Revolutionary Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review: A Definitive yet Derivative Gaming Experience
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: A Familiar but Underwhelming Port
The Donkey Kong Country trilogy was a massive deal on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Not only did Donkey Kong make a triumphant return, but he could rival Mario in the 2D platforming crown, thanks to three expertly designed games released from 1994 to 1996. After a 14-year absence, Donkey Kong Country finally returned in 2010 with Metroid Prime developer Retro Studios at the helm, producing Donkey Kong Country Returns. Now, 14 years on, we’re getting the game again, but this time without the forced waggle of the Wii version or the hindered framerate of the 3DS port, making Donkey Kong Country Returns HD the definitive version – or so you’d think.
Initially, I was underwhelmed by the announcement of this port. It’s been over 10 years since the last game in the series, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and it feels like Nintendo has been building up to something with Donkey Kong, whether in the Super Mario Bros. Movie or the new theme park area in Japan. So, a 14-year-old Wii game port just didn’t cut it.
The truth is, there’s nothing new here aside from a brand-new easy mode, which isn’t exactly exciting. It’s like the 2018 Nintendo Switch port of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, which lacked a major overhaul. This lack of innovation is especially frustrating considering the re-release of Metroid Prime Remastered, which arrived with a significantly visual overhaul.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD shines in its execution, delivering a 60fps experience with crisp visuals. The game’s modern mode provides an easier experience for those less accustomed to DKC’s challenging platforming, offering an extra hitpoint for both Kong and Diddy, as well as the ability to bring nine helper items instead of one. However, accessibility options are limited, with only the option to swap the Roll/Pound/Blow button with the Grab button, and remapping controls from the console settings.
Ultimately, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD feels like a reskin of the original game, lacking the significant upgrades seen in other ports. If you’ve played the game before, you’ll find little reason to return, making Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze the better option.
Should You Play Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?
- Play it if: You’re a die-hard Donkey Kong Country fan, or you want to try out the new modern mode.
- Don’t play it if: You’ve played the original game, or you’re looking for a more substantial update.
How I Reviewed Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
I played around 13 hours of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, completing the main game, collecting all KONG letters, and completing optional levels. I played the game primarily in handheld mode on a Nintendo Switch OLED using Joy-Con controllers, with some playtime in docked mode on my Samsung Q60D TV and Samsung HW-T450 soundbar with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and CKRD Neo S controller. First reviewed December 2024 / January 2025.
