donkey kong country returns review
Sure, it might be anticlimactic to watch the end boss get trumped by a computer-controlled monkey, but it sure beats pounding your head against the wall in frustration. In 2010, Retro Studios set out to prove that they could do for another fallen franchise what they'd done for Metroid. I wouldn't call myself a hardcore gamer (due to lots of work and energetic ferrets), but I am quite experienced and it's my passion and life. From the deep jungles, to the underground, and to the cliff tops, Diddy and Donkey are the only hope rescuing Donkey Kong’s bananas and freeing the island from the Tiki Tak Tribe. Until recently, those of us who grew up on (and loved) 2D side-scrolling platform games had been suffering a 15-year starvation. , the bonus stages and hidden items are fairly easy to discover - the tough part is getting them. ...then you'll get 'em in spades in Donkey Kong Country Returns. The backgrounds are particularly impressive, giving you a visual feast to take in while avoiding all the tricks and traps in the foreground. Reviewed on: 3DS; Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D's voyage to a portable system comes with new problems, but this is still an exciting platformer. Donkey Kong Country returns in Donkey Kong Country Returns. You have to jump from one crumbling rail to the next, continually changing your strategy and pushing your reflexes to stay one step ahead of the imminent dangers. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is a great port of an amazing game. My 6 y/o nephew found the game mechanics too difficult, though...It is a very challenging platformer...Bear that in mind if you are thinking of buying "Donkey Kong Country Returns… “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a great platformer full of tense sequences and tough levels. The game goes back to its original 2D roots from the SNES era, this time bringing back the original duo Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Donkey Kong County Returns is a 2010 video game. 0. Donkey Kong Country Returns nicely remixes past hits from the series, evoking a sense of nostalgia for franchise fans. Turns out Retro can make good Donkey Kong games too! But even though you don't have to fear enemies atop the horned beast, you still need to be aware of dangers. Donkey Kong Country Returns gets underway in a typical daft Nintendo manner. I wish the game offered more … I bought the game because I am a huge fan of the Nintendo characters they've brought to life on Wii. The most famous example is the giant Octopus on the beach, which launches its tentacles as it tries to attack you. Instead, it's the way in which these tried-and-true pieces are used that pushes you through this journey. a single crash kills instantly. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a great single-player game, but if you want to get your bananas back with a buddy by your side, there's a handy cooperative mode as well. November 30, 2010. At the same time, the musical selection boasts plenty of new tracks that keep you humming and bopping your head as DK hops from platform to platform. Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2019, This is a fun game it's another in the Donkey Kong Country series if you played it before you pretty much know you have to go through a main island and then complete each level there are various other extras if you find the hidden letters that spell KONG you get a bonus there hidden areas so you may want to see if you may want to either buy a printed copy of the strategy guide or go on the internet to the various video game websites where people post walkthroughs I found the graphics to be nice looking in overall the game is fun I recommend you should check it out, Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2010. © 2021 GAMESPOT, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. This is a traditional take on 2D platformers, and it excels because the brilliant level design makes old obstacles seem new again. I played the original DK Country and good god it really requires patience and fast puzzle solving skills. A Nintendo 3DS port of the game by Monster Games, titled Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, was released in North America and the PAL region in … In particular, the hypnotic song used by the Tiki Tak Tribe to entrance bosses stuck out. Landing ridiculous jumps and figuring out tricky puzzles is all in a day's work for Donkey Kong. Oh baby, it hurts so good. These extra stages are among the best in the game, ratcheting up the difficulty and forcing you to use every trick you've learned throughout your adventure. In fact, just about every element of Donkey Kong Country Returns is a sight to behold. In two-player mode, a quick shake of the Wii Remote will give him the ability to fire his Peanut Popgun to assist Donkey Kong. Jonas Elfving has bounced around, eating bananas - and then he played Donkey Kong Country Returns! Some of the cutscenes almost look like Pixar films. You will die often in this game, but it's rarely frustrating. Instead, you control Donkey Kong during the entire game, and when you find a specially marked DK barrel, you summon your little friend to help you out. In Donkey Kong Country Returns players can team up as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, in order to complete a fun-filled series of challenges, puzzles and tasks to reclaim Donkey … Each method comes with its pros and … You ride along a set track, jumping over pits and dodging enemies until you reach the end. GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a blast from the past – but with better graphics, new moves, expansive environments, and perhaps most importantly, cooperative ("co-op") play for two gamers to team up and tackle the worlds together. For example, the duo can hover via Diddy's jetpack or Diddy can hop on Donkey's back and fire his peanut popgun. Hidden collectibles give a substantial reason to replay levels. No wonder "Donkey Kong Country Returns" consistently shows up in "Top 10 Wii Games" listicles on the web. The Wii version is superior, but Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D has both the simple charms of a gimmick-free 2D platformer and a strong grip on nostalgic heartstrings. We both had hyper levels of nostalgia for the classic trilogy of Donkey Kong Country games on the SNES, and when I saw that Retro studios, the geniuses behind the best Metroid games in the franchise (. 0 GameSpot: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D Review: 7 / 10. Donkey Kong Country Returns is constantly twisting traditional ideas, which keeps even platforming experts on their toes. Useful review? PS5 Restock Update: Check Stock At Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, And More, Xbox Restocks: Check Stock At Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, And More, Sony Announced 6 PlayStation VR Games Today -- Here's All Of Them. Donkey Kong is one of the best-known video game characters of all time, but the last few generations of consoles have been a strange experience for the ape. Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2010. did for SNES, Retro Studios did an amazing job. Cruising past fireballs, around zeppelins, and between spiked crushers will definitely get your heart racing, especially because one touch causes your temporary rocket to spontaneously combust. The music really evokes the classic soundtrack, with some tracks lifted directly from the original. It's simply a … In addition to the standard jumping fare, there are vehicle sequences that inject speed into the mix. If you suffer a couple of hits, you lose Diddy until you find another barrel, and controlling Donkey Kong by his lonesome makes things trickier. This forces him to retrieve the hoard with the help of his nephew Diddy Kong. Even while playing with classic controller setup, a brief movement of the wiimote will accidentally send DK into a roll... right off the edge of that platform. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a great single-player game, but if you want to get your bananas back with a buddy by your side, there's a handy cooperative mode as well. Normally, I would embrace this challenge, but Nintendo decided they wanted to implement some goofy motion controls into the schematics, thereby ruining the experience. Shares. This isn't a HD remake or a franchise reboot or whatever the heck a redux is. This is a game that requires VERY precise platforming skills. 0. 0. For Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii, a reader review titled "It's Better Than No DKC4". By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2010, When my wife and I saw previews for this game, we both decided together immediately that we would get it. Every song complements the visuals wonderfully, making sure the aesthetic pleasures are able to match the excellent gameplay. Every level hides a new surprise, and you'll replay them over and over again not only to nab every hidden collectible, but also because they're exquisitely entertaining. Fortunately, the DK Rap sits this one out. Many of the tracks have been pulled from the original Donkey Kong Country, except in a remixed form. Levels aren't simply linear 2-D routes, but have several foreground and background layers that interact with you characters. The game's story focuses on a group of evil creatures called Tikis known as the Tiki Tak Tribe that arrive on Donkey Kong Island, and hypnotize the island's animals to steal Donkey Kong's bananas. I was fortunate enough to have an SNES when the first Donkey Kong Country hit stores in 1994. Donkey Kong's adventure takes him through a series of locales that recall the classic environments of Donkey Kong Country. 5 Comments Posted by IPGR on June 12, 2012. You may have known that barrels can quickly shoot you across a level, but did you know you can use one as a makeshift rocket in a pinch? There is a never-ending cavalcade of traps in Returns that ensures you're constantly fighting for your life and keeping your eyes peeled for unexpected dangers. For Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii, GameFAQs has 3 guides and walkthroughs, 11 cheat codes and secrets, 46 reviews, 55 critic reviews, 4 save games, and 16 user screenshots. DK Country was my favorite game from the 16 bit era. Donkey Kong Country Returns Review. The soundtrack is just as impressive. Donkey Kong Country Returns review A rare case of retro at its prime By Brett Elston 20 November 2010. Boss battles are a huge highlight, and it’s packed with … Waving the controller to blow out a fire or hand slap the ground is mildly annoying, but it doesn't impede your progress. Its is a good year we should have more years like this.] Crumbling platforms are just one danger you have to be mindful of: Enemies spring up in unexpected places, boulders attempt to squish you flat, and spiked balls spell doom with just one touch. Shaking the controller is just not precise enough in such situations, which might result in you dying a few aggravating deaths. The original arcade game Donkey Kong is one of the major success stories of early gaming, and predates even Mario Bros. After a hiatus of over a decade, the iconic jungle sensation is back as Nintendo top off their impeccable Christmas software line-up with the highly anticipated return of one of their most loved franchises, Donkey Kong Country. Here are some thoughts a bit more than halfway through the game: ' graphics don't have quite the same "wow factor" as the original. I've never played a game that's both so frustrating and so fun at the same time. There aren't many barrels throughout the game, so no more running around with barrels throwing them at every wall to find secret chambers. The levels in Donkey Kong Country Returns are beautifully rendered and creatively designed with lots of hidden items to discover. Donkey Kong Country Returns Review. Summary: A fresh new Donkey Kong experience on modern platforms. Although it doesn't sound nearly as exciting as a groundbreaking new gameplay mechanic, the real joy in this game stems from navigating these deviously constructed levels. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a solid side-scrolling platformer from start to finish. Donkey Kong Country Returns Review. Donkey Kong Country Returns ’ presentation brims with character. Pros: It's like someone traveled back in time to 1996 and brought back a new Super NES platformer that we all forgot about. Donkey Kong Country Returns is the first OFFICIAL Donkey Kong game based on the main franchise since DK64 from early 2000s. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a Wii platformer where you get bananas and beat up the guys who steal your bananas This game gets a 10/10 from me. Donkey Kong Country Returns Review. Surprisingly, riding atop your trusty friend is the easiest portion of the game. From there, you navigate the treacherous subterranean world of a dark cave; the dense, foggy air in a polluted factory; and a sweltering volcano that would make even a monkey's uncle sweat. November 22, 2010 - Much like any medium, gaming has the potential to evoke a sense of escapist fantasy or childlike wonder. Each method comes with its pros and … And while I really, really wanted to give this game 5 stars, a couple of big cons that stuck through the whole game held it back. I count Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 as among my favorite games--and games that were fun enough (and didn't require expert technique) that I could enjoy with my wife, a non-gamer. In. Getting through alone is difficult enough, but trying to navigate these tricky platforms is downright daunting when two people are trying to synchronize their actions. Donkey Kong Country Returns is another great game for Nintendo's furry mascot, and it's a must-play for anyone craving an old-school platformer. Furthermore, the DK barrels are few and far between - sometimes there are not even any near the halfway point. First of all, Donkey and Diddy are separated (player two controls Diddy), which means whoever is in charge of Donkey has stunted controls. Great. Dynamically changing levels are the most noteworthy element, and though this idea has cropped up in other games, it's done exceptionally well here. The challenge comes from the intelligent placement of basic platforming obstacles. definitely emphasizes the former, even more than the SNES games. A few questionable control decisions are the only problems in this exciting blast from the past. The extra world is a worthwhile addition, and the new easy mode should allow even more people to enjoy the ride. The wealth of different ideas staves off any feeling of sameness that could potentially derail your fun. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Donkey Kong Country Returns lets you play with the standard Wii Remote and Nunchuk combo, or just the Remote on its side like an NES controller (which I preferred), and mostly these controls work fine. Halfway through Donkey Kong Country Returns, I realized that playing this series is analogous to having an on-again, off-again love affair with a sadistic dominatrix. Useful review? Released for the Wii, Donkey Kong Country Returns continues the side scrolling series that last appeared on the GameCube as Donkey Kong Jungle Beat By Ryan Scott | Nov 19, 2010. Donkey Kong Country Returns doesn't hide behind any gimmicks. raises the bar for 2-D platforming. In one such level, the track breaks before your eyes. 5 animal friends, 101 hidden bonus stages, hands down the best soundtrack I've heard in a game, and it was just plain fun. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. The rather awesome reincarnation of New Super Mario Brothers Wii put an end to that in 2009, while this year we get a restoring of the other most beloved game of the genre, Donkey Kong Country (yes, more beloved, and better, than any Sonic). Donkey Kong moves with a simian grace, and a few goofy animations, such as when his rocket-powered barrel runs out of fuel, add to the appeal. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Donkey Kong Country Returns (Nintendo 3DS) at Amazon.com. It takes a few minutes to get acquainted with his running speed and jumping ability, but things become second nature pretty quickly. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. Terms of Use and In fact, I'd highly recommend simply ignoring all of the puzzles and secrets during your first run-through, and instead just enjoy the graphics and sheer originality of the levels. Making your way to the end in one piece is no small achievement, but there are greater rewards if you collect specific items strewn throughout each world. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D Review Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D's voyage to a portable system comes with new problems, but this is … Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D Review Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D's voyage to a portable system comes with new problems, but this is still … For starters, the graphics are so amazing. 0. IGN gives its video review for Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Nintendo Wii. It manages to offer the perfect balance of old and new elements to form what has to be one of the Wii console's finest platforming experiences and a game that should challenge even seasoned fans of … ), I knew this sequel/reboot would be of the highest quality. Donkey Kong Country Returns, but with a monkey on his back By sircooksalot, updated 01/26/2011 10 I loathe you, ape (No trolling intended) By StephenYap3 , updated 01/10/2011 Platform: Wii; Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D; Developer: Retro Studios; Publisher: Nintendo; Release: November 21, 2010; Also Known As: Donkey Kong Returns (JP) Franchise: Donkey Kong Country; 87. Take, for instance, the mine cart levels. Diddy Kong is just as eager to get his hands on those precious bananas, but you don't get to switch between these two monkeys as in previous games in the series. Donkey Kong Country Returns makes for a great reintroduction of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to Wii owners who have never touched the original … He can also help Donkey Kong with this ability by hopping on to Donkey Kong's back. If you would rather pass this game yourself, the game makes it as painless as possible. Donkey Kong Country Returns,Kirbys Epic Yarn,Epic Micky,NBA Jam,Golden Eye 007 ,Sonic Colors and Super Mario All Star. At least every boss looks fantastic. I was really looking forward to playing this modernized edition, but it has unfortunately fallen well short of my hopes. Donkey Kong has never been mistaken for a noble hero. Donkey Kong Country Returns Review. After playing this, I can't help but wonder what took the big guy so long to come back, but boy am I glad he did! Granted, you can still get through every level even if you don't have a jetpack, but it makes things that much harder. All this publication's reviews Read full review He rides on your back and has a handy jetpack to help you across longer jumps or guide you for precise landings. There's a time and place for innovation, but you certainly can't expect a tie-wearing gorilla to lead the charge into unexplored territory. Gameplay is broken up into smaller levels, each with a somewhat different method of play, adding something fresh as the game goes along. The game goes back Donkey Kong Country Returns is the first OFFICIAL Donkey Kong game based on the main franchise since DK64 from early 2000s. I feel weird reviewing a game on the Wii days away from the Switch coming out, but dor anyone who has a Wii and hasn't played this game yet (pretty sure it's also on the Wii U virtual console) really should. Fantastic visual design and a catchy soundtrack complement the core gameplay beautifully, making it a pleasure to enjoy the aesthetic aspects. Checkpoints are also sprinkled liberally in each level, so you don't have to retrace your steps very far when you do die. System: Wii: Dev: Retro Studios: Pub: Nintendo: Release: November 21, 2010: Players: 1-2: Screen Resolution: 480p: Mild Cartoon Violence: Going Bananas by Steve Haske. Retro Studios revives another franchise, and does great things once again. https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/17/donkey-kong-country-returns-3d-review Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. Purple flowers blossom in underground caves, tidal waves crash into the shore, and flying ships foreshadow upcoming dangers. But even though there's a tangible reward for finding these goodies, the best reason to find them all is that it's incredible fun. Written by Thomas Read . When Retro Studios wrapped up production on the Metroid Prime trilogy of games for Nintendo, many people were wondering what the talented studio would move onto next. The boss fights throw your jumping and dodging mechanics into single-screen bouts that can be quite tricky until you learn their patterns. Total. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Just when you come across a level and think after finishing it, "god, what kind of douchery was that..." The very next level will be ten times harder (not all the time, but very often). Donkey Kong [] 2020-7-27 20:51. Since then, the poor gorilla was stuck with bongo games on the GameCube, which were fun and all, but not the DKC that many were hoping for. I have only played it with her once, and it is a nice combination of being easy to figure out, while still being a challenge. Summary: Retro Studios brings Donkey Kong back a side-scrolling adventure with familiar characters and amazing levels that reignite the passion players had for the Super NES … Levels morph before your eyes, and this unpredictability ensures you're continually presented with new obstacles that require sharp reflexes to navigate. You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. Donkey Kong Country Returns Nintendo's hairy mascot Donkey Kong returns in a 2D-platformer of the highest order. This page works best with JavaScript. on November 22, 2010 at 6:33PM PST. He won't nab any hidden items, but at least you can continue playing if a particularly nasty level threatens to halt your progress. Good. In Donkey Kong Country Returns, the culprit is a Tiki Tak Tribe who are brainwashing the inhabitants of DK’s island to do their evil bidding. Its is a good year we should have more years like this. … The level design is fantastic and it's an absolute pleasure to discover what lies before you. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a blast from the past – but with better graphics, new moves, expansive environments, and perhaps most importantly, cooperative ("co-op") play for two gamers to team up and tackle the worlds together. Bosses go through the requisite number of increasing deadly forms, but they rarely dive into unexplored areas. You might see Mr. Game and Watch slaving away in the factory level or a wide-eyed zebra stationed above a secret alcove. Some of the most challenging sections of the game involve riding a barrel at full speed through these ever-changing levels, and they're some of the most exciting sequences as well. At least he has a companion to help him complete his self-serving deeds. The problem lies in the rolling command which lets you cross extra-wide pits. And what an adventure it is. For starters, the … The world of Donkey Kong Country Returns is satisfyingly large, with the original collection of over 60 stages, plus an unlockable world with eight new stages made for the 3DS version. Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. Instead of setting out to save the world from some unimaginable horror or rescuing a damsel in distress, this starving simian is intent on getting back his stolen bananas. Game Detail. Gorillas are heavy animals, and you can feel his weight whenever you move him. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is a solid platformer, there is no doubt about that, but it is a port of the original Wii game which is a good game too. With DKCR (Donkey Kong Country Returns) you are thrown back into the classic video game franchise with new controls, but same loveable characters! Extra lives are abundant, and you can always purchase more from Cranky Kong using the currency you collect along the way. Donkey Kong's newest adventure makes traditional platforming feel fresh again, thanks to clever level design and great artistic touches. This isn't a HD remake or a franchise reboot or whatever the heck a redux is. Although the mechanics work just fine when playing with a friend, this game really doesn't work as well with two players. You just need to die enough times in each level to activate this feature, and then you can watch a gray-haired gorilla show you how it's done. 2010-12-01 13:00; Jonas Elfving (Gamereactor Sweden) After all, with the original Metroid Prime on GameCube, they arguably created one of the most influential games of the last decade. DKC2 was just as strong, but DKC3 lost a lot of people, myself included. As in properly difficult. Meanwhile, the bosses are far more complex than the old SNES goons and can change their strategies according to your actions. http://www.GameXplain.comIn our review of Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D for the Nintendo 3DS, we explore how it stacks up to the fantastic Wii original! Privacy Policy, Now Playing: Donkey Kong Country Returns Video Review. It will need the Wiimote and nunchuck, even the virtual console version. Donkey Kong Country Returns, released Sunday, is the Wii revival of the classic 2-D platform action games that were huge hits on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Donkey Kong Country Returns Review. Still, this is one of the best platformers I've -ever- played, and I have nothing but high hopes for an improved sequel. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a Wii platformer where you get bananas and beat up the guys who steal your bananas This game gets a 10/10 from me. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, I'm referring to the amazing Metroid Prime Trilogy, for those sadly unacquainted, See all details for Donkey Kong Country Returns, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 1,667 global ratings | 1,141 global reviews, Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2017. By The best of these is a wild chase through a dilapidated factory, proving once and for all that rhinos are faster than monkeys. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Donkey Kong Country Returns offers two different controller options: Wii Remote or Wii Remote with Nunchuck. Donkey Kong's return to gaming is definitely a triumphant one. Sure, … The game often feels more like a retread than a reboot and there's no Classic Controller support, but … Comments; Go to page: Page 2 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Yes, we think DKC Returns … The letters K-O-N-G appear in every level along with a few puzzle pieces, and figuring out where everything is hidden gives this game lots of replay value. Donkey Kong Returns 3D is beautiful, it just isn't that much fun to play. Even in the 90s, I never experienced such poor platforming controls. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a side-scrolling platform game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii console. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2016, My favorite monkey, hampered by lackluster controls, Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2012. Sort by: Most Accurate (default) | Newest | Top Rated. Even without cutting-edge features to distinguish it from other 2D platformers, Donkey Kong's latest adventure is exciting because it constantly messes with your expectations. Cons: It gets way too hard when Diddy Kong's not with you (and this presents an effective handicap when you fire up multiplayer). It sounds ho hum, but in practice, it's anything but.