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Donkey Kong: Country Returns is considered by many to be one of the best platformers to be released by Nintendo. The Donkey Kong: Country Returns Switch release is an excellent opportunity for new players to visit this classic and for returning players to get back into the swing of things.
But does the HD Switch port do the original justice? There are plenty of reasons why Donkey Kong Country Returns is so highly revered, including its defining role in modern platformers as we know them and the ways the remaster honors the original.
Techopedia presents how Donkey Kong: Country Returns became a smash hit and whether it’s worth re-experiencing in HD.
Key Takeaways
- Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD is a remaster of the original platformer for the Nintendo Switch.
- The remaster launched on January 16, 2025, for the Switch, and the original was released on November 21, 2010, for the Wii.
- The platformer was highly praised due to its fast-paced gameplay, intuitive level design, and memorable bosses.
- HD version brings modern controls, enhanced graphics, and additional content from the 3DS edition.
- The original was praised for its game mechanics, and the HD is an excellent option for those wanting to revisit the jungle or experience it for the first time.
Why Was Donkey: Kong Country Returns a Good Game?
Donkey Kong: Country Returns Wii edition, developed by Retro Studios and released in 2010, was received with near universal praise. The following success would bring about a Nintendo 3DS port on May 24, 2013, and a sequel called Tropical Freeze in February, 2014.
The sequel brought unique mechanics and an icy theme, though it is still widely contested which is better in the Donkey Kong: Country Returns vs Tropical Freeze debate.
Country Returns breathed life back into the franchise and was considered the spiritual successor of the original Donkey Kong: Country trilogy from the Super Nintendo era. From the 2D platforming to its cartoon style, Retro Studios stayed true to the essence of the classic games while introducing new elements.
Challenging Gameplay
Donkey Kong: Country Returns gameplay embraced the ‘easy to learn, difficult to master’ ideology. The game was known for its challenging yet satisfying platforming mechanics, encouraging fluid progression of the levels with precise timing.
Donkey Kong could build up momentum by rolling, and jumping on enemies gave him a boost in height, enabling him to cross large gaps and obstacles. The game remained casual and friendly but rewarded competitive individuals who wanted to reach new heights.
Innovative Level Design
Every level was packed with creativity, offering something unique to keep the game from growing stale. Donkey Kong: Country Returns levels were packed with creativity, from mine carts to barrel cannons, every stage was designed to be rhythmically satisfying to play.
The graphics were vibrant and detailed, bringing the lush jungle and rural environments to life. The art direction was a modernized homage to the original Donkey Kong Country games, improving on the classic designs with more lively animations.
Soundtrack
The Donkey Kong: Country Returns soundtrack, composed by Kenji Yamamoto and featuring remixes of classic tunes, was widely acclaimed. It captured the spirit of the original games while adding new, catchy melodies.
What’s New in Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD?
Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD for the Nintendo Switch, developed by Forever Entertainment, offers several enhancements and additions compared to the original. From revisions to controls to more detailed visuals, here is every way that the full HD version elevates the classic platformer.
Improved Graphics
Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD graphics boast high-definition visuals compared to the 2010 version. The scenery has more excellent color contrast to make the game appear more vibrant, textures are more detailed, and lighting has seen significant overhauls.
The UI has also been overhauled to make it easier to navigate. Performance has also been improved, with faster loading times between levels.
Modern Mode
Players can choose between original and modern modes. Original mode uses the same rules and settings as the Wii version and is great for those wanting an authentic experience.
The modern mode adds a few changes. Donkey Kong starts with three hearts by default, allowing players to have up to six hearts instead of four. There is also a wider variety of items, such as invincibility potions, available in Cranky Kong’s shop.
Controls
No longer will you have to keep on shaking the Wii remote in order to get Donkey Kong to roll. While traditional controls are still available thanks to the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons, players can also opt for more modern controls for more robust gameplay.
Additional Content
Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD secret levels are actually the eight bonus levels introduced in the 3DS version, which can be experienced with enhanced visuals. This brings the game’s total level count to 80.
The secret world, called Cloud, can be accessed after defeating the final boss in the main story on top of gathering all eight rare orbs from each world.
Is It Worth Returning to Donkey Kong Country?
Opinions on this remaster are mixed. On one hand, the game itself is just as fun to play now as it was back then. On the other hand, the remaster doesn’t offer much else on top of the decade-old experience.
When you’re not looking at the game through a nostalgic lens, the value of the remaster is questionable at best. This is especially the case when you consider Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD price, which is available for $59.99 on the Nintendo store. For some people, it may be challenging to justify spending that much for a trip down memory lane.
However, the HD version is currently the best way for new players to experience some of the series’ iconic moments. Eager enthusiasts can also re-experience one of the best Donkey Kong games available, bringing multiple generations of gamers together to celebrate one of gaming’s all-time greats.
Bottom Line
Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD does a fantastic job of bringing an older title up to modern standards and performance. It is one of the few games that successfully brings two different generations of gamers together.
Though the game has been divisive in other aspects. Some Donkey Kong: Country Returns HD reviews have criticized whether the remaster should be priced similarly to a brand-new AAA experience.
All things considered, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is not only a nostalgic trip for longtime fans but also an inviting entry point for newcomers to the franchise.
