A banana-filled platforming adventure in high definition
By Paul Hunter
Nintendo's classic hit Donkey Kong Country Returns is back with a fully remadtered version on Nintendo Switch. Developed by Forever Entertainment and published by Nintendo, this high-definition release brings the famous gorilla's adventure to life with vibrant visuals and refined controls.
The Donkey Kong Country series has a storied history, captivating audiences with its lush 2D environments and challenging gameplay. After a lengthy hiatus, Retro Studios revived the franchise in 2010 with Donkey Kong Country Returns, which earned critical acclaim for its innovative new gameplay mechanics and faithful modernization of the series' signature art style. Now, over a decade later, this high-definition version invites you to experience the game's secret-filled levels in stunning detail.
Whether you're a seasoned Nintendo platforming enthusiast or simply seeking a fresh and engaging adventure, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD delivers a barrel-rolling good time. Let's embark on a journey through gorgeous levels, confront cunning foes, and reclaim Donkey Kong's beloved banana hoard as we explore all the features of this high-definition celebration of Nintendo's DK franchise.
The story of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD whisks you away to the scenic, tropical island of Kong, where DK and his trusty sidekick Diddy Kong find themselves embroiled in a delightfully comedic caper. When a mischievous group known as the Tiki Tak Tribe emerge from a volcanic eruption and hypnotise the island's animal inhabitants, they make off with Donkey Kong's prized banana hoard, leaving the duo no choice but to spring into action.
The story's premise, while simple, serves as the perfect catalyst for an adventure brimming with slapstick humour and endearing characters. As you guide Donkey and Diddy on their quest to reclaim the stolen bananas, you'll encounter a colourful cast of supporting players, from the mischievous Tiki Tak Tribe members to the eccentric Cranky Kong, who offers valuable advice and items from his well-stocked shop. Professor Chops (FKA Tutorial Pig) makes his welcomed return, along with other fun supporting cast members like Rambi the rambunctious rhino and the helpful Squawks the parrot who helps you find all those elusive puzzle pieces tucked away in each stage.
The narrative's strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend comedic moments with genuine emotional resonance. Whether it's Donkey Kong's exasperated expressions as he confronts yet another banana-related crisis or the heartwarming camaraderie between DK and Diddy, the story consistently delivers a delightful blend of humour and heart.
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the narrative is the way it pays homage to the Donkey Kong franchise's rich history. Subtle nods to classic moments and characters from the series are sprinkled throughout, ensuring that long-time fans will appreciate the attention to detail and the reverence for the franchise's legacy.
Gameplay-wise, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers an exhilarating platforming experience that seamlessly blends the classic charm of the franchise with modern refinements.
At the core of the gameplay lies a meticulously crafted level design that challenges you to navigate through a diverse array of obstacles and world types. From dense jungles to treacherous mines, each stage presents a unique set of platforming challenges that demand precise timing and quick reflexes. The game's responsive controls on Nintendo Switch ensure that traversing the terrain feels both satisfying and rewarding.
One of the standout features of this game is its exceptional use of the environment. You'll find yourself constantly interacting with the world around you, whether it's pounding the ground to reveal hidden platforms, blowing on flowers to uncover secrets, or riding on the back of your trusty Rambi the Rhinoceros. Levels constantly throw new elements at you, such as discovering a level has foreground and background layers to explore, finding new secret areas offering goodies or navigating multi-rail high-speed minecart tracks, and these dynamic gameplay moments keep the action fresh over the 80 levels.
The game's difficulty is another aspect that deserves praise. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD strikes a delicate balance, offering a true test of platforming prowess without becoming overly punishing. The inclusion of a "Modern Mode", which provides an extra health point to both DK and Diddy Kong, means an accessible game for players of all ages. However, the "Original" mode remains a true challenge for seasoned platforming players, requiring a mastery of the game's mechanics to overcome its demanding obstacles.
The cooperative multiplayer mode is a particular highlight, allowing you and a friend to team up as Donkey and Diddy Kong. By combining their unique abilities, such as Diddy's jetpack and peanut popgun, you can tackle the levels in new and creative ways. This co-op experience not only enhances the overall enjoyment but also fosters a sense of camaraderie as you work together to overcome the game's challenges.
Beyond the core platforming, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers a wealth of collectibles and secrets to uncover. From hidden K-O-N-G letters to puzzle pieces that unlock in-game content, the game encourages exploration and rewards your curiosity. Beating levels will unlock its Time Attack mode, which tasks you with completing it under a specified time limit. It's easy to keep track of which collectibles and Time Attack stages you've completed as it shows this info right on the world map. Hunting for all the hidden treasures adds an extra layer of replayability and satisfaction, as you strive to achieve a complete mastery of each level.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD presents a visually captivating game that breathes new life into the beloved franchise. The high-definition upgrade offers a noticeable enhancement to the game's already stunning visuals, elevating the detailed graphics and vibrant character designs to new heights.
The tropical island setting of Kong Country has never looked more colourful and alive. The increased resolution and refined textures lend a remarkable level of detail to the verdant jungles, sun-kissed beaches, and mysterious ruins that comprise the game's diverse locales. Foliage sways realistically in the breeze, while the crashing waves and churning lava flows exhibit a newfound sense of dynamism and fluidity.
The character models have also received a significant visual boost, with Donkey and Diddy Kong's expressive animations and intricate fur textures truly shining in high definition. The Tiki Tak Tribe's quirky and mischievous designs are equally captivating, their hypnotic movements and striking patterns adding to the game's whimsical charm.
Complementing the visual splendour is the game's exceptional audio presentation. The original soundtrack, composed by the legendary David Wise, has been expertly remastered, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. The iconic jungle themes and pulsating mine cart melodies resonate with a newfound vibrancy, seamlessly blending classic Donkey Kong tunes with fresh and energetic compositions.
The sound effects, too, have been meticulously crafted to enhance the gameplay. The satisfying thud of Donkey Kong's powerful fists, the sizzle of lava, and the cacophony of enemy encounters all contribute to the truly immersive audio. The absence of voice acting is hardly a detriment, as the game's charming pantomime and expressive character animations convey the narrative with a delightful sense of personality.
Ultimately, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stands as a shining example of how a classic can be revitalised without compromising the core elements that made it so beloved in the first place. The game's stunning visuals and catchy audio create a cohesive and immersive world that honours the franchise's legacy while modernising the experience for a new generation of players.
Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Developer: Forever Entertainment, Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Nintendo's classic hit Donkey Kong Country Returns is back with a fully remadtered version on Nintendo Switch. Developed by Forever Entertainment and published by Nintendo, this high-definition release brings the famous gorilla's adventure to life with vibrant visuals and refined controls.
The Donkey Kong Country series has a storied history, captivating audiences with its lush 2D environments and challenging gameplay. After a lengthy hiatus, Retro Studios revived the franchise in 2010 with Donkey Kong Country Returns, which earned critical acclaim for its innovative new gameplay mechanics and faithful modernization of the series' signature art style. Now, over a decade later, this high-definition version invites you to experience the game's secret-filled levels in stunning detail.
Whether you're a seasoned Nintendo platforming enthusiast or simply seeking a fresh and engaging adventure, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD delivers a barrel-rolling good time. Let's embark on a journey through gorgeous levels, confront cunning foes, and reclaim Donkey Kong's beloved banana hoard as we explore all the features of this high-definition celebration of Nintendo's DK franchise.
The story of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD whisks you away to the scenic, tropical island of Kong, where DK and his trusty sidekick Diddy Kong find themselves embroiled in a delightfully comedic caper. When a mischievous group known as the Tiki Tak Tribe emerge from a volcanic eruption and hypnotise the island's animal inhabitants, they make off with Donkey Kong's prized banana hoard, leaving the duo no choice but to spring into action.
The story's premise, while simple, serves as the perfect catalyst for an adventure brimming with slapstick humour and endearing characters. As you guide Donkey and Diddy on their quest to reclaim the stolen bananas, you'll encounter a colourful cast of supporting players, from the mischievous Tiki Tak Tribe members to the eccentric Cranky Kong, who offers valuable advice and items from his well-stocked shop. Professor Chops (FKA Tutorial Pig) makes his welcomed return, along with other fun supporting cast members like Rambi the rambunctious rhino and the helpful Squawks the parrot who helps you find all those elusive puzzle pieces tucked away in each stage.
The narrative's strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend comedic moments with genuine emotional resonance. Whether it's Donkey Kong's exasperated expressions as he confronts yet another banana-related crisis or the heartwarming camaraderie between DK and Diddy, the story consistently delivers a delightful blend of humour and heart.
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the narrative is the way it pays homage to the Donkey Kong franchise's rich history. Subtle nods to classic moments and characters from the series are sprinkled throughout, ensuring that long-time fans will appreciate the attention to detail and the reverence for the franchise's legacy.
Gameplay-wise, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers an exhilarating platforming experience that seamlessly blends the classic charm of the franchise with modern refinements.
At the core of the gameplay lies a meticulously crafted level design that challenges you to navigate through a diverse array of obstacles and world types. From dense jungles to treacherous mines, each stage presents a unique set of platforming challenges that demand precise timing and quick reflexes. The game's responsive controls on Nintendo Switch ensure that traversing the terrain feels both satisfying and rewarding.
One of the standout features of this game is its exceptional use of the environment. You'll find yourself constantly interacting with the world around you, whether it's pounding the ground to reveal hidden platforms, blowing on flowers to uncover secrets, or riding on the back of your trusty Rambi the Rhinoceros. Levels constantly throw new elements at you, such as discovering a level has foreground and background layers to explore, finding new secret areas offering goodies or navigating multi-rail high-speed minecart tracks, and these dynamic gameplay moments keep the action fresh over the 80 levels.
The game's difficulty is another aspect that deserves praise. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD strikes a delicate balance, offering a true test of platforming prowess without becoming overly punishing. The inclusion of a "Modern Mode", which provides an extra health point to both DK and Diddy Kong, means an accessible game for players of all ages. However, the "Original" mode remains a true challenge for seasoned platforming players, requiring a mastery of the game's mechanics to overcome its demanding obstacles.
The cooperative multiplayer mode is a particular highlight, allowing you and a friend to team up as Donkey and Diddy Kong. By combining their unique abilities, such as Diddy's jetpack and peanut popgun, you can tackle the levels in new and creative ways. This co-op experience not only enhances the overall enjoyment but also fosters a sense of camaraderie as you work together to overcome the game's challenges.
Beyond the core platforming, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers a wealth of collectibles and secrets to uncover. From hidden K-O-N-G letters to puzzle pieces that unlock in-game content, the game encourages exploration and rewards your curiosity. Beating levels will unlock its Time Attack mode, which tasks you with completing it under a specified time limit. It's easy to keep track of which collectibles and Time Attack stages you've completed as it shows this info right on the world map. Hunting for all the hidden treasures adds an extra layer of replayability and satisfaction, as you strive to achieve a complete mastery of each level.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD presents a visually captivating game that breathes new life into the beloved franchise. The high-definition upgrade offers a noticeable enhancement to the game's already stunning visuals, elevating the detailed graphics and vibrant character designs to new heights.
The tropical island setting of Kong Country has never looked more colourful and alive. The increased resolution and refined textures lend a remarkable level of detail to the verdant jungles, sun-kissed beaches, and mysterious ruins that comprise the game's diverse locales. Foliage sways realistically in the breeze, while the crashing waves and churning lava flows exhibit a newfound sense of dynamism and fluidity.
The character models have also received a significant visual boost, with Donkey and Diddy Kong's expressive animations and intricate fur textures truly shining in high definition. The Tiki Tak Tribe's quirky and mischievous designs are equally captivating, their hypnotic movements and striking patterns adding to the game's whimsical charm.
Complementing the visual splendour is the game's exceptional audio presentation. The original soundtrack, composed by the legendary David Wise, has been expertly remastered, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. The iconic jungle themes and pulsating mine cart melodies resonate with a newfound vibrancy, seamlessly blending classic Donkey Kong tunes with fresh and energetic compositions.
The sound effects, too, have been meticulously crafted to enhance the gameplay. The satisfying thud of Donkey Kong's powerful fists, the sizzle of lava, and the cacophony of enemy encounters all contribute to the truly immersive audio. The absence of voice acting is hardly a detriment, as the game's charming pantomime and expressive character animations convey the narrative with a delightful sense of personality.
Ultimately, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stands as a shining example of how a classic can be revitalised without compromising the core elements that made it so beloved in the first place. The game's stunning visuals and catchy audio create a cohesive and immersive world that honours the franchise's legacy while modernising the experience for a new generation of players.
The Verdict
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stands as a solid remastering of an already exceptional platformer, delivering a visually enhanced adventure that remains as captivating as it was over a decade ago. The game's meticulously crafted level design, challenging yet rewarding gameplay, and endearing cast of characters continue to shine, making it a must-play for Donkey Kong fans of all ages.Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD details
Platform: Nintendo SwitchDeveloper: Forever Entertainment, Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
A key was provided by the publisher.