(Preview) Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Title: Kirby’s Return to Dream Land

Release Date: 11/27/11

Developer: HAL Laboratory

The Kirby franchise has been a staple in Nintendo gamers’ libraries since the first release of Kirby’s Dream Land in 1992. This pink ball of fury has time after time saved his planet (Pop Star) from foes who always fall short of being able to topple him. With the new installment right around the corner, and the Wii slowly burning out and making way for the Wii U; what could this Kirby offer that others have not? Is it possible that this installment can stand up to the praise of the last title “Kirby’s Epic Yarn”?

Kirby makng his way through baddies with a cannon

Oddly enough, this title isn’t something brand new. Development on the game (originally intended for the Game Cube) was announced at E3 in September of 2005, and since was put on the back burner. Six years later it has developed into a 2.5D (that’s 3D but rendered in the side scroll perspective, similar to Kirby 64) action packed adventure starring everyone’s favorite pink blob, and with him: King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee. This is actually the first title in the series to get an E10 rating (Getting a little darker Kirby?). The premise of the game is to help an alien named Magolor, whose spaceship (The Lor Starcutter) has crashed and landed on the planet Pop Star. Kirby being the good citizen he is once again decides to help someone in need and you must collect pieces of his spaceship that are scattered throughout the planet. Though a new title, the same classic Kirby style has been retained and looks to keep the core mechanics of the game play intact.

So many inappropriate comments...so little time.

 Kirby still can inhale for an endless amount of time sucking in enemies and copying their abilities to use against other baddies, and to unlock certain areas previously undiscoverable without them. Added to this mechanic is the “Super Ability” that enhances the power tenfold. For instance, Kirby may have inhaled a cutter enemy…well when the super ability comes into play, he can transform the boomerang like object he throws into a giant weapon and destroy all enemies and objects on screen. This power lasts for a limited amount of time (represented by a rainbow colored bar); however you can use it as many times as you want in the span.  Several of these super abilities are available, keeping the game fresh as you progress through the levels.

I wonder if Nintendo sits around wondering "What is the most adorable way we can kill enemies?"

Kirby Return to Dream Land also features a co-op drop in drop out feature similar to that of the recent Mario Brothers title (So when your friend ends up being totally useless, you can boot them or have them leave the game until you feel they understand how much they suck). While the drop in characters (King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee) can’t copy abilities like Kirby, each one brings something to the table as far as attacking. King Dedede has his signature hammer, while Meta Knight has his sword (Duh...). Waddle Dee has a unique spear which he can jab at enemies, or throw at them. He can also twirl the spear above his head giving him the ability to hover for a brief period of time. Meta Knight can use his wings to hover as well, and King Dedede can float like Kirby by inhaling a stomach full of air to stay afloat (however, as with all the side scrolling games in this franchise, the ability to hover/float can only be used for a limited amount of time). Kirby also has the ability to inhale his friends and shoot them at enemies as deminstrated in the trailer for the game.

From Top: Meta Knight, Kirby, Waddle Dee, King Dedede

If playing with one of these characters doesn’t float your boat...or one of your friends is whining and just has to be Kirby, you can alternately play as a different color Kirby (similar to the ones in Kirby & the Amazing Mirror). Other players can join a game in progress at any time; however it will cost Kirby (Player 1) one life. When another player drops in, the character chosen appears next to Kirby. Should any of the other players get stuck, or end up far behind others, they will be beamed up to the closest player (Similar to Kirby Super Star…in my opinion one of the best titles in the series).

Kirby makes his boys handle his dirty work...like a boss.

In what seems to be a great title for the Wii’s final days, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land looks like a stunning addition to the series. Though few things new have been added, the appreciation to keep a game the way gamers remember and love doesn’t go unnoticed. HAL Laboratories has been on the Kirby franchise for the last 20 years, and have not let fans down yet. Look for this title to be hitting shelves this November, and gather up some friends for some platforming action with one of Nintendo’s classic stars.