The Donkey Kong Country trilogy on the Super Nintendo remains a gold standard for 2D platformers. When Retro Studios took on the challenge of reviving the series for the Wii in 2010, expectations were sky-high. Retro, already acclaimed for the Metroid Prime series, not only met those expectations but arguably surpassed them with Donkey Kong Country Returns. Now, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings that modern classic to the Nintendo Switch, refreshed with updated visuals. While it doesn’t offer much in the way of new content, the game still benefits from a handful of notable improvements.
The most significant upgrade in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is its high-definition graphics. The visuals are sharper, the colors more vibrant, and the character models more detailed, making the game look better than ever on the Switch. However, whether these graphical enhancements justify the $60 price tag is a matter of personal preference.
For those who played Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii back in 2010, this new version might still be worth considering. Alongside the enhanced graphics, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD includes content from the 3DS port, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. This includes Modern Mode (previously called New Mode on the 3DS), which slightly dials down the game’s notorious difficulty. Modern Mode grants Donkey Kong and Diddy three hearts each, adds more accessible items, and introduces helpful tools available for purchase at Cranky Kong’s shop. It eases some of the frustration without compromising the game’s challenging nature—players will still face plenty of tough moments and likely see the Game Over screen multiple times.
Overall, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD serves as both a nostalgic revisit for longtime fans and an opportunity for newcomers to experience one of Retro Studios’ finest achievements. While it may not pack a wealth of new features, its graphical upgrades and inclusion of 3DS content make it a worthwhile addition to the Switch library for platforming enthusiasts.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD doesn’t pull any punches, delivering a relentless challenge right from the start. Its levels are packed with deadly enemies, treacherous bottomless pits, and intense platforming sequences that will push even the most experienced players to their limits. This constant tension ensures that every moment feels high-stakes, adding to the thrill and making each victory incredibly rewarding. Even with Modern Mode enabled, which slightly reduces the difficulty, conquering the game’s toughest stages is still a satisfying feat. For those craving the ultimate challenge, the option to play the game as originally designed on the Wii is available, though Modern Mode offers plenty of difficulty on its own.
Beyond the easier difficulty option, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD also includes eight additional levels introduced in the 3DS version, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. This extra content further enriches the Switch release, giving fans even more to enjoy.
Another notable improvement in this version is the handling of motion controls. The original Wii version required motion controls, which divided players at the time. In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, motion controls are now optional. This means players can choose between recreating the original experience or using a more traditional button-based control scheme, catering to different preferences.
With customizable controls, difficulty settings, and bonus levels, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers a more flexible and player-friendly experience than the 2010 Wii version while retaining the relentless challenge that defines the series. It’s a worthy update for fans and newcomers alike.
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