Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Game InformerKyle Hilliard

8.75/10

Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii is one of the best 2D platformers of the past 20 years. It’s a hyperbolic statement I would typically avoid in a review, but revisiting the game on Switch and years of reflection have given me the confidence to commit. The Switch transition does have some downsides making it a somewhat underwhelming port of a fantastic game, but it doesn’t change the fact that Returns is a classic and I am glad I no longer have to break out a Wii Remote and Nunchuck...

Hardcore Gamer Chris Shive

Donkey Kong began his career as the titular villain in the early '80s arcade game. It was over a decade later when he got the starring role as a hero in Donkey Kong Country, which ended up becoming a successful platforming series. Known for 2D gameplay with advanced 3D character models, the distinct art design and compelling gameplay led to many sequels over the years. Donkey Kong Country Returns marked the return of the beloved series in 2010 to the Wii. It was ported to the 3DS three years later as Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D with extra features, and once again, the banana loving ape swin...

Pure NintendoTrevor Gould

8/10

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will be great fun for those who've yet to experience Retro Studio's platforming adventure, and I mean great with a capital G. But

Game RantDalton Cooper

8/10

Even with these problems and judged in a vacuum, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a masterpiece 2D platformer. Charging $60 for what is essentially a better-looking take on the 3DS version of a game that is 15 years old, however, won't sit right with everyone. Those who played Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D on 3DS may want to wait for a sale, but those who have never played the 3DS version or have never played DKCR at all will get a ton of value out of the game. If nothing else, it's nice to have all the Donkey Kong Country games on Switch, with the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD g...

CBRMark O’Callaghan

8/10

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fun time for any platformer fan. The levels are creative and will leave gamers with their jaws on the floor with how imaginative it gets. With some of the levels, the difficulty gets cranked up to 10 and will leave players frustrated. Players might sometimes find the game unforgiving, even when it offers more items and hearts. The modern additions are fine, but there should be more, considering the price tag. Still, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great...

GamingTrendRichard Allen

80/100

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remains a classic and often challenging platformer brought to new life with a gorgeous HD makeover. Unfortunately, aside from a new gameplay mode which makes the game slightly easier and its updated visuals, this remaster is relatively lacking in new features. Still, fans of Donkey Kong or well-designed platformers will find a lot to love here.

DualShockersJake Valentine

7.5/10

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still a great game, but it's not quite worth its hefty price tag if you've played it before.

GamingBoltPramath

7/10

While this remaster doesn’t do justice to this game’s significant legacy, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still a good way to play a very addictive game.

GameSpewKim Snaith

7/10

It's always a treat to go hands-on with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, even if this isn't the most ambitious of HD remasters. Still, it's a solid platforming game, with over 80 levels to sink your teeth into — all with collectibles and extra challenges, too. It's just a shame the controls aren't quite as tight as they should be.

Final WeaponNoah Hunter

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a basic remaster that's just enough to bring the game to Nintendo Switch for new players. With its intricate and creative level design, fun soundtrack, and solid replayability, this is an excellent platformer that fits right in with many others on Nintendo Switch. However, if you aim to experience the game in co-op, a frustrating bug makes the experience nothing like the original game, leaving Donkey Kong Country Returns HD in desperate need of a patch.

Press StartShannon Grixti

Unscored

I found the level design in the game to be some of the best of the series. All of the worlds provided completely different visuals as well as new enemies to defeat. Working out what tactics to use against what enemy whilst jumping through a difficult stage is where the challenge in this game lies. I never found deaths to be cheap and always found that using the right timing was key to get through the level. Whilst there is a world added to the remake of DKCR, I wish that there were a few more levels or mini games added in to give returning players a new experience.

MonsterVineJames Carr

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD feels antiquated and outdated, which would be acceptable in a more appropriately priced port. But instead, it’s a full priced game, offering only updated graphics and the removal of motion controls to justify that price. Beyond that, the platforming simply feels too imprecise for what’s being asked of you and tedious boss fights make finishing each world feel like a slog instead of a triumph.