
Without the ability to shake the Wii Remote to perform special moves, the controls have been redesigned to suit the 3DS, although it's debatable whether or not things have changed for the better. The odd dip in the frame rate suggests that the development team has been a little too ambitious in the graphical department, but it doesn't ruin the fun. It helps that it takes place on a gorgeous island made up of sandy beaches, lush jungles and bubbling volcanoes. Whether being fired out of barrels between the foreground and background or dodging boulders that burst out of the screen, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is a 2D game with more layers than a banana split.
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The Donkey Kong Country series has always been known for its vibrant visuals and colourful backdrops, but the added depth provided by the system's 3D capabilities really makes the world come alive.

The game's 3D visuals are also worthy of mention. The bonus levels are among the best and most challenging of the entire game, which makes the 3DS port a very tempting prospect for fans of the original, although the lack of any further extras makes it a tough sell.

It's also a handy way of finding and collecting all of the secret items that are required to unlock the eight additional levels exclusive to the 3DS. It's still challenging, but with extra health and safety items, not to mention hidden path keys, it gives lesser skilled players a fighting chance to make it to the end. The 3DS version does, however, contain a new and slightly easier game mode, which makes it more accessible to new players. The core game is brutally punishing, but never unfair, requiring either a keen memory or quick reflexes to conquer. Loved by some and feared by others, the Wii version was renowned for its challenging gameplay, a tradition which continues on the 3DS. The level design, visuals and music come together to create another excellent Nintendo platformer. It's a remarkably varied experience, with each level offering something completely new and unseen, or presenting a fiendish twist on a gameplay mechanic that may have appeared early on. One level might see Donkey and Diddy attempt to avoid exploding barrels and jump deadly chasms in the front seat of a minecart, while another sees the duo dart between cover to avoid being swept away by a huge tidal wave. Stages are tightly crafted and hugely diverse, featuring enough enemies, obstacles, hidden areas, bosses and barrels to keep players on their toes for the duration.

The story of Tikis taking over Donkey Kong Island is throwaway, but the game manages to raise a smile thanks to a humorous collection of cutscenes in which Donkey kong, more often than not, puts the hurt to whichever Tiki gets in his way.Īs with most Nintendo games, however, the story plays second fiddle to the in-game action, which in this case is exemplary. Far from a straight port, however, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D breathes new life into a vintage platformer, adding new stages, game modes and a wonderful 3D art style.

Release Date: May 24 (Europe), May 21 (North America)ĭonkey Kong Country Returns 3D is a remake of the 2011 Wii game of the same name.
