Donkey Kong Country Returns makes its much-anticipated return! This celebrated Wii title, a revival of the beloved Donkey Kong Country trilogy from the SNES era, originally debuted in 2010, followed by a 3DS adaptation a few years later. The sequel, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, hit the Wii U in 2014 and later found its way to the Switch. Now, more than a decade later, fans can revisit this classic with the fully remastered Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Switch, ready for another exhilarating journey!
Fans of DK have been eagerly awaiting a fresh installment in the Retro Studios-developed Donkey Kong series. However, it seems the wait continues as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD comes without any new levels. It does include the eight bonus stages previously available in the 3DS version, yet lacks exclusive content on the Switch. Instead, this release focuses on providing enhanced visuals, running at HD resolution with improved lighting and graphical updates. A slight downside is that loading times have increased, taking 5-8 seconds longer than the Wii and 3DS versions. Although this is not a major setback, it’s unexpected, considering other remastered titles on Switch have generally improved loading experiences.
This remaster, like other transitions from Wii to Switch such as Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, showcases timeless bright and vivid visuals that look stunning in HD. While the 3DS version reduced the framerate due to hardware constraints, this new release successfully maintains a smooth 60fps consistent with the original Wii version. Another noteworthy adjustment in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is its revamped control scheme, enabling gameplay with a standard controller, while motion controls can be toggled in settings. As anticipated, the controls are precise and responsive, even with motion control functionality active.
In the story, Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong team up after a tribe of malevolent tiki heads emerge from a volcano, hypnotizing the island’s inhabitants and pilfering Donkey Kong’s beloved banana stash. This simple plot sets the stage for an exciting platforming adventure. Diddy Kong serves as a temporary boost, granting extra hearts and the ability to glide short distances when collected. In cooperative mode, a friend can control Diddy Kong independently, enjoying a similar moveset along with a jetpack and a Peanut Popgun for launching projectiles. The multiplayer experience enhances the overall fun, made easier by the use of Joy-Cons.
The gameplay of Donkey Kong Country Returns stands the test of time remarkably well. Players can walk, run, jump, crouch, roll, ground pound, blow, pick up and toss barrels, swing from vines, and more, with levels expertly designed to leverage this comprehensive moveset. Despite sharing some elements with 2D Mario games—like a side-scrolling structure and a map with linear worlds—it’s the unique differences that elevate this title. Each area offers distinct challenges, whether it’s classic platforming, minecart sequences, sky navigation in rocket barrels, or riding a speedy rhino, not to mention engaging boss battles. Players can also discover numerous hidden areas and collectibles, including puzzle pieces and letters that spell K-O-N-G. Furthermore, completing levels unlocks Time Attack modes, allowing players to earn medals for speedrunning—achieving gold can be quite a challenge.
For newcomers to the Donkey Kong Country franchise, prepare for the game’s notably challenging segments, especially when aiming for 100% completion. Some levels can be demanding, requiring precise timing and expert platforming skills. If you’re uncertain of your skills, the easier setting from the 3DS version, now labeled “Modern Mode,” offers an extra heart and beneficial items from Cranky Kong’s Shop. Those daring to select “Original Mode” should remember to make good use of the shop during level selection, utilizing banana coins to buy helpful items like extra lives, heart boosts, or temporary invincibility through banana juice.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stands as the definitive version for those wishing to experience this classic title, a prelude to Tropical Freeze. While the full retail price and lack of new levels may challenge the justification for those who already enjoyed it on Wii or 3DS, the upgrade in resolution and visual fidelity makes this beloved Wii platformer feel refreshed for a new audience, provided one can overlook the longer loading times. Mark your calendars for the 16th of January 2025 as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD officially hits the Nintendo Switch.
8.5/10
A copy of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for review purposes was provided by Nintendo UK.