Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Nintendo Switch) Review

Donkey Kong Country Returns on Nintendo Wii featured motion controls for specific actions, such as ground pounds, and the exclusive use of the Nunchuk analogue stick for movement. Nobody liked this, and the subsequent 3DS port, while a technical feat in its own right, offered a distinct gameplay experience. While it addressed the motion control limitations and introduced new content, the 30 frames per second performance proved a noticeable drawback, impacting responsiveness.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD effectively synthesises the best aspects of its predecessors. It restores the 60 frames per second performance of the original Wii release while eliminating the motion control requirement. It incorporates the additional levels and features introduced in the 3DS port, creating a definitive and refined version of the game.

Certain graphical anomalies, such as excessive brightness on specific objects, may be perceptible to discerning observers. However, the average player is unlikely to notice these discrepancies unless directly comparing the remaster to the original release. Analysis suggests that the HD remaster may have been derived from the 3DS port, as the background graphics exhibit a visual style distinct from the Wii original.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD retains a visually competent presentation, although it lacks the vibrancy and impact of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System trilogy. Retro Studios demonstrates expertise in depicting bizarre alien creatures in Metroid Prime, but their rendition of cartoony jungle animals is less sophisticated. Non-Kong characters resemble something out of a Nick Jr. cartoon than something Rare would have imagined.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD exhibits fluid animation across all in-game objects. Environmental interactions, such as the rattling of foliage during Donkey Kong's charged movement, ground slaps, and rhino rides, contribute to a dynamic and engaging experience. DK's model possesses substantial weight and heft, resulting in impactful momentum during rolls and charges against enemies. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD undeniably maintains the core essence of the series, and provides satisfying tactile feedback through its responsive controls, particularly evident in the crisp execution of jumps, dashes, and barrel blast gauntlets.

Level design generally adheres to established series conventions, with some notable exceptions. This conservatism may be attributed to Retro Studios' intent to deliver a familiar experience after a significant hiatus in the franchise. There are no swimming levels and there is only one ridable animal companion, Rambi the rhino. The returning minecart stages maintain their signature high-speed, perilous nature. Rocket stages prove even more challenging, demanding precise timing and mastery of the unwieldy physics.

Donkey Kong's platforming reflects his immense size, resulting in weighty controls that emphasise powerful movement. Enemies are effectively dispatched with a satisfying bounce, occasionally utilised to traverse gaps. Diddy Kong's inclusion expands gameplay options, granting DK the ability to hover and perform an infinite rolling attack.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is arguably the most demanding entry in the series. Acknowledging this difficulty, Nintendo included an easier mode. On this reduced setting, younger gamers may still find the game's obstacles monstrous and cruel. On "modern mode", Donkey and Diddy Kong receive increased hit points, and Cranky's shop provides a wider selection of helpful items, some of which may significantly reduce the challenge. The difficulty selection is permanent, requiring players to commit to their chosen challenge level. This feature serves to underscore the core gameplay experience and the importance of mastering its demanding platforming mechanics.