Donkey Kong Country returns to Wii is one of the best 2D platforms for the last 20 years. This is a hyperbolic statement that I would usually avoid in a review, but re -reflection and years of reflection again gave me confidence. The switch passage has several disadvantages, which makes it a bit disappointing the port of a fantastic game, but it does not change the fact that Returns is a classic and I am glad that I no longer have to pull out the pilot Wii and Nunchuck or my 3D to visit it again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbiojk-taac
I am not here to re -browse the return of Donkey Kong Country (after releasing we gave him a well -deserved 9.5), but it is worth calling what makes him wonderful, and this game fully exists here. Controlling Donkey Kong seems great, and each level is meticulously designed with thrilling moments and unique elements. The soundtrack, which above all, again imagines the music of the original SNES game, is amazing and nostalgic. The country seems alive, full of color and energy, and your interaction with it seems concrete and significant.
Extending movement by successful playing and maintaining Diddy Kong on your side is perfectly implemented. When you lose him, it completely changes how you approach the challenges, and when you recover it, this is a valuable reward. I appreciate the concentrated nature of having Donkey and Diddy Kong in return. The continuation of Tropical Freeze is also a fantastic game, but it spreads a bit thinner relatively, having a larger set of secondary characters. Because Diddy is your only partner, each level aims to best utilize their skill package.
Return is not for people with a faint heart and remains challenging. One of the advantages of the Switch port is the option for a slightly easier version of the game. The platform is not adapted in any way, but you may have more hearts, which especially helps in challenging boss fights. I recreated the game in this mode and found that it achieved a good balance, remaining challenging without warning.
This version of the game also allows you not to utilize traffic control. The course of this mechanics will change. I liked this touch shaking from pilots so that the Kong donkey hit the ground in the past, but there is undeniable and welcome comfort to be able to utilize buttons and keeping the shoulders.
This port appears briefly in visual and performance. The high resolution looks great, but it does not seem enough in 2025, especially in comparison with the Tropical Freeze port, a game that had a stronger visualization even on Wii U., and from time to time there is inconsistent cloaks, which is particularly noticeable in the precise platform. It never breaks the game. It is rather occasional annoying dispersion of attention, but considering that it is a game port of two generations of console ago, hiccups are surprising and disappointing.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fantastic reminder that a franchise that began at Super Nintendo in 1994 is a real competitor of the best Nintendo platform series, an extremely competitive landscape. Retro took the stick in 2010 and nailed it, and although this version of the game does not necessarily return to the strongest, it is a great way to recover all Donkey Kong bananas – a valuable pursuit, especially if you missed it in 2010.
This 2025 review reflects our thoughts on the current state of the game in the publication. Therefore, updates after taking into account were included in the final result.
