In 2022, Kirby and the Forgotten Land wasn’t a platformer; it was a statement. It showed that Kirby could not only exist in a 3D world but also flourish with a bright, beautiful adventure and was, in all likelihood, an instant classic.

Now, thanks to the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and its accompanying Star-Crossed World Expansion, HAL Laboratory has provided a perfect excuse to dive back into this masterpiece. This is more than just a straightforward port; it is a loving upgrade that improves nearly every aspect of the original game and throws in some new surprises as well.

The main gameplay loop remains unchanged, which is okay. The blend of battle, light puzzle-solving, and secret hunting is as strong as it has ever been. The controls are spot on, and the pacing is great, making it perfect for players of all ages. Although the absence of an online co-op mode is mildly regrettable, the local co-op with Bandana Waddle Dee is an excellent way to get a friend or family member involved in the game.

The big draw for returning players is the Star-Crossed World Expansion. This add-on brings 12 new levels to the game, each a clever remix of existing sages twisted by a mysterious meteor. These aren’t just recycled; they have changed terrain, new traversal gimmicks, and environmental hazards that force you to use your brain.

A level that was once a straightforward circle is now a vertical accent, while in another, the sea parts in front of you, allowing you to run across the ocean floor before your enemies realise you’re gone. It’s a great sign from the developers bringing new life to good work.

The three new Mouthful Modes are a welcome inclusion as well, although you don’t get to play them as much as you would like. “Spring Kirby” excels at vertical jumps and devastating ground pounds, “Gear Kirby” brings wall climbing to exploration.

Finally, there is “Sled Kirby”, which sends you platforming like a high-speed slalom. But the biggest downfall is the absence of new “copy abilities”. For a game that’s based around creative powers, it seems like a shame not to add some to the DLC expansion.

The most significant change, of course, is the enhanced visuals. On the Switch 2, Forgotten Land simply shines at a native 4K and 60 FPS. The difference is immediate. Every sun-filled meadow is brighter, every crystal-lit cavern is more brilliant.

Textures are crisper, lighting is more dynamic, and even minor things, such as water that glimmers on Kirby’s skin, lend a shinier spark to the world. The Star-Crossed World DLC takes it one step further, and the new crystalline corruption gives off effects that just couldn’t be done on the original hardware.

But it’s not just improvements to the visuals. The sound quality has also improved. The original soundtrack, featuring some surprisingly epic tunes, remains present, but now feels even more immersive. The music in the DLC is impressive, leaning into synth-heavy ambient sounds that really are a hit. The score changes on the fly with the action, intensifying in boss fights but remaining subdued for quieter and calmer moments.

The sound design has been adjusted to fully exploit the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware also. Kirby’s sound effects overall contain more personality, whether it’s the exaggerated gulps or the precious little squeaks. In Mouthful mode, the HD Rumble in-game and sound have been combined to help you enjoy the experience. With Gear Kirby, the clatter and grinding of the new mechanics, as he rolls along walls and ceilings, is something you feel and hear, making the new stuff fun and responsive.

So, does Kirby’s Nintendo Switch 2 outing offer enough to warrant another purchase? Well, if you’ve never played it, it’s definitely the best way to enjoy it. For returning players, the early answer is “Yes”, but with a caveat.

The main game is still a delight, and the upgraded visuals really make it enjoyable; however, the expansion is a bit on the thin side. Overall, it’s not a huge reinvention but a solid upgrade for the fans. In a world of lazy ports, this one stands out above most, and should tide you over till the arrival of Kirby Air Riders later in the year.

Written by: Bradley Thorsen