kirby : Nightmare in Dreamland, (a remade version of a Kirby Game from the NES), is just about as perfect as a Kirby game can get. All of the elements that make up a true Kirby Classic are present: the light hearted feel, the childish dialogue, the simple controls, and, of course, the fanciful yet still fun system of “copying.” Platformers don't get much better than this one, I'll tell you that right now. However, even this gem has a few mistakes that it could have avoided... and if the game makers had been able to avoid them, this game would be escalated to a level few games would ever be able to match.Of course, having read the introduction, by now you may feel that this game is, in a word, kiddie. Well, don't put it off just yet; like many things in life, staying with it will reap great rewards. Though obviously intended for kids, this game has way too many cool and innovative play elements to pass up... and not to mention it's also fun.Kirby games have prided themselves on their less-than-serious and whimsical stories, and this one shouldn't disappoint those who are used to those types of stories and love them. The Fountain of Dreams has protected and purified the dreams of every citizen in Dreamland. However, the evil King Dedede is using it for his... not so pure purposes, and the Star Rod, the centerpiece of the fountain of dreams, has gone on missing! Kirby must venture through the entire land and retrieve it! Then he must defeat the evil King Dedede! Kirby's sure got his work cut out for him...The stages in this game set a new level of standards for Platformers. Why? Because they're creative, a trait that all stages in games should have, but sadly don't. Most likely, nearly every single room in the game will have something that will most likely bring a smile to your lips (unless you're an old Mr. Scrooge... then you'll just grunt). For example, imagine a stage where a giant boss will basically be digging the path through the stage for you WHILE it fights you. Now that's innovative. The masterminds behind this game sure knew how to use their imagination... As you go through your quest to retrieve the Star Rod, you'll most likely be met with unique troubles that most people couldn't pass (If you didn't, this wouldn't be much of a game). Of course, Kirby will have to then call on his special abilities... and what special abilities they are! Kirby has always been able to float, spin and slide with the best of them, and this game won't leave out any one of those techniques. They all help you out greatly, but what's the most useful is undoubtedly Kirby's famous copying abilities. Just suck up an enemy, and Kirby will be able to “copy” it, AKA gain ALL of its special abilities. Although the “all” is most always “one,” this is still an ability not to be taken lightly and be passed up! There is probably no technique that could add as much deepness to the gameplay as this one (if there is, I'd love to see it). The types of abilities Kirby can copy range from being able to shoot fire balls to being able to shoot ice beams, from being able to bounce around like a human ball to being able to... go to sleep. Although some are (obviously) more useful than others, most all of the techniques are integral to the game and gameplay, and you couldn't live without them.The graphics for the game are actually very good for a Game Boy Advance game, despite the childish look. Of course, they've been greatly improved upon from this game's NES days, and everything looks smoother and livelier. The game has also added a few nice touches, like the few sparkling effects when you copy an enemy, the improved animations of copy abilities, and the shards of block flying whenever you crush one. These small graphical improvements do wonders for the whole graphical experience, and, if possible, make the game look better than it already is... And that's saying something.And the sound... I can't get the songs out of my head. Although most of the songs contain a plethora of high-notes and flute solos, they're all incredibly catchy, and they'll have you humming their melodies at the most inappropriate moments. There are also a wide variety of sound EFFECTS, although they all sound vaguely familiar to each other... however, the sound is still very unique and is sure a sight for sore eyes... er, a sound for sore ears... aw, forget it.However, this game is not without its (nearly crippling) faults. There aren't many, but they are sure big. For one- THE GAME IS TOO DANG SHORT. It's entirely possible to play through this wondrous adventure in JUST AN AFTERNOON. I would think seven full worlds should be enough to make this game last, but each of these worlds are extremely brief and won't take more than a few minutes. I nearly cried when I realized I was up to the final boss what seemed like a mere hour after I started. And for another thing, this game is also WAAAAY too easy. Aiming the remake at kids sacrificed so much of the original difficulty that I don't think I died more than once during my play-through- not more than once. Those two traits nearly bump this game (with so much potential) to rent status.Even with those major flaws, however, this game still has a unique appeal that is most certainly long-lasting. Its few extra mini-game modes are still innovative and fun enough to keep this game in the GBA cartridge long after you're done, and you just can't beat the classic gameplay. Overall, with its flaws and all, Kirby, Nightmare in Dreamland shines as a must-have on the Game Boy Advance.