10 Rare Video Games That Survived Development Hell

Kirby can be summarised in one word - simple. Due to the straightforward controls, gameplay, graphics, mechanics and level design, this adorable platformer is astoundingly easy to pick up on. Since a Kirby game has been churned out pretty frequently for the last three decades, one would imagine the production on each title would be easy.

And yet, Kirby's Return to Dream Land's development lasted 11 years, since it was completely rehauled on three separate occasions. (Interestingly, two of these canned versions led to the creation of other Kirby games.)

Although the original incarnation was previewed at E3 in 2005, it was cancelled, since HAL Laboratory had difficulty programming the multiplayer. This version was eventually reworked into 2018's Kirby's Star Allies.

For the second attempt, the creators tried to make an open-world title. This version didn't pan out, but the concept was repurposed for Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The third version, which was meant to have Kirby return to his side-scrolling roots, was terminated early in development.

After suffering three strikes, a lesser company would've given up. Instead, HAL Laboratory acknowledged the previous attempts didn't work, because they were forcing in multiplayer support. When the team focused on a single-player title, Return to Dream Land came together without issue.

It all worked out in the end, since Return to Dream Land was among the best Kirby entries, and even managed to inspire a remaster in 2023.