Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

 Switch
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 767 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 648 out of 767
  2. Mixed: 70 out of 767
  3. Negative: 49 out of 767
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  1. Corrin_Flakes
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Literally the best 2D Platformer I've ever played, Mega Man X? Super Mario Bros. 3? Sorry about that, but they don't have quite the amount of "organic level design" DKCTF has, if you've seen Mark Brown and Turbo Button's level analysis videos on this game, you'd know this game juggles level mechanics seamlessly. Also I didn't even touch on David Wise's excellent score, if you haven'tLiterally the best 2D Platformer I've ever played, Mega Man X? Super Mario Bros. 3? Sorry about that, but they don't have quite the amount of "organic level design" DKCTF has, if you've seen Mark Brown and Turbo Button's level analysis videos on this game, you'd know this game juggles level mechanics seamlessly. Also I didn't even touch on David Wise's excellent score, if you haven't played the game or heard the soundtrack yet, just listen to 'Seashore War' and 'Wing Ding' for a taste of what its like. Overall, highly recommend getting if you have a Switch (or Wii U).… Expand
  2. FirstReviews
    May 4, 2018
    10
    This game is a masterpiece of a 2D platformer. It is jam packed with content and filled to the brink with creative and inspired level design. Playing one of the best games of the last 5 years on the go in a smooth 60 FPS is one of my favorite ways to experience the genius of Retro Studios. Adding my favorite Kong, Funky Kong as a playable character makes me wish I could give this an 11/10.This game is a masterpiece of a 2D platformer. It is jam packed with content and filled to the brink with creative and inspired level design. Playing one of the best games of the last 5 years on the go in a smooth 60 FPS is one of my favorite ways to experience the genius of Retro Studios. Adding my favorite Kong, Funky Kong as a playable character makes me wish I could give this an 11/10. If you have 60 dollars PICK UP THIS GAME. It is an essential for any fan of the platforrmer genre… Expand
  3. cat99sky
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Genius level design, impressive music, and epic boss fights.
    One of the best platformers. Good job, Retro!
  4. VideoGameLover
    May 4, 2018
    10
    A truly magical, wonder, amazing 2D platformer. Rewarding, challenging, amazing. And for the love of christ TURN off the Funky Kong mode and play it the way it's meant to be played. Dont underestimate your 7 year old. They are better than you think and will get great playing the real deal, not a mode with training wheels.
  5. UnionJack0714
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze is the best Country game ever. It is truly a magical and creative journey full of clever ideas and brilliant design. Each level is different from another, always and continuously pumping out new themes and ideas that function well with the players control. As well as this, the levels are accompanied by delightful visuals and killer music. Difficulty range is noDonkey Kong Tropical Freeze is the best Country game ever. It is truly a magical and creative journey full of clever ideas and brilliant design. Each level is different from another, always and continuously pumping out new themes and ideas that function well with the players control. As well as this, the levels are accompanied by delightful visuals and killer music. Difficulty range is no longer an issue, as less experienced players can have fun playing the more forgiven funky mode. Those who want that hardcore challenge still can play on normal and hard difficulties, and boy does it get hard. The boss fights are a personal highlight, with each boss having their own unique energy and charming characteristics as well as brilliant move design. Simple put, even if you had this on Wii U, its worth buying again. It is truly a masterful 2d platforming experience that in my opinion even puts Mario's 2d games to shame... but only just. 10/10… Expand
  6. EpicLadySponge
    Jul 25, 2018
    9
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is now better with more features added to it. Still classic gameplay ripped straight from its original Wii U version without any harm built into it. Still a good game to play even if it's been four years for its original Wii U release.
  7. jikflet
    Jun 22, 2018
    10
    The second best donkey kong game after DKC2 for the SNES. if you never played it on the WiiU, its about time to play it on the switch. is incredibly hard, challenging and with one of the best level designs I've seen. Beautiful music. This game is simple fantastic.
  8. mefzeldernx
    Jun 1, 2018
    9
    Retro Studios logra un gol de mitad de cancha con lo hecho con Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, es el claro ejemplo de lo que debe ser un juego de plataformas 2D, divertido, desafiante y armónico.
    El relanzamiento del juego de Wii U a Switch puede ser un poco magro, ya que el contenido adicional no es muy generoso, pero sirve para tener la excusa de comprarlo por segunda vez. Funky    Retro Studios logra un gol de mitad de cancha con lo hecho con Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, es el claro ejemplo de lo que debe ser un juego de plataformas 2D, divertido, desafiante y armónico.
    El relanzamiento del juego de Wii U a Switch puede ser un poco magro, ya que el contenido adicional no es muy generoso, pero sirve para tener la excusa de comprarlo por segunda vez. Funky Kong es el nuevo modo de juego, pero es básicamente el modo fácil, ideal para introducir a chicos a una saga con un nivel de dificultad alto.
    Si no jugaste DKC: Tropical Freeze en su consola original es un obligatorio, sencillamente es una obra maestra, pero lo tuviste quizás sea mejor que ahorres el dinero ya que no hay muchos agregados salvo la opción de tenerlo para jugarlo en modo portátil.    … Expand
  9. dyinginbeauty
    May 27, 2018
    10
    Excellent platformer that is fun, challenging, good looking, and never feels unfair.
    I suppose one can argue that it is expensive, given that it is in fact a few years old... I probably wouldn't buy it if I had already played it on the wii, but as a new player all I can say is that its great.
  10. IndieCrit
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    My favorite platformer on the switch. Seriously. No joke. The levels are creative and inventive, a great level of challenge, beautiful tracks and a little overpriced for a port, but still worth it. And while it does have flaws, it's a must have.
  11. OhDaeau
    May 20, 2018
    10
    Obra maestra absoluta. Continuista con la saga pero aquí no se valora la originalidad, sino la maestría del diseño de niveles y la jugabilidad. Increíble las diferentes y variadas capas de dificultad del juego de Ra... Nintendo. Es el mejor plataformas en 2D de los últimos 20 años. Dejarlo pasar es perderse un cacho de la historia de este medio. Imprescindible.
  12. josecortes1995
    May 20, 2018
    10
    me esperaba menos de este juego pero al probarlo me soprendio y sobrepaso mucho mis expectativas grandísimo juego
  13. Damrock85
    Jun 22, 2018
    10
    Pure fun, not had this much fun on a game for a long time.

    Hard and challenging but you never feel like you have been cheated.
  14. SparX0
    Aug 10, 2018
    9
    The difficulty in this game is just perfect and each level feels hand crafted. It gives exactly what you would look for in a modern 2D platformer.
  15. Bradaloop
    Jul 29, 2021
    8
    With interesting level gimmicks, strong level theming, and subtle storytelling via background and sometimes even foreground elements of stages, Tropical Freeze is an incredibly well-crafted platforming experience. While I don't think that this was entirely my type of game given my frustration with the difficulty at times, I can't deny the talent that everyone involved in this projectWith interesting level gimmicks, strong level theming, and subtle storytelling via background and sometimes even foreground elements of stages, Tropical Freeze is an incredibly well-crafted platforming experience. While I don't think that this was entirely my type of game given my frustration with the difficulty at times, I can't deny the talent that everyone involved in this project needed to have had to create such a visually and mechanically cohesive game.… Expand
  16. piscesperiod
    Apr 20, 2020
    8
    Ah, DK Tropical Freeze. Reviewing this game turned out to be quite a conflicting experience. Having been a fan of the franchise from the old SNES days, I was very excited to get my hands on this game. From a level and character design standpoint, this game is absolute art. Soundtrack? No one other than the great David Wise himself, absolute perfection.
    This game could've easily been a 10,    Ah, DK Tropical Freeze. Reviewing this game turned out to be quite a conflicting experience. Having been a fan of the franchise from the old SNES days, I was very excited to get my hands on this game. From a level and character design standpoint, this game is absolute art. Soundtrack? No one other than the great David Wise himself, absolute perfection.
    This game could've easily been a 10, hadn't the developers taken 'frustration' for 'challenge'. Even with the help of special items, expect to die a lot. I mean, a LOT. This game will test your patience more than your platforming skills, especially If you want to beat it 100% like I did. Take a deep breath, and keep the ball rolling.
    Wish I could give it a 10, the game IS amazing, but the difficulty at times reflects on your gaming experience and make it less fun. So, I'm rating it 8 for the stunnig graphics, amazing soundtrack, beautiful and immersive level designs, and beloved characters.    … Expand
  17. IloveSuperMario
    Apr 22, 2021
    10
    Wonderful music, omg! I can listen to them all my life! The levels are standalone too good to be true! The ability to play different characters with dk is fabulous and the game has alot of charm. Amazing video game in every aspect
  18. blawren4
    May 4, 2018
    10
    This is a great game. Excellent platformer with tight controls. Tough but fair.
  19. Concelhaut
    May 5, 2018
    10
    The best 2D platformer in recent history and the best Donkey Kong game. Bravo Retro studios.
  20. Tazcat2011
    May 4, 2018
    9
    The review by "Trusted Reviews" is a joke. DKC:TF is a terrific platformer and is a welcome addition to the Switch library. If you haven't played on Wii U, definitely pick it up. The levels and music are terrific and the difficulty is fair. I have never experienced what I call a "cheap death". Easily a 8-9 scoring game.
  21. sonicpulsar
    May 4, 2018
    10
    One of the best plaformers ever made, now better than ever. Very diverse, magical and creative levels. Stunning graphics and animations. It's a must buy for any Switcher! Get it!
  22. Respectthecrow
    May 4, 2018
    10
    An amazing platformer, may be 60$ which is 10$ more than the original WII U version but in my opinion, worth the price. A combination of a large section of characters (Funky Kong, Donkey Kong, Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong) and creative levels makes this one of the greatest 2D platformers ever made and definitely worth the purchase.
  23. Sanctify
    May 5, 2018
    10
    Honestly the best 2D platformer ever made, now even better on the Switch. If you even remotely care about platform games, get this one ASAP.
  24. Zumnes
    May 5, 2018
    10
    best platform game in years, its hard but also rewarding, ihope everyone buys it
  25. Footballpires
    May 5, 2018
    10
    I had forgotten how much I love this game. Everything is so solid that this is one of the best platformers out there to date. The controls are very intuitive and responsive, visuals are awe inspiring, and the musical score is fantastic. It's also a very challenging game packed with worthy collectables, and now it's also accessible for younger or more casual audiences with the addition ofI had forgotten how much I love this game. Everything is so solid that this is one of the best platformers out there to date. The controls are very intuitive and responsive, visuals are awe inspiring, and the musical score is fantastic. It's also a very challenging game packed with worthy collectables, and now it's also accessible for younger or more casual audiences with the addition of Funky Kong, an overpowered ape.… Expand
  26. bad_sid
    May 6, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An excellent platformer. Completely worth your money. I missed nintendo on the previous console, I'm playing now. And who else will remember what high-budget platformers are or have been for the last 2 3 years… Expand
  27. Barbarys8
    May 6, 2018
    10
    This is maybe my best platformer game ever. I was a bit frustrated by Mario Odyssey because of the lack of challenge but here I know why I paid for !

    Tropical freeze has lots of secrets to find and an amazing level design. Boss fights are intense and each level has its own mood. Already in my top 5 list on Nintendo Switch.
  28. maxtor27
    May 5, 2018
    9
    Very fun and challenging platformer, each level is fun to get through, very well designed and the soundtrack compliments it very well. If you bought it before on Wii U there's not much else except for Funky Mode which is fun but not worth a re-buy if you're not sure.
  29. emanuellebm
    May 5, 2018
    10
    Simplesmente maginifico o jogo esta com graficos exelentes e com musica bacana
  30. Underr8ted
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Really good game really fun.If your just looking for a really fun game then this is it and its better then the wii u version.
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Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Switch Game of 2018
10
#10 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
10
#10 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 76
  3. Negative: 0 out of 76
  1. Pocket Tactics
    Jan 27, 2025
    70
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze continues the tough-as-nails platforming with new power-ups to help navigate the nastiest obstacles, as we’re treated to the best soundtrack in the series. However, the inconsistent difficulty makes for a less refined game and the bosses are dragged out to the point where fighting them becomes a chore.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Sep 5, 2018
    95
    If you enjoy the thrill of Kongquest – er, conquest – over a worthy challenge, this game should satisfy. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 74]
  3. CD-Action
    Aug 2, 2018
    90
    Retro’s creativity is infinite and I simply cannot imagine any platforming fan overlooking this gem. [07/2018, p.77]
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