Donkey Kong Country Returns

 Wii
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 543 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 471 out of 543
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 543
  3. Negative: 24 out of 543
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  1. julianozuca
    Mar 12, 2012
    6
    Gorgeous as it it, DKC Returns is missing something in the exploration/action pace department to live up to the series.

    The Good: Mesmerizing. The Bad: Levels push the player forward, while leaving the exploration mood behind; poor music remixes; dragging, annoying boss battles. Donkey Kong Country--the series--is firmly based upon two main pillars: state-of-the-art presentation and    Gorgeous as it it, DKC Returns is missing something in the exploration/action pace department to live up to the series.

    The Good: Mesmerizing.

    The Bad: Levels push the player forward, while leaving the exploration mood behind; poor music remixes; dragging, annoying boss battles.

    Donkey Kong Country--the series--is firmly based upon two main pillars: state-of-the-art presentation and levels exploration. And while DKC Returns--the latest installment after a 14-year and two generations gap--succeeds in looking beautiful and shiny it falls short when it comes to gameplay in comparison to its predecessors.
    Even though at first those apparently diverse pillars may not seem to relate, in this game one can sometimes get in the way of the other.

    That happens because in order to create a breathing, living world the designers decided to put together a bunch of ever-changing levels; not that crumbling platforms, falling monoliths and random molten lava raining are bad things per se, but there are many occasions when the moving pace gets so frantic that one can only hope to survive by quickly REACTING to the environment. And in such a weird QTE/platform action hybrid of some sort there's not many room left for a keen eye looking after puzzle pieces or "KONG" letters... Here's where "exploration" goes down for the sake of presentation.

    Still, that's not all. Kong's controls are perfect for sure, but he's heavier and slower than anything else around him (including hyppopotamuses -.-); ultimately that leads the player to keep running and jumping aimlessly in order to PREDICT what comes next--waiting is not always an option since DK won't be able to make it in time. More than that, the levels frequently allure you into moving at a given pace then suddenly take that away from you, making it all more a matter of memorization/trial and error than an actual platform action (Volcano levels are a good example of that).

    Not that the game hasn't its bright sides; but I see things mostly like a mixed bag overall.

    Presentation is breathtaking regarding graphics, but there's no original music score and the remixes don't quite live up to the original tracks; the balance of unlockables distribution is perfect along the worlds--including secret levels and so--but the extras are not that compelling (exception made to the amazing dioramas); boss fights feel epic at first but they drag out way to long just to be remembered as annoyances.

    Nintendo's effort in reviving a long forgotten franchise by shaping it into a modern hardcore 2D-platformer is praiseworthy, of course. But some decisions here may have taken the series a little off the track.    … Expand
  2. Schotsmannetje
    Nov 26, 2010
    7
    I'm liking the game a lot. They've done a wonderful job in trying to reshape the original SNES game into a game that's worthy of the WII, and current gaming in general. However, I haven't given it a full score for 2 reasons. First of all, because I do feel that there is a certain lack of originality (it's too similar to the original) and secondly, because my favorite part of the originalI'm liking the game a lot. They've done a wonderful job in trying to reshape the original SNES game into a game that's worthy of the WII, and current gaming in general. However, I haven't given it a full score for 2 reasons. First of all, because I do feel that there is a certain lack of originality (it's too similar to the original) and secondly, because my favorite part of the original DKC, underwater levels, are not included in this game. That was a big let down for me, as they were the most magical part of the original Donkey Kong Country.… Expand
  3. tjacoblux
    Dec 18, 2010
    6
    While I do enjoy this game, very much, I believe it pails in comparison to the originals for the SNES, particularly DKC2. This new take on the Donkey Kong Country series lacks the little artistic details of the earlier games. I was also disappointed by the fact that there are only two animal buddies in this game. I understand that Retro Studios was attempting to go in a differentWhile I do enjoy this game, very much, I believe it pails in comparison to the originals for the SNES, particularly DKC2. This new take on the Donkey Kong Country series lacks the little artistic details of the earlier games. I was also disappointed by the fact that there are only two animal buddies in this game. I understand that Retro Studios was attempting to go in a different direction, but I feel they left much of the series' appeal in the dust while not bringing very many new things to the table. I do like how they kept the rolling-jump from the originals intact, adding an element of challenge to the game.… Expand
  4. mwagamer16
    Dec 31, 2010
    5
    While I did enjoy some of the scenery and the new controls, which aren't that bad to handle, I was generally left unimpressed with this game. The rocket barrel was a new interesting level design but it left me thinking of those flash helicopter games. The game was too easy as well and did not have enough levels like the old SNES games which compared to this are just massive, I ended theWhile I did enjoy some of the scenery and the new controls, which aren't that bad to handle, I was generally left unimpressed with this game. The rocket barrel was a new interesting level design but it left me thinking of those flash helicopter games. The game was too easy as well and did not have enough levels like the old SNES games which compared to this are just massive, I ended the game with an accumulated 85 lives and that is without buying from cranky kong. I found that to be the same with the latest super mario bros game. So Nintendo change that aspect of your platformer games.

    It was a fun game but not much replay value.
    Hopefully, Retro's next iteration will be chock full of levels and an increased difficulty.    … Expand
  5. jediboy
    Jan 18, 2011
    7
    Firstly, I'm a big fan of the original SNES' DKC. So, Retro Games Studios had big shoes to fill. The controls. Arg! Really disappointing and frustrating to the point where I nearly stopped playing after the first level. What's wrong with controls? too gimmicky. I want to be able to press X or Y (or the Wiimote's equivalent) and have Donkey Kong do a forward roll/somersault. I want to beFirstly, I'm a big fan of the original SNES' DKC. So, Retro Games Studios had big shoes to fill. The controls. Arg! Really disappointing and frustrating to the point where I nearly stopped playing after the first level. What's wrong with controls? too gimmicky. I want to be able to press X or Y (or the Wiimote's equivalent) and have Donkey Kong do a forward roll/somersault. I want to be able to hold down and press X or Y and have him slap the ground to unearth bananas. Not shake and tilt and blah blah. Bit better when you unplug the nun-chuk. Then there's Diddy. There doesn't seem to be anyway to tag-team him in - which is unforgivable. Worst design decision made on this project. Person(s) responsible do not know or understand the DKC IP and should stay away from future DKC projects. Animal companions? where's the ostrich? sword fish? frog? core elements of DKC completely missing until 3-6 "Temple Topple" where I get the Rhino for the second time maybe? It may sound petty but the game suffers as a result. The Music? Not as good as the original - there's some kind of "elevator-music filter" added which just cheeses the original soundtrack up. I don't like it at all. Level design. Should have stuck closer to the originals. Some sparks of genius (Level 2-7 Tidal Terror is great). Clearly influenced by Little Big Planet for sure.

    Boss battles are ok. In the end, it looks like the design team(s) were pulled in too many directions and the original DKC recipe got overly diluted with Banjo & Kazooie, Sonic & Tails, Jak & Dexter, Little Big Planet, and Wiimote-Gimmickness. If you've never played the original, you may enjoy it. If you played the original and hold it in high regard (one of my top 10) you'll be sad. As there was potential here for greatness. Hopefully, they do a follow-up title and go back to basics - keep it simple, improve the music, map the controls 1:1 to the SNES, give me back Diddy, Frog, Ostrich and treetop Village! Still give it a 5/10 which I think is fair.    … Expand
  6. asggamefan
    Jun 21, 2011
    7
    Donkey Kong Country Returns is a great game full of excitement and fun... but it is definitely lacking. I love the Donkey Kong Country series but my biggest problem with this game is how easy it is to beat certain levels but then the next level takes many many attempts to beat. I did love all the new things the Wii remote offers, overall story, and creativity for a game modeled after a classic.
  7. pinke55565
    Nov 9, 2011
    5
    i think the game was entertaining and fun. It did not have a lot of levels and i was very disappointed. The game itself is very fun, but after you are done it is not something you would want to play again. I spent $50 on this game for my parents for Christmas and i think i am going to try to re-sell it. I am very disappointed that there are not more levels. overall, its a great game, buti think the game was entertaining and fun. It did not have a lot of levels and i was very disappointed. The game itself is very fun, but after you are done it is not something you would want to play again. I spent $50 on this game for my parents for Christmas and i think i am going to try to re-sell it. I am very disappointed that there are not more levels. overall, its a great game, but not much to do. i think they could of at least added more levels to the game.… Expand
  8. memus
    Mar 4, 2018
    6
    I've just finished this game on Wii U after a 2-year hiatus.
    First of all, Wii U sucks. It's the worst designed console I ever owned. And this negative context of using it detracts from the game. I think, I'd like it more if I've played it on Wii.
    It's a fun game at its core. With strong mechanics and reasonable curve of introducing new concepts. However, I didn't like it that much in    I've just finished this game on Wii U after a 2-year hiatus.
    First of all, Wii U sucks. It's the worst designed console I ever owned. And this negative context of using it detracts from the game. I think, I'd like it more if I've played it on Wii.

    It's a fun game at its core. With strong mechanics and reasonable curve of introducing new concepts. However, I didn't like it that much in the end.
    Pros:
    +Catchy tunes
    +Skill-oriented gameplay
    +Stylish b&w levels
    +Fun to play with a friend

    Cons:
    -Wii U sucks
    -The game is too difficult and annoying. Especially, the last world & all flying sections.
    -Nunchuck as a controller sucks. I've never got used to it.
    -The art style is too childish in many places.    … Expand
  9. spageopriya
    Dec 11, 2014
    6
    e game's story focuses on a group of evil creatures called Tikis known as the Tiki Tak Tribe that arrive on Donkey Kong Island,[7] and hypnotize the island's animals to steal Donkey Kong's bananas. This forces him to retrieve the hoard with the help of his friend Diddy Kong.[8] Donkey Kong Country Returns is the series' first traditional home console installment since Donkey Kong Junglee game's story focuses on a group of evil creatures called Tikis known as the Tiki Tak Tribe that arrive on Donkey Kong Island,[7] and hypnotize the island's animals to steal Donkey Kong's bananas. This forces him to retrieve the hoard with the help of his friend Diddy Kong.[8] Donkey Kong Country Returns is the series' first traditional home console installment since Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (2005), and also the first Donkey Kong Country entry not to involve British video game developer Rare during its development.… Expand
  10. Shadow1
    Apr 23, 2016
    7
    This game is not best on the Wii . This game some better than New Super Mario Bros Wii . This game has got a nostalgia . In this game should not be awesome graphics and amazing gameplay . This is nostalgic game as New Super Mario Bros Wii . Normal game .
  11. Zilcell
    Nov 13, 2011
    7
    I enjoyed this game. It captures the same fun that the other Donkey Kong Country games had. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is better, but this is still worth playing.
  12. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    6
    This game is pretty cool to look at, but the gameplay is so frustrating, you can only play a little at a time, its a good game, but pisses me off too much
  13. edxtan
    Jul 11, 2023
    6
    Donkey Kong Country Returns feels slow at first, but as you clean up mistakes and learn more difficult timings, you start to glide through the levels.
  14. twirlingfern2
    Feb 10, 2020
    5
    Game has frustrating controls, even with emulator. Hitboxes are off, you need to move to roll, mid air control is not good. The game is not fun to play. No underwater levels, few animals (I think only the Rhino is there). Game looks pretty good though.

    I've played the original 3 DCC games previously.
  15. BeeSting1
    Jan 1, 2021
    7
    The story starts off with a group of masked villains stealing all the bananas in the island and brain washing all the animals other than the Kongs into doing whatever they ask. The quest is to defeat each of these masked villains and restore things they way they were on the island.

    You get to play as Donkey Kong in one player mode with Diddy Kong as an assist if you crack open the DK    The story starts off with a group of masked villains stealing all the bananas in the island and brain washing all the animals other than the Kongs into doing whatever they ask. The quest is to defeat each of these masked villains and restore things they way they were on the island.

    You get to play as Donkey Kong in one player mode with Diddy Kong as an assist if you crack open the DK barrel. Diddy acts as an assist by using his jet packs to help Donkey Kong hover for a couple more seconds from a jump. This can be useful if you make a timing mistake on your jump. The game can be completed without the aid of Diddy but that would be really hard.

    The most important aspect all of you gamers are wondering is probably whether or not this version does the classic versions of Donkey Kong justice. Although it is not identical, I can assure you that the art style and new play styles are refreshing and fun. You can expect there to be great classic platforming. Blasting from barrel to barrel is in it. Something chasing after you to force you to go faster is in. Rambi is in. Mine carts is in.

    Now, there are a handful of new aspects also. I'll try to name them all. At first glance the graphics are improved obviously. I think it did a great job on that. The enemies are very different. They range from squids and crabs to robots and drums. Personally, I wish that they included some of the old baddies from the original. That would give the game much more nostalgia. I guess they wanted to give things a new look. There are sequences in the game where you ride a rocket barrel either upwards or side ways. The screen keeps going right or up and the game keeps throwing obstacles at you. This was done very well actually. It is one of the most challenging parts of the game. They replaced jumping from rope to rope to jumping from chains to chains. It's different, but not better in my opinion. Bosses in this version are a lot harder and innovative. It was a lot of fun. Retro also did not include any of the animals except Rambi, which kinda sucks, but the gameplay is still amazing. It would just just been interesting if they added more animals.

    Other than going back to collect everything, there isn't too much replay value to this. There is no way to compare time trials or anything unfortunately. Something is unlocked at the end of the game, which I don't want to spoil. You must collect all the orbs in the island to be able to enter into this "something".

    I really hope they will make a sequel, with more classic aspects. Overall this is still an amazing game. Retro did a really great job bringing Donkey Kong back old school style!    … Expand
  16. ND-Bringer
    May 4, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Donkey Kong Country Returns, what a blast! Being of the biggest editions to the Wii family, this game exists in order to revive a long-lost legendary series. With a brand new art style and a grand orchestra to boot, this reboot will rock your world! That being said, I wouldn't call it a near-perfect game. As pretty as it looks I can't deny my frustration over some these stupid hard levels. The setting here is an army of evil Tiki demons have taken over the island enslaving the wildlife with musical mind control. They also claim DK's banana hoard and trust me, they have a good reason for it. These new foes aren't copycats mind you. In fact, I like the approach they took with these new villains. Sure there's a lot of creativity within Jungle Beat's villains, but they had more of a focus on hand to hand combat action. In country, it's meant to be more of a focus on hyping up the levels, but there's also a focus on treasure hunting, not just collecting bananas like gold coins. This game takes full advantage of the Wii's graphic level, and man...these levels look like works of fine art. Compared this the classic DK country theme, this feels like more of a jungle rush like the first game. When it comes to regular, side-scroller DK country games, its been a while since DK was a playable character. I'm not talking about 64 or Jungle Beat, I'm talking about how he was kidnapped in the other to Country games. It's a reboot dedicated to showing off DK's original platforming skills and creating a whole new Donkey Kong Island with superb game design. That's why this game is special to me, a reboot with wild new world to explore. Unlike most Mario games, it's like Nintendo has more freedom with some slightly darker themed levels. World 8's lava levels are even more incredible then the one's in New Super Mario Bros Wii! But holy smokes are they difficult. I may not be a platform-gaming ace, but playing through these levels without out extra hit point Banana Juice or the Super Luigi Kong Guide can be painful. But I did it anyway...some levels took at least 30 tries, but I kept going. The control isn't all that great on the Wiimote, but its not terrible...that is, until you get to the controversial Rocket Barrel levels. That soundtrack may be awesome, but the control is pretty lackluster. Holding and releasing the A button like sipping bitter fruit juice is pretty uncomfortable. Underwater levels weren't necessary, but this somehow was? Not to mention that this was a time before you could add extra hit points to make these levels less irritating. If you take a single hit you're dead, and you have to go through an alternate version of these levels anyway even if you skipped all the rest. Its literal hell going through these levels and here I thought that was Satan's job. That's what world 8 reminds me of, with a blend of fine tunes to go with it. As for bosses, there are pretty grand, each one has a Tiki host representing the main instrument type of the boss's theme. In order to reach the final boss, you have to go through another one of those menacing Rocket Barrel levels again, but at least they put a check point right in between. I can't hate this game too much, it's a lovely sight to see, even during a dark game over...the Donkey and Diddy brush it off and get right back into the action. And that's how I went with this game. Sure, I'm not interested in reaching that secret world that looks like the remains of God's breakfast, but I'm still glad I beat all of the main levels without any power-ups. Beat this game is an accomplishment all its own, especially with those insane Mine Cart levels getting even more intense. I don't think think these games are as thrilling as the originals when it comes to Rare Ware's master level game designers. But it's a solid game in another sense, it feels more like a big cartoon action movie, just oozing with character. Most levels have the camera zoom through the scenery before the player can start, in order to build excitement. This new age of DK is just as creative with all sorts of fun bosses, chases, and survival challenges. One of them has killer humming birds! Every level is unique especially with everything that's going on in the background. Its lovely sight to see, perhaps its best to watch these levels on Youtube, because your attention is most likely going to be diverted towards evil birds, moles, and robot chickens created by a chicken scientist?! This game never gets boring. Every level knows how to keep you invested, sometimes it's hard to enjoy them when you're getting chased by something every once in a while. Then again, the game encourages you to take those time trial challenges. But it's hard to admire the scenery when I'm forced to rush through most of these worlds!!! Then again, this game is a rush, a crazy ride where you zip through a dynamic jungle quest! It's a game that just makes me smile, because we'll all remember what it's honoring. It"s a tough, but fair game.… Expand
  17. DolphinReviews
    Jul 20, 2022
    7
    It’s a great 2D platformer. The levels are unique. It’s a must buy for the Wii.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Wii Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2010
6
#6 Most Shared Wii Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 77
  3. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. Cubed3
    Mar 17, 2011
    90
    It looks and sounds wonderful, it feels great when you play it, it's tons of fun and full of surprises.
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  2. ZTGD
    Feb 25, 2011
    90
    Fans of classic 2D games, or the original DKC games, owe it to themselves to pick up this amazing return to the franchise. The difficulty is the one area that may throw some gamers for a loop, but with the ability to let the game play itself it becomes a non-issue.
    Read full review
  3. GamingExcellence
    Feb 16, 2011
    84
    In the end Donkey Kong Country Returns is, in my opinion, a long awaited return to a franchise that needed updating. Fear not, DK fans, this title is for you.
    Read full review
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