Donkey Kong Country Returns
Unfortunately, “It’s on like Donkey Kong” was trademarked.
Platforms: PC
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Retro Studios / Nintendo
ESRB: E
Official Website: http://donkeykong.nintendo.com/
If there’s one thing Nintendo does well, it’s taking care of their long-time fans. Get ready for a big serving of nostalgia cream pie, because the Ninty guys have continued in the same vein as the New Super Mario Bros. and the recent Metroid games in reviving their classics. As usual, there’s plenty of new flavor to complement the old spice that made the series so revolutionary in the first place.
The first thing that will bring back the memories of a golden age in gaming, right from the title screen, is the music. Every theme has been faithfully remade, so those familiar with the series should be taken right back to the SNES days, and newcomers are sure to get a taste of what made DK’s jungle beats so catchy in the first place. The sounds are colorful and vibrant, but occasionally DK does sound awkward even considering his apish ways.
Graphically, Nintendo has been pushing the limits of the Wii, and all their talents show in this game. Every single level is in full polygonal 3D, and beautifully textured. Everything moves, from the flowers to the tree canopies, even to the pillars of rock in the background. All of this lends to the smooth and fluid experience the game offers, down to the controls - although you can always rely on the ground-pound motion control to disrupt your chi if it ever gets too peaceful.
Whether playing solo or with a partner, the game is a challenge and a blast, definitely among the best Wii titles this year.
Scorecard: (Rate using 1 to 5 scale, 5 being the highest.)
- Graphics: 5
- Sounds: 4.5
- Fun Factor: 5
- Replayability: 4
- Overall Score: 4.6