Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has returned, again

Donkey Kong Country is back I just won’t stop coming back.

Players may remember the game’s original launch on Wii in 2010, and perhaps even a remastered version. Donkey Kong Country returns 3D for the 3DS in 2013, but that’s just the tip of the banana tree. Return was also re-released for both the Wii and 3DS as part of the discount Nintendo Selects line, launched as a digital-only offering on the Wii U eShop, and was even released for the Nvidia Shield in China as recently as 2019 (in 1080p and 60 frames per second). secondly, no less).

Donkey Kong Country returns HD for Nintendo Switch takes aspects of each of these re-releases – motion controls, bonus levels, improved graphics – and combines them into an unforgettable experience. This is by far the best looking and feeling game ever, but with so many quality Donkey Kong Country games (literally all of them) available on Switch, Returns HD often has difficulty coping with their tasks.

From the very beginning it is obvious that the creators Donkey Kong Country is backand, accordingly, Returns HDtried to recapture the magic of the original 1994 faux 3D adventure while bringing new perspectives to the environments, enemies, and collectibles. The game’s soundtrack follows suit, with many of David Wise’s fan-favorite tracks such as “Forest Frenzy” and “Aquatic Ambience” remixed alongside new works by veteran Nintendo composer Kenji Yamamoto. The resulting game is an interesting mix of nostalgia and new ideas, but thematically it all feels too boring. The Donkey Kong Country series is at its best and most memorable when things get weird. Returns HD It has its notable moments, they are few and far between.

While the setting isn’t particularly impressive, the variety and quality of the level design is Returns HDThe approximately 12-hour adventure is impressive. While it stumbles at times due to difficulty (more on that in a moment), new level mechanics like sticky grass walls, collapsing platforms, and beautiful sunset silhouettes add some much-needed gameplay variety to the hop ‘n’ bop classic. formula. Each level is filled with bananas, coins, hearts and the KONG letters that Donkey Kong fans are all too familiar with. It will be difficult for players to find everything Returns HD has to offer on a first playthrough, inspiring completionists to revisit every corner in search of bonus barrels and hidden puzzle pieces.

Same as original Donkey Kong CountryThe titular monkey is joined by the versatile Diddy Kong. The rumble of the HD Switch makes controlling the pair’s dizzying flights feel as enjoyable as ever. Although Diddy is unplayable in single player, his presence gives Donkey Kong an infinite roll attack and, taking inspiration from Donkey Kong 64advanced hover jump using a jetpack. In two-player mode, the chimpanzee can perform his own acrobatic feats and even swing his iconic peanut gun from time to time. Multiplayer platformers can easily get a little hectic, but Returns HD handles this well, allowing Diddy to go it alone or latch onto Donkey Kong’s back for a team approach.

In its original form, called “Original Mode”, Returns HD can be extremely difficult. With only two hit points (four with Diddy on the ride) and instant death from falls, ocean waves, and various vehicle collisions, players are forced to jump, swing, and roll with near perfection to survive, let alone discover and collect all the secrets the game has to offer. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as 2D platformers that play too safe can feel stale, but with a sudden spike in difficulty Returns HD instead, it can sometimes feel unfair and slow.

To combat previous complaints about sudden leaps in primate skill, Returns HD presents “Modern Mode”, an updated look at what was called the “New Regime” in the game’s release on 3DS. Players who choose Modern mode receive an extra heart for each Kong, as well as the ability to equip items purchased from Cranky Kong’s store. Extra lives, instant invulnerability, and reserve barrels are available at discounted prices. Modern mode allows players to equip up to nine of these items before advancing to any level, a huge number of safety nets that seem sure to help even the most inexperienced player reach the end of most levels or boss battles.

Even with safety systems in place, when it comes to disappointment, Returns HDTrolley and Rocket Barrel Gauntlets are the worst offenders. These levels, spread across the game’s eight main worlds, introduce new obstacles and enemies so quickly that they are nearly impossible to overcome on the first try. Suddenly a mole appears with a bomb, a boulder of diamond spikes falls, or a giant bat falls onto the screen from below and you’re dead. The worst part is that even if you know what will happen, the simplest mistake will always lead to failure. Timing is everything, and while veteran players will be able to complete most of these challenges after a few tries, the average player will likely find these sections overwhelming. Bless the unfortunately named Training Pig, who appears several times throughout the level to give players a much-needed point of return.

Players who simply cannot hack it (and have lost enough lives) are offered the services of the legendary Super Kong. This silver-haired donkey clone will automatically progress through dangerous levels from start to finish, avoiding every possible collectible along the way. This is another great option for less confident Kongs who just want to move on to the next challenge, although Super Kong’s sluggish pacing can certainly be tiring.

Donkey Kong Country returns HD is a solid game – it’s far from the best primate platformer on the Switch. The original Super Nintendo trilogy remains timeless (yes, even the one with Kiddy Kong), and the 2018 port Tropical frost excels both thematically and creatively, featuring an entire cast of Kongs. However, fans of 2D platformers will still find a lot to like in it. Returns HDOver 80 levels and tons of collectibles. And for beginners, there are plenty of options in the form of a modern mode, equippable items, and Super Kong. Returns HD to date, perhaps the most affordable model in the Donkey Kong Country line.

Just try not to get caught too much getting angry when you miss the trolley for the seventh time in a row.

Donkey Kong Country returns HD will be released on January 16th on Nintendo Switch. The game has been reviewed on Nintendo Switch using a pre-release download code provided by Nintendo. Vox Media has partnerships. They do not influence editorial content, although Vox Media may earn commissions on products purchased through affiliate links. You can find More information about Polygon’s ethical policies can be found here..