Bonus: Kirby Collections
It didn't feel right to include the Kirby collections in the list since they would feel redundant next to stand-alone adventures, but they are highly enjoyable and will definitely be appreciated by any Kirby fan.
Kirby Dream Collection: Special Edition (Wii, 2012)
This collection was created to celebrate the pink puffball's 20th anniversary and contains six classic Kirby games along with 13 brand new challenge stages based on levels found in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. The games included in this collection are Kirby's Dream Land (GB), Kirby's Adventure (NES), Kirby's Dream Land 2 (GB), Kirby Super Star (SNES), Kirby's Dream Land 3 (SNES), and Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (N64).
Seriously, if you have a Wii and you want to play some of the best retro Kirby games of all time, you can't go wrong with this collection. With any luck, we'll get this collection or a new one on Nintendo Switch to celebrate Kirby's 30th anniversary.
Kirby Super Star Ultra (DS, 2008)
Kirby Super Star Ultra is an absolutely incredible collection of Kirby adventures. Taking all eight of the original games from the original Kirby Super Star on SNES, revamping the graphics, and adding six additional game modes, this remake for DS is exploding with Kirby content. Not only is Kirby Super Star Ultra a definitive Kirby experience, but it's arguably one of the best games from Nintendo's Dual-Screen library.
The variety of game modes included with this title is staggering. Spring Breeze serves as an updated, albeit truncated, version of the Kirby's Dream Land, and iconic modes like Gourmet Race and The Arena offer loads of nonconventional ways to enjoy Kirby's unique abilities. With the recent success of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, I don't think any of us would complain about another re-release of this collection for the Nintendo Switch.
The Kirbster
Whether you know him best from his standalone platformers or his presence in Sakurai's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Kirby is an influential character who has been in dozens of games and has left an impression not only with Nintendo but the whole gaming industry.
Congrats on 30 years Kirby and Sakurai! We can't wait to see what both of you do next.
