REVIEW: A classic returns to form
The “Donkey Kong Country” series is one of the most beloved franchises in videogame history. With fun and challenging platforming, as well as some of the best looking visuals on the Super Nintendo, it’s no wonder the games received so much praise and success. Unfortunately, the “Donkey Kong Country” series has not seen an entry since “Donkey Kong Country 3” was released in 1996, and the “Donkey Kong” series itself has not been great since the release of “Donkey Kong 64” in 2000. I am pleased to announce however, that Donkey Kong is back and as good as he as ever been.
This is a very good game. It is a top contender for Wii game of the year, and will certainly be in the conversation for best game on the Wii for years to come. Retro studios, best known for their excellent “Metroid Prime Series,” create a truly old-school platformer with some excellent new-school design. The story is classic Donkey Kong with the big ape trying to catch some dirty, thieving tiki men who ran off with his entire banana horde. Fans of the classic will notice the lack of the old K. Rool clan, which I was a little disappointed with, but the new bosses are some of the best in the series.
The game features some of the most entertaining and challenging game play I have ever experienced. I constantly find myself impressed with the level design and creative use of all of the tools available in Donkey Kong’s world. The game play always feels fresh with each of the eight worlds adding new challenges and secrets to find. I ran through my first play-through in about 12 hours, but there is plenty to do after that. With hundreds of collectibles and secrets and the addition of a challenging time-trial mode you will be spending months mastering this one.
The game maintains its old-school feel with its difficulty. You will die frequently as you dash, swing and jump your way through the world. The challenge will be a positive to some and a negative to others. In my opinion, it is a positive because it never feels super frustrating, and with practice comes the satisfaction of destroying levels that usually destroyed you. Just like the versions in the early ’90s, levels require precision timing and speed that can only be achieved with practice. Visually the game is among the best Wii has to offer with the silhouette levels being a true treat and visual standout. Bright colors and creative environments are always fun to look at and the art design is spot-on Donkey Kong Country. Music is also great with some great classic songs accompanying some fantastic new ones.
The game also features some excellent co-op multiplayer. Two players can team up as Donkey and Diddy and tackle the game together. Co-op is a blast and it was great to face the new challenges that each level rained upon me with a friend at my side. In some cases, co-op makes the game easier while in others, it makes it harder. Luckily, they have some great features that allow stronger players to help weaker ones through the game. In the end, “Donkey Kong Country Returns” is a true return to form for the series. The game is an impressive feat, blending the best of old-school platforming with some of the most unique level design of recent memory. It is a testament to the simpler days of games, as well as proof that great game play never goes out of style. ”Donkey Kong Country Returns” gives Wii owners everywhere a reason to celebrate this holiday season.
– nathan.c@aggiemail.usu.edu