Retro resurrects one of the greatest platformers of all time and does it more than justice.
As the game begins we see the peaceful DK Island. Nothing much going on this lazy paradise, until suddenly, the volcano in the center of the island erupts. Instead of boiling lava, out come some strange, floating masks. These odd creatures waste no time after their birth, and immediately begin going around the island hypnotizing all the animals into doing their evil bidding-stealing all the bananas on the island-starting with Donkey Kong's stash. As the poor, hypnotized minions finish carrying out the masks' devious commands, Diddy Kong spots the animals leaving with the bananas. Enraged and reckless, he runs after them. Shortly after, a mask comes floating into DK's treehouse, waking the famous primate up from his nap. The mask begins to work his hypnotic charms, but to his shock, it does no good. A sly grin spreads across DK's face as he sends the creature spiraling out the window with one, big sock. DK realizes what's happened here, and sets out to reclaim his bananas yet again.
Retro's genius is evident from the beginning. They haven't tampered with the core formula that made the original games great in the first place. They've retained the 2D, linear sidescrolling experience of Donkey Kong Country, and added some amazing new twists that make the game even better than its 90s predecessors. As just stated, gameplay takes place on a 2D-sidescrolling plane. DK is controlled by holding the Wii Remote sideways and using the d-pad for movement and using the one and two buttons for running and jumping respectively. If the player prefers, he can use the Wii Remtote and Nunchuck control scheme, but most players will prefer the simplicity of the d-pad. By giving a shake to the Wii Remote, DK can perform his signature sommersault move in order to plow through baddies and perform the classic move: the roll jump. Scattered throughout the levels, DK can pick up the returning DK barrels, which free Diddy Kong. Instead of following you this time around, Diddy rides on your back and offers the support of his jetpack, allowing you to hover for a small intervals of time by holding jump in midair The controls are extremely sharp. Dying is usually your fault-usually due to the fact that the roll move fails to respond from time to time. Part and parcel, this sounds like just another platformer to add to the ever-expanding Nintendo line-up. After all, didn't we just play New Super Mario Bros. Wii last year? Well sure, Donkey Kong moves right, topples baddies, and leaps from platform to platform until he gets to the end-but there's one thing that Retro has simply excelled in that sets this title from the rest: level design. I grew up with Nintendo, so believe me when I say I've seen my fair share of platformers. I'm hard-pressed to think of one that has a more excellent and varied level design than DKCR. You start out in the familiar jungle breathing in the nostalgia, then you're on a beach making your way though a busy pier. Suddenly you're on the seashore hiding behind large rock formations lest the incoming tide sweep you away. Mine cart levels return better than ever. Play a level during a sunset so that everything on the foreground is black with shades of dazzling red. Dodge rocks making your way up a cliff! Travel the treetops! Traverse though a factory where all the hazards move to the beat of the music!! This game never gets stale!! The level design of this game simply blew me away. And since the game's sharp controls make them a blast to play, just being able to go through them is worth the purchase alone-but it doesn't end there.
The first playthrough should take a decent 11-13 hours to finish. The game has a very nice number of levels, and it's also a very challenging game. The later levels require the utmost precision. It's a great challenge, and will definitely push your platoforming skills to the limit--A refreshing change of pace from today's wimpy platformers. You;ll definitely want to make your way through the levels again, however. Each level contains collectable goodies-namely the four letters of K-O-N-G and a set of puzzle pieces (which number varies from level to level). The KONG letters are set in fairly visible places, so the skilled player will be able to nab most of them on his first play-through. Collecting all these gives you access to the golden temple levels-An extra world of extra challenging levels, and eventually "Mirror Mode"-A terrifyingly difficult way to replay the game. The puzzle pieces are a different story altogether. They are well hidden, and not always tangible at first. Sometimes you might need to grab all the bananas in an area to spawn one; some are earned during bonus rounds, which are accessed by cleverly hidden caves and barrels. Luckily, Retro didn't leave you without help. For fifteen banana coins (coins that are available in fairly plentiful amounts throughout levels) you can bring Squack the parrot into a level with you. He'll let you know if there's a puzzle piece near-by, and will stay even if you die-only leaving when you leave or complete a level. Getting all the puzzle pieces in a level unlocks art gallery content that you can gawk at if you're into that sort of thing. Even if you're not, it's still a rewarding task to collect all the pieces.
One more bit about this title worth mentioning is the two-player co-op. If you wish, a buddy can pick up a second controller and roll through the levels with you as Diddy. Be warned, this only makes the game more difficult, as there are many moments in DCKR that require the utmost precision. Especially if you're playing with someone that's less experienced than you are (like, I dunno, say, your mom). If need be, Diddy can jump onto DK's back and let him take the wheel. It's still a nice little addition to the game, and just plain fun, even IF your friends don't have much experience.
Donkey Kong Country: Returns is a gem-simple as that. Retro has successfully resurrected one of the greatest platformers of all time and done it justice. The game's excellent level design, tons of collectible goodies, and sheer quality make it one of the best platformers you'll ever see. If you own a Wii, it'd be a crime to pass this one up.