When I first played Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii, I remember wrestling with motion controls, my hands flailing during tricky platforming sections. Despite the struggle, I stuck with it, driven by nostalgia for the SNES trilogy. Today, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD breathes new life into Retro Studios’ celebrated title, shedding its motion-controlled roots and bringing a crisp, polished experience to the Nintendo Switch.
This remaster doesn’t just revisit a classic; it combines the best of the Wii and 3DS versions, offering more accessibility and fine-tuned visuals. With its tight platforming and creative level designs, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD feels just as challenging and rewarding as ever, though the added hearts and Cranky Kong’s shop options provide a welcome safety net for those who need it. Whether you’re chasing KONG letters or just enjoying the ride, this remaster captures the spirit of the original while making it more approachable for modern audiences.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Developer(s): Nintendo
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Genre: Platform game
Modes: Single-player, Local co-op multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Bananas and baddies: The simple joy of Donkey Kong’s quest
The story in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is as straightforward as you’d expect from a Donkey Kong game. One morning, Donkey Kong and Diddy wake to find their beloved banana hoard stolen by the Tiki Tak Tribe, a gang of hypnotic, musical miscreants. These mischievous Tikis are more than just banana thieves—they’ve also hypnotized the island’s wildlife to act as their enforcers. This sets the stage for an adventure filled with strange enemies, colourful locales, and plenty of bananas to recover.
I couldn’t help but laugh—enemies hypnotized by living Tikis, bananas as the ultimate treasure. It’s simple and goofy, but it works because it doesn’t take itself seriously. Donkey Kong’s immunity to hypnosis, lightly poking fun at his simple-minded nature, makes his relentless pursuit even funnier. Seeing him charge ahead, completely unfazed by the chaos, fits perfectly with the series’ playful tone.
Each of the game’s islands introduces a new theme and builds up to a unique boss encounter. From battling hypnotized crabs in the Maraca Gang to fending off possessed birds, the variety keeps things fresh. These battles look great and work well with the gameplay, making every win satisfying.
While the story won’t win awards for originality, it works well with the gameplay. It doesn’t try to do too much, instead offering a simple setup that ties the levels and challenges together. Whether you’re chasing down Tikis or braving a volcano, the game’s levels flow well and are fun to play. For a series that thrives on gameplay over storytelling, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD delivers just the right mix of humour and purpose.
Platforming challenges, co-op fun, and everything in between
The gameplay in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings the series’ classic mechanics back to life with a mix of old and new. You guide Donkey Kong through side-scrolling levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and secrets, often switching up the pace with fast-paced mine cart rides or rocket barrel sequences. Each level feels distinct, constantly introducing new ideas that keep things interesting.
One moment that stuck with me involved a particularly tricky mine cart level. The speed was relentless, and every jump felt like a gamble. After what felt like a dozen retries, I finally cleared it, only to immediately slam into a hidden obstacle. I couldn’t help but laugh before diving back in for another attempt. That’s the charm of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: it’s tough, but the sense of accomplishment keeps you coming back.
Retro Studios’ attention to detail really shows through in the level design. The controls are tight, though Donkey Kong’s movement can feel a bit heavy compared to other platformers. Collectibles like KONG letters and puzzle pieces provide extra challenges for those who want more than just reaching the goal. If things get too tough, Cranky Kong’s shop offers helpful items like extra hearts or the ability to summon Diddy Kong.
Overall, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD delivers satisfying platforming that rewards skill and persistence. Whether you’re exploring hidden areas or surviving a high-speed sequence, the gameplay feels polished and rewarding.
A classic look with HD polish
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings the Wii game into the modern era with updated graphics that still retain the charm of the original. The game’s environments are detailed, capturing the vibrant, colourful aesthetic that made the series iconic. From the tropical jungles to the fiery volcanoes, each level is filled with dynamic background elements that breathe life into Donkey Kong Island. The HD upgrade makes everything sharper, with more refined textures and smoother animations, while keeping the original game’s visual identity.
One of my favourite aspects is the game’s use of 2D gameplay combined with 3D backgrounds, which creates a sense of depth. The levels themselves are cleverly designed, making excellent use of both foreground and background elements. Whether you’re jumping across collapsing platforms or riding a mine cart, the scenery supports the gameplay without distracting from it.
The character models, while clean and crisp in HD, still hold onto the playful, cartoony style that’s been synonymous with Donkey Kong games. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong’s movements are smooth, but there’s a slight heaviness to Donkey Kong, which adds weight to his actions.
The soundtrack is a strong part of the game, featuring both remixes of classic Donkey Kong tunes and new tunes that match the tone of each level. The sound design is clear and effective, with sound effects for jumps, ground pounds, and enemy interactions all adding to the satisfying feedback loop. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stays true to its roots with updated visuals and sound, offering a polished experience that complements the gameplay.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a timeless classic reimagined
Without a doubt, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a solid remaster that honours the classic while improving upon it. Retro Studios has polished the visuals, tightened the controls, and added accessibility options that make the experience more approachable without sacrificing the challenge. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, the gameplay is satisfying, with clever level designs and rewarding platforming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful HD visuals that enhance the original game’s charm. | Certain mine cart and rocket barrel levels can be frustrating due to their difficulty. |
| Tight and responsive controls make platforming satisfying. | The lack of a dedicated run button can feel limiting. |
| Creative level designs with plenty of variety. | |
| Cooperative gameplay adds a fun dynamic to the experience. |
The game’s difficulty strikes the right balance, offering a challenge without feeling punishing. The addition of Cranky Kong’s shop and the choice between different difficulty modes help broaden the game’s appeal. Though it may not revolutionize the genre, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a reminder of why the series remains so popular. While some may find the HD visuals a bit dated compared to more recent releases, the overall design still holds up. The soundtrack, though familiar, brings a sense of nostalgia while supporting the gameplay.
Overall assessment of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.3/5 (86%)
If you’ve never experienced Donkey Kong Country Returns, now is a great time to dive in. And if you’re returning for another round, the remaster’s tweaks are enough to make the adventure feel fresh.
Purchase Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Nintendo Switch
