Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review: Pulse-Pounding Platforming Gets an HD Makeover

2010 marked the resurgence of one of the iconic franchises from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) era by Retro Studios. The game, Donkey Kong Country Returns, offered Wii users a fresh title that paid homage to the trilogy developed by Rare, while infusing it with novel concepts and elements. Fast forward almost 15 years, and this game has been given an upgraded high-definition polish on the Nintendo Switch. This remastered version largely retains the essence of the original, making it a delight for fans who cherished the initial release, as well as those who missed out on playing it in its debut.

In the game titled “Donkey Kong Country Returns HD“, Donkey Kong along with his sidekick Diddy Kong embark on a fresh adventure when their banana collection is pilfered yet again. The thieves this time are the Tiki Tak Tribe, who have not only stolen their bananas but also used their powers to control other animals inhabiting Donkey Kong Island. As you progress through the island’s distinct realms, you’ll encounter various animal adversaries like crabs, birds, and moles. Additionally, you’ll come across the Tiki Tak Tribe themselves.

Individuals who’ve experienced ‘Donkey Kong Country’ on Super Nintendo or via Nintendo Switch Online will likely recognize the gameplay in ‘Donkey Kong Country Returns’. In this game, Donkey and Diddy navigate through obstacles by jumping, swinging, and climbing. Retro Studios did a fantastic job with the initial release of ‘Donkey Kong Country Returns’, maintaining many beloved aspects from the SNES games, including the nail-biting mine cart levels. Remarkably, the developers may have surpassed even those challenging mine carts; the Rocket Barrel stages offer some of the most thrilling and unforgiving experiences the game has to offer.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always found Rare’s Donkey Kong Country games to be quite the challenge, but when Retro Studios took the helm, the difficulty was cranked up several notches! The game is filled with hazards that can lead to instant deaths, from sneaky enemies placed precariously, to enormous chasms in the ground. It can certainly be nerve-wracking at times! Fortunately, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD keeps the easier “modern mode” from the 3DS version, giving fans a more forgiving path if desired. But even on normal mode, the game is tough but fair. Each level has numerous checkpoints, extra lives are abundant, and you can easily accumulate Red Balloons thanks to Cranky Kong’s shop. It’s a rollercoaster ride of excitement and challenge!

In 2010, when “Donkey Kong Country Returns” debuted on Wii, it marked the return of the series to its classic 2D format since 1996. Consequently, the game aimed to recapture the essence of the early games. This is evident in the game’s music. Although David Wise, the original composer, was not involved, Kenji Yamamoto’s compositions echoed several of his tunes, breathing fresh life into beloved tracks like “DK Island Swing” and “Aquatic Ambiance.” While the new tracks may not be entirely innovative, their familiarity is not a drawback. These tracks are popular for a reason, and the new renditions are exceptional.

Donkey Kong Country Returns, initially impressive when launched on Wii, shines even brighter with its high-definition remaster. The new visuals stand out a bit more than they did on the original console, noticeable in levels like Sunset Shore. Regardless of whether you’re playing it handheld or on your TV, the graphics have an added sharpness. It might not be as visually stunning as Super Mario Bros. Wonder in 2D platforming, but it maintains its charm as a Wii game fundamentally. The work of Retro Studios still looks good. Additionally, they’ve included various control options, including a more conventional setup compared to the Wii version. These minor changes make Donkey Kong Country Returns HD the best way to experience this game.

In remastering Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, the aspects that didn’t work well initially are the ones that were problematic. For instance, the game lacks any water levels, which were standout features in the original Donkey Kong Country trilogy and included memorable areas like those guarded by Enguarde, the beloved swordfish. The absence of these levels was noticeable, and Retro Studios swiftly addressed this oversight in the sequel.

Additionally, the Tiki Tak Tribe falls short compared to the iconic Kremlings from the SNES games. The Kremlings were more visually diverse and carried a stronger sense of familiarity (which is why King K. Rool proved such an excellent addition to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate).

Lastly, Donkey Kong Country Returns is relatively short compared to other games in the series. Players who don’t aim to collect every item or bonus stage may find themselves finishing the game within just 5 hours.

The addition of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD to the Nintendo Switch collection is a delightful one. Originally released in 2010, the game still offers an enjoyable gaming experience even after all these years. Of course, there will be discussions about whether its price is appropriate and if it should have been sold together with Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Nevertheless, the fact that it’s now available in high-definition format is certainly something to be excited about. The game not only challenges your platforming skills but also serves as a temporary filler while we anticipate Donkey Kong’s next major adventure. If you were a fan of the classic Donkey Kong Country games on Super Nintendo and missed out on Donkey Kong Country Returns when it debuted 15 years ago, this is an excellent chance to make up for lost time.

Rating: 4 out of 5

The game “Donkey Kong Country Returns HD” is scheduled for launch on January 16th on the Nintendo Switch. We were given a code by the publisher to write this review, which we completed using a Nintendo Switch OLED console.

2025-01-14 17:42

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