Welcome to VC Weekly, N-Europe’s guide to the wonderful world of Nintendo’s download service. Written by Sam C Gittins.

Fans of a certain pink protagonist will undoubtedly be overjoyed at this latest release which just so happens to be a perfectly playable, portable platformer. Anyway enough from me and on with the game!

Available for download this week we have...

• Kirby's Dreamland 2

Price: GB £3.60, EU €4
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Released: 1995
System: GameBoy

Kirby has had a reasonably successful string of games over the years regardless of whether the little fellow is portrayed in pink or black & white, this adventure falls into the latter category but for what it may lack in colour it more than makes up for in the amount of fun that's to be had. You all know how the story goes by now as King Dedede is causing havoc in Dreamland once again but this time there's even more trouble afoot as it seems someone has taken away the Rainbow Bridges so naturally it falls upon Kirby to search the seven Rainbow Islands in an attempt to restore the iconic landmarks to their former glory smiting whatever evils that might stand in his way in the process thus saving the day.

As per usual you take control of the little blob who has the ability to suck up enemies like a vacuum then use their powers by partially transforming into them which can have some interesting results as this time around you can become a ball of electricity, fire or even a rock. You can also float in the air for a limited number of button presses which proves ever- useful for negotiating the many pitfalls; this time around you'll even have assistance from a few friends who come in the form of Rick the Hamster, Coo the Owl and Kine the Sunfish all of whom will help Kirby in some way by providing a mode of transportation but also as a bonus can use whatever power happens to have at the time too which can lead so some rather effective combinations... who wouldn't want a fire-breathing hamster for example.

Featuring seven worlds in total there are the usual areas that you might expect which include a lush Forest, an expansive Ocean and of course a fiery Volcano all of these play largely to expectations but are executed flawlessly making for some predictable yet perfect platforming moments. There number of levels varies from three to six per area so there's a decent amount to get through even though they tend to be fairly simple, naturally there are some familiar faces in the boss battles including Mr Frosty and Kracko but these don't prove to be too taxing either even if they are very enjoyable indeed.

Nicely detailed visuals are furnished throughout the entirety of the adventure featuring some of the biggest, boldest and probably best sprites ever seen on an original GameBoy title, given that this was one of the last produced before the move to GBC what it might lack in colour it most certainly makes up for in style as Dreamland has never looked so stunning. Of course there are many of the familiar returning tunes that are a joy to hum along to as you play creating a wonderfully uplifting mood in a way that only Kirby knows how, naturally the sound effects are also of a reassuringly high standard adding that extra special 'something' to a title that already oozes charm.

One of the best in the series without a doubt Kirby's Dreamland 2 is a shining example of how to make a pixel-perfect platform game, it might seem a little easy especially to veteran players but even they will tell you that's not what you're playing for as much like Kirby himself it's all about fun which is something that is here in abundance. If you like platformers then there's absolutely no reason not to own this as I can guarantee that if it's simple enjoyment that you're after then you definitely won't be disappointed as this truly delivers.

Verdict : One of the classiest Kirby games ever created.

That's it for another installment of VC Weekly which will return again soon. So until then, enjoy the rest of the week and Game On!

Sam Gittins
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