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Donkey Kong Country Returns Review
Posted: 19 months ago, last updated 4 months ago.
Author: @GeekDadGamer and Jo Robertson.
Overview
Play involves running and jumping as Donkey or Diddy Kong. Along with the platforming jumps, bounces and attacks, there are levels where you ride minecarts and are fired from cannons. As well as reaching the end of each level at the right of the screen, you are also trying to find and collect the golden "KONG" letters and puzzle pieces.
In single-player mode, you control Donkey Kong with Diddy Kong riding on his back. He not only offers more firepower but helps you jump higher. In multiplayer mode, a second player is Diddy Kong. If one character dies they can be brought back by using the other character to hit a barrel that floats into view.
To avoid problems arising from differences in the players' skills, Diddy can hop on Donkey's back to take on a more passive role, while his jetpack can be used to make his partner's jumps easier. Both Donkey and Diddy can pound the ground to defeat enemies and unveil secret items.
You can also trigger a Super Guide as in New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2 if you die eight times. This gives you the option to allow a white-coloured Donkey Kong helper to take over and complete the level for you. This does mean you will miss collectables though.
If you beat the game, unlock and complete The Golden Temple stage, the Mirror Mode is unlocked. In this mode, the stages are flipped, Donkey Kong only has one unit of health, he cannot use items bought from Cranky Kong, and he cannot get any help from Diddy Kong.
The 3DS version, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, adds some new levels and more assistance options, but can only be played in single player.
Game Details
Release Date: 21/11/2010, updated in 2013
Platforms: 3DS and 2DS, Wii and Wii U
Content Rating: PEGI 3
Skill Rating: 6+ year-olds
Players: 1-2
Genres: Action, Platform (Adventure, Collecting, Puzzle and Traversal)
Accessibility: 17 features
Developer: Retro Studios (@RetroStudios)
Lists
View our choice of games like Donkey Kong Country Returns. This game is good if you want to:
Duration
Play Style
You can play this game in the following styles:
Age Ratings
Skill Rating
6+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Although playing on your own requires more skill, super young players can enjoy helping siblings and parents and being carried along on Donkey Kong's back.
Costs
Accessibility
Although you can't pick difficulty in the Wii version of the game, in two-player mode, Diddy can hop on Donkey's back to take on a more passive role. You can also use the Super Guide if you die eight times, to get to the end of the level. On the 3DS version of the game there's an easier difficulty mode that increases your hearts to five and adds extra floating platforms to make jumps easier.
You can choose between two control schemes. One uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, while the other uses the Wii Remote held sideways. Both methods use motion controls for the "Ground Pound" move.
Visuals are generally large and bright, although on occasion you are fired into the background and have to perform platforming moves in a miniature size that is hard to see.
On the 3DS version of the game, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, you don't need to use motion controls. You do, however, have to press the charge or pound button repeatedly in some situations. This game also offers a New Mode which helps you find hidden items and extends your health.
Diversity and Inclusion
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