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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Release: January 16, 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Forever Entertainment, Retro Studios
Genre: Action, Adventure, Family, Genres, Nintendo Switch Categories, Platformer, Switch Reviews, Video
PEGI: 3
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OUR SCORE

Great About Rating
           
 
8.5 - Gameplay
           
 
8.5 - Video
           
 
8.5 - Audio
           
 

Donkey Kong Country Returns was previously on the Wii and the 3DS. On the Switch, it has HD and a new modern mode. Is the game worth checking out on the Switch if you played it before or never played it? Here’s our review of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for the Nintendo Switch.

Someone steals all of Donkey Kong’s bananas and so he and Diddy Kong must go get them back. That’s the basic story of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. The story is presented quickly at the beginning and then off you go into the gameplay. It isn’t a great story, which is fairly typical of 2D Donkey Kong experiences, but it still introduces the game well. The gameplay is Donkey Kong Country Returns main focus though. Again, this is a fairly universal concept that all 2D Donkey Kong games employ. To sum it up, short on story, high on gameplay. And that’s usually a pretty decent recipe in this game style!

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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a lot of fun. The gameplay is the same as it was on the Wii and 3DS: jumping on enemies, shooting from barrels, riding minecarts, and more platforming fun. Thankfully, it all controls very well on Switch. This version includes previously 3DS exclusive levels and has a new “Modern Mode” that gives you an extra heart and is a little bit easier than the original mode. Having this available in Donkey Kong games has been amazing, at it allows younger audiences to enjoy the games. While it might not be true for you, Donkey Kong games are not generally easy platforming games, especially if you are looking to get everything in every level! So while the game is fun, its also a tough game even in the “Modern Mode”. To help further, there is guide mode that will play non-boss levels for you if you’re stuck.

With the gameplay being the same, is the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD worth checking out again? Well, that depends on how much you love the game. If its one of your favorites, then you should get it but know that it’s the same game as before. Unfortunately, there are no new Switch exclusive levels or challenges.

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The best audience for this game is absolutely people who have never played Donkey Kong Country Returns. This is a great platformer and we highly recommend this game if you’ve never played it. This is the best version of the game, especially because of its HD graphics. Even without the improved audio and visuals on the Switch, it is still a marvelous game. Here is what Mat Growcott said about the game back in 2013 when he reviewed the 3DS version:

“There’s something here for everybody, including, most importantly, those that loved Donkey Kong Country back “in the day.” It’s a big of a nostalgia service – it almost felt like yesterday I was last riding that rhino or dying repeatedly from a mine cart – but the only people who complain about that sort of thing tend not to be fans.

And indeed, it’s pretty straight, in terms of platforming. While many titles today have some sort of gimmick – an art style or special move to make it stand out – Donkey Kong largely relies on fairly well designed levels, hidden objects to find and plenty of baddies to squish. On one level, this is fantastic. On another, it can come to feel slightly dry. We’ve seen all this before, for better or for worse.”

With the move over to Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the best-looking version of the game yet. All of the characters and environments look better than ever. This is a very good looking game. Its also the best the game has ever sounded too. The audio in this game is an absolute treat. The music and sound effects are so good. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great game and a big recommendation for new players.

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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a solid port of a great game.  It would’ve been nice if there were a bit more bells and whistles, maybe some new Switch exclusive levels, but if you’ve never played this game before, you definitely need to do that. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fun platformer and its great that its coming out on the Nintendo Switch.

Thanks to Nintendo Canada for providing a digital code for this review. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16th, 2025.

 

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Article By

blank Daniel Fugate has wanted to be a writer since he was seven years old. He has a bachelor's degree in English and he's a huge Animal Crossing fan. The Wii U and 3DS are currently his favorite video game systems!

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Twitter: @df2506