One of the main reasons I had not replayed Kirby's Dream Land 2 in almost fifteen years were the visuals. Regardless of how I might protest otherwise, graphical presentation does, in fact, matter to me, especially when it comes to older games. Kirby's Dream Land 2 is a very nice little game and a solid Gameboy game on its own, but when played on even a Gameboy Advance, its tri-color presentation tends to bring out the feelings I have with the rest of the game; a sense of dull apathy. A "yeah, this is alright I guess, but I'll stop after this level's over". Dream Land 2 on its own is simple, relatively uncomplicated, and doesn't really have any stand out features beyond the introduction of Kirby's animal friends (and the secret level layout in 5-5). So if I'm me, 25, choosing between Kirby's Dream Land 2 and something similar, like Kirby's Adventure, I'm more likely to choose Kirby's Adventure because "haha it looks pretty".
Well, no longer!
Kirby's Dream Land 2 DX is the exact upgrade the original game needed: a direct port to the Gameboy Color. With the added color, the visuals pop! These neat little background details are now not only visible, but actively interesting too. Maybe it was just because the colors had folded into the flaps of my brain, but I did not remember how detailed some of the level select maps were in this game. Red Canyon, and Cloudy Park are my personal favorites. The former takes on this deep rusty-orange color scheme that accurately reflects its name while still having little tufts of green that add some lovely contrast. The latter now has so much more detail in its background, like little spires and tints of yellow on the clouds, which provide a tasteful contrast against the soft purples and grays of the mountain landscape. These two are made especially more impactful upon reaching the final zone, Dark Castle, which still maintains a tricolor aesthetic, now just with purples, grays and black. This trichromatic final zone really stands out as a "dark imposing site" with the addition of color to every other zone in the game. It has to be seen to be experienced in full.
Dream Land 2 DX is absolutely the definitive way to play Kirby's Dream Land 2. Beyond the obvious improvements with the visuals, there are also a few measures taken to reduce any slowdown in the software, which is a godsend against later bosses. I distinctly recall being quite frustrated fighting later bosses and having my inputs eaten because I was trying to both move, jump and spit at the same time. While still not perfect, Dream Land 2 DX makes me feel like I have slightly better control over Kirby. This control really makes a difference in the last few parts of the game, especially against the fight against the boss at the end of Dark Castle (even if its still bullshit at times).
If you're looking to play Kirby's Dream Land 2 in any capacity, I cannot recommend this version enough. It's worth your time to find a cute little emulator, a corresponding rom of the game, and patching it with the excellent work done by kkzero. It's a short game, that still holds up quite well for a game turning 30 next year, and its made all the more interesting and fun with the addition of color.
Well, no longer!
Kirby's Dream Land 2 DX is the exact upgrade the original game needed: a direct port to the Gameboy Color. With the added color, the visuals pop! These neat little background details are now not only visible, but actively interesting too. Maybe it was just because the colors had folded into the flaps of my brain, but I did not remember how detailed some of the level select maps were in this game. Red Canyon, and Cloudy Park are my personal favorites. The former takes on this deep rusty-orange color scheme that accurately reflects its name while still having little tufts of green that add some lovely contrast. The latter now has so much more detail in its background, like little spires and tints of yellow on the clouds, which provide a tasteful contrast against the soft purples and grays of the mountain landscape. These two are made especially more impactful upon reaching the final zone, Dark Castle, which still maintains a tricolor aesthetic, now just with purples, grays and black. This trichromatic final zone really stands out as a "dark imposing site" with the addition of color to every other zone in the game. It has to be seen to be experienced in full.
Dream Land 2 DX is absolutely the definitive way to play Kirby's Dream Land 2. Beyond the obvious improvements with the visuals, there are also a few measures taken to reduce any slowdown in the software, which is a godsend against later bosses. I distinctly recall being quite frustrated fighting later bosses and having my inputs eaten because I was trying to both move, jump and spit at the same time. While still not perfect, Dream Land 2 DX makes me feel like I have slightly better control over Kirby. This control really makes a difference in the last few parts of the game, especially against the fight against the boss at the end of Dark Castle (even if its still bullshit at times).
If you're looking to play Kirby's Dream Land 2 in any capacity, I cannot recommend this version enough. It's worth your time to find a cute little emulator, a corresponding rom of the game, and patching it with the excellent work done by kkzero. It's a short game, that still holds up quite well for a game turning 30 next year, and its made all the more interesting and fun with the addition of color.