It's essentially a worse Mario 3D World. It has the same level design; basically 2D levels with some added depth rather than full 3D worlds.
Getting all the Waddle Dees is much more annoying than getting 3D World's green stars. I missed some on nearly every level because the Waddle Dees are locked behind obtuse requirements like beating a boss with a certain ability or touching five small flowers.
The co-op is disappointing. Rather than player 2 being able to also be a Kirby, or at least have copy abilities, they are stuck with Bandana Dee who can only use the spear. 1997's Kirby's Dream Land 3 let player 2 have copy abilities as Gooey so it's bizarre that this game in 2022 doesn't. I understand there's Mouthful Mode but Kirby's Epic Yarn let player 2 have unique interactions with the large transformations so I feel there's no excuse here.
The game is cute, simple fun. There's lots of set pieces and the gimmicks change often enough to be entertaining. It's just good, not great.
Getting all the Waddle Dees is much more annoying than getting 3D World's green stars. I missed some on nearly every level because the Waddle Dees are locked behind obtuse requirements like beating a boss with a certain ability or touching five small flowers.
The co-op is disappointing. Rather than player 2 being able to also be a Kirby, or at least have copy abilities, they are stuck with Bandana Dee who can only use the spear. 1997's Kirby's Dream Land 3 let player 2 have copy abilities as Gooey so it's bizarre that this game in 2022 doesn't. I understand there's Mouthful Mode but Kirby's Epic Yarn let player 2 have unique interactions with the large transformations so I feel there's no excuse here.
The game is cute, simple fun. There's lots of set pieces and the gimmicks change often enough to be entertaining. It's just good, not great.