Donkey Kong Country Returns Review

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Retro Studios Platform: Wii Players: 1-2 Release: 2010 Genre: 2D Platformer Rating: 8.8 \ 10.0: Fantastic 

Donkey Kong fans, listen up! This is the best DK game I’ve played 1994’s Super NES classic, Donkey Kong Country, the first game in the beloved series of platformers. This game introduces a new group of villains, the Tiki Tak tribe, who have stolen DK’s bananas, as well as hypnotized the innocent animal inhabitants of Donkey Kong Island. The Wii Remote adds a new thrill to the gameplay. Shaking it allows you to pound the ground rather than . Doing this as Player One, Donkey Kong, dizzies most types of nearby enemies, making them extra vulnerable, and doing it as Player Two, DK's nephew, Diddy Kong, pounds the ground as well, and it also fires his Peanut Popgun, which stuns some enemies and defeats others. With two players, you can be extra cooperative— Diddy can hop on DK’s back for a piggyback ride, but unfortunately, you "take turns" losing health while piggybacking, which can be a bit angering. Some of the levels can be frustrating, too, such as ones where you must ride a mine cart or a Rocket Barrel. Thankfully, dying enough times gives you the option to let mysterious Super Kong finish do the level for you (you still have to complete it yourself if you want to beat the game 100%). The secret-packed level design is splendid, and there are some levels that you can unlock with Map Keys, which can be purchased in Cranky Kong's shop for 20 Banana Coins. Completing these levels blazes a shortcut through the corresponding world. Also, if you look closely enough in some levels, you might spot a classic Nintendo cameo, such as on World 7-1. In the background, you might eye the iconic Mr. Game & Watch hammering under-construction parts of the industrial environment. Additionally, the game features some of the most beautiful visuals seen on the Wii (especially when shadows come into play) and lots of creativity. Minor issues aside, this game is great fun! It's an absolute blast, and I can't recommend it enough to Donkey Kong fans, especially those who lost hope for a sequel after Rare's buyout by Microsoft.

Ups
Great level design
Classic cameos
Striking visuals
Lots of creativity

Downs
Sometimes frustratingly difficult
"Take turns" taking damage in co-op mode

Also available on 3DS

ESRB: E Content: Mild Cartoon Violence Price: $19.99 (Retail)