• Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns

    by
    Kris "Kayris" Cullen
    Published on 06-12-2011 02:04 PM
    2 Comments Comments

    Donkey Kong Country Returns

    Developers: Retro Studios, Nintendo
    Publisher: Nintendo
    Platforms: Nintendo Wii
    Genre: Side Scroller
    Rating: E
    Release Date: November 21, 2010

    Nintendo has once again has coming swinging hard in one of its many franchise throwbacks in Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii. Its an amazing game for its nature. The Donkey Kong duo is back in a game that will literally make you go bananas.

    Presentation

    After a volcanic explosion, tiki's appear from the flames and brimstone and steal Donkey Kong's bananas, and its up to the team of simians to find their stash back. The beginning menus are simple aside from figuring out that the 2nd player controller needs to be on to access the 2 player menu which doesn't appear until the second controller is on whatsoever. The map over world screen is similar to that of its predecessors except for the 360 view of the island once moving from level to level. Upon completing a world you move on to the next part of the jungle island in an upward spiral towards the top of the volcanic mountain.

    Sound/Music

    The music from the game contains musical tracks similar to tropical smooth bongo tracks you come to expect from this game, yet the original tracks from previous games have been digitally remastered and remixed and are nothing less than incredible. Donkey Kong is captured as his usual strong and dominant self through is limited grunts and pouts as is the same for Diddy. But with these sounds the developers really capture the simians emotions without the two saying a thing.

    Graphics

    Donkey Kong has been known to have had the upper hand in the past on previous side scrollers due to its pixar like characters and rendered backgrounds. But for a wii title this game was no where near disappointment when it came to is ascetics. This game pushed bright colored plants and greens that a jungle should have as opposed to the dark dingy jungles of its former days. The characters are not rendered sprites but actual 3d models of who whole character. Another additional feature in the game are the active backgrounds, some of which are seen during the mine cart runs, showing you enemies throwing bombs other obstacles in your way.

    Gameplay

    In Donkey Kong Country Returns the player takes the role of Donkey Kong, the protagonist of this story, in search for his bananas. This game has you leaping the most treacherous of traps and obstacles as well as swinging from tree to tree and destroying his tiki foes. This title has taken side scrolling to new levels along with your typical jumping from platform to platform you have new and innovative way of utilizing the controls to pound the ground to unveil secrets and pushing buttons just by mimicking the same actions on the wii mote. Mine cart levels were taken to new extremes as far as length and difficulty. New barrel rocket levels that push the player to take caution of bats, cave obstacles, and bombs.
    Bosses have usually been defeated with barrels thrown and a jump on the head in the past but now bosses have to be defeated according to timing and precision and have to be thought out a bit more in this game. Donkey Kong Country Returns thankfully is generous with power-ups and lives that can be purchased through Cranky Kong if things get a bit tough for you. Be even when the going gets tough this title even brings in the optional super guide for your connivance so that you can further progress through the game.

    Lasting Appeal

    There are various items to collect through out the game such as the puzzle pieces and the letters kong which can unlock hidden levels and a special tough world can be more than enough reason for gamers to come back and play this game. And for the more those who consider themselves veterans and hardcore to the bone there is a mirror mode where one would start from the end of the level and work there way back with one life only.

    Conclusion

    From tiki's to bananas and everything in-between this game isn't monkeying around. This is barrel blasting fun for everyone that will make you want to keep you playing this over and over again.

    Score
    9.0/10
    Comments 2 Comments
    1. Chris "WildCardCorsair" Garcia's Avatar
      Chris "WildCardCorsair" Garcia - 06-13-2011
      The donkey kong country games were huge favorites of mine, and although those damnable mine cart levels are back I have to say I'm glad this one sounds like a great game
    1. Jason Arriola's Avatar
      Jason Arriola - 06-13-2011
      Still haven't gotten around to finishing it yet. I made it more than halfway. I like the challenge the game has and I know I was losing lives like crazy at one point. I might just have to get back in there and finish it up.

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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