Donkey Kong Country Returns (Hands-On) (Wii) Preview

Donkey Kong Country Returns (DKCR) is a classic 2D platformer with 3D graphics and support for solo and cooperative play (Donkey and Diddy Kong). Donkey Kong retains his weighty feel and lofty jumps while Diddy Kong has access to a rocket jetpack which allows him to glide briefly after a jump. Diddy can share this ability – as well as fire his deadly peanut gun when controlled by a second player - after clambering onto Donkey’s back. Both characters can also roll and jump to cross large gaps, or collect precariously situated items.

While the original Donkey Kong Country wowed players with its unprecedented use of pre-rendered 3D graphics, DKCR is beautiful in its own way. The Jungle Beat-esque visuals are detailed, colourful and vibrant – and they look even lovelier in motion, bolstered by charming character animations. Backdrops are ripe with embellishments that add depth to what is still a 2D game in gameplay terms. During the "Poppin’ Planks" level a giant squid (which attacks later on) can be seen assaulting a ship in the distance while the player goes about their business.

The utilization of depth isn’t entirely cosmetic, though. During the "Jungle Hijinx" level, Donkey uses his trademark ground pound move – which can also be used to destroy obstacles and stun nearby enemies – on a giant switch that shuffles the entire geography of the level around, forcing a new path to emerge in the background. Certain barrel cannons also provide access to distant areas that house collectable goodies such as the traditional KONG letters, bananas, and other special items that are logged at the level’s end.

One of the four playable levels included in the game’s E3 demo was "Rickety Rails" – an underground area boasting classic on-rails cart gameplay. As well as demanding carefully-timed jumps, seesaw-esque tilting platforms and treacherous bananas (which resist collection by forcing Donkey to fall to his doom) keep things challenging. The demo’s final level, "Mugly’s Moud," pits Donkey Kong against the tetchy boss Mugly – a sort of rhino-like creature that attacks with deadly charge attacks and epic jump-slams. His back looks suspiciously vulnerable, though...
Karn Bianco, Previews, Retro Editor

Nintendo's cheeky simian powerhouse Donkey Kong has been on the company's books since the very beginning; throwing barrels, riding mine carts and swinging around for almost 30 years. Since his family outings on the SNES and GameBoy, Donkey Kong's work has been a mixed barrel of fun. Marmite 3D platformers and rhythm games were his new forte, as was being relegated to background or supporting character. Whilst fans have tagged along, many have pleaded for a traditional 2D platformer to showcase what Donkey Kong is truly about.

Rest assured - Donkey Kong Country Returns is just that; a visual and gameplay dream.

Even with a passing glance, Donkey Kong Country Returns looks great, pixel perfect with a sprinkle of modern brilli. If you haven't yet seen footage, do so now and prepare for a tidy up afterward. Granted it does look different, there's a refreshing modern vibe, a glossier 3D feel that runs throughout, but at its heart there is the same much loved vibrant jungle and tribal palette from nearly two decades ago. Barrel blasts, K O N G letters, mine-carts are all here, look and feel very much authentic.

There are some neat 3D touches slipped in, letting the Kongs have fun in both the traditional foreground as well as venturing into the distance. Diddy also comes with his very own jetpack, helping his ever-so-slightly larger friend over tricky situations. It feels odd having the smaller Kong control differently and in a more passive role, but it offers new but fitting gameplay styles - Diddy gained better ground and felt easier, whilst Donkey proved trickier but more rewarding.

Together the two are an unstoppable simian force to be reckoned with. If you’re struggling alone or want the company of a second player, Donkey Kong Returns includes full co-operative play. Not wrist straining pointing and clicking on things, no no - your platforming accomplice gets complete control over Diddy Kong, giving you additional combined abilities. For the novice or less skilled players, like myself, co-operative play takes a page out of the big book of New Super Mario Bros, where if a player dies he'll float back into view.
Jorge Ba-Oh, Cubed3 Founder