Donkey Kong fans of the past now have a reason to monkey around again!
Donkey Kong Country (DKC) was released for the Super Nintendo in 1994 and quickly became a side-scrolling sensation. Over 16 years later, the tie-wearing ape's signature series has returned with a new developer and overhauled graphics in Donkey Kong Country Returns (DKCR).
DKC was famous for its impressive graphics at the time. DKCR carries on the tradition and utilizes the Wii's processing power to the fullest. Donkey Kong has to travel across Donkey Kong Island and recover his stolen bananas from the Tiki Tak Tribe. Luckily, lush jungles and beautiful oceans make wonderful sights for players to enjoy. Levels vary from the cheerful scenery to stormy caves and tribal temples. Every area within the game has ample details for players to appreciate, but a careful eye is needed to detect all the lovely subtleties. The graphics are phenomenal in DK's latest adventure and play a crucial part in the gameplay.
DKRC doesn't make many changes to the platforming formula, nor does it have any gimmicks to rely on. What this game does do, it does well. Level designs are fantastic. The island is composed of zones with themed levels, and the combinations of cliff jumping, wall climbing, and barrel blasting keep levels fresh and exciting. Exploring an island full of danger and beauty keeps players dedicated to DK's thrilling adventure.
Most jumps and enemies are easily handled thanks to Donkey Kong's powers. Classic abilities like rolling are joined with new skills like ground-pounding and wind-blowing for various environmental interaction. In addition to DK's arsenal of abilities, the gorilla's helpful side-sick Diddy Kong joins in the action too. Diddy Kong rides DK's back and gives temporary airborne boosts with a jetpack. In multiplayer mode, a new feature to the Country series, Diddy uses his Peanut Gun to defeat foes. Mutiplayer doesn't effect gameplay much, but the simplicity keeps the game fun for newcomers and veterans that want to share the experience.
DKCR stays true to it roots, but it does have some new features to boast. Levels have several hidden puzzle pieces. Collecting all the pieces in a level unlocks images for players to view. Mine Cart levels return with the classic feeling and difficulty perfectly intact. These fast paced levels are joined by new flying barrel modes. Deaths throughout the game can be frequent, but they are rarely frustrating. But if players lose enough lives, an albino Donkey Kong look-alike named "Super Kong" can be summoned to complete a level without any items being obtained. For the players too proud to have a level completed for them, the island's elder Cranky Kong sells extra hearts and lives for those in need.
The game is a wonderful addition to the series, but it does have some flaws. The gameplay is fundamentally the same as the original, so people who are familiar with the series will either already love it or hate it. Two control formats are available, but both require shaking the Wii Remote to activate specific moves. This sometimes causes complications during delicate platforming maneuvers and can lead to frustrating deaths. The game becomes increasingly difficult as one progresses, which can discourage newcomers and veterans alike from the experience.
Donkey Kong has starred in games throughout the years, but he has been long overdue for his own title. DK's latest adventure is a welcome return for fans who enjoyed the original series from the '90s. For all gamers that like healthy mixes of platforming, tie-wearing gorillas, and gathering bananas, Donkey Kong Country Returns is the perfect choice.