![]() ![]() Diddy definitely makes the game a lot more bearable to play, and much more approachable to newcomers who aren’t quite able to get acclimated to the game’s physics, so utilising him in a way like this rather than a lifeless follower (like in previous games) is something to be praised. ![]() Donkey has weight to all his actions and is a little bit harder to manoeuvre properly, while Diddy Kong grants Donkey a hover jump that is integral to surviving some of the game’s more difficult situations. ![]() ![]() This may sound like hyperbole, especially considering the series esteemed pedigree, but looking at it objectively and trying not to factor in nostalgia, Returns is an overall more fun Donkey Kong Country game.ĭonkey and Diddy both control very well and have a unique feel to each of them too, which is also great. I use the word gimmick in a positive light, be sure of that, but it’s pretty safe to say that the level design in Donkey Kong Country Returns is some of the best level design we’ve ever seen in the genre. Most levels are designed rather similarly, with each level revolving around a unique gimmick that encourages players to change up their approach as they progress. Progression still remains the same – Donkey and Diddy collect puzzle pieces to unlock artwork, find secrets to earn bananas and coins as well as collect letters making up the family name (KONG) to unlock extra levels throughout the adventure. Seasoned veterans of the genre need not fret, as the original game and its infamous difficulty is still available too though the choice will have to be made before you begin your adventure and cannot be changed without choosing another file. Additionally, “New” mode curbs the games difficulty considerably, providing items and tweaking balance to make the game approachable for people of all skill levels, which is to be commended. It works so much better this way and easily puts it above the Wii version in terms of gameplay. No longer do you have to waggle the controller to roll, instead you can just press a button while running. It’s good to see that Donkey Kong Country Returns makes a great transition to the 3DS and plays extremely well following the transition as well. Yes, the Kremlings from the original trilogy are still gone and likely won’t be coming back, though we admit if you were hoping this were to be changed with this port that you were setting yourself up for disappointment anyway. The animals themselves are not malevolent at all, and instead are controlled by a group of shamanistic creatures known only as the Tikis. Donkey Kong’s most treasured horded banana pile has been stolen by the animals of the jungle – but there is an insidious twist. Much like previous games, the storyline for Donkey Kong hasn’t really been the series forte. So, with some rather tempered excitement, I approach the 3DS port of Donkey Kong Country Returns with an open mind and hope that it lives up to all of my expectations. Despite my lack of interest, Nintendo managed to turn this around by announcing that the port would not only include new features, but also additional levels crafted specifically for this release. Just like I opened my review of Donkey Kong Country Returns with scepticism as to whether or not Retro Studios could do a decent job bringing my favourite platforming franchise back to the forefront of cultural relevance, I was also incredibly sceptical of just how interesting or useful the 3D enhanced port of Donkey Kong Country Returns would be. ![]()
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