Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is set to elevate the Nintendo Switch as the ultimate platform for fans of the classic series, with its highly anticipated release on January 16, 2025. This remastered edition was unveiled unexpectedly during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct presentation, and it marks just the beginning of exciting developments for the franchise. Leading up to the release, the nostalgic Donkey Kong Land trilogy from Game Boy was made available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack from November to December 2024. When combined with the 2018 port of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and the original trilogy available on Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo fans can now enjoy the entire Donkey Kong Country series in one convenient location.
For many long-time enthusiasts, this cohesive gathering of titles represents a dream realized. The Donkey Kong Country series has firmly established its status as a cult classic among Nintendo platformers, having debuted as one of Rare’s signature titles during the Super Nintendo era, characterized by its challenging gameplay and significant replay potential. Retro Studios, renowned for its work on the Metroid Prime series, successfully revitalized the franchise through releases on the Wii, 3DS, Wii U, and now the Nintendo Switch with Donkey Kong Country Returns and Tropical Freeze. While it’s commendable to see DK’s offerings compiled on modern hardware, the upcoming Returns HD seems to overlook a significant feature introduced in Tropical Freeze.
What’s New in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
The enhancements in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD are relatively minimal, as it primarily serves as a straightforward remaster of the original title. The most notable innovation is the introduction of Modern Mode, an easier gameplay option that players can select when starting a new save file. While some may view this as a concession to novice players, it serves an essential role in making the game more accessible, particularly given its reputation as one of the more challenging titles on the Wii. For those intimidated by rigorous difficulty, Delivers Returns HD offers a welcoming alternative.
How Modern Mode Works in Donkey Kong Country Returns
Modern Mode introduces modifications that enhance gameplay, including additional health and item provisions. In this mode, both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong benefit from three hearts each, granting a total of six hits when playing cooperatively. This straightforward adjustment will likely ease the journey through some of the more demanding levels in DKCR HD. Coupled with the game’s already powerful items, players are sure to feel empowered as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Tropical Freeze Outshines DKC Returns’ Modern Mode
While DKCR HD introduces a solid shop mechanic comparable to Tropical Freeze‘s Funky’s Fly ‘N’ Buy, the latter offers features that significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Tropical Freeze notably brought in the beloved characters of Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong as playable partners, alongside the addition of the iconic New Funky Mode. This mode allows Funky Kong to roll indefinitely, hover, and absorb five hits instead of the usual two, thereby simplifying gameplay for those who may struggle with traditional mechanics.
The absence of a similar comprehensive character mode in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD represents a missed opportunity. Integrating Funky Kong or other characters from Tropical Freeze into a revamped Modern Mode could have significantly bolstered the game’s appeal, offering unique content that veterans would appreciate. Such an addition could have provided feature parity with Funky Mode, whereby players have the flexibility to switch between characters, all while enjoying the enhanced mechanics. Ultimately, while Modern Mode in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a valuable inclusion, it might have eclipsed its potential by mirroring some elements from Tropical Freeze.
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