Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Arcade, platformers, for 2 players, Polish, remaster/remake, 2.5D, co-op, side-scroll, splitscreen, Nintendo exclusive, multiplayer, singleplayer
Gamepressure
OpenCritic
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is remastered version of the 2010 platformer, created for Nintendo by the Polish studio Forever Entertainment. We follow the adventures of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, exploring various locations and chasing after banana thieves.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a remastered version of a platformer released in 2010 for the Nintendo Wii console (and nearly three years later - also for the Nintendo 3DS handheld).
Unlike the original, which was the work of the Retro Studios team, this HD version was developed by the Polish studio Forever Entertainment, a team that specializes in refreshing classics. Its portfolio contains such projects as Panzer Dragoon: Remake, The House of the Dead: Remake, Front Mission 1st: Remake or Front Mission 2: Remake.
Plot
In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD the title character must face the threat of Tikis - sinister creatures whose tribe, known as Tiki Tak, comes to the island and hypnotizes local animals to steal the supply of bananas. The protagonist has no choice but to chase after his treasure before it completely disappears from his radar. Fortunately, the gorilla is not doomed to a solo journey, as he is accompanied by little Diddy Kong.
Gameplay
In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD we watch the action from the side. While exploring various locations, we not only jump on platforms and avoid various traps and terrain obstacles, but also swing on ropes, ride in mine carts, and even fly on a rocket barrel. We also have to fight with enemies, whom we defeat by punching the ground, or use Diddy Kong's jetpack, which allows us to cover short distances in the air.
In addition to all the stages known from the base version of the game for the Nintendo Wii, this edition includes additional levels prepared for its Nintendo 3DS version. Larger variety is also provided by an additional mission waiting to be unlocked, as well as the opportunity to beat time records on individual maps.
Game modes
In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD we can play alone or in local coop for two people. In singleplayer mode we control Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong is attached to his back most of the time. In multiplayer one of the players takes on the role of Donkey Kong, while the other takes full control over his little companion.
Graphics
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stands out from the original thanks to refreshed graphics. The authors primarily focused on the resolution, adjusting it to modern standards.
January 20, 2025
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Videos and Screens
[1:01] Donkey Kong Country Returns HD - Launch Trailer
[1:15] Donkey Kong Country Returns HD - The Banana Heist Trailer
Gamepressure Review
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the definitive way to experience the game if you haven’t played it already. Its included 3DS modes, levels, and original gameplay offer the best features from its previous two versions in a shiny package so it’s great for first-time players.
Game Rant: 8 / 10 by Dalton Cooper
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the best way to experience one of the best 2D platformers ever, but it's a little too expensive.
Impulsegamer: 3.8 / 5 by Nay Clark
Even though I love Donkey Kong, having the only games starring Donkey Kong released on the Switch being rereleases of older games is disappointing. Not only that, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has the least amount of extra content to it compared to games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. That doesn't dismiss the fact that this game is extremely fun and still has a great amount of content. If you haven't played the Wii or 3DS version of Donkey Kong Country Returns, then the HD Switch version is a must-play as it is one of my favorites in the series, but returning fans might not care for the touch ups that much.
LadiesGamers.com: by James Luff
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a masterclass in platforming design that feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The updated controls, improved visuals, and new difficulty options make this the definitive way to experience the game. However, it still offers more or less the same game experience on Wii and 3DS, so some players may not see the need to return. But if you are new and love your platformers, this still comes recommended. Yes, it’s challenging, and yes, it may cause a few controller-clenching moments, but that’s part of its charm. Few games manage to balance frustration and fun as effectively as this one. So grab your bananas, ready your barrels, and swing into action; Donkey Kong is back and better than ever, even if it is for the third time.
5
GAMES
in Donkey Kong Country Game Series
Game Series
Donkey Kong Country Series
A series of arcade games with a gorilla in the title role. The series was created by the Nintendo corporation and is among the most important brands in the publishing portfolio of the Japanese industry giant.
5 video games
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Summary
Platforms:
Switch
Developer: Forever Entertainment S.A.
Publisher: Nintendo
Age restrictions: none
