Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

 Wii U
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 915 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 836 out of 915
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 915
  3. Negative: 51 out of 915
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  1. dilemma
    Feb 23, 2014
    9
    Great game.

    DK is my favorite Nintendo franchise. Grew up playing it on the SNES, so yes I am biased; but down to business. What makes this game great, is the way it excells in all aspects of video game development. Art style Level design Animations Small Detail to level Game play ( hasn't change that much from WII, but polish and does have a flow if you reach that    Great game.

    DK is my favorite Nintendo franchise. Grew up playing it on the SNES, so yes I am biased; but down to business.

    What makes this game great, is the way it excells in all aspects of video game development.

    Art style

    Level design

    Animations

    Small Detail to level

    Game play ( hasn't change that much from WII, but polish and does have a flow if you reach that skill level )

    and Music ( One of the best for any gaming franchise , up their with Sonic / FF )

    My biggest con is the game really feels like a sequel. And perhaps missing some innnervations. It's a plat forming game at heart, so you will be a lot of running, jumping, climbing, and swinging. There's nothing wrong with that, but we did it during the WII. They do add some new aspects but again, Nintendo games always seem to leave room for improvement for the next installment.

    It just ins't revolutionary enough to start selling consoles left and right but this is about all I could find wrong.

    The second last con ( objective ) is difficulty. Hard games are great, and tough to come by. But for once I was really enjoy taking my time with each level, slowly playing through and enjoying each level as they come and go.

    World 4 is ALL under water, bit disappointed, which boss took me over 15 tries until I got tired and use the power up from the store; defeated him my next try. ( again this will not effect the score, just my anecdote ) World 5 starting getting more frustrated and it goes on from there.

    ----

    On a side note. I really enjoyed the cave / autumn levels in World 2. They were quite beautiful and were able to pull an emotion out of me, which is what gaming is all about.    … Expand
  2. kayymoneyy
    Feb 21, 2014
    9
    Perfect? No. Beautiful, challenging, and ambitious? Absolutely. I own DK Returns on the Wii and 3DS, never got too much into it... But this one goes above and beyond, console-purchasing worthy gameplay with in-depth levels, a beautiful colorful world, and difficult enough even for the most avid gamers looking for a new challenge. I can't give it a 10 simply because, well, I think you canPerfect? No. Beautiful, challenging, and ambitious? Absolutely. I own DK Returns on the Wii and 3DS, never got too much into it... But this one goes above and beyond, console-purchasing worthy gameplay with in-depth levels, a beautiful colorful world, and difficult enough even for the most avid gamers looking for a new challenge. I can't give it a 10 simply because, well, I think you can fairly compare this to the Mario franchise... While comparable, Mario just has an "it" factor that can't be touched. A tremendous game nonetheless and a must-have title for all current or potential Wii U owners. People really need to stop sleeping on this console as it currently has some excellent titles, DK Tropical Freeze being a noteworthy one.… Expand
  3. Nitro123
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    A great game with many new features. The background is very detailed and lush. Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze is also very innovative with how the background takes some part in the actual game. It is a perfect game for the Wii U.
  4. Dhulfiqar
    Feb 22, 2014
    9
    Retro have done good job for making this game to be fun and challenging. The levels are good long and not too long or short. The gameplay, music, graphics are amazing. The level design is not perfect but very good. But somehow this game does not give the same spirit than the old DKC games. I hope next time they really bring back the Kremlings that really belongs to this series.
  5. DragonRedDawn
    Mar 14, 2014
    9
    If you've been holding out for a a solid Nintendo title that will bring back the classic feel of console gaming, now is the time for you to buy your Wii U. If you already own a Wii U, it's pretty much your BIRTHDAY! Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze brings back so many elements of DK Country with absolutely gorgeous graphics and catchy tunes from the original composer.

    Play it, beat it, buy    If you've been holding out for a a solid Nintendo title that will bring back the classic feel of console gaming, now is the time for you to buy your Wii U. If you already own a Wii U, it's pretty much your BIRTHDAY! Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze brings back so many elements of DK Country with absolutely gorgeous graphics and catchy tunes from the original composer.

    Play it, beat it, buy it, and saddle up on your rhino cause there are plenty of secret levels with loads of bananas just waiting to be found. Rayman was great, Donkey Kong is awesome!    … Expand
  6. Kassell
    Mar 20, 2014
    9
    The Game is great for classic gamers and newer gamers, its a retro platform game with new type features. The reviews have been to harsh I strongly believe if a game is labeled "Wii U" then they will go in expecting to be bad. The game has a nice feel and flow, graphics are nice no frame rate issues for me. The only thing that needed to be added in my opinion is being able to play as otherThe Game is great for classic gamers and newer gamers, its a retro platform game with new type features. The reviews have been to harsh I strongly believe if a game is labeled "Wii U" then they will go in expecting to be bad. The game has a nice feel and flow, graphics are nice no frame rate issues for me. The only thing that needed to be added in my opinion is being able to play as other kongs in single player. Anyone who is looking for a fun game to play and owns a Wii U should pick it up for sure. There is no reason for this game to score anything less than an 80.… Expand
  7. FabioMartin
    Mar 22, 2014
    9
    I just dont give a 10 for the game, as a incentive for improvements because of some lack of support of game features that this game still dont have. But it's not a fail of DK franchise, but from Nintendo itself.

    The graphics? Awesome. The soundtrack? Amazing! The gameplay? Perfect! All that you should be waiting about this game is simple perfect. Nothing to discuss. The innovation    I just dont give a 10 for the game, as a incentive for improvements because of some lack of support of game features that this game still dont have. But it's not a fail of DK franchise, but from Nintendo itself.

    The graphics? Awesome. The soundtrack? Amazing! The gameplay? Perfect! All that you should be waiting about this game is simple perfect. Nothing to discuss.

    The innovation that comes with the game is a kind of new engine/concept of 2d platform like game. You're not more enclosed inside a simple scrolling. Now the camera works from so many different ways as you go playing that it's like watching a movie.

    Talking about movies... the game have a huge amount of content. In fact, each course that you plays, yes I'm not exagerating, is like an entire new game. The only thing that persists is the gameplay itself, all the rest is new. Just like that. You'll see new kinds of objects, new backgrounds, new animations, etc. It's incredible how the development team could work all of this and still with a good quality.

    And now the cons:

    -Lack of online features.

    I think that all the game industry already knows it... but Nintendo. Online interactions is not the future... it's the present! And Nintendo yet live in the past when it comes to this. I think that almost everybody would love the idea of playing a Mario or DK game with a online friend or even with a random player from the world.

    And it's not just about the main game itself. DK have some kind of collectible toys. A really interesting and great idea.... so subutilized... A simple online interaction to trade it would be amazing!

    -Loading Screens

    Some people already comment that the loading screens have a small delay... in fact, lots of games dont use loading screens anymore. The concept of have the processor with the objective of carrying small amounts of data per time, while you're still playing works better in lots of situations. Anyway it's not a big concern at all... After the loading screen, the game simple runs perfect, without any graphics problems.    … Expand
  8. Luigifan10
    Mar 27, 2014
    9
    This game is very enjoyable! The levels all feel new and fresh, and they are also very long too! The HD in this game is spectacular, it has some of the best graphics on any system EVER! If you have a Wii U and are ready for a challenge, this game is for you!
  9. DarkRPGamer007
    Apr 20, 2014
    9
    Wow this is really underrated. Poor sales and low ratings should not deceive you. This game is at least a 9.3! Can't give it that but can't say it's perfect either, so had to go with a 9. This has wonderful music, great graphics, awesome gameplay. Only complaint is how easy it is. Compared to other DKC games this is a Tropical Breeze. See what I did there lol.
  10. Awesome1440
    May 26, 2014
    9
    Some of my favorite childhood memories were from playing the old donkey kong country games at my babysitters house. It was amazing and when I saw the trailer for this, I was pretty hyped.

    I never played returns so I will not be mentioning it at all in this review. Anyways the game is simply fantastic. Let me start the review by talking about the soundtrack and... HALLELUJAH IT'S    Some of my favorite childhood memories were from playing the old donkey kong country games at my babysitters house. It was amazing and when I saw the trailer for this, I was pretty hyped.

    I never played returns so I will not be mentioning it at all in this review. Anyways the game is simply fantastic. Let me start the review by talking about the soundtrack and... HALLELUJAH IT'S AMAZING. I love the atmospheric songs david wise conducts and each song fits perfectly with mostly all the levels. This has to be one of the finest soundtracks for a video game ever made.

    Controlling Donkey Kong and the gang felt really great. The controls are pretty simple while feeling unique from other platformers. From every roll to jump, it was your fault if you goofed up in a level. The smooth controls allowed the very hard sections to be fair and fun.

    The graphics are pretty good but I think they could be a tad better in some levels. The Wii U should be capable of running the game at a higher quality but this is not an issue at all and just a nitpick. No points reduced here.

    Now I will end the main review off by talking about the level design and the overall gameplay. I could tell that the developers put a lot of time into making the levels creative and unique from each other. I only hated one level out of every single level in the game! The only time I hated some other levels was due to them being hard at first which is not a bad thing at all. Beating a difficult level without getting hit felt great and rewarding. Then I grew to love them.

    Sure this game is not worthy of picking up the console alone but with the combination of super mario 3d world and mario kart 8 and super smash bros coming up in the future, it's certainly worth your time and money. Check this game out. You may just fall in love with it.

    9/10    … Expand
  11. joaopontesvaz
    Nov 2, 2016
    9
    Graphics: 9.5 Sound: 9.0 Gameplay: 9.0 Fun/Story: 9.0

    Retro studios at its best: great level design, nice gameplay and technical execution and finally: very fun. This game plays really well and is very addicted.
  12. Jaylen
    Jun 1, 2014
    9
    Really fabulous game, very challenging. Amazing graphics, soundtrack is gorgeous! Game play is literally outstanding, I can't get enough of this game... not sure why so many people are hating on it - perhaps it's too hard for them :P haha.
  13. Dallaswithad
    Apr 13, 2015
    9
    I was hesitant to buy this game because Donkey Kong himself freaks me out. However, once I got passed my cowardice, this is one of my favorite 2-D platformers. So much attention to detail in the ultimately simple aesthetic and the gameplay feels really tight. Donkey Kong moves like a boulder, and it really works with the great level design. The game also has the right amount of difficultyI was hesitant to buy this game because Donkey Kong himself freaks me out. However, once I got passed my cowardice, this is one of my favorite 2-D platformers. So much attention to detail in the ultimately simple aesthetic and the gameplay feels really tight. Donkey Kong moves like a boulder, and it really works with the great level design. The game also has the right amount of difficulty for someone like me. I absolutely love the boss battles and some of the main levels are so frantic and fast it feels epic to beat them on the first try. I especially like how forgiving the game can be if you fail too many times, as the game practically throws extra lives at you. If you were hesitant like me, just go on a limb and try it out. I'm really confident that you won't regret it.… Expand
  14. dinosauryoshi
    Mar 1, 2015
    9
    Tropical Freeze does what it's Wii predecessor did, only better. It looks gorgeous, and the soundtrack is one of my very favourites on the Wii U, if not ever. The gameplay is very tight and the characters are enjoyable to control, the lack of waggle controls is very welcome too and my only complaint in this department is the grabbing controls are a bit fiddly, particularly towards the endTropical Freeze does what it's Wii predecessor did, only better. It looks gorgeous, and the soundtrack is one of my very favourites on the Wii U, if not ever. The gameplay is very tight and the characters are enjoyable to control, the lack of waggle controls is very welcome too and my only complaint in this department is the grabbing controls are a bit fiddly, particularly towards the end of the game when things get more difficult and intense.

    There's more than enough content here, just playing through the game took me over 10 hours and that was without collecting all the jigsaws and KONG letters, something which I probably won't be doing due to the sheer difficulty of the game as it is. If you were to collect all that stuff you're bound to be getting upwards of 20 hours of play from this thing.

    The levels are very varied and well designed, and I'm a fan of how they're quite long too. Concepts and ideas are rarely repeated too much and things are broken up nicely with mine-kart, swimming, and rhino levels which are all great fun.

    In terms of negatives I'd say the partner characters could have been a little different, and I found Dixie was your best bet most of the time meaning I generally just went with her. I'd also say that the bosses can be a little frustrating with them often being 10 or more minutes long and having no checkpoints. This did however give immense satisfaction when you did finally beat them! The game is perhaps a little too difficult in general (it's the hardest game I've played for a long time) although I enjoyed that it was challenging enough just to get to the end of the levels and you didn't have to collect everything to make the game challenging.

    Overall this is a superb 2D platformer, and certainly one of the must-play titles for anyone with a Wii U, just prepare yourself for plenty of deaths, this one is NOT easy.    … Expand
  15. Zeldafan19
    Aug 16, 2014
    9
    Tropical Freeze is the true sequel to the original DKC games. The levels are very creative, the graphics are very crisp, and the bosses are perhaps the greatest bosses in any 2-d platformer EVER. The game also has some different levels, such as minecart, boat, barrel blasting, and swimming levels. Even though it's a 2-d game, some of the scenery is 3-d. You can even interact with theTropical Freeze is the true sequel to the original DKC games. The levels are very creative, the graphics are very crisp, and the bosses are perhaps the greatest bosses in any 2-d platformer EVER. The game also has some different levels, such as minecart, boat, barrel blasting, and swimming levels. Even though it's a 2-d game, some of the scenery is 3-d. You can even interact with the background in some levels. My only complaint about this game is that it's VERY VERY HARD. But it's more than worth it for this great game.… Expand
  16. T-Razor
    Sep 16, 2014
    9
    If you felt New Super Mario Bros. U was too easy, this game is a must own. Everything from the level design, bosses and soundtrack are expertly crafted. Especially the soundtrack! David Wise (who also composed the music for the DKC games on SNES) has crafted an amazing soundtrack for the game. He still hasn't lost his touch.
  17. Sephiroth_X
    May 21, 2015
    9
    You cannot ask for a greater platformer, this along rayman legends and new super mario bros wii u will keep you busy for a while until the next masterpieces comes.

    Be warned this game IS NOT FOR KIDS, at least the little ones, been playing for 3 decades and this game was certainly a challenge, no talk about getting all the secrets! Great music, sometimes chilled, sometimes rocking,    You cannot ask for a greater platformer, this along rayman legends and new super mario bros wii u will keep you busy for a while until the next masterpieces comes.

    Be warned this game IS NOT FOR KIDS, at least the little ones, been playing for 3 decades and this game was certainly a challenge, no talk about getting all the secrets!

    Great music, sometimes chilled, sometimes rocking, amazing visuals, the whole game is a trip and the dynamic changes in the camera are just perfect to keep the 2d platforming from being boring.

    Level design is good never repetitive, and the bosses are the best part of the game, again loved how hard this game is, wasnt expecting such a challenge from a game with infant themes.

    100% recommended.    … Expand
  18. dkxcalibur
    Nov 5, 2014
    9
    Yet another great game from Retro! This game improves upon the Wii game in every aspect. Graphics, characters, sound, music, level design, and controls are spot on. This game is a challenge though. If you are easily frustrated from failing then this game may not be for you. If you are up to a challenge though, you will be rewarded with an excellent experience. The think the bestYet another great game from Retro! This game improves upon the Wii game in every aspect. Graphics, characters, sound, music, level design, and controls are spot on. This game is a challenge though. If you are easily frustrated from failing then this game may not be for you. If you are up to a challenge though, you will be rewarded with an excellent experience. The think the best thing about the game is the level design. There're challenging but never cheap. when you finish a level with all the collectibles you feel a great sense of accomplishment. One level that stands out is a Savannah like level where you're actually trapped in a tornado. You jump from one piece of debris to another piece of debris while being tossed through the storm. It's a very unique level and is only once example of the brilliantly design levels.… Expand
  19. DBPirate1129
    Jan 11, 2015
    9
    Though I did like DKC Returns, I wasn't as big a fan of it as other people were. That's probably why Tropical Freeze, its sequel, completely blew me out of the water!

    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has fantastic level design, perhaps the best I've ever seen in 2D platformer! Most of the levels are specifically suited for a single Kong partner (Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky) and it makes    Though I did like DKC Returns, I wasn't as big a fan of it as other people were. That's probably why Tropical Freeze, its sequel, completely blew me out of the water!

    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has fantastic level design, perhaps the best I've ever seen in 2D platformer! Most of the levels are specifically suited for a single Kong partner (Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky) and it makes all of them unique. Add to the levels the equally fantastic soundtrack and it's pure platforming bliss. I'm pretty sure it doesn't get much better than this.

    The addition of Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong as playable characters make the game much better. If Diddy was the only other one featured besides Donkey Kong, then it might have got a bit dull after a while. Dixie's easily the most best of the bunch. Funky Kong also appears in the game as the helpful item vendor. One of his shops can be found in all of the worlds and trust me, you'll be needing his items.

    That's where the difficulty comes into play. Tropical Freeze can be incredibly difficult but it's never completely unfair. Deaths are always the fault of the player, not the game. Everytime you pass something challenging, there's no prize but for some reason, you always feel like you accomplished something! Bosses are perhaps one of the best parts of the game. Sure, they're hard, but they're all cleverly designed, just like the levels themselves!

    Overall, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze definitely deserves a spot in your Wii U gaming library. It has fantastic level design, great bosses, an amazing soundtrack, and much more!    … Expand
  20. imoses
    Jan 26, 2015
    9
    Absolutely my favorite platformer of all time!

    Pros:
    + Levels are just beautifully made
    + challenging
    + high replayable value
    + the Music!
    + collectables

    Cons:
    - local multiplayer gets messy
  21. Beastprogamer
    Nov 28, 2015
    9
    Amazing Platformer, just as great as Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii and 3DS). The graphics and visuals are amazing and great. DK, Dixie Kong, Diddy Kong, and for the first time as a playable character, Cranky Kong are all awesome playable characters with Unique Special Abilities. The level designs are awesome. The Bosses are okay, some are fun. The controls are good. Donkey Kong CountryAmazing Platformer, just as great as Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii and 3DS). The graphics and visuals are amazing and great. DK, Dixie Kong, Diddy Kong, and for the first time as a playable character, Cranky Kong are all awesome playable characters with Unique Special Abilities. The level designs are awesome. The Bosses are okay, some are fun. The controls are good. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is an amazing 2-D Platformer and you should totally buy it!… Expand
  22. Valahart
    May 20, 2015
    9
    Typical game in which you shouldn't listen to Critics Reviews.

    Its only downfall when compared to Returns is that it only has 6 worlds instead of 8. But it is just as long. Other than that, it's a better game in every possible way. It has more Kongs to be explored, better enemy's design, more variety in the islands style, more precise (since it doesn't use stupid motion controls).    Typical game in which you shouldn't listen to Critics Reviews.

    Its only downfall when compared to Returns is that it only has 6 worlds instead of 8. But it is just as long.

    Other than that, it's a better game in every possible way. It has more Kongs to be explored, better enemy's design, more variety in the islands style, more precise (since it doesn't use stupid motion controls). Really, it's a masterpiece.    … Expand
  23. forevernes
    May 20, 2018
    9
    retro estudios sabe como trabajar y lo a demostrado en estos ultimos años, donkey kong tropical freeze es el mejor plataformas 2d de wiiu gran dificultad y excelente musica del gran david wise, niveles muy inspirados, jugabilidad excelente, donkey kong tropical freeze es la perfeccion de plataformas, hacerse con el 100% del juego es un desafio el mayor de wiiu, los niveles me hicieronretro estudios sabe como trabajar y lo a demostrado en estos ultimos años, donkey kong tropical freeze es el mejor plataformas 2d de wiiu gran dificultad y excelente musica del gran david wise, niveles muy inspirados, jugabilidad excelente, donkey kong tropical freeze es la perfeccion de plataformas, hacerse con el 100% del juego es un desafio el mayor de wiiu, los niveles me hicieron mas de una ves querer lanzar el gamepad lejos, lo que si me parecio un poco corto y alguno que otros niveles un poco parecidos a return, el hd le pinta genial al mono de nintendo, eso si ya es hora de ver al simio en una aventura 3d esperemos que asi sea, vamos retro estudios, sigue dandonos grandes alegrias juego impresindible para todos los que posean una wiiu Nota 9.5… Expand
  24. pg_x
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    I rarely have the time to play a game as long as I want, but Tropical Freeze is simply this good that I played it beyond 100% which does not happen often, because many games don't motivate me like this and there is enough other stuff I could play in my little free time.
  25. Dartek
    Apr 4, 2016
    9
    Old school gaming? Yes DK have that feeling that I remember when I first play DK Country on my SNES, challenging, with great graphics and lovely puzzles, DK is not for beginners, and if you are you might have some patience to finish this game, tons of secrets to discover and the real challenge is to accomplish game with 100% of goals and now is on Nintendo Classics so is cheaper!
  26. tre802001
    Aug 30, 2015
    9
    This game my wife and I have really enjoyed. The levels are great and the game is challenging. Gameplay is wonderful. It is what I expect from a 2d platformer.
  27. PhantomMac
    Sep 3, 2015
    9
    This game is heaps of fun. Going on the train ride is brilliant and exciting as you try to complete the level. You can focus too much on trying to collect all the bananas and puzzle pieces or just try to finish the level. It is a highly polished game, however, the final boss battle is extremely tough. Perhaps too hard.
  28. ericwithcheese
    Nov 11, 2015
    9
    Near platforming perfection, Tropical Freeze is both a fun throwback to the original DKC series on the Super Nintendo and a jump forward with its silky smooth HD graphics and excellent music design. Fantastic co-op mode make this the Wii U's most well-rounded and fun platformer to date.
  29. AnthonyXY79
    Dec 14, 2015
    9
    Solid gameplay is here with some challenging but always fair levels. Lots of unlockable content is also a plus. I'm sure fans of the series would have loved to have seen the Kremlings and K. Rool instead of the new ice nomads, but all things considered, the game is a worthy successor of the DK series.
  30. Fobmcrafi6
    Mar 7, 2018
    9
    9.3 out of 10 as the environments and aesthetic are gorgeous and awe-inspiring. The same (necessary precision) game mechanics from Donkey Kong Returns, but now Dixie and Cranky Kong are in it. While Dixie feels fresh and different than Diddy, I would almost never use Cranky as he never seemed necessary and hard to use. The story isn't that exciting, but is still a fun experience just like9.3 out of 10 as the environments and aesthetic are gorgeous and awe-inspiring. The same (necessary precision) game mechanics from Donkey Kong Returns, but now Dixie and Cranky Kong are in it. While Dixie feels fresh and different than Diddy, I would almost never use Cranky as he never seemed necessary and hard to use. The story isn't that exciting, but is still a fun experience just like most Donkey Kong Country games.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Wii U Game of 2014
6
#6 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2014
2
#2 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 77
  3. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    May 11, 2014
    90
    The next generation of Donkey Kong is a solid platformer for the veterans. The difficulty level is straight from the nineties and the game doesn't give any slack. It's an thrilling adventure that frustrates at times, but on the other hand, it gives you a true sense of achievement. With these kind of games Nintendo will survive, no matter what the analysts say. [March 2014]
  2. Hyper Magazine
    Apr 9, 2014
    70
    I hate Tropical Freeze, but I hate it for the right reasons. It's an invigorating hate: I really badly want to beat this game. And when I do, it will be oh so worth it. [May 2014, p.68]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Apr 7, 2014
    80
    Still very hard, still very enjoyable. A no-brainer for all the fans of the series but also for anyone with a Wii U. [Issue #239]
See all critic reviews »