Kaze and the Wild Masks

 Switch
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Gamezebo
    Mar 26, 2021
    70
    Kaze and the Wild Masks is a bit of a hard sell. On one hand it does everything it wants to exceptionally, but what it wants to do has already been done. And, arguably, much better.
  2. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Mar 25, 2021
    70
    Kaze and the Wild Masks is a solid platformer with its transforming character, healthy number of collectibles, and tough-but-fair bosses. However, it takes a little too much inspiration from Donkey Kong Country, the controls are touchy, and the difficulty ramps up too fast. Still, there are enough positives to make the prospect of a sequel enticing.
  3. Jeuxvideo.com
    Mar 21, 2021
    70
    A game that will still appeal to those who love the platform. Just don't expect to be knocked down.
  5. Gameblog.fr
    Mar 25, 2021
    60
    Kaze and the Wild Masks borrows every aspect of the Donkey Kong Country formula, and delivers a classic adventure, which sadly lacks surprises and identity. Despite beautiful environments and old-school collectibles, it is a game you already played for the most part.
  6. Digitally Downloaded
    Mar 24, 2021
    60
    I’m settling on the score that I have because I can’t reward work that is this derivative. But despite the score I find this one an easy recommendation for certain players out there. Kaze is a genuinely well-made game and if you like Donkey Kong Country you’re going to like this one, if for no other reason than it’s something of a greatest hits of the best Donkey Kong Country levels. If we see a Kaze 2 (and I hope we will), and the developers show us a little of their own creative ideas in there, then we’ll be looking at some really high scores indeed.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Switch Game of 2021
73
#73 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 41
  3. Negative: 3 out of 41
  1. PolygonPal
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    It's Donkey Kong Country. But with bunnies, evil veggies, and lots and lots of sparkly gems.

    The Good: Art is gorgeous. Music is bangin'.    It's Donkey Kong Country. But with bunnies, evil veggies, and lots and lots of sparkly gems.

    The Good:
    Art is gorgeous.
    Music is bangin'.
    Gameplay is flawless.
    Rewards for various challenges are great.
    Excellent difficulty curve.

    The Bad:
    Cutscenes are kinda meh.
    Who put these bonuses behind fake walls with no indication that they aren't real?!

    Details:
    I'll be honest, there's basically nothing to say here. It's just Donkey Kong Country. Most of the enemies function the same, the collectables function the same, the bonus areas function the same. Gameplay wise it's just DKC but you can only play Dixie(The best DKC character anyway). The game also features what I believe are the titular Wild Masks, items that temporarily change the gameplay to help Kaze make it through a level she otherwise couldn't solve, each of which are as satisfying to use as the main controls are. Combined with some of the best art I've ever seen the only negative that comes to mind is my frustration with finding bonus challenges.

    Verdict:
    Art: A+
    Gameplay: A+
    Using what works: A+
    Bananas: Sadly 0.
    Shiny things that I have no clue what they do but I grab anyway: Lots.

    Recommended for fans of old school titles. Platformer fans have no excuse NOT to buy it.    … Full Review »
  2. Reinhaert
    Jul 18, 2021
    10
    An excellent game inspired by classic platformer Donkey Kong Country (especially 1 & 2, for me the best). I hope they do well, we could useAn excellent game inspired by classic platformer Donkey Kong Country (especially 1 & 2, for me the best). I hope they do well, we could use more games like this again. Pure fun, satisfying to complete 100%!… Full Review »
  3. CRAZYBEE
    May 8, 2021
    10
    I love this game, it's really a great Donkey Kong Country game. Maybe the best one.
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