Kirby doesn’t know about reinventing it. For over 30 years, Nintendo’s Pink Hero has shifted shapes through 2D platformers, spinoffs, party games and even pinball.
But the Kirby and Forgotten Land of 2022 felt like a real breakthrough the moment Hal Laboratory finally committed itself to a fully 3D Kirby adventure, combining classic charm with bold new ideas. It was familiar and fresh. There were still some tricks in this long-term series.
Three years later, Kirby returned with Nintendo Switch 2 in Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Cross World. This release is more than just an upgrade.
This is the definitive edition of one of Nintendo’s most creative modern platformers, with ambitious expansions that seamlessly build on what came before. Together, they form a package that makes it easy to feel one of the standout titles of the young Switch 2 library, filled with joy, meticulously refined.
Meteors, new quests, familiar comfort
The new expansion begins with a view. A giant meteor sanks from the sky and crashes into a volcanic island just off the coast of Waddle Dee town. Meteors have ominous energy that threatens the world Kirby saved. Astronomer Waddledie will immediately recruit your help to collect magic fragments of the “starry sky” powerful enough to counter the destructive effects of meteors.
The story’s setup is simple yet effective, maintaining a light and whimsical tone while giving Kirby fans a clear motivation. From here we see we dive into a new level of chain connected to both fresh environments and rethinked realms from the original campaign.
The best part is how these additions fit within the game’s world map. There’s nothing that feels like it’s bolted. Expansion honors players’ investment in forgotten lands by overlaying new content on established structures.
Hull Research Institute at its best
What makes the star-crossed world so exciting isn’t the reinvention of Kirby’s formula, it shows the mastery of Hal Laboratory. Each new stage offers a wealth of secrets that burst with creativity, clever gimmicks, unique environment twists, and encourage exploration.
The expanded “Arrive Meteor Shower” stage is a fiery gauntlet of fallen platforms, sparkling crystals and sparkling fragments that immediately convey the threat of fallen stars. From there you will encounter a spewing mode that pushes Kirby’s versatility even further.
Whether you live in volcanic machines and redirect lava flows, or use meteor fragments as makeshift gliders, these transformations are by no means a gimmick. They are woven firmly into the design of each stage, making them feel natural and rewarding.
There is also a pleasant rhythm to how the world of stars unfolds. Some stages are intense set pieces with timing dangers and layered mechanisms, while others are filled with puzzles and hidden paths, leaning against pleated discoveries.
Longtime Kirby fans will know what to expect, a friendly platform, fun transformation, and a steady IV drip of secrets, but with complete confidence in execution, this expansion feels fresh.
Switch 2 will thrive visually
Just as the expansion is impressive, the Switch 2 upgrade makes this package shine. Kirby and Forgotten Land were already one of the best looking titles on the original Switch, but the leap in performance and fidelity quickly stand out.
On TV, the game runs at 4K at Rock Solid 60fps, while the handheld mode offers a perfect 1080p presentation. Particle-rich areas that once showed slowing down, such as busy boss fights and destructible set pieces, are now silky smooth. The difference is not just technical. Improve your overall experience.
The painter’s vision of the Forgotten Land shines with vivid lighting and depth of colour, and the whimsical character animations feel more vibrant than ever before. The Switch version has life-threatening beaches and coral reef levels. Here, the ocean is filled with sea creatures that will really help this game feel the atmosphere.
Kirby rarely looked this good. It’s not a hyper-realistic showcase for new hardware, but it doesn’t have to be. What it proves is how much technical upgrades can enhance an already well-designed game and make your artistry shine without compromising.
Extras that respect your time
Beyond the content of the new campaign, the Star Crossed World adds thoughtful extras to dedicated players. The Colosseum’s “Ultimate Cup Z Ex” is a thrilling challenge gauntlet that regains bosses with clever twists and tests Kirby’s mastery of copying abilities. That’s difficult, but fair, a kind of post-game challenge fan is eager to be.
There are also new collectable numbers to discover. This is a small but meaningful addition to be appreciated by the perfectionist. Like the original collection system, these are more than just trinkets, playful nods to Kirby’s history, celebrating the series in a nostalgic and rewarding way.
How Kirby stacked up with the greats of Nintendo’s platform
Nintendo platformers have experienced something like a Renaissance on Switch 2. Super Mario Bros Wonder brought a colorful new spark to the 2D Mario Formula.
Kirby may seem like a lighter, friendly option for these heavy hitters, but that’s exactly where it’s strong. I saw this as this year is reinvigorating the genre while retaining platform elements at the core in the 3D Open (ISH) world.
If Mario pushes boundaries with ingenious levels of gimmicks and Donkey Kong doubles the difficulty, Kirby balances accessibility and depth. It’s approachable enough for younger and casual players, but is full of secrets and side challenges that will satisfy veterans. In many ways, the forgotten land + star-crossed world sits comfortably alongside Nintendo’s best. This reminds us that the company doesn’t have one mascot that can provide the greatness of the platform.
With expanded visuals, fun gameplay and an expansion that adds meaningful depth without welcoming, Kirby proves that when it comes to the decisive Nintendo platformer, he belongs to the same conversation as Mario and Donkey Kong.
It’s the final
If you’re not a fan of forgotten lands from the beginning, the crossed world of stars is not going to change your mind. It is at its heart, an already excellent foundation expansion. But for those who loved the 2022 release, this new edition is just as close to perfect as Kirby.
What Hal Laboratory accomplishes here is a true modern Nintendo classic. It combines accessibility and depth, charm and challenge, and creativity with Polish. This marks the bright future of a new series of hardware while celebrating Kirby’s legacy.
The Switch 2’s visual and performance enhancements, joyful and creative expansion, the strength of the base game is still unharmed, and the world where Kirby and Forgotten Lands + Stars cross is a must-see.
A fun, definitive edition of Kirby’s best modern adventures. Sitting proudly alongside Mario and Donkey Kong, this is the most playful, refined and charming Nintendo platform.
4 and a half stars (out of 5)
Highlight: The appeal of gameplay. Solid visuals and performance. Extras enough to feel like a new experience
Low light: None
Developer: Hal Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Available: Now
Reviews conducted on Nintendo Switch 2 using pre-release code provided by publishers.
High-profile header images provided by Nintendo.
