Donkey Kong Country Returns

🎮 Nintendo 3DS ⏳ 22 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Impressive Handheld Adaptation #

This title is a remarkable handheld adaptation of the Wii classic, skillfully reimagined for the Nintendo 3DS. it retains nearly all of the charm, creativity, and challenge that made the original a standout platformer. From the opening moments, the game bursts with personality, lush jungles, crumbling temples, and explosive minecart rides create a world that feels alive and demanding in equal measure. The 3D visuals add surprising depth to each environment, making the layered backgrounds and foregrounds more dynamic and visually engaging than ever before on a portable console.

Improved Button Controls #

One of the biggest improvements over the Wii version is the control scheme, the 3DS release removes the motion controls entirely, opting for traditional button inputs instead, and this is a very big deal if you, like me, are not a fan of motion controls. This change immediately makes the gameplay feel tighter and more responsive, especially in a title that relies so heavily on precision platforming. You can now roll, ground pound, and blow through obstacles with satisfying accuracy, which enhances the flow of each level.

Challenging Yet Accessible #

The game’s difficulty remains challenging, but it’s now easier to focus on timing and execution rather than fighting the controls. To make the experience more welcoming for newcomers, it introduces a “New Mode,” which grants Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong extra hearts and provides access to helpful items sold by Cranky Kong. This mode softens some of the game’s notorious difficulty spikes while keeping the core platforming intact for veterans who prefer a real test of skill. Particularly I never played using this mode, but I thought about using it sometimes because even though I consider myself a veteran when it comes to platforming games, I still struggled to beat and 100% this title.

New Levels, Trade-offs #

Additionally, this version features eight brand-new levels in the “Cloud Gateway” world, offering clever twists and inventive platforming sections that further extend the game’s longevity. There are, however, a few trade-offs. The game’s frame rate is capped at around 30 FPS, which makes animations a bit less fluid and can occasionally affect precision during fast-paced sequences. The smaller 3DS screen also means that certain background elements or hazards can blend together, especially in busier levels, making it harder to judge distances. Still, these are minor issues in an otherwise polished and ambitious handheld port.

A Must-Play Platformer #

Overall, this game stands as one of the finest platformers available on the 3DS. It combines Retro Studios’ signature craftsmanship with the portability and accessibility of Nintendo’s beloved handheld. Its satisfying difficulty curve, tight controls, and rich presentation make it a joy to revisit. Despite a few technical compromises, the game’s spirit remains intact, offering a thrilling, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey through Donkey Kong’s world. This is mos definitely a must-play if you like platformers to any extent, or the DK franchise in general.