79
MONSTER
The tough puff Kirby is back for a 4-player* platforming adventure. Copy enemies’ abilities and use their power to attack with a sword, wield a whip, and float with a parasol. You can also laser blast with the new Mecha Copy Ability that makes a series debut! The extra muscle will be handy in finding missing pieces for Magolor’s ship, which crash landed on Planet Popstar. Float and fight along with friends on the same system, where each player can control another Kirby or one of Kirby’s iconic friends like King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
73
Critics generally praise the simplicity and charm of Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe story, with additional content like the Magolor Epilogue enhancing the gameplay experience. Some critics find the plot lacking depth, but acknowledge its alignment with the game's target audience. Overall, while not groundbreaking, the story effectively complements the fun and colorful gameplay of the Kirby series, making it an enjoyable experience for fans.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
73
Positive (80-100)
34%
Mixed (50-79)
66%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics generally praise the simplicity and charm of Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe story, with additional content like the Magolor Epilogue enhancing the gameplay experience. Some critics find the plot lacking depth, but acknowledge its alignment with the game's target audience. Overall, while not groundbreaking, the story effectively complements the fun and colorful gameplay of the Kirby series, making it an enjoyable experience for fans.
Gameplay Mechanics
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81
Critics lauded Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe for its classic 2D platforming mechanics, engaging copy abilities, and cooperative multiplayer options. The game received praise for its enhanced gameplay, introduction of new abilities and modes, and fun social element for up to four players. However, some critics raised concerns about the lack of challenge, simplicity, and innovation in level design. Overall, the majority of critics found the game to be a delightful and entertaining platforming experience that stayed true to the beloved Kirby franchise.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
81
Positive (80-100)
77%
Mixed (50-79)
21%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics lauded Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe for its classic 2D platforming mechanics, engaging copy abilities, and cooperative multiplayer options. The game received praise for its enhanced gameplay, introduction of new abilities and modes, and fun social element for up to four players. However, some critics raised concerns about the lack of challenge, simplicity, and innovation in level design. Overall, the majority of critics found the game to be a delightful and entertaining platforming experience that stayed true to the beloved Kirby franchise.
Graphics and Visual Design
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83
Critics rave about the stunning visuals in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, praising its vibrant colors, improved graphics, and charming art style. Many highlight the game's lush environments and detailed designs, calling it the best-looking Kirby game yet. While some note minor drawbacks like similarity to previous titles, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers lauding the game's visual enhancements and adorable character designs, making it a visually appealing standout in the Kirby series.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
83
Positive (80-100)
85%
Mixed (50-79)
15%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics rave about the stunning visuals in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, praising its vibrant colors, improved graphics, and charming art style. Many highlight the game's lush environments and detailed designs, calling it the best-looking Kirby game yet. While some note minor drawbacks like similarity to previous titles, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers lauding the game's visual enhancements and adorable character designs, making it a visually appealing standout in the Kirby series.
Music and Sound Design
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75
Critics rave about the upbeat and cheerful music in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, praising its playful and catchy tunes that enhance the gameplay experience. While some mention minor concerns like cutscene filters, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting how the sound design and music add to the charm and joy of the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
75
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics rave about the upbeat and cheerful music in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, praising its playful and catchy tunes that enhance the gameplay experience. While some mention minor concerns like cutscene filters, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting how the sound design and music add to the charm and joy of the game.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
84
Critics overwhelmingly praised Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch for its excellent technical performance, smooth gameplay, and stable frame rates. Despite minor issues like control problems and graphics blemishes mentioned by a few reviewers, the consensus is that the game offers a stable and enjoyable experience overall. The game's flawless performance and seamless gameplay make it a standout choice for players on different platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
84
Positive (80-100)
88%
Mixed (50-79)
12%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics overwhelmingly praised Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch for its excellent technical performance, smooth gameplay, and stable frame rates. Despite minor issues like control problems and graphics blemishes mentioned by a few reviewers, the consensus is that the game offers a stable and enjoyable experience overall. The game's flawless performance and seamless gameplay make it a standout choice for players on different platforms.
Replay Value
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76
Critics generally praise Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe for its replay value, highlighting additional modes, challenges, and multiplayer features. Some critics note concerns about the lack of substantial new content and engagement in certain mini-games. Overall, the game offers a decent amount of replayability but may not leave a lasting impression on all players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
76
Positive (80-100)
60%
Mixed (50-79)
39%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics generally praise Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe for its replay value, highlighting additional modes, challenges, and multiplayer features. Some critics note concerns about the lack of substantial new content and engagement in certain mini-games. Overall, the game offers a decent amount of replayability but may not leave a lasting impression on all players.
Overall Verdict
79
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
79
Positive (80-100)
73%
Mixed (50-79)
27%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics praise Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe for its charming visuals, solid gameplay, and nostalgic appeal. The game offers a complete package with remastered platformer campaign and smart new additions, providing grand fun despite its simplicity. However, some critics note that it lacks challenge and innovation, making it more suitable for younger or less experienced players. Overall, it is considered a solid and enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of the series or newcomers looking for a classic Kirby adventure.
79
MONSTER
Reviews
154 reviews found100
Player 2
Feb 22, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is praised for its updated and joyful gameplay experience, offering fun for both new and returning players. The game's charm and variety make it a delightful experience that is sure to bring smiles to gamers' faces.
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95
DualShockers
Mar 1, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a visually stunning and enjoyable experience that brings new elements to the classic gameplay, making it a must-play for Kirby fans
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92
Impulsegamer
Mar 2, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is a lot of fun, not ground-breaking, but great for picking up and enjoying with cute and silly fun.
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91
Gaming Age
Mar 2, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes that Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a solid remake that delivers what you would expect from a 2D Kirby game.
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90
Screen Rant
Feb 22, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return To Dream Land Deluxe is absolutely wonderful and some of the most fun available on the Nintendo Switch.
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90
App Trigger
Feb 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe offers a classic Kirby experience with new features and fun additions, providing a joyful and stress-free gaming experience for players of all ages.
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90
Cubed3
Mar 6, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an excellent Kirby adventure, packed full of heart, classic gameplay, and a delicious HD upgrade. The lack of online co-op play is unfortunate, but the single and local couch-play are a joy.
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90
NintendoWorldReport
Mar 16, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is the best 2D Kirby game, combining a lot of the series' best elements into a total package that works well as both a single-player adventure and a co-op journey.
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90
Nintendo Life
Feb 22, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a fantastic remake with slick visuals, meaningful gameplay tweaks, and excellent new modes, making it a colorful celebration of all things Kirby that will delight both new and returning players.
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90
Shacknews
Feb 22, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a magical and delightful experience that builds upon the original Wii title, offering approachable gameplay, updated graphics, and plenty of content to keep players engaged. It's a must-play for fans of Kirby and casual gamers alike.
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