Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a remaster of a Wii game, so it’s not as groundbreaking as 2022’s Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The original didn’t break the mold on the series in 2011 either, besides the inclusion of co-op. That feature was the game's hot selling point on the Wii, and one can never have too many co-op games on the Switch either.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe has the classic formula most platformer fans have come to know and love since this pink critter debuted on the Game Boy. It’s a straightforward adventure, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some handy tips players should know before they jump in. Even if one played this game on Wii, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe also has new content.
8 Change The Controller Settings
Nintendo is pretty good about programming its first-party platformers with its controllers. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an odd case, though, because the default has the A button set to jump while the B button is set for attacking.
Thankfully, players can switch this control scheme in the options to make B jump and Y attack. Players should switch it as it should feel more comfortable to play. It’s a shame there aren’t more controller options in the game, but this is good enough.
7 Don’t Activate Helper Magolor Mode
One of the newest additions to Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is Helper Magolor mode. There are no difficulty levels in the game, but this feature acts as an assist option for presumably younger players. When this mode is activated, Magolor will give Kirby potions to heal sporadically as well as save Kirby if he falls into holes.
For most players, this is going to make a game that is already lacking any sort of challenge even easier. Do not start with this mode activated, but know the option is always there in the menu if someone truly needs it.
6 Float Above The Competition
This is a basic tip that applies to all Kirby games. If a particular section seems too hard for whatever reason, there is a way out. Float above the crowd and head toward the exit. Now, not every level is set up where Kirby can easily dodge enemies.
Sometimes players will be in a cave with low ceilings or have to dodge some wild thing after them like a giant boulder or a wave of energy. Overall, players should be able to fly past most rooms in levels though.
5 Copy Ability Specials In The Menu
There are a ton of Copy abilities in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, from the classic Sword to the odder Leaf that allows players to control leaves. Players may not realize this, but every ability in the game has a set number of moves and combos to learn.
If they pause the game and head into the menu, they will find a detailed list of moves for whatever Copy ability is equipped. It’s a nice feature that may get overlooked by a majority of the players in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. If players look, chances are they are going to find a list like this in most of the Kirby games.
4 The Right Ability For The Job
The Sword is the most versatile Copy ability of the bunch as far as power goes. and this is true for most Kirby games in the series. However, there are secrets to find in Return to Dream Land Deluxe that demand certain powers. Sometimes fuses need to get lit, requiring fire powers or perhaps a hammer is needed to pound in something.
Most areas with these puzzles should have enemies around with these Copy abilities. If they are not around, make a note of the room and level on a phone, or on a piece of paper. This will be a good reminder to replay this stage with the necessary Copy ability equipped.
3 Amiibo Support
This game does support Amiibo, and Nintendo fans should have a plethora of Kirby-themed ones lying around somewhere. They can use Amiibo in a level to get a plethora of bonuses in a giant package. Most of the time players will get some sort of item, stars that can turn into extra lives, and a Copy ability star.
This Copy ability star will cycle through every power in the game. If players time it right, they may be able to get the power they need for a puzzle. This Copy ability star cycles through powers fast, so it’s a gamble.
2 How To Unlock Magolor’s Epilogue
Another big new feature in the game is the epilogue. Players must beat the game before they can try Magolor’s solo adventure. This extra mode doesn’t require players to 100% the game, thankfully; all they need to do is go through the campaign and the mode will get unlocked.
It’s an interesting feature that certain players may have wished to get into first if they already experienced this game on Wii. Perhaps this can get patched, but for now, players should know this going in.
1 Wait To Play This Co-Op
This game was designed on the Wii to be Kirby’s first big co-op adventure with four players. It was definitely trying to go copy the popularity of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which was also a huge co-op game.
This next tip may sound a bit weird, but Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is best experienced with at least one other friend or loved one to get the most out of the adventure. It is still fun alone, but there is nothing quite like a good couch co-op in the colder months. Developers make so few of these co-op games today, so save this one for a co-op rainy or snowy day. It won’t be going anywhere.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe was released on February 24, 2023 and is available on Switch.