We played it for hours (and hours!) when it first released in 2011. But today, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland has a new look and is back in an expanded and improved “Deluxe” edition that will not only delight nostalgic fans, but also allow the youngest to get to know this classic video game.
Oh Kirby! This adorable and gluttonous pink ball has managed to survive three decades without losing its sparkle or allure. As proof, he offered us his first-ever three-dimensional adventure last year, to acclaim from fans and critics alike. We had unequivocal confirmation that this player-favorite character could evolve. And not just by devouring his enemies to mimic their fighting skills.
This time, however, we’re going back in time with Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, a new port for the Nintendo Switch. If it doesn’t reinvent the classic formula, it will still bring a few hours of happiness to nostalgics.
His action? Kirby meets the intergalactic traveler Magalor, stranded on the planet Pop after his ship crashed. The player must therefore survey different worlds to recover the parts of his ship, only to allow him to return to the herd, ie Halcandra.
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
Still, we suspect that this scenario is random, serving only as a pretext for a series of quests and adventures set in weird lands and populated by enemies that are more cute than awesome.
Some news
We admit it, we quickly relapsed into our memories as we launched part of this new offering from Nintendo that was released yesterday. Because when the colors are naturally bolder and more vibrant, the essence of the classic game is preserved.
Two innovations improve the adventure even more: Additional powers that are made available to our hero, namely the use of sand and weapons.
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
Do they radically change the course of the game? No, obviously. But they bring an air of welcome novelty.
Aside from the original adventure, this “deluxe” edition really lives up to its name. First, with an epilogue that puts us in control of Magalor and brings with it a different dynamic. With his own abilities – and therefore different from Kirby’s – this hero makes his own way in this same universe.
It’s fun, it’s refreshing, and honestly we wouldn’t mind if it inherited its own video game franchise.
Another novelty: additional mini-games to be explored alongside the main adventure. Think Mario Party but with Kirby. It’s a bit childish at times, but we suspect the target audience is young.
These two elements give the game a new and inventive character, but above all they prolong the life of the game, which without them would not have reached the five-hour mark.
- Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe ★★★★☆
Available for Nintendo Switch