Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review: A delightfully enhanced adventure

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an updated version of the original 2011 Wii release, and it truly is an upgrade in every sense. The gameplay feels better than ever, the visuals are a treat, and the additional deluxe edition content brings greater joy to this title than I encountered when the original released. Outside of minor complaints, this enhanced adventure starring Kirby and friends is an absolute delight.

Gameplay

The Kirby series has always been a joy to play. The games can be simple and easy but provide a purely fun experience, and that's exactly what Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe does. I played the game solo and co-op with my wife, and I enjoyed the co-op much more just for the sheer chaos of having two players on screen. It offers the ability to join or drop instantaneously and choose from characters such as Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee. Each character plays and offers different experiences. Kirby is the star; all the abilities feel great, especially the new additions.

While Kirby games are easy, there is plenty to do, including more complex challenges for those wishing to 100% the game. This includes various collectibles that my wife and I scoured through every stage trying to find. Kirby's Return To Dream Land Deluxe offers various outlets and ways to play. We had fun speed-running levels, unleashing anarchy and just goofing off.

Score: 4.5/5

Pacing

Kirby's Return To Dream Land Deluxe overall has good pacing outside of a slow start. But once you get going, the game becomes an open playground. The levels are fun and varied; they never overstay their welcome or wrap up too quickly. With eight worlds to explore, I looked forward to jumping to the next level immediately after completing another and seeing what secrets I could find and how fast I could run through it.

You're looking at around eight hours to play through the main game, but completing and finding everything will push this time up, as there are many collectibles to find. After completing the first stage, you unlock the extra mode, and then the Magalor Epilogue unlocks after completing the game. These both add more challenges and new ways to play, though I did wish Magalor's Epilogue was a little bit longer, as I enjoyed the change of pace in this mode.

Score: 4/5

Related: All Kirby Games, in order

Visuals

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe significantly improved the visuals of the original Wii release. Kirby and his friends look incredible, and the various worlds are vibrant and full of life. Enhanced charm oozes out of Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and my wife and I often laughed or commented on how cute Kirby is. Outside of how lovable Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe visuals are, they are also super crisp and look nice handheld and docked.

Not only are graphics improved, but the frame rate for this deluxe upgrade is smooth and runs beautifully. This lets you appreciate how much the visuals have been updated, including updated character animations, models, and more. Nintendo and HAL Laboratory have gone above and beyond for this enhanced version of Kirby's Return to Dream Land, and it shows.

Score: 5/5

Related: All Kirby Games, in order

Deluxe Edition Add-ons

Between new abilities, new game modes, and new mini-games, it offers more content compared to the already packed original. This is further enhanced by the updated graphics, improving upon the adorable charm and aesthetic of the Wii game. The Deluxe Edition of Kirby's Return to Dream Land makes this a worthy pickup, though the price can be an entry barrier, especially for those who have played the original.

Merry Magoland and Magalor Epilogue are fantastic additions that add different ways to play. The theme park setting of Magoland and chaotic mini-games inspire images of Mario Party and kept me hooked across various mini-games. Players take on the role of Magalor in the post-game adventure, and this is a delightful twist on the standard Kirby formula. Finally, small additions like collecting souvenir items and emotes give more life and charm.

Score: 4.5/5

Verdict – A must-have for Kirby and platformer fans

Despite being an upgraded version of the Wii release, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an excellent entry in the Kirby series. While the price is a bit steep for those who have already played this title on the Wii, it is a fantastic experience due to the updated content and visuals. Playing solo or co-op is delightful and appropriate for more experienced gamers and those who haven't played as much.

For more information on Kirby, check out All Blueprints and how to get them in Kirby and the Forgotten Land on Pro Game Guides.