Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Hands-Off Preview

Nintendo has now brought a substantial share of its biggest and most successful games to Nintendo Switch. From upgraded ports such as Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD to the emulated retro titles included across the Nintendo Switch Online subscription tiers, the console has deservedly become a platform for both Nintendo's newest releases and many of its greatest hits. The latest game to make the journey to Nintendo's modern powerhouse is Kirby's Return to Dream Land, HAL Laboratory's 2011 Wii release.

After 2022 delivered what may be Kirby's finest adventure – and certainly his most popular one so far – in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, it is understandable that Nintendo and HAL would look to build on the pink puffball's popularity. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe revives one of the character's most entertaining earlier games with HD graphics, additional copy abilities, and more. I was able to see this updated version of the Wii favourite during a hands-off presentation with several Nintendo representatives.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe story and co-op

The plot of Kirby's Return to Dream Land remains intact for the Deluxe version. Magolor, a dimension-travelling alien, crash-lands his ship on Kirby's Planet Popstar, leaving Kirby and his friends – and frenemies – to retrieve its scattered parts so he can return home. In Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, players can choose Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, or Bandana Waddle Dee, with support for co-operative play for up to four people.

Each character brings their own abilities to the adventure, though Kirby is arguably the most appealing choice because he can wield the copy abilities for which he is known. Fortunately, nobody needs to argue over who gets to play as Kirby, since multiple players can select him.

New copy abilities and Magolor Assist

Every weapon and move from the original game returns in this version. Deluxe also introduces powerful new abilities that appear to offer considerable extra firepower. The new ability shown during the presentation was Kirby's mecha suit, which equips him with a jetpack for hovering around levels and weapons including lasers and rockets for blasting enemies.

These new powers can be used throughout the main game, providing returning players with fresh ways to tackle the older title's many stages. Super Abilities, including Snow Bowl and Ultra Sword, are back as well, handing players some of the strongest weapons in Kirby's arsenal at key moments in each stage.

Players can also enable Magolor Assist this time, a mode that effectively functions as an easier option. With it active, players receive two complete health bars rather than the usual one. If you drop into a pit, Magolor will lift you back to safe ground. The helpful dimension-hopper will occasionally provide copy abilities or health, too.

Those seeking a tougher experience need not worry: Deluxe keeps EX Story, which essentially acts as a hard mode for the main game once it has been completed for the first time.

Magolor's Epilogue and Merry Magoland

Completing the game also unlocks Magolor's Epilogue, a new mode in which players take control of Magolor. Because of his range of abilities, the gameplay has something of a Mega Man feel. This post-game mini-story sends players on a mission to restore Magolor's powers after he loses them during his travels through dimensions.

Although Magolor is the sole playable character, the mode still supports four-player co-op. Rather than controlling Kirby and his companions, however, every participant plays as a different Magolor. A combo meter records how effectively the group defeats enemies, and high combos can earn platinum medals.

As you progress through this mode, further Magolor skills become available. The first ability unlocked lets him throw his Magic Bomb downwards, while Magic Points can also be spent to improve his skills even further. Nintendo did not reveal how long the epilogue lasts, but it appears to be a more compact experience than the original Kirby-focused campaign.

Away from the story modes, players can visit Merry Magoland, Deluxe's hub for the series' subgames. Eight of the 10 subgames from earlier titles are returning, giving devoted Kirby fans plenty to enjoy. During the presentation, I watched Nintendo representatives demonstrate Kirby on the Draw, which first appeared in Kirby Super Star Ultra.

Several control schemes are available: players can select Wii-style pointer controls, which seem the natural fit for a shooting-gallery game such as Kirby on the Draw, or use conventional stick controls instead. Merry Magoland also includes two completely new additions in Deluxe, although neither was shown during the demonstration. I did see the new stamp system, which rewards players who finish Magoland challenges with masks for their characters to wear in the main game.

Although I did not get to play Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe myself, the presentation left me eager to return to this lively Wii-era adventure. Kirby's Return to Dream Land was among my favourite games in the franchise before Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and I am looking forward to another reason to play it, now with new enhancements and more than a decade since my previous visit.