Kirby's Return to Dream Land

 Wii
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
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  1. Multiplayer.it
    Dec 14, 2011
    72
    Kirby's Adventure Wii is already way too easy when played alone and challenge becomes virtually non-existant when someone else joins Kirby in his quest. Probably designed as a family game for kids, this new platform fails to deliver anything special or worth of notice other than enjoyable but overall lacking visuals.
  2. Gamereactor Denmark
    Jan 23, 2012
    70
    It seems that by not having to come up with an original idea, the developers have been able to make the game more cohesive. This is a fun and accessible platformer with plenty of charm, fun superpowers, and a somewhat odd multiplayer mode that takes a little getting used to.
  3. Games Master UK
    Dec 17, 2011
    70
    A serviceable platformer, but this feels like a step back from Epic Yarn. [Jan 2012, p.92]
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  5. Nintendo Gamer
    Dec 7, 2011
    70
    We were hoping for something more inventive, more memorable. [Dec 2011, p.56]
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  6. D+PAD Magazine
    Dec 6, 2011
    70
    Although Kirby's Adventure Wii lacks the dazzling visual inventiveness of Epic Yarn, its chunky, vibrant look is never less than charming, and is complimented by a style of play that eschews challenge for a subtly enveloping comfort blanket of Nintendo delight.
  7. Gamekult
    Nov 24, 2011
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  8. Computer and Video Games
    Nov 24, 2011
    70
    Should have been more inventive, more memorable and more important. After we were spoiled by the beautiful Epic Yarn last year, Adventure highlights the dangers of appealing to a very vocal minority.
  9. The Escapist
    Nov 8, 2011
    70
    A good, solid platformer with several fun quirks, but has an issue with reusing the same gameplay elements for some of the stages and a rollercoaster-style of difficulty level.
  10. Joystiq
    Oct 24, 2011
    70
    But the complete lack of difficulty makes what should be an enthralling game sometimes boring.
  11. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 27, 2012
    60
    Trashy and naïve platformer comes in a traditional style. The best way to enjoy the new Kirby is co-op multiplayer – preferably an adult together with a kid. [Jan 2012]
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  12. games(TM)
    Jan 9, 2012
    60
    We've been spoilt over the years, and we simply expected more from Kirby. [Issue#117, p.114]
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  13. Eurogamer Italy
    Dec 1, 2011
    60
    Kirby's Adventure Wii is an average platform game, miles away from the greatness of games like Donkey Kong Country and the Rayman Origins.
  14. Eurogamer
    Nov 25, 2011
    60
    It isn't bad, but set next to last year's Donkey Kong Country Returns, or even Ubisoft's zesty Rayman Origins, this winter's other other platformer feels very vanilla by comparison.
  15. GamePro
    Oct 24, 2011
    60
    For fans wanting a return to the franchise's classic roots, I feel like Kirby's Return to Dream Land is apt to be a bit disappointing. The charm is still there, but the creativity seems to have gone amiss.
  16. Eurogamer Sweden
    Dec 12, 2011
    50
    Kirby has always managed to be fun for both kids and adults, but his latest adventure is only for the young ones. Never before has the pink little creature felt so average.
  17. Gamereactor Sweden
    Dec 2, 2011
    50
    The ambitions have been low at HAL Laboratory, and Kirby's Adventure simply isn't varied enough.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Wii Game of 2011
2
#2 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2011
3
#3 Most Shared Wii Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 273 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 240 out of 273
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 273
  3. Negative: 10 out of 273
  1. SwoopTrust
    Oct 26, 2011
    10
    This game is an absolute masterpiece. Brilliant! A true homage to the SNES classics, but even better. Definitely a must buy for the Wii.
    If    This game is an absolute masterpiece. Brilliant! A true homage to the SNES classics, but even better. Definitely a must buy for the Wii.
    If you're looking for fun and something worth your time and money, look no further.    … Full Review »
  2. DragYou
    Oct 25, 2011
    10
    It's **** Kirby, what do you expect? Tanks and helicopters flying through the air? It's brilliant, and bringing it back to the original ways.It's **** Kirby, what do you expect? Tanks and helicopters flying through the air? It's brilliant, and bringing it back to the original ways. I just love it.… Full Review »
  3. Scott
    Oct 29, 2011
    10
    Its a fun, simple platforming game just like in the 90s. If you didn't like Kirby games back then, you probably wont like this one as well.Its a fun, simple platforming game just like in the 90s. If you didn't like Kirby games back then, you probably wont like this one as well. It isn't a game that is suppose to frustrate you or test your skills as a gamer, it is a game that is just pure fun to play, especially if you can get a couple of friends to come over and play multiplayer… Full Review »
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