Donkey Kong Country Returns HD reminds us that the series is due for a renaissance. We’ve had the year of Kirby and the year of Luigi; now is it time for the year of Donkey Kong? I hope so because the iconic character needs a moment in the spotlight.
Retro developed the original for the Wii in 2010, which marked the triumphant comeback of one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
As a reimagining of the Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong Country Returns does a Thankfully, it not only met but exceeded expectations, proving to be a masterclass in platforming design and a testament to the timeless appeal of Donkey Kong.
A Return to Form
The original Donkey Kong Country trilogy, developed by Rare, was celebrated for its groundbreaking visuals, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. Donkey Kong Country Returns wisely retained the essence of its predecessors while modernizing the formula for a new generation. Retro Studios revitalized the core elements that made the original series beloved with polished mechanics, updated visuals, and creative-level design.
At the time, Retro incorporated iconic elements from the original trilogy, such as mine cart rides, barrel blasting, and familiar enemies, while adding fresh twists. Still, it never reaches the same highs as Tropical Freeze. Players are greeted with environments that evoke the classic games, including lush jungles, treacherous caves, and fiery volcanoes. These settings include dynamic details and interactive elements that bring them to life and perfectly balance each by paying homage to its roots and carving its identity.
Like the port to 3DS, you can choose between Original Mode, which retains the two-heart capacity for Donkey and Diddy Kong, and Modern Mode, which grants three hearts for each character along with additional power-up items available for purchase from Cranky Kong in the game’s shops. These power-ups include the Crash Guard or an assortment of barrels, which allow players a second chance or a DK Barrel to summon Diddy Kong. Despite the variety in items and heart capacity, Original and Modern Mode maintain the same difficulty and level layout. You’ll want to be wary as you’re locked into your decision.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a barrel of fun
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is much more complex than I remember, so adding hearts and extra lives is a welcome bonus. It’s reminiscent of the SNES title that I spent hours obsessing over at Christmas as a kid, and there are a lot of great tricks to discover and master. The challenge is pretty close to the SNES games, too.
Yet, this level of challenge is part of what makes Donkey Kong Country Returns HD so rewarding to finish. Every successful run through a particularly tricky level feels like an actual achievement, and the satisfaction you get at the end of every level is hard to match with more recent titles.
Timeless Gameplay
The gameplay in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD truly shines. The controls are responsive and precise, which is essential for a platformer with such a high level of challenge. Players control Donkey Kong and, in co-op mode, Diddy Kong, each bringing unique abilities to the table. Donkey Kong’s strength allows him to pound the ground and defeat enemies, while Diddy’s jetpack provides an added layer of maneuverability.
The level design is a standout aspect of the game. Each level is meticulously crafted, offering a variety of challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The game constantly introduces new mechanics and hazards that test your skills, from navigating collapsing platforms to timing jumps in high-speed mine cart sequences. The difficulty curve is expertly paced, offering a steady increase in complexity without becoming overwhelming.
The series is known for its difficulty, but thankfully, there is a solution for those who wish to join without stressing over the challenge. While Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is challenging, it is rarely unfair. The included optional Super Guide feature allows players to skip difficult sections if they struggle. This ensures that newcomers and veteran players can enjoy the game without frustration.
The vibrant art style captures the charm and whimsy of Donkey Kong’s world. At the same time, the soundtrack, composed by Kenji Yamamoto, includes remixes of classic tunes and original compositions that perfectly complement the action on screen. Music is a critical element of the game’s identity, and the dynamic score elevates the emotional resonance of each level.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD holds up remarkably well over a decade after its release. The timeless design, characterized by its tight controls, imaginative levels, and engaging gameplay, ensures it remains enjoyable. Retro Studios’ attention to detail and commitment to quality shine through in every aspect of the game. The title doesn’t rely on cutting-edge technology or trends to impress; it depends on solid fundamentals and creativity, which many games lack due to ballooning budgets and sequelitis.
Verdict
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD might be a remaster, but it’s one of the better platformers of the last fifteen years. There is a striking balance of old and new mechanics that will challenge players of all ages, and it offers some incredible moments that few games can replicate.
[The publisher provided a copy of the game for review purposes.]
Reviewed on: Switch
