s history. Nostalgia and the series’ innate sense of joy go a long way, but Return to Dream Land Deluxe struggles to step out of the shadow of Kirby’s more recent adventures.

It's a shame returning players will have to replay the entire story mode to see the best stuff on offer, especially for the price. But if you never checked out the original Wii game, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is the definitive way to experience the pink puffball's biggest throwback adventure.

Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe offers a lot of fun for both young and old, and exploring the many nooks and crannies is consistently rewarding.

Even when the trappings are more traditional, as they are in Return to Dreamland Deluxe, Kirby is Kirby. You get to the end with the distinct feeling that the tilts and tumbles haven’t stopped, that you haven’t quite pinned down its charm, and that you will be back, before too long, with an urge for more.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is very much worth trying, especially for younger or less experienced players, who will find a high quality title with a lot to offer waiting for them.

One of the most predictable Kirby games in years, but it still a pack of fun for younger gamers.

People who missed Kirby's Return to Dream Land in 2011 would do well to get this revised version. Creative level design and new content such as an extensive post-game are more than enough reasons to put a smile on the face of you and your companions.

Despite the minimal challenge, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a pretty nice experience, especially for beginners - adults or children, or (better) adults with children. Even the minigames are fun, particularly in multiplayer. Anyway, even if it's slightly better, it offers an almost identical experience as Kirby: Star Allies, published five years ago.

This is a game that’ll make you smile. It’s impossible to play through one of the jolly stages or even simply wander around Merry Magoland without feeling a warmth in your heart, and that’s not something that every game can do.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a great reminder that even when HAL Laboratory sticks closely to the Kirby formula, it still manages to deliver an experience that's enjoyable for players of all-ages.

Fortunately, though, that main attraction is delightful. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe feels like a very complete package thanks to a remastered platformer campaign, substantial new Magolor epilogue, and smart new additions like the Mecha ability and Helper Magolor mode. It might be a little simple for some tastes, but it's grand fun to get lost in such a sweet little adventure regardless.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe takes a fun but straightforward Wii platformer, freshens it up visually, and adds a new mini adventure to pad out its otherwise relatively short campaign. Kirby’s journey across Planet Popstar starts as a slow, overly easy drudge. But once the difficulty picks up and the stages become more creative, this platformer shines through to its over-the-top conclusion – even if that conclusion comes far too soon. The Magolor Epilogue is also a welcome addition that stands on its own as another brief but worthwhile story. Return to Dream Land certainly isn’t Kirby’s best or most creative outing, but if you haven’t already played it on Wii, the Deluxe version is the ideal way to see what a traditional Kirby game is all about.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, at the time, felt like a poignant throwback after installments like Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards and Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. Now in 2023, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe’s revival results in an entry that feels like a more introductory experience to be enjoyed with a small group of newcomers to the series.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe turns a solid Wii platformer into a slightly better Nintendo Switch title. The extra copy abilities are fun to use, and Magolor's Epilogue is a good way to wrap up the story. However, the lack of challenge in the campaign is difficult to look past.

If you’re a massive Kirby fan, this is for you. If you’ve got a passing interest, wait for a sale. It’s not that this is bad, or unpolished… it’s just another repacked game with a value proposition that lacks.

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is a well presented title that does have more ideas than most 2D platformers – but they’re presented in such a chaotic way that we can’t imagine anyone but the very young (and their parents) getting much enjoyment out of them.

Before he had a face, Kirby’s unassuming spherical design was intended to be a graphical placeholder – but then its creators fell in love with his squishy simplicity. Return to Dream Land feels like a playable placeholder, ticking the right boxes without ever being truly exciting. In multiplayer it’s much more fun, but after the charmingly inventive Super Mario odyssey-inspired escapades of Forgotten Land, revisiting the safe, side-scrolling Kirby era holds little appeal.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a charming platformer with plenty of fun content for kids and families to discover and enjoy together. But with a very low difficulty level and a real lack of innovation, it’s unlikely to captivate older audiences in the way that the best Nintendo games can.