Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review

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Since 2014’s “Tropical Freeze,” which was released on the Wii U, Nintendo hasn’t introduced a fresh Donkey Kong game. However, with the recent surge in popularity of platformer games, as demonstrated by titles like 2024’s Astro Bot and the exceptional Super Mario games for the Nintendo Switch, one might expect that it would be an ideal moment for a new Donkey Kong Country game.

In today’s era, hardcore games are widely appreciated, as demonstrated by the escalation of the Soulslike genre. Consequently, doubts about the difficulty of ‘Donkey Kong Country’ might be relatively scarce.

Despite the announcement that he’ll be getting his own theme park this year, it seems that Donkey Kong is still not considered worthy of a fresh, new video game release on the Nintendo Switch platform.

Skipping over this chance was regrettable, since the updated version of Tropical Freeze and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD are both exceptional examples of how the series thrives among contemporary players, showcasing its prowess in the platformer genre.

A Shine & Polish

Nintendo has been open and enthusiastic about porting classic games to the Nintendo Switch. For example, they’ve not only remastered Metroid Prime but also revamped Link’s Awakening, with Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze being an exception.

It’s quite interesting that they chose to release Donkey Kong Country Returns again, given it has been remade and re-introduced on the Nintendo 3DS. This makes it the third time the game has been made available.

At its heart, this is the same brutally difficult Donkey Kong Country experience you grew up with

One potential rephrase for your text could be: “These games have a caveat – some might say they were a bit flashy or novelty-driven. The initial version incorporated motion controls, while later ones took full advantage of the 3D features on the Nintendo 3DS. In truth, Returns HD represents the first ‘traditional’ release of the game, offering a refreshing change.

Instead of relying on flashy features that may not interest gamers, the focus is shifted towards showcasing the core gameplay mechanics.

In terms of its challenging yet detailed gameplay and outstanding inventiveness, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stands among the top tier of exceptional 2D platform games.

DK Pulls No Punches

Instead of Nintendo’s other 2D platformer from that period, New Super Mario Bros., it presents a significant change in style as it was overly focused on being user-friendly compared to the norm.

In the game “Returns HD“, there are some accessibility enhancements. You can enjoy the game with extra lives, similar to the 3DS version, and if you repeatedly die during a level, the game will automatically play it for you. However, these features aren’t compulsory; fundamentally, this is the same challenging “Donkey Kong Country” experience that you remember from your childhood.

Regardless of whether it’s favorable or unfavorable, this encompasses those unexpected surges in challenge. To describe the difficulty progression in Returns HD as erratic would be too mild; it bears a striking resemblance to a live EKG graph straight out of a medical drama.

In this game, you can skip around levels instead of following a strict sequence. This is helpful when avoiding tough spots, unless – like me – you dislike handling the rocket barrel, in which case it might still pop up occasionally. But don’t fret! The subsequent levels tend to be excessively simple for some reason.

As a devoted player, I can attest that one particularly challenging phase in this game has me perpetually dodging a relentless horde of bugs. It’s an exhilarating, nerve-wracking test of my platforming skills, one that often ends with my untimely demise multiple times. Surprisingly, the boss battle that follows is surprisingly easy, offering a stark contrast to the intense, adrenaline-pumping fights I was anticipating.

In “Donkey Kong Country Returns HD,” the sudden increases in challenge level are what I find most frustrating. It’s not only that the game abruptly becomes extremely challenging, but also because these tough sections are often followed by stages that seem overly simplistic and dull in comparison.

Getting Your Money’s Worth

After such experiences, it’s common to experience a sense of disappointment when the rush of excitement subsides. Luckily, the game’s captivating environment will entice you to return.

Let me tell you straight up, I’m absolutely smitten with “Donkey Kong Country Returns”! The high-definition graphics just drive home how stunning this game is. Each world offers unique terrains and levels that set it apart from other platformers, making it a standout even in today’s gaming landscape. What really takes the cake for me though, is how skillfully they’ve blended fresh, ingenious concepts with a dash of nostalgia. It’s like stepping back into a familiar world, but with exciting new twists!

This game features all the big names, boasting legendary music, challenging courses, and an endless supply of items to gather. In essence, Donkey Kong Country is not only about finishing levels but also amassing every item within reach.

Indeed, I managed to conquer each realm within just a few hours, but let me tell you, there’s so much more to explore! The real dilemma lies in whether the journey is worth continuing.

It’s truly disheartening that Nintendo is asking fans to pay around $60 once again, given that it has been more than a decade since they launched a new installment in this particular franchise, and yet they continue to promote it aggressively.

People criticizing the $59.99 price due to perceived lack of content are mistaken: this place offers a wealth of sights and activities. If you’re worried about value for money based on the original gameplay duration, don’t be. You can comfortably spend 25+ hours here, gathering everything.

Indeed, those worries about the cost are understandable. Many dedicated Nintendo enthusiasts not only experienced but also continue to possess this game from 15 years back. It’s safe to assume that a good portion of them also played and kept the remake of the game, which was released a decade ago.

It’s quite frustrating that Nintendo expects fans to pay around $60 again for the third time, given that it hasn’t introduced a new game in this particular franchise for more than ten years, yet continues to promote it heavily.

As a dedicated fan, I couldn’t help but notice that Metroid Prime Remastered hit the shelves at an affordable $39.99, quite unexpected given its sleek, modernized control system – a feature often associated with full-priced releases. In contrast, other recent revamps have maintained their original $59.99 tags, banking solely on the nostalgic charm of their classic content to lure us gamers in.

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, just like with Luigi’s Mansion 2, and whether a particular approach works well in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD hinges on how familiar you are with the game from your past experiences.

Closing Thoughts

Donkey Kong Country Returns remains an exceptional game in today’s context. Its superiority among other platform games underscores the original version’s high quality. Yet, this is the third time it has been re-released over the past 15 years, and this new edition retails at $60 with minimal additional content. For dedicated Nintendo enthusiasts, this might be tough to accept, especially if they already own previous versions. The only significant difference is improved graphics; otherwise, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD doesn’t offer much incentive for repurchase unless you desire a modern platform. However, if you haven’t played it before, it justifies the cost. Essentially, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD represents the ultimate version of an outstanding 2D platformer. Those who are keen on amassing everything will likely spend many hours here.

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2025-01-24 20:39