In 2010, Retro Studios breathed new life into the beloved Donkey Kong Country franchise with Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii. Drawing inspiration from Rare’s original trilogy while introducing innovative gameplay elements, the game became an instant classic. Now, the jungle adventure swings onto Nintendo Switch in glorious high definition, offering a visually enhanced experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD delivers a largely faithful recreation of the original, preserving the pulse-pounding platforming action that made it so memorable.
The story remains unchanged: Donkey and Diddy Kong embark on a quest to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the mischievous Tiki Tak Tribe. These tribal troublemakers have also hypnotized the island’s other inhabitants, forcing Donkey and Diddy to face off against a menagerie of hostile creatures, from scuttling crabs to airborne birds and burrowing moles.
The Tiki Tak Tribe (right) are the primary antagonists in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
Veterans of the Donkey Kong Country series will instantly recognize the core gameplay: jumping, swinging, and navigating treacherous terrain to reach the end of each stage. Retro Studios masterfully captured the essence of the SNES originals, including the notoriously challenging mine cart levels. However, they even managed to surpass those thrills with the introduction of the Rocket Barrel stages, offering some of the most intense and demanding platforming sequences in the game.
While Rare’s Donkey Kong Country games were already known for their difficulty, Retro Studios amplified the challenge. From strategically placed enemies to gaping chasms, numerous hazards await the unwary player. Though this can be anxiety-inducing for some, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD retains the “Modern Mode” introduced in the 3DS version, providing a more accessible experience for those seeking a less punishing playthrough. Even in normal mode, the difficulty remains fair, thanks to well-placed checkpoints, ample extra lives, and Cranky Kong’s shop stocked with helpful Red Balloons.
Donkey and Diddy Kong cling precariously to a platform.
As the first 2D entry in the series since 1996, Donkey Kong Country Returns sought to evoke the spirit of its predecessors, particularly in its musical score. While not composed by series veteran David Wise, Kenji Yamamoto’s soundtrack pays homage to Wise’s iconic work, reimagining beloved tracks like “DK Island Swing” and “Aquatic Ambiance.” While lacking in originality, these updated versions remain undeniably catchy and evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.
The HD remaster significantly enhances the game’s already impressive visuals. Environments like Sunset Shore truly pop with vibrant colors and detailed textures, offering a noticeable improvement over the Wii version, both in handheld and docked modes. While not reaching the graphical heights of modern 2D platformers like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the remaster showcases Retro Studios’ artistry, which has aged remarkably well. The addition of multiple control options, including a more traditional scheme, further solidifies Donkey Kong Country Returns HD as the definitive version of the game.
The vibrant Sunset Shore level in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
The remaster’s shortcomings stem from elements that were lacking in the original. The absence of underwater levels, a staple of the Donkey Kong Country trilogy, is a noticeable omission. These stages often featured memorable areas and the beloved swordfish Enguarde. The Tiki Tak Tribe, while not inherently bad, lack the charm and iconic status of the Kremlings from the SNES games. Finally, the game’s relatively short length, clocking in under five hours for those focusing on the main story, might disappoint some players.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a valuable addition to the Nintendo Switch library. The core gameplay remains as engaging and challenging as it was in 2010. While the price point and the decision to release it separately from Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze might be debated, the HD remaster offers a fantastic opportunity to experience (or revisit) this platforming gem. It’s a perfect way to test your platforming skills and bridge the gap while waiting for Donkey Kong’s next adventure. If you cherished the classic Donkey Kong Country games and missed Donkey Kong Country Returns upon its initial release, this is the ideal chance to rectify that oversight.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD releases January 16th on Nintendo Switch.
