| Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | DLC & Pre-Order | Review |
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World brings enhanced visuals, smoother performance, and an all-new story for Switch 2. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Review Overview
What is Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World?
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World is an enhanced edition for Nintendo Switch 2, featuring upgraded graphics, faster performance, and the new Star-Crossed World storyline alongside the original 3D adventure.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World features:
⚫︎ 3D Platformer
⚫︎ Enhanced Visuals
⚫︎ Co-op Play
⚫︎ Mini-Games & Collectibles
⚫︎ Linear Adventure
⚫︎ New Modes and Levels
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Upgrade Pack |
Base Game + DLC |
||||
| $19.99 | $79.99 | ||||
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Charming and Colorful World Tight Platforming Creative Transformations |
No Significant Gameplay Innovations Difficulty Remains Low Price is Steep for an Enhanced Re-release |
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Overall Score - 76/100
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is now on Switch 2, and it still feels like a warm hug in platformer form. The Star-Crossed World DLC adds a little extra sparkle without shaking things up too much. The core game is as charming as ever, but it doesn’t really stretch its legs on the new hardware. If you’re after a relaxed adventure packed with collectibles, this is your jam. But if you wanted something bold or groundbreaking? This isn’t that. It’s a lovely revisit—just not a reinvention.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Story - 7/10
Kirby’s never been about heavy storytelling, and this re-release sticks to that formula. The plot is lighthearted and sets the stage nicely without pulling you in too deep. It’s all smiles and bright skies—until the ending, which sneaks in a little intrigue for longtime fans. It’s simple, but it works for what the game is trying to be.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Gameplay - 8/10
The platforming still feels great, and now it’s even smoother thanks to the Switch 2 bump. Copy abilities remain the star of the show, and combat is as breezy as you’d expect. Just don’t come here looking for a challenge—this is Kirby comfort food through and through. Fun, joyful, and familiar.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Visuals - 9/10
This is where the upgrade shines. Colors pop, animations are buttery smooth, and every level feels like a living diorama. Kirby doesn’t aim for realism, and honestly, why should it? The playful, toybox vibe is nailed to perfection here. That said, the Switch 2 bump doesn’t push things as far as it could, don’t expect jaw-dropping new effects or a massive leap from the original.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Audio - 7/10
The music is cheerful and fits the mood, but it’s not the kind of soundtrack that lingers after you shut the game off. Sound effects, on the other hand, are top-tier—especially when you’re slapping enemies around with a new ability. It’s solid overall, just not super memorable.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Value for Money - 7/10
$80 is a big ask for what’s essentially a polished re-release with a short DLC. If you missed the game the first time, this is the version to grab—it’s easily the best way to experience Forgotten Land. But for returning players? It’s harder to justify unless you’re a die-hard Kirby fan who needs every new morsel.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Review: Warp Star Wonder
There’s something about Kirby that feels like gaming comfort food. The pink puffball has been around for decades, charming us with pastel worlds, bouncy music, and that delightful ability to inhale enemies like it’s an Olympic sport. But here’s the thing about Kirby games—they’re not built for those marathon, lights-off, binge sessions like some other big-name adventures. They’re built for joy. For sharing. They’re the kind of games you buy for a younger sibling or a kid, only to find yourself sinking hours into it because, surprise, you’re having just as much fun as they are.
And that’s the magic that hit me when Kirby and the Forgotten Land launched back in 2022. It was a bold step for the series, taking Kirby into a fully 3D world for the very first time. And now, in 2025, we’re back—this time on the Switch 2—with a fresh coat of paint, smoother frame rates, and—most importantly—a brand-new DLC campaign: Star-Crossed World.
If you’ve read my previous Kirby piece about how this DLC evolves Forgotten Land (yes, the one where I openly wished Bandana Waddle Dee would level up as Player 2), you know I’ve been curious about how far the series would take its co-op mechanics. Did this new edition finally give me what I was hoping for? We’ll get to the answer in a bit.
But first, a heads-up, while this review focuses on the DLC—because that’s the shiny new thing—I can’t really talk about Star-Crossed World without acknowledging the foundation it’s built on. If you skipped Forgotten Land two years ago, don’t worry. I’ll catch you up on why it was one of Kirby’s best games yet. And if you’re here just for the new stuff, stick around, because that section’s coming right after we revisit what made this pink puffball’s big leap into 3D so special.
Why Forgotten Land Was a Big Deal
When Kirby and the Forgotten Land launched in 2022, it wasn’t just another entry in the franchise, it was a milestone. For decades, Kirby thrived in the 2D space, giving us charming side-scrollers and clever level design. But this was the first time our pink puffball stepped into a fully 3D adventure, and that move changed everything.
The premise? Classic Kirby simplicity. One day, a mysterious vortex sucks Kirby and a bunch of Waddle Dees into a strange, post-apocalyptic world that looks like something out of a deserted shopping mall commercial. Your job is straightforward: rescue the kidnapped Waddle Dees and figure out what’s going on. That’s it—or at least, that’s what it seems like at first. Because in true Kirby fashion, that innocent rescue mission spirals into something much bigger, introducing lore that makes you wonder how this adorable series gets away with dropping cosmic-level twists in a game where you can swallow vending machines.
Now, let’s talk about gameplay, because this is where Forgotten Land really shines. Moving into 3D completely reshaped the way Kirby plays. Instead of running left to right, you’re exploring open stages filled with secrets, environmental puzzles, and enemies scattered around like little pinatas waiting to be cracked open. The levels aren’t massive sandboxes, but they strike a sweet balance between exploration and structure—compact enough to feel adventurous, yet you’re never lost in filler. You can finish a stage in minutes if you’re in a rush, or comb every corner to uncover hidden Waddle Dees, blueprints for new abilities, and collectible trinkets that serve no purpose other than being adorable.
Speaking of abilities, Kirby’s trademark Copy Abilities return, and this time they come with a twist: upgrades. Fire isn’t just Fire anymore; it can evolve into Volcano Fire and then into Dragon Fire, letting you spit massive flames and glide like some pink, fire-breathing beast. Hammer? Upgrade it, and suddenly you’re wielding a giant mallet worthy of a cartoon demigod. These evolutions give you a reason to revisit levels, hunt down blueprints, and invest in your arsenal.
Then there’s the star of the show: Mouthful Mode. It sounds weird (and honestly, it is), but it’s peak Kirby. Instead of just swallowing enemies, Kirby inhales massive objects—cars, vending machines, traffic cones—and stretches his body around them like pink bubblegum. Each object changes how you move and interact with the world. Car Kirby can zoom across roads (he can even drift), Vending Machine Kirby spits cans like bullets, and Cone Kirby pierces the ground to smash open secrets. It’s ridiculous in the best way possible, and it’s one of those features that make you laugh out loud the first time you see it.
Co-op fans weren’t left out either. The entire game is playable in two-player mode, with Player 2 taking on the role of Bandana Waddle Dee. He doesn’t have Kirby’s versatility—he can’t inhale enemies or copy abilities—but he’s a solid melee fighter with a trusty spear. Perfect for a younger player, or someone who just wants to tag along without juggling Kirby’s copies. Did I wish Waddle Dee had a little more depth? Absolutely. We’ll talk more about that later.
Outside the main campaign, Waddle Dee Town acts as your hub. As you rescue more Waddle Dees, new buildings pop up—weapon shops for evolving abilities, mini-game spots like the restaurant where you can serve meals to Waddle Dees in a frantic time-attack, and even a little cinema to rewatch cutscenes. It’s cozy and adds an extra layer of charm.
All of this runs buttery smooth on Switch, with vibrant visuals and a soundtrack that swings between cheerful and surprisingly epic during boss fights. By the time you hit the final stretch, which, again, goes from 0 to "what even is happening right now?", you realize this isn’t just one of the best Kirby games ever. It’s a statement that Kirby belongs in 3D as much as Mario or Donkey Kong.
And that’s the foundation Star-Crossed World is building on. The big question now? Does the DLC take that winning formula and make it even better or does it just add more of the same? Time to find out.
A New Chapter With Familiar Heart
Alright, DLC seekers, hello again. This is the part you’ve been waiting for. Like any good Kirby story, Star-Crossed World starts with something harmless. A mysterious star fragment crashes into the world, scattering strange portals across the map. Kirby, ever the hero, jumps in to investigate. At first, it feels like a cozy side-quest—but this is a Kirby game, so you know what’s coming. The further you go, the more the narrative spirals from "collect this thing to avoid impending doom" to "battle an interdimensional nightmare." The final act, without spoiling specifics, brings that signature dose of Kirby cosmic weirdness that somehow feels at home in this candy-colored universe. But does it deliver on expectations? Well… yes and no.
First, what’s new in Star Crossed World? Well, there are 12 brand-new levels across the existing worlds of Forgotten Land, layered on top of the base game’s framework. To fully unlock all 12 Star-Crossed World levels, you need to have completed the main game’s worlds. Don’t panic, though—you can start dipping into the DLC after finishing the first world, Natural Plains. From there, DLC stages will gradually appear as you progress through the base game. It’s a smart way to encourage players to finish what they started, but it could feel like a roadblock for anyone who jumped in just for the new content.
Think of it less as a standalone adventure and more like bonus stages woven into each area you already know. And for the most part, this approach works. The new levels feel thoughtfully integrated, almost like HAL Laboratory is saying: "Here’s what we couldn’t squeeze in the first time." They’re trickier, more dynamic, and they pull a few neat surprises out of the bag.
Kirby’s Evolution
One of the biggest treats comes in the form of new Mouthful Modes that playfully expand Kirby’s shape-shifting antics. Spring Mouth lets Kirby coil up and launch across gaps or into hidden alcoves, adding a delightful puzzle element that’s equal parts ridiculous and satisfying. Gear Mouth, on the other hand, turns our pink puffball into a clunky rotating mechanism, forcing you to think in terms of movement and timing while reactivating old machinery in some stages. Then there’s Sign Mouth, which sounds simple but introduces a surprising amount of charm and utility by allowing Kirby to surf down slopes.
And it doesn’t stop there. If you’re a collector at heart, the new Gotcha Machine EX expands the figure hunt with fresh designs, giving that familiar capsule grind a little more sparkle. And for those of you who live for punishment, the Ultimate Cup Z EX cranks up the difficulty to a level that feels borderline masochistic but in the best possible way. It’s a gauntlet of powered-up bosses, a final test for those who’ve mastered every inhale and dodge the game has to offer.
So, does Star Crossed World evolve the formula? Not really, and that’s both a strength and a weakness. Star-Crossed World doesn’t introduce a game-changing mechanic like Mouthful Mode did for the base game. Instead, it doubles down on what works: clever environmental design, new modes for Kirby to try, and new enemies with flashy battles. If you were hoping for an evolution as big as Forgotten Land’s leap into 3D, this isn’t it. But if you just wanted more Kirby goodness, the DLC delivers that in spades.
Star-Crossed World isn’t a reinvention—it’s an encore. A lively, charming, and sometimes thrilling encore that gives you just enough reason to revisit Kirby’s best adventure to date. But before you smash that “Buy” button, let’s talk about the one thing that might give you pause: the price.
A Few Clouds in Kirby’s Blue Sky
For all its sparkle, the DLC leaves a few open doors—missed opportunities that, if explored, could’ve taken this expansion from good to unforgettable. The most obvious gap? A true harder difficulty mode. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is already one of the more forgiving entries in the franchise, and even with the DLC levels adding some spice, seasoned players won’t exactly break a sweat. Imagine a full-blown "Wild Mode+" that pushes players with faster enemy patterns, tighter time limits, or even permadeath stakes for Treasure Roads. That would’ve been a game-changer, but alas, we’re still floating through Dream Land with a safety net.
Then there’s Bandana Waddle Dee, everyone’s favorite spear-wielding sidekick—who still feels like a plus-one rather than an equal partner. The DLC could’ve been the perfect time to expand his abilities or give him new spear evolutions, maybe even let him dabble with a copy ability or two. Instead, he’s stuck doing the same trusty-but-limited moveset, which is great for casual players but feels like a missed chance for co-op variety. When Kirby is out here absorbing planets' worth of abilities and evolving them into wild, screen-clearing monstrosities, poor Bandana Waddle Dee deserves at least a trick shot or a spear tornado upgrade, right?
Waddle Dee Town, too, feels like it has room to grow. The town serves as this cozy little hub, and with Star-Crossed World arriving, it practically begged for a new building or a surprise upgrade. Maybe a fresh mini-game? Or, better yet, an evolution of existing ones. Take Waddle Dee’s restaurant mini-game, it’s a fun distraction, but what if the DLC had cranked up the chaos? Picture movement-based serving mechanics, juggling multiple trays, maybe even hazards creeping in as lunch rush arrives. It would’ve fit perfectly with the DLC’s mission of layering new depth into familiar places. Instead, Waddle Dee Town remains a sweet backdrop rather than a thriving extension of the new content.
And honestly, for all the talk of Star-Crossed World being this big DLC, the actual surprises stop short after the 12 new levels. Yes, they’re great levels. Yes, they’re more dynamic and trickier than most of the base game. But beyond that, the expansion doesn’t really shock you. It feels safe. Good, but safe.
Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Worth It?
Steep, But Still Sweet Enough to Indulge
At $79.99 for the base game and DLC, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World sits in premium territory, but the value depends on what you’re looking for. The base game alone is one of the most creative, polished Kirby entries ever made, packed with imaginative stages, clever Mouthful Mode moments, and that signature dose of cozy charm. Add the DLC, and you’re looking at a healthy helping of new stages, fresh challenges, and a final test that pushes Kirby further than ever before. That said, the expansion isn’t a reinvention. If you’re expecting a completely new adventure on par with the original campaign, you might feel like the offering is more of a deluxe topping than a second main course. The biggest hook here is for players who adored the base game and want more of that formula—because that’s exactly what this delivers: more, not different.
From a price-to-content perspective, it’s a mixed bag. Yes, the extra levels are polished and thoughtfully designed, Waddle Dee Town still adds a comforting layer of progression, but for almost $80 (if you don’t already own the game), you might expect a meatier expansion.
So, should you buy it? If you’re new to Kirby or skipped this entry, grabbing the full bundle is a no-brainer—it’s one of the best Kirby experiences ever crafted. If you already own the base game, the DLC is an easy yes for fans who just can’t get enough of the pink puffball. But if you’re on the fence hoping for a radically new twist or a grueling difficulty curve, your $80 might be better spent elsewhere.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade Pack |
Base Game + DLC |
||||
| $19.99 | $79.99 | ||||
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World FAQ
What Are the New Mouthful Modes in Star-Crossed World?
Star-Crossed World introduces three new Mouthful abilities for Kirby:
⚫︎ Spring Mouth
⚫︎ Gear Mouth
⚫︎ Sign Mouth
Do I Need to Finish Forgotten Land Before Starting Star-Crossed World?
No, you can jump straight into Star-Crossed World without completing the original story, after finishing Natural Plains.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Product Information
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| Title | KIRBY AND THE FORGOTTEN LAND + STAR-CROSSED WORLD |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Developer | HAL Laboratory |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Supported Platforms | Switch 2 |
| Genre | Platformer, Action |
| Number of Players | 1-2 |
| ESRB Rating | E |
| Official Website | Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Website |
