Donkey Kong Nation Returns HD can be nice enjoyable for many who’ve but to expertise Retro Studio’s platforming journey, and I imply nice with a capital G. However in the event you’ve already performed this recreation on Wii, 3DS, or each, is there sufficient right here to justify $59.99? Nintendo hasn’t supplied something to make me say sure. As an “enhanced” model, this launch is inconsistent alongside comparable releases on the Swap and its business contemporaries. I get that with Swap 2 on the horizon, Nintendo is attempting to squeeze each final buck out of its authentic hybrid system. However Donkey Kong (and Diddy) deserve even higher.
Make no mistake, although, that is nonetheless a enjoyable, high-quality recreation that can maintain you entertained to the tip credit and even past. Completionists will get essentially the most bang for his or her buck attempting to gather each Ok-O-N-G letter and puzzle piece, many in hard-to-reach locations. Sure, the sport remains to be as difficult as ever. A few of the most troublesome components happen once you aren’t even in your toes, like barrel cannons that require cautious intention and timing. Alongside these strains, the barrel rockets appear to fly like DK ate too many fermented bananas; I can’t even blame Pleasure-Con drift, as that’s at all times been a factor. The “Trendy Mode” of issue is just the “New Mode” seen on the 3DS. It could’ve been good to permit the choice to alter modes on the fly, however when you choose a variety, you’re locked in. However relaxation assured that whereas the sport is hard to grasp (you may even say it might drive you bananas), it’s simple to be taught.
I first performed DKCR on 3DS, and whereas I used to be a fan of that model’s 3D, I by no means ponied up the price for a second copy to benefit from the multiplayer. Now that I’ve performed the sport on Swap alongside my spouse, I can say it’s my most popular manner. You probably have a participant two, the enchantment (or ought to that be a-peel) to get pleasure from this journey in co-op is powerful, and it might make sure components extra manageable. In equity, it might additionally result in some frantic frustration that can discover you alternating between holding your breath and yelling… once you aren’t too busy laughing. Nonetheless, what likelihood can the Tiki Tak Tribe stand with two human gamers controlling Donkey and Diddy Kong?
Whereas I miss the 3D, the sport appears to be like good on a big HD tv display. You may inform it’s a Wii recreation originating from 2010, however all issues thought-about, it doesn’t look too outdated. It appears to be like higher in movement than nonetheless screens may point out. The prospect to play the beforehand 3DS-exclusive ninth world and ranges in HD is cool, and extras embody some unlockable galleries to additional recognize the artistry. There’s additionally a music participant so you possibly can benefit from the tunes with out the hazard of baddies, bottomless pits, environmental hazards, and all of the threats that make this recreation (and the sequence) identified for its problem. It’s a nice combination of recent tunes and people paying homage to SNES originals. Aquatic Ambiance Returns is certain to make everybody smile.
Range is the title relating to DK’s moveset. You’ll be leaping on enemies, chucking barrels at them, pounding the bottom to flip them, grabbing (and slipping) off vines, and extra. Diddy has his personal distinctive strikes as nicely, making platforming genuinely entertaining. Movement controls (originating with the Wii authentic) are actually elective. The variability extends to the worlds themselves, too. Whereas beginning in your typical jungle setting, seaside, ruins, and past await, and the later worlds appear to look even higher. Whereas I really feel like I performed the 3DS model to demise, there are enjoyable surprises and standout moments that I don’t dare spoil for any simply discovering this one for the primary time.
Nintendo continues its lengthy custom of enhancing previous video games with Donkey Kong Nation Returns HD. Whereas the third time isn’t fairly the appeal it might have been—extra of the identical Retro Studios title that thousands and thousands have already skilled on previous Nintendo programs—the sport remains to be a lot gratifying, and much more in co-op. The Cranky Kong in me needs an extended overdue brand-new entry within the sequence. However in the event you’ve missed this recreation via the years, this oldie remains to be a goodie, and ensure you don’t miss it a 3rd time. Although these bananas are trying somewhat brown at full launch worth, seize the sport at a reduction, and also you’ll have a “barrel-blasting journey!”
