Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Nintendo Switch, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nvidia Shield TV)

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is more than just a remaster. It is a celebration of one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. Originally released for the Wii in 2010, this HD version enhances the original release with stunning visuals, smooth animations, and vibrant colors. Each level feels unique, offering new challenges while the gameplay remains as fantastic as ever. The big question that arises with every remaster is whether it’s worth revisiting. And with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, is yet another title in the race to justify the upgrade? Let’s jump into this review to find out more.

A Kong-Quest Worth Taking

The story in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remains as simple as always but enjoyable. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are on a mission to get back their stolen banana stash, taken by the evil Tiki Tak Tribe. As they journey through different levels, they face enemies and obstacles along the way. While the story doesn’t go deeper, it adds fun to Donkey Kong’s adventure. It keeps the action flowing and gives purpose to the gameplay, letting players focus on the challenges and excitement at each level. 

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers an exciting platformer experience. Notably, it takes everything that made the original games great and adds a fresh vibe. The basic mechanics are familiar: running, jumping, and rolling. However, the game adds some fresh elements that keep the gameplay exciting.

One of the standout features is the “cling grass.” This mechanic lets Donkey Kong climb walls and ceilings, adding a vertical aspect to the levels. Consequently, the game feels bigger and more dynamic because of it. Another fun addition is the “blowing” mechanic, where Donkey Kong can puff air to uncover hidden secrets or move objects. While these features may seem small, they add depth and creativity to the game.

The level design is where Donkey Kong Country Returns HD truly excels. Each stage offers something new, from mine cart rides to underwater sections. Now, the pacing of the challenges is where things are interesting. However, the game does not shy away from difficulty. Some levels demand precise timing and quick reflexes, which could be tough for newcomers. Thankfully, the “Super Kong” option helps reduce the frustration by allowing the AI to take over on particularly challenging sections. Overall, the game strikes a great balance between old-school platforming and modern innovation.

 A Modern Jungle Paradise

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD shines thanks to its stunning visuals. The HD upgrade makes the game look better than ever, with bright colors, clear textures, and smooth animations. The art style stands out, too. Each world has its own look and feel. The sunny beaches have a warm, relaxing vibe, while the dark forests create a sense of mystery. Similarly, the backgrounds are full of small movements, like animals running in the distance or leaves swaying in the wind. These little details make the world feel more alive and immersive.

What really sets the game apart is how the visuals tie into the gameplay. You’ll notice things like rocks falling or platforms shifting, and these are often shown with visual hints. For example, the shadow of a rock might appear before it falls. These cues help you stay alert and make quick decisions. The game doesn’t just look great; it also encourages you to pay attention and adapt to your surroundings.

Overall, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD combines beautiful graphics with smart design. It creates an experience that feels fresh and exciting while keeping the spirit of the original game. Ultimately, the game draws you in, making you want to explore every level.

Nostalgia and Originality

No review of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD would be complete without acknowledging its exceptional soundtrack. It stands as one of the game’s most memorable features. Composed by Kenji Yamamoto, the music achieves a perfect blend of nostalgia and originality. For long-time fans of the series, the reimagined versions of iconic tracks, like the haunting “Aquatic Ambience,” offer comfort. Similarly, the new compositions seamlessly fit into the Donkey Kong universe, masterfully honoring the past while embracing the future.

The soundtrack is designed to enhance the experience at each level. Fast-paced stages are paired with energetic, rhythmic beats that match the intensity of the action. Meanwhile, the quieter moments are supported by soothing melodies that allow players to pause and enjoy the atmosphere. This thoughtful approach to music ensures that the audio never feels out of place but rather elevates the overall experience. The tunes stick with you long after you’ve put the controller down, a true testament to their enduring quality.

It’s clear that Retro Studios paid close attention to every audio detail, ensuring that the game’s sound isn’t just something you hear but something you feel. Every punch Donkey Kong lands has a satisfying thud. Similarly, the ambient sounds of the jungle, chirping birds, rustling leaves, and distant waterfalls help to transport players to the heart of the game’s world. Ultimately, the soundtrack and sound design of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD do far more than accompany the visuals; they elevate them. 

A Closer Look at Donkey Kong Country Returns

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers a thrilling, challenging experience that will keep players hooked from start to finish. The difficulty is tough but fair, ensuring that every victory feels earned. The game excels in innovative level design, with each stage introducing new mechanics, puzzles, or visual spectacles that keep the gameplay engaging. The HD remaster enhances the visuals, presenting vibrant colors and detailed animations that truly bring the world of Donkey Kong to life. 

However, the game does come with a few flaws. One major issue arises in the co-op mode, where the ability for both players to jump on the same enemy has been removed. This mechanic, present in earlier games, allowed for greater precision and teamwork, especially in tough platforming sections. Its absence in DKC Returns HD can cause frustrating deaths when players rely on bouncing off the same enemy to make precise jumps. It disrupts the fluidity of cooperative play.

Another concern is the reworked control scheme for grabbing, which now maps the grab and combine actions to the same button. This creates difficulties, particularly for the Diddy player. Consequently, the Donkey Kong player may unintentionally grab Diddy instead of performing other necessary actions. This not only disrupts gameplay but can lead to avoidable deaths and require constant dismounting of Donkey Kong.

While these issues are not game-breaking, they do diminish the overall experience. Given the $59.99 price tag, it’s reasonable to expect smoother gameplay. A patch or optional settings to restore the original mechanics could improve the game significantly. Overall, despite these shortcomings, DKC Returns HD still provides a fantastic challenge and immersive platformer experience that fans of the series will enjoy.

Challenges in the Jungle

The difficulty in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD strikes a balance between challenge and enjoyment. It offers something for both seasoned platformer fans and newcomers. The game’s levels are carefully crafted to test a player’s timing, precision, and reflexes. From jumping over bottomless pits to dodging rapidly moving obstacles, each stage demands focus and skill. The difficulty curve is well-paced, with early levels serving as a gentle introduction, while later stages ramp up the challenge significantly.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of Super Kong, a helpful option that allows the AI to take over difficult sections for you. This provides a safety net for players struggling with more challenging levels, allowing them to progress without feeling stuck. However, relying too much on this feature can reduce the feeling of achievement that comes with overcoming tough obstacles on your own.

There are sections in the game, particularly in the later stages, where precision is key and mistakes can be costly. Minecart rides, for example, require split-second reactions, which can lead to your character’s death for failing to time a jump properly. For players looking to collect everything and reach 100% completion, the difficulty increases even further. Hidden secrets and alternate paths require careful exploration and perfect execution.

Overall, while the difficulty might be intimidating for younger or less experienced players, it is part of what makes DKC Returns HD so rewarding. Every victory feels earned, and every challenging level provides a true sense of achievement.

Verdict: Donkey Kong Country Returns

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fun and exciting platformer that mixes old-school charm with new ideas. The game looks amazing, with bright colors, detailed textures, and smooth animations. Each level feels alive, from the jungles to volcanic caves, making it a visual treat for players.

While the game can be challenging, this adds to the fun. Some levels are tough and require quick reactions, which might frustrate some players. However, the AI option helps players through difficult parts, so it’s not too hard to enjoy the game.

Overall, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great game for fans of highly curated platformers. The beautiful visuals, fun gameplay, and unique mechanics make it an exciting adventure. It might be tough at times, but the satisfaction players get after completing tough levels adds the game to your bucket list.