Release Date: January 16, 2025
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is remastered version of the 2010 platformer, created for Nintendo by the Polish studio Forever Entertainment. We follow the adventures of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, exploring various locations and chasing after banana thieves.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a remastered version of a platformer released in 2010 for the Nintendo Wii console (and nearly three years later - also for the Nintendo 3DS handheld).
Unlike the original, which was the work of the Retro Studios team, this HD version was developed by the Polish studio Forever Entertainment, a team that specializes in refreshing classics. Its portfolio contains such projects as Panzer Dragoon: Remake, The House of the Dead: Remake, Front Mission 1st: Remake or Front Mission 2: Remake.
In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD the title character must face the threat of Tikis - sinister creatures whose tribe, known as Tiki Tak, comes to the island and hypnotizes local animals to steal the supply of bananas. The protagonist has no choice but to chase after his treasure before it completely disappears from his radar. Fortunately, the gorilla is not doomed to a solo journey, as he is accompanied by little Diddy Kong.
In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD we watch the action from the side. While exploring various locations, we not only jump on platforms and avoid various traps and terrain obstacles, but also swing on ropes, ride in mine carts, and even fly on a rocket barrel. We also have to fight with enemies, whom we defeat by punching the ground, or use Diddy Kong's jetpack, which allows us to cover short distances in the air.
In addition to all the stages known from the base version of the game for the Nintendo Wii, this edition includes additional levels prepared for its Nintendo 3DS version. Larger variety is also provided by an additional mission waiting to be unlocked, as well as the opportunity to beat time records on individual maps.
In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD we can play alone or in local coop for two people. In singleplayer mode we control Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong is attached to his back most of the time. In multiplayer one of the players takes on the role of Donkey Kong, while the other takes full control over his little companion.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD stands out from the original thanks to refreshed graphics. The authors primarily focused on the resolution, adjusting it to modern standards.
Platforms:
Nintendo Switch
Developer: Forever Entertainment S.A.
Publisher: Nintendo
Age restrictions: none
11GAMES
A series of arcade games with a gorilla in the title role. The series was created by the Nintendo corporation and is among the most important brands in the publishing portfolio of the Japanese industry giant.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD review: Swinging high
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the definitive way to experience the game if you haven’t played it already. Its included 3DS modes, levels, and original gameplay offer the best features from its previous two versions in a shiny package so it’s great for first-time players.
December 30, 2024
Are we starting 2025 in style? That depends on who you ask! There will be no shortage of games to play in January, but don't count on any spectacular launches.
Game Ratings for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Video Game.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD review: Swinging high
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the definitive way to experience the game if you haven’t played it already. Its included 3DS modes, levels, and original gameplay offer the best features from its previous two versions in a shiny package so it’s great for first-time players.
GameSpot: 7 / 10 by Steve Watts
The 2010 franchise revival gets a makeover and some modern conveniences, but wild difficulty spikes make it tough to recommend for anyone but the most dedicated DKC fan.
NookGaming: 7 / 10 by Rob MacIntosh
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD makes for an okay way to play a pretty decent and generally fun (if perhaps conservative) platformer, especially if you haven’t already played Donkey Kong Country Returns before. Otherwise, it’s a pretty unremarkable remaster which lacks many meaningful improvements and has a share of minor-yet-noticeable downsides, which is a bit of a letdown for its price tag on release. While ultimately a charming and enjoyable game with some pretty good levels at spots, I find it to be just a touch on the safe side and not as dense with ideas or moments that blew me away, especially when compared to the game that followed which received much better treatment on its move to the Switch by comparison.
Digitally Downloaded: 4.5 / 5 by Matt Sainsbury
Nintendo Switch remaster of this classic platformer is the definitive version of it, and anyone who loved playing it previously is going to love the opportunity to play through it again. If you’re newer to video games… this is an essential modern classic.
![[1:01] - Launch Trailer](https://cdn.gracza.pl/galeria/filmy/640x360/11741234.jpg)
