Donkey Kong Country Returns was first released for the Nintendo Wii in 2010, three years before it would appear again on the 3DS utilizing the handheld console’s 3D technology. At the time, it was nice to have the game as a handheld experience. Sadly, the already underpowered Wii had trouble fully supporting the tougher areas of the game.

The 3DS, processing the game into 3D on much less powerful hardware, noticeably felt like a weaker version. It’s a shame, too, because the game is truly wonderful. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for the Nintendo Switch allows a new, invigorated audience a chance to play a wonderful entry in the historic Donkey Kong franchise.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD features nine worlds and over 80 classic Donkey Kong action levels. The offerings in this Nintendo Switch port include the 3DS-exclusive levels released back in 2013, which are nice to have. Like many Donkey Kong games, our titular ape and his buddy Diddy Kong set out to traverse danger after the Tiki Tak Tribe took all their bananas. You’ll find a variety of challenges and environments as you platform through DK Island, offering plenty of fun for old and new fans alike. That latter group, however, truly benefits from this game’s HD release.

For me, someone who now owns this game on three different consoles, the trip down memory lane with this adventure was perfectly adequate. There’s not a franchise-defining moment in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. That truly occurred in the game’s sequel, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Here, however, is a collection of fun, challenging levels that are a blast to run through. For those newer fans who maybe only played Tropical Freeze, it’s great to have more modern Donkey Kong adventures on the Switch.

Like other games in the series, you’ll collect bananas in each level, as well as a few additional items that provide a nice challenge. Collecting KONG letters or the hidden puzzle pieces at each level invites replayability. Especially if you play like me and run through the game once for the experience and a second time for all of the collectibles. At about 13 hours for the first run, I’m not quite through my 100% completion run, but it will be a great thing to throw on for a few hours here and there in the coming months when I’m up for the challenge.

If there’s any major criticism for Donkey Kong Country Returns HDit’s the fact that it is a true remake. Other than a new difficulty option with somewhat modernized controls, you won’t find anything new in this game version. Like other Switch ports, the goal is not innovation but simply bringing great games to the large Switch audience. If you’re a big Donkey Kong fan, you probably already own this game. Unless it’s your favorite game of all time, you’ll find playing through Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is much the same as it was over a decade ago.

That said, Nintendo never tried to sell Donkey Kong Country Returns HD as a massive remake full of updates and improvements. The visuals look better, and the game does not experience any frame rate drops you can find on the 3DS and Wii versions. All in all, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the best way to play a great Donkey Kong game. If you’re itching for a platformer, this is a great addition to the Switch library, which is one of the best in the medium. While there is nothing to go bananas over, sometimes a good thing is simply a good thing.

A Nintendo Switch review copy of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was provided by Nintendo for this review.

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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

59.99
8

Score

8.0/10

Pros

  • A nice touch-up of a classic 2010 Donkey Kong game
  • Combines the original game and the additional 3DS levels
  • A good challenge with a nice new option for reduced challenge

Cons

  • The game still looks like a Wii game, just with a few touch-ups
  • There's nothing that truly expands the experience, however good as it is

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