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. TheDoomSlayer
    Jun 22, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game, fun platformer w zabi w 9lawiya w nik souwa ta3 matkom y'a Zab ta3 nami… Expand
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. blawren4
    May 4, 2018
    10
    This is a great game. Excellent platformer with tight controls. Tough but fair.
  20. Concelhaut
    May 5, 2018
    10
    The best 2D platformer in recent history and the best Donkey Kong game. Bravo Retro studios.
  21. 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.
  22. 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!
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. Zumnes
    May 5, 2018
    10
    best platform game in years, its hard but also rewarding, ihope everyone buys it
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. TitaniumDragon
    Mar 8, 2020
    6
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the fifth game in the Donkey Kong Country series, though it is more of a direct sequel to Donkey Kong Country Returns than it is to the first three games. As with the other games in the series, it is a 2D platformer whose central movement “gimmick” is the ability to roll along the ground or off ledges and do an air jump. This creates a burst of speedDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the fifth game in the Donkey Kong Country series, though it is more of a direct sequel to Donkey Kong Country Returns than it is to the first three games. As with the other games in the series, it is a 2D platformer whose central movement “gimmick” is the ability to roll along the ground or off ledges and do an air jump. This creates a burst of speed and momentum which can propel you along.

    The other central gimmick of this game is having a secondary character ride along on your back. These characters are released from barrels in levels, and in addition to giving you two extra hit points (on top of your normal two), they give you the ability to float in midair (Diddy Kong), do a floaty double jump (Dixie Kong), or pogo bounce super high and avoid getting harmed by spikes if you time your jumps correctly (Cranky Kong). This sounds really neat, but unfortunately, 95% of the time you want Dixie Kong and the other 5% of the time you need Cranky’s ability to pogo jump and dodge getting hit by spikes instead, with Diddy’s ability being almost totally worthless. As a result, this mechanic, as cool as it sounded at first, is pretty underdeveloped. Each of them also has an underwater “propulsion” ability, but again, Dixie Kong’s is not only the most useful, it’s the only one that is necessary to reach certain secrets.

    Like previous DKC games, the game consists of a series of middling difficulty 2D platforming levels, each of which has its own particular gimmick. This can be anything from going through a fruit factory and jumping off of sliced fruit to navigating through an underwater maze to jumping off of a bunch of cloud-covered platforms that propel themselves through the air and fade as you ride on them, forcing you to move swiftly to avoid falling into a bottomless pit. Indeed, the game is rather fond of bottomless pits in general, particularly in the more difficult stages, where you must jump from platform to platform or enemy to enemy, often with a time limit due to the platforms starting to fall apart after touching them.

    Interspersed with these levels are “vehicle” levels, which really consist of three kinds of levels:

    • Mine cart levels, where you ride in a mine cart and jump over obstacles while moving forward along rails at a constant speed.
    • Rocket levels, where you ride along on a rocket that can be navigated up and down, but which progresses laterally at a constant rate of speed, forcing you to dodge obstacles as you go
    • Rambi the Rhino levels, where you ride on the back of Rambi the Rhino, who can crash through obstacles, walls, and enemies with ease, resulting in lots of environmental destruction and speed as he charges around horn-first.

    Unfortunately, while the game does have a reasonable amount of variety, and the game has a lot of visual spectacle, it doesn’t really quite feel like it is as good as DKC 2 or DKC 3, which is a bit of a let-down.

    The most obvious way that this was the case was the lack of variety in the “bonus rooms”. In this game, there’s puzzle pieces and KONG letters, both of which serve as collectibles in each level. Some of the puzzle pieces are acquired via going into secret bonus rooms, either hidden barrels or entrances in the wall or whatever, which takes you to a separate mini-stage. In DKC 2 and DKC 3, these were all unique little mini stages, each appropriate to the level. However, in this game, the bonus stages are all the same – there’s about six or so room layouts, and they’re repeated throughout the game. They’re all pretty easy, and none of them are creative in any way. This is quite the letdown, and makes them a lot less interesting than they were in the original games.

    But the other issue is more subtle – the levels just don’t feel quite as high quality as the original games’ levels did at times. This game is much more visually impressive, and some of the levels have rather cute gimmicks to them, exploiting the background and doing more in the department of visual spectacle. And yet, the levels still feel slightly lacking, a bit rote. There's just a bunch of niggling little flaws that all add up to make the experience less than amazing.

    Overall, this is a pretty solid platformer. It was fun enough to play through, and while the game wasn’t overly long, probably clocking in around 20ish hours to grab all the collectibles, it wasn’t overly short, either. But it just doesn’t have that extra level of quality to put it over the top in the way that DKC2 did. In the end, I’m left feeling content but ambivalent about the game.    … Expand
  30. donmopa
    Nov 12, 2020
    5
    Mediocre sequel

    I don't fully understand those reviews saying that this game is the 2D platform ever developed or a masterpiece. I have played DK1 & DK2 not so long ago and they are still great games. Not to mention other great SNES' 2D platformers like Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island, Mega Man X, or Super Castlevania IV. As pros, this game has impressive art and good animations.    Mediocre sequel

    I don't fully understand those reviews saying that this game is the 2D platform ever developed or a masterpiece. I have played DK1 & DK2 not so long ago and they are still great games. Not to mention other great SNES' 2D platformers like Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island, Mega Man X, or Super Castlevania IV.

    As pros, this game has impressive art and good animations. Boss fights are it top notch. And, of course, in nice to play with Donkey Kong as our heart hero from the old days.

    However, it is clearly obvious that this game was developed by a team that didn't understand the essence of prior games of the series. Game mechanics are not well designed, sometimes it's difficult because it required skill development, just because it's has clumsy controls and you have to try and try to achieve advance. Game design experience doesn't really dare you to explore the world, this was one the most important thing of prior installments. Music is only a remix, no matter that Davis Wise is still in the project. Additionally, bonus games are repetitive and uninspiring. And finally, main characters as Diddy & Dixies were relegated as mere Donkey's accessories, not to mention that they completely erase secondary characters and only keep Rinho, with this the game lost a complete set of alternative game mechanics.

    It's not a terrible game, indeed it could be enjoyable. However, really far away to be a need to be played or a must-have.    … Expand
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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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