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. ClinOton
    Oct 14, 2019
    10
    The bar has been raised and Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is that bar! An exuberant bombastically enjoyable celebration of platforming genius.
  2. Outsider64
    Sep 18, 2019
    9
    One of my favorite platformer! great animations, smooth control system, really enjoyable gameplay.
  3. Sijun
    Sep 16, 2019
    9
    This game is a 2D platformers friend dream come true!

    Pros: - very beautiful graphics - rewarding difficulty (its not an easy game) - nice controls - very fun gameplay - high replayability - cool soundtrack - interesting and funny level design - high variety in levels Cons: - none Verdict: I highly recommend this beautifully crafted piece of jump'n'run-art by any    This game is a 2D platformers friend dream come true!

    Pros:

    - very beautiful graphics
    - rewarding difficulty (its not an easy game)
    - nice controls
    - very fun gameplay
    - high replayability
    - cool soundtrack
    - interesting and funny level design
    - high variety in levels

    Cons:

    - none

    Verdict:
    I highly recommend this beautifully crafted piece of jump'n'run-art by any means. It is great fun and doesnt get boring by a bit, even after you played it through. It is a must have game for fans of this genre and your children alike.    … Expand
  4. Ivmh
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    Al nivel de la saga COUNTRY... lo mejor de lo mejor. Plataformeo puro y duro!!! Que tiempos, gracias a Nintendo por dar la oportunidad a quienes no apostamos por la WIU.

    La Switch me hace sentir que estoy jugando a mi vieja Súper Nintendo (un niño de 10 años)
  5. Olicomix
    Aug 24, 2019
    10
    With creative and varied levels, incredible visuals, wonderful music, excellent structure, and overall ample amount of charm, this is not only one of the best Donkey Kong games, but also one of the best 2D platformers ever made, making this a modern classic that's given new life on the Switch, and with this being portable as well, this is an absolute must own if you have the console,With creative and varied levels, incredible visuals, wonderful music, excellent structure, and overall ample amount of charm, this is not only one of the best Donkey Kong games, but also one of the best 2D platformers ever made, making this a modern classic that's given new life on the Switch, and with this being portable as well, this is an absolute must own if you have the console, especially if you enjoy 2D platformers.… Expand
  6. Gamer507
    Jun 27, 2019
    9
    Soy seguidor de la saga desde el primer DK country . El juego se mantiene fiel a su mecánica de las primeras entregas, añadiendo algunas novedades. Es muy entretenido y los paisajes son diversos en cada nivel, lo que le da mucha frescura al juego.
    Creo que el arte y las voces pudieron haber sido menos caricaturizado, como las primeras entregas pero en general esta muy bien.
  7. greengrapejelly
    Apr 16, 2019
    9
    In my opinion, this is the best 2d platformer on the Nintendo Switch. The visuals are amazing, the game play is very fluid, and most importantly, it's extremely fun. For anyone into 2d platformers... buy this game!
  8. Thwompthing
    Apr 12, 2019
    10
    Excellent 2D platformer with some new 3D elements. First time playing it and now I'm glad I never bought it on the Wii U because this game looks amazing on Switch in 1080p 60fps. Level design here is superb. Haven't run into any memorable music tracks so far in my first hour or so, but I can't stop playing. Nintendo games are pure quality. I would only recommend this if you haven'tExcellent 2D platformer with some new 3D elements. First time playing it and now I'm glad I never bought it on the Wii U because this game looks amazing on Switch in 1080p 60fps. Level design here is superb. Haven't run into any memorable music tracks so far in my first hour or so, but I can't stop playing. Nintendo games are pure quality. I would only recommend this if you haven't played it on Wii U, otherwise the game is usually $60 on Switch which is absurd for a upgraded visual treat port. I got mine for $40 on sale :)… Expand
  9. Masterofswagger
    Mar 26, 2019
    7
    While DKC Tropical Freeze is an amazing 2d platformer, i feel like there was real stuff added to this game, other than funky mode, which is an easy mode, i would've liked for them to add in some more stuff to warrant a full price release. But a solid game all around.
  10. leetl1
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    An amazing 2d platformer with wonderful level design, stunning graphics, perfect controls, and an awesome soundtrack. It's really hard but not overly hard like Returns. Avoid Star Allies and play this.
  11. xortim
    Feb 20, 2019
    0
    I'm at a loss of words for how terrible this game is. Perhaps it's the irritating and repetitive sounds, the terrible soundtrack, clumsy controls, floaty physics, or the insulting price tag. Dust off your Super Nintendo and original Donkey Kong Country cartridges of you want a *good* game. If you want to get rid of hard earned money and play an imitation of what was once a good series thenI'm at a loss of words for how terrible this game is. Perhaps it's the irritating and repetitive sounds, the terrible soundtrack, clumsy controls, floaty physics, or the insulting price tag. Dust off your Super Nintendo and original Donkey Kong Country cartridges of you want a *good* game. If you want to get rid of hard earned money and play an imitation of what was once a good series then this is for you.… Expand
  12. Rdgmonster
    Feb 18, 2019
    9
    Muy buen juego de plataformas, gráficamente sorprendente con un gran diseño de niveles y una muy buena dificultad, es un juego que deja un gran sabor de boca
  13. ConnorC
    Feb 12, 2019
    10
    This is really a 9.8, game is perfect except the final boss was BS. Minimum of 75 characters.
  14. KratosKong
    Jan 18, 2019
    9
    juego de plataformas con entornos muy variados y un diseño de niveles alocado y bien ejecutado.
  15. night4
    Jan 1, 2019
    4
    It's too expensive, and the coop is terrible. Characters very easily get ahead of one another, resulting odd "teleporting" of the person behind. Needing to catch a falling moving barrel to bring the other player back is just silly. And barrel/mine cart parts are *horrible* as either player can control them, resulting in confusion and deaths. Riding animals is similar - it's much moreIt's too expensive, and the coop is terrible. Characters very easily get ahead of one another, resulting odd "teleporting" of the person behind. Needing to catch a falling moving barrel to bring the other player back is just silly. And barrel/mine cart parts are *horrible* as either player can control them, resulting in confusion and deaths. Riding animals is similar - it's much more dangerous with 2 people on them.

    The game looks nice, but that's about all it has going for it. All the charm is gone, the level design is poor, the secrets feel too similar and it's just not fun. Oh, and the controls are very "floaty" and terrible. Such a shame.    … Expand
  16. M4thew
    Dec 29, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I completed this game some months ago, but I still know that I had a blast playing it. I wasn’t sure if I would get it, when it was announced, since I already have the Wii U version, but I somehow still wanted to experience this great 2D-platformer on the switch.

    Every level in this game is unique by adding new mechanics or being specifically themed. So you won’t get bored that easily. You have to consider, that this game is pretty difficult, especially if you try to collect all the K-O-N-G-letters and the puzzle pieces. If you collect every K-O-N-G-letters of a world you get access to an extra level, which is more difficult than the other levels, which can get quite frustrating, but completing those levels feels so satisfying, that you just want to try over and over again until you finally beat it. For a 2D-platformer the graphics are also pretty good, but the most memorable thing is the stunning soundtrack. Almost every piece of music in this game is a masterpiece. It’s also really cool that you can now also play with Dixie Kong or Cranky Kong. Their unique abilities make the gameplay more interesting and more diverse.

    If you like 2D-platformers or difficult game in general you should definitely give this game a try. In my opinion, this game is one of the best games of its genre up to this date.    … Expand
  17. jeffbizloc
    Dec 18, 2018
    9
    This was an excellent platformer. I ended up beating it in the classic mode and getting all KONG letters.

    Pros: - Good looking platformer with good precision - Soundtrack is always good in DK games - Good mix of levels with lowlands, aerial, barrel flying, mine carts, ice, water Cons: - Dixie was sort of over powered, didn't really use the others - Not really much use of the    This was an excellent platformer. I ended up beating it in the classic mode and getting all KONG letters.

    Pros:
    - Good looking platformer with good precision
    - Soundtrack is always good in DK games
    - Good mix of levels with lowlands, aerial, barrel flying, mine carts, ice, water

    Cons:
    - Dixie was sort of over powered, didn't really use the others
    - Not really much use of the rhino either
    - Wanted to back and get all the puzzle pieces but read they didn't open up anything new - bummer    … Expand
  18. Genius73
    Dec 16, 2018
    7
    Es un muy buen port, el juego esta muy bien para la gente que le guste los juegos de plataformas, al principio pensé que era un juego de plataformas como cualquier otro, pero al cabo de un tiempo jugando me he dado cuenta de que es un juego entretenido y muy divertido para jugar con algún amigo coma es en mi caso y también para jugar solo. y lo eso de poder estar jugando-lo
    tranquilamente    Es un muy buen port, el juego esta muy bien para la gente que le guste los juegos de plataformas, al principio pensé que era un juego de plataformas como cualquier otro, pero al cabo de un tiempo jugando me he dado cuenta de que es un juego entretenido y muy divertido para jugar con algún amigo coma es en mi caso y también para jugar solo. y lo eso de poder estar jugando-lo
    tranquilamente en el autobús jugando y pasando el rato no tiene precio.    … Expand
  19. FNaF
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    Another game from Wii U success very well on Nintendo Switch, better than Captain Toad Treasure Tracker on Nintendo 3DS & Nintendo Switch.
  20. Jax360
    Dec 7, 2018
    10
    one of the best 2D platformer.

    Presentation. 9/10
    Graphics TV. 10/10
    Graphics Handheld. 9.5/10
    Music. 10/10
    Controls. 10/10
    Fun-factor. 10/10
    Score. 7.8/10
  21. greninjaX
    Dec 1, 2018
    10
    one of the greatest 2D platformers ever made. if you didn't play it on the wii u, now is the time to buy it on the switch.
  22. bulger_paul
    Nov 29, 2018
    8
    As far as 2D platformers that were originally on the Wii U, which were later porter over to the Switch go, I honestly prefer Rayman Legends. I liked the artwork better, I liked the music better, I liked the design and handling better, it has more content, and it’s half the price. But if you’ve already played Rayman on your Switch, this isn’t a bad place to go next. I
  23. FatalBrush
    Sep 18, 2018
    9
    This is Donkey Kong back at it again: original, challenging, entertaining and an overall lovely done 2D game. This game is perfect for the fans and it takes you back in time. I'd have wished for a longer game though, hence "only" 9/10. It's a great title though.
  24. TatsMcGee
    Sep 8, 2018
    8
    I am one of the few individuals who owned a Wii U and I’m one of the few individuals who have an affinity for the Donkey Kong Country series but for some reason I never played Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze on the Wii U. When the Switch version was announced and that there was a new mode called Funky Mode, I decided that I would just wait for the Switch version. Jump forward a fewI am one of the few individuals who owned a Wii U and I’m one of the few individuals who have an affinity for the Donkey Kong Country series but for some reason I never played Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze on the Wii U. When the Switch version was announced and that there was a new mode called Funky Mode, I decided that I would just wait for the Switch version. Jump forward a few months and here we are, I have finally played DKC Tropical Freeze.

    The game is shockingly difficult, I know people look back at the original trilogy and say those games were equally punishing but this feels like another level. The sad part is, I played the games Funky mode which is basically easy mode and I still struggled with it. Especially during some of the bosses where I just banged my head against the wall over and over again. I probably spent 3 or 4 hours just trying to beat the final boss.

    My one major complaint with the game is I didn’t love the control scheme, I had a hard time holding down a button to cling to vines. I prefer the old method where you just jump towards a vine and you automatically cling to it. Holding the right shoulder button when I was swinging on vines just felt bad. I had to eventually change the control scheme where the “Y” button was the interact button. I have a habit of always holding down the “Y” button anyway because that’s traditionally the run button. It sucked because then the run button was the right shoulder button so I never ran but it was an overall better experience after I switched the control scheme.

    All in all, Tropical Freeze is a solid platformer with great music.    … Expand
  25. mcsw712
    Aug 18, 2018
    10
    Best Platformer ever made so far. It's a little too easy at first, but the game is extremely challenging later on. Definitely an advanced platformer. It gets a 10 for being the best Donkey Kong game ever made.
  26. BrettSiebenhaar
    Aug 11, 2018
    9
    I never got the chance to play this on Wii U. This game is great and it was worth every penny of the $60 price tag. Great platforming, great presentation, great game! Funky Kong is awesome!
  27. nomsai
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    It has been a very, very long while that I played a game and not only I said "I love this game" (which I say a lot) but I also said "and objectively, what a freaking masterpiece this is". This is how good I feel about this game, and why you should try it. First time ever it happens to me with a platformer.

    When I thought nothing could make me love 2D platformers anymore, when I thought    It has been a very, very long while that I played a game and not only I said "I love this game" (which I say a lot) but I also said "and objectively, what a freaking masterpiece this is". This is how good I feel about this game, and why you should try it. First time ever it happens to me with a platformer.

    When I thought nothing could make me love 2D platformers anymore, when I thought I will never be able to like 2D platformers on TV, when all that happened... I found this jewel - which I bought just for my summer holidays out of Game Boy nostalgia. I started the game being a bit sceptical, but that did last just a few minutes. Soon, I said "oooh, the level design... is genius". It was followed by an "and the art too". Contrary to others, I was not impressed by the music... until I got to a certain level and said "oook, I was wrong there too". The difficulty felt great as well. And then, I cleared my first K-level - those crazy K-levels. That feeling of satisfaction that it caused in me is so hard to describe.

    Really, this is a must have in anybody's collection.    … Expand
  28. 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.
  29. RobGaiden
    Aug 6, 2018
    8
    The game was very good, super clever level design and great visuals, however (and I am very picky here) the control of the character is not as reactive and direct as I expected, I recently played Celeste and Flat Heroes and I think they are a bit better in this aspect. Anyway, great game!
  30. zabian
    Jul 28, 2018
    10
    I would be lying to say this is the not the greatest 2d platformer of all time, best level design ever, great soundtrack, the new funky Kong mode made it easier but its still hard, gorgeous graphics, Its a wonderful creative masterpiece with great level design and great controls submitting it as the greatest 2d platformer for years to come.
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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]
See all critic reviews »