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. rodericrinehart
    Feb 7, 2015
    10
    Classic challenging platforming from the masters at Nintendo. Great same couch co-op game! More difficult than Rayman or Super Mario Bros, so be prepared!
  2. ZombieFan281
    Apr 4, 2014
    10
    Amazing Game. Must Have for any DK Fan. Crisp Graphics, Game play, Level Designs. Feels just as good as any new version. You can also play the full game on the gamepad which is how i usually play after kicking back to relax on the couch.
  3. moltonasty
    Feb 24, 2014
    10
    This game is simply incredible. It's the ultimate culmination of all previous DKC games, and if I could have seen this back in the early 90's my brain would have exploded. Graphics, gameplay, and sound all come together in an epic tour de force, as one of the best games I've played. WOW THIS GAME IS GOOD.
  4. nopistons420
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    a nostalgic romp through all the best things that donkey kong country has to offer. the gameplay is fluid, quick and fun. the music is great and really true to the series. the graphics are also impressive as an HD Nintendo title.

    this game really hits the nail on the head if you are looking for a solid new entry to the donkey kong series.
  5. orborborb
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    Easy to learn, difficult to master, some of the most involving art design and music you will come across, there is no reason not to love this game. I would recommend it to absolutely anyone.
  6. For_we_are_many
    Mar 21, 2014
    10
    DKCTF is challenging, beautiful and its controls are nigh perfect. Level design is among the best, most intricate and imaginative in any platformer. The soundtrack is easily one of the best in any game done by the legendary David Wise who have many iconic video game music tracks under his belt and he's the original composer of DKC series in the 90's. The boss battles are the best in theDKCTF is challenging, beautiful and its controls are nigh perfect. Level design is among the best, most intricate and imaginative in any platformer. The soundtrack is easily one of the best in any game done by the legendary David Wise who have many iconic video game music tracks under his belt and he's the original composer of DKC series in the 90's. The boss battles are the best in the series and the replay value is over the roof and the game is priced at 50$, suffice it to say that you'll get more than your money's worth if you buy this game. Highly recommended, go buy it, you'll never regret.… Expand
  7. SylarHRG
    Mar 26, 2014
    10
    One of the best modern platformers, if not the best, that I have ever played. I cannot compare to old school platformers (just not fair), but of any recent titles (last gen and current gen), by far the best. The music is amazing, the artistic graphics are awesome, the gameplay is challenging and a good amount of difficult, controls are responsive and fun. If you buy a WiiU, buy this game.
  8. mattnotley2004
    Feb 22, 2014
    10
    As with previous DK games.. levels are reasonably long and fun to play.. great visuals and awesome soundtrack. I particularly like the boss levels, which can be fairly challenging. This is a must have game for Wii U!
  9. PanthersFanStev
    May 17, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing. Crisp graphics, enjoyable soundtrack and amazing level design. Great 2 player multiplayer action, really rockin with a good wingman/woman. A 10 except for a few minor items. Lives are shared, so if you are say, playing with your 5 year old, lives evaporate quickly. No ability to swap the player 1 character from DK. I also miss the lack of the blowing mechanicThis game is amazing. Crisp graphics, enjoyable soundtrack and amazing level design. Great 2 player multiplayer action, really rockin with a good wingman/woman. A 10 except for a few minor items. Lives are shared, so if you are say, playing with your 5 year old, lives evaporate quickly. No ability to swap the player 1 character from DK. I also miss the lack of the blowing mechanic from the 3DS version. My complaints are minor and come from experiemce with other games and other DK titles. This game is an incredibly enjoyable experience for the family.… Expand
  10. CriticoDubioso
    Feb 23, 2014
    10
    DKCTF is an amazing game. I'm not finished completely yet, but what I can say is that it is (one of) the best game on Wii U. The levels are so vibrant, the background looks just fantastic, every second something is moving or changing. The controls are good, especially under water. The music fits to each level, and nearly each level has its unique soundtrack. The graphics are very fluid andDKCTF is an amazing game. I'm not finished completely yet, but what I can say is that it is (one of) the best game on Wii U. The levels are so vibrant, the background looks just fantastic, every second something is moving or changing. The controls are good, especially under water. The music fits to each level, and nearly each level has its unique soundtrack. The graphics are very fluid and colorful, only 720p, but that's more enough; it's still very beautiful. The game is very hard, but therefore you have items you can buy in Funky Kongs shop. Negatives: Loading times really are a bit long, but OK. And the bonus stages for puzzle pieces get a bit boring after a time.

    All in all, this game is amazing. Every Wii U owner should play it! It just makes that much fun, and that's the most important thing.    … Expand
  11. mohamdu
    Mar 8, 2014
    10
    I've never reviewed a game on Metacritic, but something has to be said about this game. Just looking at the User Scores (186 Positive, 4 Mixed, 21 Negative) it's obvious that there is something wrong with the way that modern video game journalists review games. This game does not deserve an 82.

    Tropical Freeze is a breath of fresh air in a era of gaming where emphasis has been placed on    I've never reviewed a game on Metacritic, but something has to be said about this game. Just looking at the User Scores (186 Positive, 4 Mixed, 21 Negative) it's obvious that there is something wrong with the way that modern video game journalists review games. This game does not deserve an 82.

    Tropical Freeze is a breath of fresh air in a era of gaming where emphasis has been placed on things like plot, realism, Quick Time Events and DLC. The game is completely built around one thing: gameplay. Some of the most challenging and exciting gameplay in any game I've played in years. This game is essentially the Dark Souls of 2D Platforming. It's beautiful, the co-op play is fun and lets you and your friends share the joy of clearing level after level. There are secrets around every corner as well as things that can kill you. Boss fights are actually interesting and force players to think on their feet to defeat. There is simply something special about Tropical Freeze, it actually manages to surpass all the previous Donkey Kong Country games before it. Tropical Freeze is one of the best games I've ever played.

    I honestly feel as if the people who would rate this game negatively either are used to playing games that are more like movies, or games that simply aren't challenging. For someone who craves a beautifully crafted game that bursting with ingenious ideas, an incredibly difficult challenge and well designed co-op play, Tropical Freeze is the way to go.    … Expand
  12. Wanderlei
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    If you want traditional video games that are actually good, you have no choice but Nintendo these days. This is gaming perfection and sheer joy, pity edge children today prefer interactive movies.
  13. TheMitch
    May 3, 2014
    10
    Playing through Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, I thought it was a nice platformer. The designs were nice, it proved to be challenging, and it used some nice dynamic camera angles that I hadn't seen before in a 2D platformer. Then it was over, and I found myself a little disappointed at how bare-bones the game turned out to be. Unfazed, I decided to extend my playtime by collectingPlaying through Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, I thought it was a nice platformer. The designs were nice, it proved to be challenging, and it used some nice dynamic camera angles that I hadn't seen before in a 2D platformer. Then it was over, and I found myself a little disappointed at how bare-bones the game turned out to be. Unfazed, I decided to extend my playtime by collecting all of the K-O-N-G letters and Puzzle Pieces. It was then that I saw the game start to open up. Although it's not as extensive as New Super Mario Bros. U or Rayman Legends, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze had one important thing going for it; the "just one more try" mentality. The inclusion of collectables such as Images and Dioramas added to the thrill of trying and failing, and listening to the absolutely gorgeous soundtrack over and over was never irritating. It's just one of those games that you may not love at first, but overtime you begin to appreciate the smaller, finer details that the game poses to you. In a long line of 2D platformers for Wii U, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze finds itself amidst some stiff competition. But this game doesn't ape the others (pun intended); it merely puts its own spin on the meaning of 2D platforming just like other greats before it. If you are a Wii U owner and are desperate for a game that is challenging and rewarding, look no further than Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. It is a title that has definitely earned its place in every gamer's home.… Expand
  14. Snark
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    Pretty much all the high reviews are in love with the game, and the low reviews are confusing at best, nonsensical at worst. Take from that what you will, but I'm solidly in the first camp.
  15. aaronreason1987
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    First of all let me thank the developers for making this truly wonderful game. Now, I also have to say that the musical score for this game is a 10/10. The remixes of the previous tunes as well as the new melodies are hauntingly beautiful. The game play is the classic DK platforming (if you've played DK Returns you know the style) and it is difficult in some areas which is a great reliefFirst of all let me thank the developers for making this truly wonderful game. Now, I also have to say that the musical score for this game is a 10/10. The remixes of the previous tunes as well as the new melodies are hauntingly beautiful. The game play is the classic DK platforming (if you've played DK Returns you know the style) and it is difficult in some areas which is a great relief because it's a challenge and for $50 a game should be challenging, not a hand holder, point a to b, linear quest. It uses all the different Wii/Wii U controller schemes (unfortunately you CANNOT USE the Wii Classic Controller). There are a ton of collectibles in the game that adds a bunch of replay ability. All in all this is a great game for the price ($10 less than normal games) and is probably the BEST WII U game on the market at this time. Check it out, you'll go banana's, hahaha!… Expand
  16. Randomman93
    Feb 22, 2014
    10
    As a big fan of Donkey kong country returns (which i played on both the 3ds and wii), i can safely say this is even better. I didn't think it was possible to get better, but they have done it again. Exceptional level design, very beautiful graphics, and fantastic soundtracks from David Wise, and Yamamoto. One of the main reasons this improves upon the already fantastic game dk returns, isAs a big fan of Donkey kong country returns (which i played on both the 3ds and wii), i can safely say this is even better. I didn't think it was possible to get better, but they have done it again. Exceptional level design, very beautiful graphics, and fantastic soundtracks from David Wise, and Yamamoto. One of the main reasons this improves upon the already fantastic game dk returns, is the possibility to play as not only diddy kong, but two other ones aswell- dixie kong, and cranky kong. They all have unique abilities, and they also have unique "team actions" this is a bar you fill up, and if you press the two triggers at the same time, they high five and something cool happends. If you have a wii u, do yourself a favour, and get this game! :-)… Expand
  17. jholden3249
    Jun 29, 2014
    10
    This is what video games were meant to be. Entertainment found through challenge of skill-based gameplay, with flawless mechanics, top-tier soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, expertly crafted level design, creative and unique bosses, and incredible replay value through time trials video uploads.

    I've loved Donkey Kong Country since I was a small child. And this game blows the breaks off its    This is what video games were meant to be. Entertainment found through challenge of skill-based gameplay, with flawless mechanics, top-tier soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, expertly crafted level design, creative and unique bosses, and incredible replay value through time trials video uploads.

    I've loved Donkey Kong Country since I was a small child. And this game blows the breaks off its predecessors. Rare made a classic trilogy back in the 16-bit era, but the games fall incredibly short when compared to Retro's recent triumph. In fact, most games fall short of Tropical Freeze. I can't recommend this game enough. If you suck at video games, and like to be led through from start to finish with novice difficulty that makes you feel like a winner, this game is not for you. But if you are a real GAMER, and find entertainment through overcoming a challenge via practice, skill, and perfectly timed maneuvers, look no further. DKC Tropical Freeze is, at least in my opinion, the greatest 2D platformer I've ever played.    … Expand
  18. TIGER-COOL
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    Haven't finished the game, but from what I've played some of these low reviews are baffling. The level design and attention to detail are top class. The gameplay is fluid and intuitive. Lots of great, subtle ideas presented on a moment by moment basis, so I'm not sure what all the "lack of ambitious gameplay" is all about. Maybe these reviewers rushed through things a bit?

    Absolutely    Haven't finished the game, but from what I've played some of these low reviews are baffling. The level design and attention to detail are top class. The gameplay is fluid and intuitive. Lots of great, subtle ideas presented on a moment by moment basis, so I'm not sure what all the "lack of ambitious gameplay" is all about. Maybe these reviewers rushed through things a bit?

    Absolutely beautiful game, by the way. Maybe the best looking game on the Wii U (Close between this and Mario 3D World). David Wise on the soundtrack puts it over the top. Get it.    … Expand
  19. dogser
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    this game is a masterpiece! boss fight are very good. one of the best game my ever played.luckily this game is very challenge it´s like it! level are very long all collectecting per level need about 20 minutes to time.get this game now! very good!
  20. flax0174
    Mar 7, 2014
    10
    Where can i start..the games graphics are expertly done, the water and fur effects are some of the best I have ever seen. The controls work truly well and are very responsive. You do get a few new moves with crankies hop stick jump and the pluck move to alter your environment. The game sticks to the side scrolling formula but every now and then switches to a angled view for certain aspectsWhere can i start..the games graphics are expertly done, the water and fur effects are some of the best I have ever seen. The controls work truly well and are very responsive. You do get a few new moves with crankies hop stick jump and the pluck move to alter your environment. The game sticks to the side scrolling formula but every now and then switches to a angled view for certain aspects of gameplay. each level is a different world to explore they hide collectibles and other secrets extremely well and will require multiple playthroughs to 100% each level. Again with graphics they are just so colourful and extremely well detailed it's the best looking game on wii u as of now. There are a ton of levels to run through and there are about six worlds, so the game does boast a good 20-25+ hours of game play to complete everything. The under water sections are a pleasure to play being that most video game water levels are universally less likable than other's, but in this game they are extremely fun. The only minor gripe i have with the game is the game pad implementation is nothing but a controller, audio device and obviously a screen for off-tv play. But seeing though I use another controller anyway it doesn't matter to me, a real gem this one. Retro Studios have another classic on their hands.… Expand
  21. TheDarkKnight22
    Jun 9, 2014
    10
    The best wii u game to date. it is a must have and a system seller. the gameplay is great. the difficulty is perfect. the only thing that i can think of that is wrong with the game is the lack of a good menu setup. nintendo has always had a problem with their menus and it is a thing that needs to be fixed.
  22. Hawkmoon269
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    A brilliant game, packed with innovative level design, gorgeous visuals and a soundtrack that craves an official release. It's the most fun I've had with a 2D platformer since Rayman Legends.
  23. Adam_2411
    Feb 23, 2014
    10
    Okay this will be a quick and simple review broken down into 5 categories

    1) Visuals Hot damn does this game look good. It runs at a smooth frame rate and all the characters and enemies show great animation. The primary colors are brilliant and it looks great in HD. The variety in level types is great, and this is one of the best looking 2D platformers. 9 2) Sound Following the DKC    Okay this will be a quick and simple review broken down into 5 categories

    1) Visuals
    Hot damn does this game look good. It runs at a smooth frame rate and all the characters and enemies show great animation. The primary colors are brilliant and it looks great in HD. The variety in level types is great, and this is one of the best looking 2D platformers. 9

    2) Sound
    Following the DKC series the music is fantastic. A wide variety and it reaches the quality standard. I won't review too much for the music, as a quick video search will find the OST. 9

    3) Design
    Many people find this lacked good level and I cannot disagree more. Very rarely did I feel bored with what it threw at me, and it didn't overuse anything. A very difficult game to add, but it teaches you through the design and rewards you for not being conservative. 10

    4) Controls/technical
    Tight. Not much too say. Pretty perfect for a platformer. My only gripe is how tedious it is to switch in a second player, and it's not so simple to switch between TV and gamepad play like in Super Mario 3D world. 8

    5) Lasting appeal
    This game could easily draw me in again many alternate paths, collectibles and co-op is enough to bring more after your first run-through. 9

    9/10    … Expand
  24. seantendo001
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    This a beautiful game with an incredible soundtrack. Join Donkey Kong and his Kong family in this outrageous adventure on the Nintendo Wii U. DK and fam look brilliant as you maneuver them through this games bright and colorful worlds. The boss battles are intense and overall this is a classic game. Check out my youtube channel seantendo001 - especially my Quality Content Comparison video.
  25. DemKin
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    Beautiful, absolutely flawless gameplay and level design, funny, diversified, colorful,... the new DKC is all that, and more. It is long, especially if you wanna get all the collectables, challenging and crazy fun to play. Kudos to the soundtrack. The DKC series has always been known for its amazing OSTs, and this one is definitely one of the best and most inspired ever heard in a videoBeautiful, absolutely flawless gameplay and level design, funny, diversified, colorful,... the new DKC is all that, and more. It is long, especially if you wanna get all the collectables, challenging and crazy fun to play. Kudos to the soundtrack. The DKC series has always been known for its amazing OSTs, and this one is definitely one of the best and most inspired ever heard in a video game.
    Retro Studios really captured the essence of this legendary character and made a game that suits him perfectly. The fans will probably love all the old Donkey Kong vibes, mixed with modernity.
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a masterpiece of its genre, and it keeps reminding it to us during every single level we're travelling through.    … Expand
  26. tteotdead
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    I am writing this as a follow up review. My first review was my initial response to the game, which still stands. I had just made it through the games vast and ambient level selections, massing to approximately 70 levels. The graphics and attention to detail was phenomenal. The audio was probably the most enjoyable part of the game, due to the fact of the ambiance had been made unique forI am writing this as a follow up review. My first review was my initial response to the game, which still stands. I had just made it through the games vast and ambient level selections, massing to approximately 70 levels. The graphics and attention to detail was phenomenal. The audio was probably the most enjoyable part of the game, due to the fact of the ambiance had been made unique for each level and section within that level. Level design was fantastic, though were some parts that seemed a bit jaded generally due to the fact there are many repetition throughout 2D plat-formers. Though the overall game-play and mechanics were challenging, they were not frustrating. For every balloon I had lost there was a moment of joy to serve as a balance, and after getting past each struggle there was a sense of achievement to further that balance. The Wii U is truly building a promising library and I believe there is no reason not to get one knowing that this game, upon many others out and soon to be, is apart of it.… Expand
  27. fusion_13
    May 25, 2014
    10
    This is an amazing game, the graphics are fantastic and the gameplay is just one of the best ive seen in a platformer. Although its a very hard game you never feel cheated of dying. There is also alot of content and collectibles as well. This is one of the best games on the Wii U. The level design is purely amazing, it ranges from normal platforming, swinging from vines, minecarts,This is an amazing game, the graphics are fantastic and the gameplay is just one of the best ive seen in a platformer. Although its a very hard game you never feel cheated of dying. There is also alot of content and collectibles as well. This is one of the best games on the Wii U. The level design is purely amazing, it ranges from normal platforming, swinging from vines, minecarts, underwater levels, rocket barrels and even riding on the back of a rhino. Also the addition of Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong are a bonus. If i could i'd give it 9.5 but a 9 will just have to do due to its boring under water levels.… Expand
  28. klaptrap
    May 22, 2014
    10
    Well folks, if you've been looking to play the greatest 2D platformer of all time, you've just found it. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is absolutely phenomenal in every single way. The visuals are superb, the level design is amazing, the amount of content is huge, the replay value and multiplayer is great, the music is worthy of awards, it innovates on Donkey Kong Country ReturnsWell folks, if you've been looking to play the greatest 2D platformer of all time, you've just found it. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is absolutely phenomenal in every single way. The visuals are superb, the level design is amazing, the amount of content is huge, the replay value and multiplayer is great, the music is worthy of awards, it innovates on Donkey Kong Country Returns and adds so much in terms of new abilities and level designs and the boss fights are a lot of fun. Did I miss anything? Well if I did count on it being amazing in this game. It's currently the best game on the Wii U. If you own a Wii U you need to own this game.… Expand
  29. nonsenseGUS
    Feb 23, 2014
    10
    a masterfully crafted game. music,visuals,game play,variety. this game offers so much! the amount of detail this game has is incredible! to the enemy that inhabit the land to the environment all the way to the smallest animations. this game will keep you hooked. at one point you will be shot into a tornado, jumping on land that has been ripped from the ground while lighting strikes at youa masterfully crafted game. music,visuals,game play,variety. this game offers so much! the amount of detail this game has is incredible! to the enemy that inhabit the land to the environment all the way to the smallest animations. this game will keep you hooked. at one point you will be shot into a tornado, jumping on land that has been ripped from the ground while lighting strikes at you destroying the very platforms you stand on. at another you will be in a mine cart dodging left and right avoiding wholes in the track made by sharks right in front of your very eyes. there are many instances like these, challenging and rewarding and none of the game feels unfair. all of this action is complement by the beautifully crafted music and environment. for any wiiu owner, this is a must buy.… Expand
  30. Lakshry
    Feb 28, 2015
    10
    First of all, i didn't play any Donkey Kong game that has been released before Return. So basically, it was my first Donkey Kong Country and i loved it a lot already !
    And Tropical Freeze expands this love to a next level : everything Returns did is even better here.
    Some levels are not only beautiful but amazing, everything feels and there are only a rarely number of "not so great"    First of all, i didn't play any Donkey Kong game that has been released before Return. So basically, it was my first Donkey Kong Country and i loved it a lot already !
    And Tropical Freeze expands this love to a next level : everything Returns did is even better here.
    Some levels are not only beautiful but amazing, everything feels and there are only a rarely number of "not so great" levels and even these remain nice ones.
    I had done nearly everything you could do in Returns (except the Time attack mode) yet Tropical Freeze still brings new challenges and an enjoyable level of difficulty.
    This games just feels under-rated because it's "difficult" and that's clearly not fair when it's actually a master piece in terms of level design and gameplay !

    To sum up, if you like 2D plateformers, if you loved Donkey Kong Country or if you just want a great game (and are capable to accept dying not so casually), i urge you to get Tropical Freeze !    … 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 »