Feature: 15 Years Ago, ‘Return To Dream Land’ Ushered In Kirby’s Golden Era
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land arrived on Wii in 2011 after an 11-year gap since Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, bringing the series back to home consoles with a new major adventure. The feature argues that its success came from HAL Laboratory trusting the familiar 2D Kirby formula, while adding enough new features to make the game feel fresh.
The game grew from years of unsuccessful prototypes as its developers weighed 2D, 3D and hybrid approaches. Its additions included four-player co-op with Bandana Dee, King Dedede and Meta Knight, plus powerful Super Abilities such as Ultra Sword and Monster Flame; the feature credits the game’s theatrical set pieces with helping it remain memorable.
In short
- Kirby returned to home consoles after an 11-year gap.
- Four-player co-op and Super Abilities added spectacle.
- The game helped launch a celebrated period for Kirby.
Explained simply
Kirby is a pink character created by Nintendo’s HAL Laboratory, known for colourful platform games in which he can inhale enemies and copy their abilities. After several adventures on handheld consoles, the series had not had a major home-console game since Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards in 2000.
HAL Laboratory developed the Wii game, keeping the familiar two-dimensional platforming while adding four-player co-operative play and temporary, extra-powerful abilities. Kirby’s companions in co-op include Bandana Dee, King Dedede and Meta Knight, recurring characters from the series.