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. anyu
    May 7, 2018
    9
    At the time of this review, I have not completed the game as a whole yet.

    What I can say so far is that the level design is gorgeous, the controls feel responsive and satisfying (there was only a few times when I felt the game was unresponsive to my input, most commonly when riding the cart) and the soundtrack is awesome! It's a challenging game, which I enjoy! I die all the time,    At the time of this review, I have not completed the game as a whole yet.

    What I can say so far is that the level design is gorgeous, the controls feel responsive and satisfying (there was only a few times when I felt the game was unresponsive to my input, most commonly when riding the cart) and the soundtrack is awesome!

    It's a challenging game, which I enjoy! I die all the time, but I never feel discouraged by it. It just keeps on opening up as a game! I really love this game so far!    … Expand
  2. 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.
  3. forevernes
    May 21, 2018
    9
    Donkey kong tropical freeze nota 9.5.......................................
  4. Digibutter64
    May 4, 2018
    9
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze remains an accomplished platformer four years after its original Wii U release. It plays just as well on Switch, both on TV and in handheld mode.

    The main new feature added in this version is Funky Mode, which, alongside other helpful things, allows you to play as Funky Kong, who can roll infinitely, double jump, stand on spikes without taking    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze remains an accomplished platformer four years after its original Wii U release. It plays just as well on Switch, both on TV and in handheld mode.

    The main new feature added in this version is Funky Mode, which, alongside other helpful things, allows you to play as Funky Kong, who can roll infinitely, double jump, stand on spikes without taking damage, and slow his falls. This does make the fairly difficult game a bit easier, but it doesn't completely eliminate the challenge, retaining its fun factor. Otherwise, you can opt for the classic mode to play the game like on Wii U. Whether buying this game if you have it on Wii U is worth it comes to personal preference, I think. Aside from Funky Mode, there's not much different stuff here.

    However, if you skipped the game on Wii U, you should absolutely get it on Switch. It may be a little short for some, but Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a creative platformer with just the right amount of difficulty, and the 1080p resolution really makes the game's vibrant colours pop.    … Expand
  5. 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.
  6. FranksandFerns
    May 21, 2018
    9
    By far one of the most beautiful and challenging games I have ever played. Donkey Kong really knocks it out of the part with this release. I will be playing this game for many many hours to come. Bring it on!
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. EdgarEM
    May 6, 2018
    9
    Excelente juego de plataforma con mecanicas clasicas y la dificultad que uno de este estilo merece, sin duda que se mantenga esa esencia de dificultad para la saga de Donkey Kong Country es sin duda una decision más que correcta de parte de Nintendo, el modo Funky reduce un poco la dificultad pero la diversion sigue ahi, incluso si eres un jugador que puede frustrarse facilmente teExcelente juego de plataforma con mecanicas clasicas y la dificultad que uno de este estilo merece, sin duda que se mantenga esa esencia de dificultad para la saga de Donkey Kong Country es sin duda una decision más que correcta de parte de Nintendo, el modo Funky reduce un poco la dificultad pero la diversion sigue ahi, incluso si eres un jugador que puede frustrarse facilmente te divertiras aun más en modo Funky.
    Si eres un gamer de antaño, si te gustan los juegos de plataformas o simplemente quieres probar algo nuevo, sin duda Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze es para ti.    … Expand
  11. 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.
  12. jad_giovanni
    Oct 25, 2020
    9
    Es bastante entretenido. A pesar de que lo único nuevo que tiene es un modo fácil no es malo. Tiene muy buenos gráficos, las mecánicas del juego son interesantes y es un plataformero muy exigente y justo.
  13. sluderk1983
    May 6, 2018
    9
    Solid, beautiful, and challenging. I don’t believe in giving a ZERO for being over-priced, but I also don’t believe it should get a perfect 10.
  14. Kaobarley
    May 7, 2018
    9
    Wonderful platform games. but they have some problems with loading , It's makes me feel classic
  15. maqister
    May 23, 2018
    9
    This is very good game but it is very hard as well. Graphics and level design is absolutely astonishing. Music is amazing. It is definitely too expensive as for four years old port.. It is still worth buying though. Zelda BOTW and Mario Odyssey are better games than this one but this is one is definitely the hardest among those three.

    Amazing game which pushes out Mario Kart 8 deluxe    This is very good game but it is very hard as well. Graphics and level design is absolutely astonishing. Music is amazing. It is definitely too expensive as for four years old port.. It is still worth buying though. Zelda BOTW and Mario Odyssey are better games than this one but this is one is definitely the hardest among those three.

    Amazing game which pushes out Mario Kart 8 deluxe edition from my top 3 switch games. I highly recommend it if you can enjoy hard & challenging games.    … Expand
  16. 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!
  17. DeusGod
    Jun 26, 2018
    9
    Almost perfect platformer game.
    As a fan of the platformer genre, this quality game is always welcome.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. KratosKong
    Jan 18, 2019
    9
    juego de plataformas con entornos muy variados y un diseño de niveles alocado y bien ejecutado.
  21. 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!
  22. giannis2001
    May 21, 2022
    9
    One of the best 2D platformers I have ever played. Smooth controls, perfect level design, incredibly good soundtrack and stunning visuals with dynamic background in each level . I highly recommend it but beware, it's challenging.
  23. 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.
  24. MatthewAce70
    Oct 24, 2020
    9
    Tropical Freeze is a fantastic sequel to a fantastic predecessor. Retro Studios have outdone themselves with this entry by making it look bigger, more varied, so gorgeous, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Calling this game good would be an understatement, because not only is this game beautiful to look at, it also plays super amazingly! Starring Donkey, Diddy, Dixie, Cranky, andTropical Freeze is a fantastic sequel to a fantastic predecessor. Retro Studios have outdone themselves with this entry by making it look bigger, more varied, so gorgeous, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Calling this game good would be an understatement, because not only is this game beautiful to look at, it also plays super amazingly! Starring Donkey, Diddy, Dixie, Cranky, and Funky, you’ll explore all kinds of islands on your way back to DK Island.
    For those who enjoy mascot platformers and just great fun in general, then this game should belong in your library.    … Expand
  25. 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
  26. Outsider64
    Sep 18, 2019
    9
    One of my favorite platformer! great animations, smooth control system, really enjoyable gameplay.
  27. Daniju
    Mar 12, 2020
    9
    Uno de los mejores juegos de plataformas en 2D que se puede jugar hoy en día. El diseño de los niveles es brillante, y tiene una dificultad medida para ser un buen reto sin ser injusto. Los bosses a los que te enfrentas al final de cada mundo te sacarán alguna sonrisa. A la altura del Donkey Kong Country Returns de Wii, un juego excelente y muy recomendado.
  28. spencerplewe
    Jan 25, 2023
    9
    With tight platforming action, colorful visuals and an earned sense of challenging fun, the Donkey Kong Country series hardly has seen better entries than this.
  29. srinu634
    Aug 26, 2022
    9
    The attention to detail in each level is spectacular. This game is hard and I'm glad they introduced a new Funky mode for people who want to take it easy playing this game. The colour palette was great and went well with the level design. The variation in the level design from tropical forests to oceans to African Savannah was very creative.
  30. Resetto
    Sep 8, 2021
    9
    The final boss in this game is not climatic at all. It kind of sucks, and there’s 6 worlds instead of 8, which makes it shorter than Country Returns. Anyways, these are the two thing holding this amazing game back from a 10. Everything else is done better than so many of Nintendo’s modern 2D platformers.
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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 »