Donkey Kong Country Returns

When my wife and I saw previews for this game, we both decided together immediately that we would get it. 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 ( I'm referring to the amazing Metroid Prime Trilogy, for those sadly unacquainted ), I knew this sequel/reboot would be of the highest quality. We were not disappointed. We had an absolute blast playing together through each level to the end barrel, collecting red ballons, banana coins, and literally hundreds and hundreds of bananas along the way. We jumped around on evil sentient tiki torches, ran away from mountains of ants, and pounded on weird yet ridiculously fun bosses ranging from toad-armadillo-rhino hybrids, to a chicken operating a mech. All the while, we laughed, we fought, we screamed at the television, and we high fived when we actually got through a particularly difficult patch. This is not an easy game by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it is one of the most challenging games I have ever attempted to play in my life. Oh, it starts out easy enough, but by the fourth world, every level will leave you breathless and your adrenal gland aged at least a couple more years. Playing it on co-op, as me and my wife did, makes it even harder as you have to be almost one minded in jumping at the same time in rapid succession across platforms that collapse within one or two seconds of landing on them. We didn't have too much of a problem though, and it was made all the funner for it. Who would have thought Donkey Kong would be awesome for husband-wife bonding? Plus, if a sequence is too difficult OR requires you to be too precise for two players to get through, the second player as Diddy can jump on DK's back and let player one get through that rough area. It's a brilliant, yet simple, design choice on Retro's part. This game has a ton of replay value as well, as you can't see everything this game has to offer without all the KONG letters and puzzle pieces. Heck, we were even playing optional levels, just to experience the greatness that is DKCR in every way we could. Obviously, I am smitten with DKCR's gameplay, its strongest suit, but is there anything else that is great about it? The answer is a resounding YES! The graphics are fantastic by any system's standards. The backgrounds are full of depth and amazing originality. Because of this advancement in graphical technology, Retro could do things unheard of in the day's of DKC 1-3. For instance, some of the barrel shooting sequence send you in full 3-D trajectories and may land you way off in one of the background courses, only to send you crashing through giant stone totem poles to get you back to the main ground. Some levels also feature foregrounds being only black silhouettes with the only color being DK's tie and Diddy's hat and shirt. These levels were very, very unique and visually stunning. The animations are fantastic in every way, as well as the animal designs. The music is a perfect blend of nostalgic tunes and very cool new tunes that resonate with surprisingly deep atmosphere. I was very impressed. All-in-all, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a brilliant and triumphant return to platform for DK, who has spent too long being cameos in Super Smash games and Mario Kart or starring in bizarre titles like Jungle Beat. 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! My wife and I can't recommend this game enough! BUY IT! PLAY IT! LOVE IT!

CONCEPT: Just as the name suggests, "Donkey Kong Country Returns" is an updated version of the beloved platforming series from the SNES. The story line is very familiar as once again Donkey Kong has been robbed of his banana treasure stash. Only this time it's not the Croc's who are the enemies but a mysterious brainwashing group of Tiki creatures. GRAPHICS: As I'm sure you've seen in still pics and game trailers this game is truly one of the most gorgeous to grace the Wii. Retro Studios has been known for their attention to detail, and on DKCR the game designers do not disappoint. The diversity between levels is also stunning, (I especially like the silhouette stage). The creativity implemented into each and every different stage makes this game retain all the charm of the original games. SOUND DESIGN: Obviously there are songs from the original game that appear in the soundtrack, (it just wouldn't be the same without that sweet jungle theme). They've been updated, remixed and compliment the atmosphere of the game nicely. The ambient sounds blend great to the backdrop of the level. Action sounds are clean, crisp, and very responsive I love when DK slams down his massive fists and my sub kicks out a double low thud... CONTROLS: At first using both the nunchuck and remote simultaneously seemed a little unneccesary and excessive for a platforming game. A few levels in though I realized there were many different movements implemented into the game. This really helped to change things up and make gameplay a lot less repetitive. Unfortunately this complicates the mechanics and there are just certain times where the controls are well... a lil' bit clumsy. Nothing bad enough to hold back this title, but this is after all a review so it does bear mentioning. ENTERTAINMENT: This game is loads of fun for fans of the platforming genre, in fact I'll go so far as to say this game would have a place in the top 5 Greatest Platformers Ever. The levels are difficult and sometimes even mentally challenging, the bosses are tricky and YOU WILL have a hard time completing this game. Although it can be played as a 2 player game, I found it to be extremely limiting for whoever was controlling Diddy. REPLAY VALUE: HIGH Lots and lots of hidden puzzle pieces, K-O-N-G letters, time trials, unlockable levels... yea I'd say this game has a load of replay value to it, on top of the fact that the levels are fun to play. Mine Carts, Rocket Barrels... etc. OVERALL One of the best games of 2010 on any console and perhaps THE best Wii release last year. A must play for fans of the franchise, Donkey Kong Country delivers both a fun and challenging game. I highly recommend this title as it will keep you entertained for weeks, especially if you want to achieve 100% completion. FINAL RATING : 9/10

I grew up playing Donkey Kong Country 1-3 when they originally came out. While I do miss the old Donkey Kong Country games, I think this game has done an excellent job at capturing the original gameplay. This game was incredibly challenging, and I actually have yet to beat it. People used to use the phrase "Nintendo Hard" to explain how difficult a game was, and this game certainly has done a good job at remembering that video games may be challenging and fun. I think this game makes good use of the Wii Remote, with the shaking making Donkey roll, pound the ground, or blow on flowers. I loved how the game makes use of the background, by making it part of the game experience. An example would be how certain enemies will come from the background to the foreground, or how you will jump into barrels that shoot you around the stage, giving this side scroller some dimension. I liked how they did this as opposed to a making the background a mere painting. I think this was a great game, and I recommend to any gamer. While I loved the game, I do have some complaints. However, my list of criticisms doesn't hinder the game at all, this is just me nitpicking. Because my complaints don't take away from the 5-Star rating, feel free to stop reading here. Again, these are simply little complaints. 1) Firstly, I would love to be able to switch between Donkey and Diddy. Unfortunately, Diddy has become more of an added easy switch, if that makes any sense. All Diddy does is allow Donkey to have more life bars and float. This makes the game slightly easier. I want to emphasize, slightly easier. This is all so unfortunate because Diddy is a fun character and it would have been nice to play as him. 2) I wish the bosses were a little more memorable, like Kleever from DKC 2 or the Dumb Drum from DKC. 3) I would have like to have seen other animal buddies make an appearance rather than just Rambi and Squawks (who is only used as a guide to find puzzle pieces). I would love to see Winky, Enguarde, and Squitter make a return. 4) I miss the DK coins, which I believe made a great challenge, especially getting to the DK Coin Kremling, appropriately named Koin. 5) Lastly, I thought the Tiki's made great villains, but it would have been nice to see a Kremling, at least once; even if there was a Kremling used an opening appearance. I just want to see if Nintendo owns all the rights to the DKC games or if is Rare that owns certain parts of the game, because I want to see 'K. Rool' come back in later games. Anyway, that's it. In short, this was a great game and I recommend it anyone who loves Donkey Kong, and to anyone who also loves a challenge!

I've never played a game that's both so frustrating and so fun at the same time. Here are some thoughts a bit more than halfway through the game: The GOOD The graphics are gorgeous. While Donkey Kong Country Returns ' graphics don't have quite the same "wow factor" as the original Donkey Kong Country did for SNES, Retro Studios did an amazing job. Some of the cutscenes almost look like Pixar films. The music really evokes the classic soundtrack, with some tracks lifted directly from the original. The best part of the game is the ingenious level designs. For 3-D platforming, Super Mario Galaxy is still king, but Donkey Kong Country Returns raises the bar for 2-D platforming. Levels aren't simply linear 2-D routes, but have several foreground and background layers that interact with you characters. The most famous example is the giant Octopus on the beach, which launches its tentacles as it tries to attack you. Other stages feature moles in mine karts that drive parallel to your kart and throw bombs. Meanwhile, the bosses are far more complex than the old SNES goons and can change their strategies according to your actions. The BAD First of all, there are no Kremlings. For a Donkey Kong game, this is a travesty. I can understand that Retro didn't want to simply copy Rare and rehash King K. Rool, but the Tikis - which look like giant drums - are just underwhelming as villains. Most of the villains you do encounter are simply animals, such as parrots and bats and frogs. Speaking of animals, I also can't understand why Rambi and Squawks are the only animal buddies to make a return. What about Expresso, Enguarde, and Rattly? At least Retro could have created a few new animals. This was disappointing. More seriously, the game is really hard. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about a challenge. But, even though you get up to four hears, there a lot of one-hit kills in the game. For example, in the SNES version, you had at least two hits on mine kart levels, whereas in Donkey Kong Country Returns a single crash kills instantly. Furthermore, the DK barrels are few and far between - sometimes there are not even any near the halfway point. This simply makes the game more frustrating than necessary. Fortunately, the Super Guide feature really helps and allows players to progress in the game even if they can't overcome some of the more difficult stages. The MIXED The control scheme isn't always intuitive. I definitely think the roll and jump roll should have been easier to execute. This becomes worrisome when you have to make careful jumps. It works well enough, but takes some getting used to. In balancing platforming versus exploration, Donkey Kong Country Returns definitely emphasizes the former, even more than the SNES games. In Donkey Kong Country Returns , the bonus stages and hidden items are fairly easy to discover - the tough part is getting them. There aren't many barrels throughout the game, so no more running around with barrels throwing them at every wall to find secret chambers. Overall, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a true heir to the SNES classics. However, definitely don't get this game if you're impatient or have high blood pressure. I promise you, you will release a stream of expletives at some point in your quest. 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.

True story. First copy: It came with my Wii. But then someone kicked the my apartment door open and took it (along with my wife's wedding ring). I was super sad but it helped me relate to Donkey Kong when his banana hoard got stolen. Second copy: I bought it from some dude on Craigslist. But then, like a total idiot, I left it at my friend's house. For a year or two my friend told me he'd find and return it. He never found it. I don't think he really looked that hard. Third copy: After losing the game twice I debated whether I should to shell over more cash to get a third time. After waiting a year or so I finally broke down and bought it again. So worth it! This game immediately puts me in a good mood. I can't describe how stupid happy this game makes me. If you like platformers at all, BUY THIS GAME. Here's what I love: -Incredible gameplay. Every level is platforming genius. This is easily one of the best designed 2D platformer out there. Every level is clever. -Tons of extras to find. True to form this DK game has SO many secrets tucked away. There's a lot of replay value here folks. -Beautiful graphics, gorgeous vistas, and set pieces. I really wish Wii was in HD to do this game justice. -Nostalgia overload. This game brings back so many fun elements of the original DK Country game but with a fresh twist. The entire soundtrack is a beautiful rearrangement of the first game. It takes me back to when I first saw this game at my friend Dylan's house in second grade. A lot has changed since then! Dylan has been in and out of jail a few times but he's got a good heart. Really. BUT BE WARNED. The creators of this game are sadistic. It starts off fine but the difficulty ramps up quickly. You will want to scream. You will want to punch a monkey in the face. I know that you don't wear that little gray wiimote wristband. No one does. But you should wear it for this game. That way you won't break your TV when you throw your remote in a fit of frustration.

I play a lot of games (I have every system) and this game quickly made its way to the top of my list of games with great cooperative gameplay. My boyfriend is not much of a gamer; he comes from the Atari era and hasn't really played games since then. So I'm always on the lookout for games that he and I can enjoy together. It's great to see such a classic come back in such a spectacular manner. Donkey and Diddy each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Donkey Kong runs faster but Diddy has a little jetpack that allows him to hover in the air for a few seconds. I love the controls and the beating motion that will cause Donkey Kong to pound the ground or Diddy to shoot his bananas. The best part about this game is that Diddy can ride on Donkey Kong's back and shoot his bananas from there (as well as allowing Donkey to use Diddy's jetpack to hover! The best of both worlds!). You'll need to do it for a few boards where the cannon blows up after one use or you're riding a rail and it's just easier for the one player to control when to jump. I much prefer this over the New Super Mario Bros when multiplayer turned out to be a nightmare where you get in each other's way or someone falls way behind. I also like that the lives are shared between both Donkey and Diddy. In Mario, every person had their own set of lives so if they ran out, they couldn't play until you finished that particular board. Just make sure you have enough balloons/lives when you first start a board, especially the Temples. Another bonus is the railway boards. I loved the one board they had in New Super Mario Bros (world 8-7) with the bone roller coaster. Each world in DKCR has at least one of these boards where you are on a rail car and required to time your jumps (as well as how far you jump). I highly, highly recommend this game, for kids and adults alike. The replay value is high, as you go back to each board in order to get all the KONG letters, and again to get all the puzzle pieces, and then again when you unlock the special mode after you finish the game. I know I went on and on about the cooperative gameplay, but it does have a great single player mode too.

Years ago in a noisy pizza parlor I was introduced to arcade games. One of my first experiences was Donkey Kong. I loved it and ever since have been a Donkey Kong fan. Now after being impressed years ago with the SNES Donkey Kong Country here we go again, so lets get started sports fans: Graphics: Turning o the Wii you here the reto music remixed. The past slaps me in the face but in a good way. You start to play and Donkey Kong is better looking than ever. The enviornments are crisp and colorful. Water drips and rushes in the background and the shadow levels are a cool change. 5 out of 5 Music: As I mentioned is remixed and great especially in level 7 when they redid the music of the factory in Music Mania level. The shadow levels have a jazzy and cool sound to them as well. Also the new music is great. 5 out of 5 Control: Very simple. I went through my gaming boot camp in the old NES days so I played with the controller on its side. My only complaint of the game is here. The motion controls feel forced with the twisting to get Donkey Kong to slap the ground or do a roll. Why cant I hit a direction and a button Nintendo?? We should at least have that option. It is a small gripe. 4 out of 5 Gameplay: A title that a hardcore gamer can dive into for days possibly weeks collecting everything or a casual gamer can complete easily over time. Wonderfully fun to play. Overall: As a platformer in the old 2-D style this games delivers better than most. I will actually go as far to say it is better all around than new super mario bros wii in every way. Lets hope Nintendo doesnt wait as long to do the next chapter in the Donkey Kong saga. Lets also hope that Donkey Kong is actually in them to unlike DK country 2-3.

I was never a fan of the original DKC, but the new version is an absolute treat. I've known Donkey Kong all my life; some of my fondest memories are of sitting on a cracked vinyl stool at a run-down pizzeria while a gorilla threw barrels at a stocky Italian man. So I feel a deep connection with the Big Man himself, and less so for all the crappy sub characters introduced in the Rare titles. Dixie, Funky, and all those other z-listers can get lost as far as I'm concerned. And they do. The story is that Donkey and Diddy have to retrieve DK's bannana hoard. That's it. Sometimes simple is best. This game is old school Nintendo hard, with stylish graphics and a very catchy soundtrack. There are tons of secrets hidden in this game, reminding me at times of the original Super Mario Bros. Yes, it's that good. You will jump, ground pound, roll, and sometimes use your ape breath to unlock secret items or areas. The difficulty is exactly right, and a failed attempt will usually have you saying "one more time!" instead of giving up in frustration. This game supports two player, with the second player being Diddy Kong. The two player mode works very well. My favorite controls are the Wii remote held sideways. My brother and I played for a couple of hours and worked out a teammate strategy within ten minutes or so. As far as complaints go, they are pretty mild. The motion controls sometimes aren't as precise as they could be. Also, you can't play as Diddy unless you are playing a two player game; Diddy has a slightly different moveset,so some people might prefer playing as him. That is pretty much it. This is a fantastic game, with solid art and great music combined with solid mechanics that I think anyone can enjoy. If you want to do something nice for yourself pick this game up. I doubt you'll regret it.

wonderful 2d platforming game great condition thanks

Excelente juego muy estilo old school!

Simple(ish) game made harder by tokens to collect (and you want them all) and boss fights that require more thought as to how to beat them than jumping on their head. The graphics are colourful and the music is great in bringing out DK's world. Maybe there should be more level variety but the gameplay is undemanding and addictive. Trying to collect all the tokens for unlockable content really adds to the gameplay and will leave you frustrated until you get it right. I would have liked to have seen some mini games but you can't go wrong. Anyone getting this for the wii, or even the 3ds version when it comes out will find a classic in the making...

Jeu plutôt sympa qui permet de jouer à 2. Le principe du jeu est simple: récolter un maximum de bananes, de coeurs (vies), de pièces (pour effectuer des achats de vies, ballons etc...) ou autres cachés dans de multiples endroits pour accéder aux mondes suivants et vaincre les ennemis de Donkey Kong. Mes enfants adorent.

yes,this is briliant.not that easy for small children.teen or adult game i would say,or anyone that could do mario galaxy should be ok.its aremake of my favourite ever,donkey kong country on the snes.its similar but nothing like it.totally modernised,but the same simple story and gameplay.if you like platformers.dont consider anything else for pure fun and a little frustration.mario galaxy 2 i like just as much,but is more of a technical achievement than this.dont get me wrong...this looks amazing for a 2d platformer,but it is pure classic old school and is mainly 2d.10/10