Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Arcade, platformers, for 2 players, Polish, remasters/remakes, 2.5D, co-op, side-scroll, splitscreen, Nintendo exclusive, multiplayer, singleplayer
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.
December 30, 2024
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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
TheSixthAxis: 8 / 10 by Stefan L
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fine remaster of the Wii platformer, bringing along all the tweaks from its Nintendo 3DS port. It's not much more than that, but it's still a great platformer.
Shacknews: 7 / 10 by Ozzie Mejia
Nintendo's Donkey Kong Country reboot feels as good in 2025 as it did in 2010 and 2013.
Nintendo Life: 7 / 10 by Alex Olney
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fine way to play the 2010 original, but it's also lacking any real reason for fans to double-dip beyond waggle-free controls. It's less of a remaster and more of a port, to be honest, which would be all well and good if it wasn't being sold at such a premium. There's plenty of fun to be had, but we can't help but walk away from it with a slightly sour taste in our mouths. Our advice? Grab the superior Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze instead.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Description
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.
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
