‘Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’ is a supped-up version of the original 2D, side-scrolling platformer we fondly know as ‘Donkey Kong Country Returns’. Brought to you by Forever Entertainment and Nintendo, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD ticks all the boxes with its original fundamentals from the Wii and 3DS versions.

After being awoken by a volcanic eruption, Tiki-like creatures known as the Tiki Tak Tribe hypnotise various animals on the island into stealing Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong’s stash of bananas. Embark on a perilous journey as your favourite characters, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, through 80 challenging levels set in jungles, caves and even silhouette versions riddled with various foes who dare to stand in your way. The narrative itself is decent, but upon reflection, it is a very typical Nintendo story of the good guy chasing after the big baddie.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD isn’t all smiles and rainbows. While there are relatively easy levels, there are also levels that require precision and grant a sense of satisfaction upon completion. Simple movement controls allow you to jump straight into the action with the odd hint here and there on the starting levels, enabling you to quickly re-learn the controls, whether you’re a new or returning player.

Across the nine worlds and 80 levels, you are met with certain enemies and challenges to overcome. Jump on enemy’s heads to defeat them, grapple along walls, roll through enemies or even use Diddy Kong’s jetpack to propel yourself or glide through the air to get to certain areas you wouldn’t usually be able to on your own.

Before starting your game, you will notice there are two modes available at your disposal; Modern Mode and Original Mode. Modern Mode is an easier difficulty as you are granted three hearts by default and includes a wide variety of items you can purchase from Cranky Kong’s shop, including health potions, balloons, extra hearts, and keys to unlock certain levels in each world.

On the other hand, Original Mode allows you to play with the same rules and settings as the original Wii version of Donkey Kong Country Returns. This was a lovely touch to the game as it gives you complete control of the experience you wish to embark on, which allows new or returning players to enjoy the game.

In Single-player Mode, you can play as both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, which lets you utilise Diddy Kong’s Jump pack. In Multiplayer, you can play as either character or pass on a joy-con for 2 player local play or, if you’re playing as Diddy Kong, jump on Donkey Kong’s back to play a more passive role as if you would in Single-player. Scattered across each level, you also have the original Kong letters and various puzzle pieces to find, which I’m sure all the completionists out there will love.

In each world, you also have to defeat a Tiki Tribe leader, such as Kalimba, the Marca Gand, Gong-oh, Banjo Bottom and Wacky Pipes, to name a few. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD combines both the Wii and 3DS versions into a fantastic, fun, yet challenging version of the game that I adored as it catered to players of all experience levels while still upholding the mechanics and fundamentals of the original predecessors.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD retains the previous Donkey Kong Country games’ art style but provides players with a lovely world plastered with bright, vibrant colours and beautiful silhouette levels incorporating an excellent sunset background.

The Golden Temple, the Volcano, the Factory, the Cliff, the Forest, the Cave, the Ruins, the Beach and the Jungle all look remastered just a touch from the Wii original, but that is nothing to complain about as I was more intrigued about the throwback vibes of the game overall.

The sounds in the game are a notable mention. The soundtrack mainly comprises tracks from the original Donkey Country Returns but with a slightly modern enhanced touch, creating an atmospheric experience and aiding the visuals with that modern revival feel.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a wonderful remaster of the original Wii game. Challenging yet fun levels, wonderful-looking levels and an original but slightly tweaked soundtrack all aid in a great throwback feel that all players will love. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD allows players of all levels to enjoy the game due to its two difficulty choices, giving players a simple yet effective title to have a blast monkey-ing around with.

Written by: Larry