Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for Nintendo Switch marks the return of a great 2010 platform classic, originally released on Wii. Developed by Retro Studios and now remastered by Forever Entertainment, the game aims to bring players back to Donkey Kong Island for a challenging, action-packed adventure in two dimensions. This HD version also includes the extra levels from the Nintendo 3DS version. The story of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is simple but effective: the Tiki Tak tribe, a group of flying tiki masks, hypnotize the island’s animals and steal Donkey Kong’s precious banana supply. Kong, enraged, chases the thieves, accompanied by the faithful Diddy Kong, through nine different worlds, from jungles to beaches, from ruins to volcanoes and factories.
The plot, although not particularly elaborate, serves as a pretext for a fun and humorous adventure, with short skits that help to define the personality of the Tiki, the new antagonists who replace the Kremlings of the original trilogy. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a classic 2D platformer, with a level design that recalls the original Donkey Kong Country trilogy for Super Nintendo. The player controls Donkey Kong, who can run, jump and roll. By pressing the buttons you can also blow, to interact with some elements of the environment. Diddy Kong, riding on Donkey Kong’s back, allows him to use his jetpack to make longer jumps. The levels are varied and offer different game mechanics: in some Donkey Kong appears as a silhouette, in others you have to face fast-scrolling sections on tracks in mines, and in still others you can ride Rambi the rhino.
For more experienced players, the game offers an added challenge as you search for secrets and collectibles, such as KONG letters and puzzle pieces, hidden throughout each level. Those who want to relive the classic experience can also choose the “Original Mode”, which presents the game as it was on Wii, with the same difficulty and the same controls. For those who find the game too difficult, the “Super Guide” function is available, which allows you to automatically complete a level after losing eight lives. However, the Super Guide does not collect the collectibles, leaving the player to find them all. Once the game is completed, “Mirror Mode” is unlocked, which reverses the levels, offering a new challenge to players. Finally, the local cooperative mode for two players allows you to face the adventure together with a friend, controlling Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. This mode offers a different experience, where players can help each other pass levels or compete to collect the most bananas.
If a player loses all their lives, they can be brought back into the game by the other player, as long as they have spare “red hot air balloons”, which can be purchased in Cranky Kong’s shop using banana coins collected during the game. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD features significantly improved graphics compared to the Wii original, with sharper polygonal models and higher resolution textures. The game environments are vibrant and rich in detail, with light and shadow effects that help create an immersive atmosphere. For example, sunlight filters through jungle leaves, lava from volcanoes gives off an ominous glow, and shadows move dynamically across the screen. The character models have also been revised, with greater attention to detail: Donkey Kong’s fur appears more realistic and the animations are more fluid.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a good port of a classic platformer, offering a solid and fun gaming experience. The excellent level design, the challenging gameplay and the improved graphics make it a title recommended for lovers of the genre, especially for those who have never had the opportunity to play it on Wii or 3DS. The ability to play in local co-op mode adds an extra level of fun, making the game perfect for social gaming sessions. However, the high difficulty, which requires precise jumps and quick reflexes, may discourage less experienced players. Furthermore, the lack of substantial innovations compared to the original and the high price could turn up the nose of those who have already played the title on other platforms. Ultimately, if you are looking for an old-school platforming challenge and have never tried Donkey Kong Country Returns, this HD version is certainly an excellent opportunity to do so. However, if you have already played the original, you may find Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, already available on Switch, a fresher and more satisfying experience.
Format: Switches Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Forever Entertainment Vote: 7/10
