Kirby’s Return to Dream Land was a 2011 Nintendo Wii release that many look back on fondly. While the traditional Kirby platforming was included in the main storyline, 4-player co-op modes and minigames akin to Mario Party really stole the show. In its remastered state on the Nintendo Switch, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe allows the best parts of the series to shine while also illuminating the lesser-mentioned, (but very worthy-of-note) brilliance of the Kirby franchise.

In Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Magolor crashes through Kirby’s home. This is something you never want to have happen, whether you live on Popstar or Earth. As Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Waddle Dee learn, Magolor is missing five crucial pieces to his ship. Then, he’ll be happy to move along back on his journey. It’s a simple yet effective setup. Basically, you’re given a clear path to get to why you paid admission to the show: comforting Kirby platforming.

Unlike Kirby and the Forgotten Land, this is a 2.5D platformer that looks and plays like Wii title and many other games in the Kirby series. Moments of bliss occur when overloaded Copy Abilities allow you to plow through the entire screen with a sword. Otherwise, controls feel as tight as ever and you’re in your lane enjoying the game. Then, about halfway through, there is a plot twist in our new acquaintance Magolor’s story. As you wrap up the original game’s ending, you’re left to explore one addition to the Deluxe version: Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler.

In Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, you’re tasked to control Magolor in a similar fashion to Samus at the beginning of Metroid games: completely powerless. Around 2.5 hours later, you’ve collected your abilities again and can wrap up what is definitely the most noticeable addition to the Deluxe version of this game. Other alterations, such as the shaded graphics and the ability to have Helper Magalor assist you in levels, aren’t as noteworthy.

Another new feature is the multiplayer hub world Merry Magoland, where you can play minigames and collect stamps and prizes. You likely won’t spend dozens of hours running through this colorful amusement park like you might a title like Mario Party, but it’s a pleasant enough experience. Arena Mode is also a nice additional game mode sure to provide 2-3 hours of entertainment for most players. Here, you can take on bosses again to see how you fare against all the game’s bosses in succession.

In terms of placing Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe in the ranks of Kirby games available on the Switch, I place it right behind Forgotten Land. The overall experience of Star Allies I think is the weakest of the three mainline entries on the latest Nintendo console. If you’re into playing games with friends or looking for that lovely 6-7 hour Kirby gameplay run you can revisit time and again, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a definite pickup.

I would have loved to see a bit more added to the game, beyond the overworld and the epilogue. It’s always a toss-up whether or not a remastered version of a game will sprinkle in new features or look to really bolster the original’s legacy. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe isn’t the most impressive Nintendo remaster to date, but it’s just enough to please longtime fans of the character and prove worthwhile for those who pop in and out to see what’s happening on planet Popstar.

A Nintendo Switch Review Copy of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe was provided by Nintendo for this Review.

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Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe

$59.99

8.5

Score

8.5/10

Pros

• Great new epilogue mode added to original story
• Tight controls and a great-feeling game overall
• Nearly the best Kirby game available on Switch

Cons

• Shaded graphics are an interesting, but underwhelming, choice
• Not enough added to make this a fresh experience