Kirby's Return to Dream Land also a return to classic formula

After several outings which took the franchise in new directions, the newest Kirby game is intended to be a return to form.

"Kirby’s Return to Dream Land carries on the traditional style of the Kirby series and adds new surprises," producer Kawase Shigefumi told GameInformer, highlighting the drop-in drop-out multiplayer and super abilitites.

"Our goal in developing this game was to enable players to experience a new game in the classic Kirby mold."

The producer noted that the game contains "new elements for series fans to enjoy", but also "enable[s] people who are new to the Kirby series to enjoy its fundamental appeal", hopefully appealing to both player groups.

"Kirby is a very flexible character when it comes to game design," he added.

"I think we’ll see sequels and completely new games that match the desires and aspirations of developers and players."

As an aside, Shigefumi confirmed that you are justified in your belief that the characters stop for a snog occasionally.

"It really does look like the characters are kissing doesn’t it? I’m fond of how the characters share affection with each other and help each other out to progress through the game," he said.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land released in the US last week; the European release, under the title Kirby Adventure Wii, is expected at the end of November. It's titular character is a pink blob who can inhale things, who has appeared in 20 core games plus spin-offs since his debut in 1992.