Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review – Third Time’s (Barely) the Charm

Back in 2010, when I first played Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii console, it felt like a breath of fresh air. It had been over a decade and a half since we last saw a new Donkey Kong Country game, making it a highly anticipated title. Plus, it was right at the beginning of the 2D platformer revival, before there were too many games flooding the market from the rising indie scene. And best of all, it came out before some truly amazing 2D platformers like Celeste, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and even its own sequel, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, hit the shelves. It was truly a golden era for this genre!

The combination of its outstanding performance as a 2D platformer and other factors made Donkey Kong Country Returns HD a commendable comeback for the franchise. However, compared to its initial release in 2010 and this 2025 re-release, the context has undergone significant changes. To clarify, this is the third iteration of the game (it was also re-released in 2013 for the 3DS). It’s also the most expensive version yet, with a price tag of $60 compared to its previous prices of $50 for the Wii and $40 for the 3DS. Despite incorporating and refining content from both the Wii and 3DS versions, it does not introduce any new content or modes. Moreover, in many aspects, the game feels technically inferior to its original standard definition 480p release on the Wii, lacking several visual effects and embellishments that enhanced the game’s stylish appearance.

This version of “Donkey Kong Country Returns HD” presents an intriguing dilemma, as the fundamental gameplay is solid and has aged well. However, it falls short of being exceptional. In fact, there are numerous other 2D platformers available on the Switch that offer better gameplay at significantly lower prices. This raises a question about who this release is intended for, as it’s difficult to wholeheartedly recommend it. It seems that the intended audience could be those who haven’t played the original or the 3DS version (which is now over a decade old), and for them, having easy access to this game is beneficial. But judging it based on these factors alone, this isn’t a standout release. It’s a remaster that feels overpriced given its quality.

Despite some initial temptation to dismiss the entire release due to its familiarity, it’s important to remember that Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remains a genuinely good game. Retro Studios masterfully captured the movement and overall game feel, elements crucial in any platformer, and they did so exceptionally well that Returns continues to shine as one of the best-playing platformers today. The weighty controls of Donkey Kong might require some getting used to at first, but once players grasp the rhythm of using his momentum for seamless combinations of jumps, rolls, and attacks, the game transforms into a rhythmic dance of sorts.

Completing the flawless run on a Returns level or snatching hidden collectibles offers immense gratification, given that Returns is known for its challenging gameplay. Although this version retains the Modern Mode from the 3DS version, designed to soften the difficulty curve, it falls short of being truly helpful. Modern Mode provides extra health and additional items in the in-game shop, but it still demands full stage memorization and quick reflexes from players. Even with a slight buffer for errors, Modern Mode is less forgiving than most easy modes found in Nintendo platformers. In contrast, Tropical Freeze’s Switch re-release includes an optional easy mode (Funky Mode), which not only boosts health but also offers numerous additional moves, making it significantly easier for players to progress.

It’s worth noting that if you require the easy mode to conquer the game initially, then it could be more fulfilling for seasoned players to complete a level in Returns. The game offers various difficulty settings beyond the Modern Mode, allowing you to adjust it according to your skill level. For instance, Diddy Kong serves as an enhancement for Donkey Kong in single-player mode, expanding his move set with his own abilities. Additionally, there’s an in-game shop offering a variety of power-ups that can be purchased and stacked, making the game more playable even in Normal Mode. And if all else fails, the game supports cooperative play (with Player 2 controlling Diddy), which can make things less challenging as well.

Essentially, although this game may be more challenging than some contemporary titles in its genre, including its own sequel, it’s not so tough that it deters less experienced players. It’s certainly a demanding game, and adjusting the difficulty could be improved compared to other games, but it manages to deliver an enjoyable experience nonetheless.

Additionally to its gameplay, there’s a diverse mix of qualities in other areas too. The initial version of “Returns” was truly impressive, yet it’s important to note that this updated version has noticeable graphical degradations, which significantly affect its visual appeal.

Essentially, we’re dealing with a rather unusual game re-release here. While “HD Returns” is enjoyable and remains a quality game, its high price seems disproportionate for the minimal changes made since its last release more than a decade ago. The lack of modern features designed to enhance user experience may deter a broader audience. Additionally, being the third iteration of the game, it might not appeal to die-hard fans, given its cost and limitations.

If this game turns out to be suitable for your preferences, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re revisiting the game or playing it for the first time, Donkey Kong Country Returns is an excellent platformer. The Switch HD release, at the very least from a technical standpoint, offers the best way to experience this game. For now, I suppose that’s satisfactory.

This game was reviewed on the Nintendo Switch.

2025-01-29 18:11

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