Donkey Kong Country HD is a wonderfully challenging platformer that really makes DK stand apart from Mario. Some upgraded visuals, all the levels from the previous games and a new mode make this the best way to play the game if you’re a first-timer or have a soft spot for the determined lovable ape. However, if you’ve played the older versions (especially on the 3DS) there’s probably not quite enough to bring you back. 

It’s not often that a game is released three times (for full price, at least) without feeling like the publisher is pulling one over on us, and Donkey Kong Country HD straddles that line with some difficulty. As in its original release on the Wii (back in 2010) and the 3DS version (in 2013), DK Country HD sees our intrepid banana-crazed, tie-wearing ape take on a clan of Tiki masks that have taken control of his island and a few of his feathered and four-legged friends, too. It’s up to DK, with a little help from his rocket-backpack-riding sidekick Diddy, to show them who’s boss…

Oo oo Ah ah… eh?

Thanks to a shiny-ish new coat of paint and the same additional modes available on the 3DS (which make things a little easier by including some extra hearts, adding some extra items to buy at Kranky’s shop available in each new area, and DK being immune to hypnosis) the Switch version is the best way to play the game in 2025. The game is pretty enough, however, it still clearly looks like an older game and probably (even more so) thanks to the reveal of Donkey Kong Bananza coming for the Switch 2, the HD upgrade doesn’t quite shine as brightly as previous games may have done.

Nice visual elements… still ooze Nintendo charm.

On the positive side, this is a game with some fun nods to DK history and thanks to some funny visual gags like chickens on stilts that, when hit, become a plucked chicken ready to roast, this is a game that has you smiling and for those of us that haven’t played the previous versions – it’s going to be a welcome addition to the ol’ game library, especially so close to the end of the Switch 1’s lifespan. And of course, the music is quite fun (if you don’t mind too much looped bongo-type stuff) and nice visual elements like some levels where you see everything in silhouette and bright neon ties – still ooze Nintendo charm.  To add to this, if you’re a fan of platformers and often feel like Mario titles are a little too easy, Donkey Kong Country really comes to the fore in its gameplay…

.

Ah ah Oo oo… wooo!

It’s an old-school formula, but one that 2D platform gamers will love; A bunch of areas, all containing a series of themed levels, a boss fight, and a ton of collectables to boot – Donkey Kong Country HD dazzles in its grasp of what makes tough, classic platforming great. Each level has bananas, coins and the letters K, O, N, and G to grab (which can often be done on the first run if you’re observant enough), plus a handful of puzzle pieces that take a little more effort to procure. While this does mean that if you’re a completionist, you’ll likely be tackling each level at least twice, the levels feel short, and the platforming feels tight and interesting enough that it never really feels like a chore. Plus, with the addition of infuriating mine cart and barrel-shooting levels, this hits the nostalgia button just as hard as the difficulty one.

Plus, with the addition of infuriating mine cart and barrel-shooting levels, this hits the nostalgia button just as hard as the difficulty one.

Now, that does mean that if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, Country HD is likely to drive you a little mad. And I must admit that just watching me play, immediately convinced my wife that this was not a game for her. So, for younger kids and newcomers, this may be a little too tough (especially if you include the devilishly fiendish K-levels, which I loved, but again involve a lot of pattern repetition, timing, and even a little screaming at the screen). Thankfully, the kinder new Modern Mode and extra items do mitigate this time some degree. However, if, like me, you can’t get enough of this stuff, it’s a welcome reminder of why, despite coming from the same development team (at least at management level) and being a platformer, DK’s heaviness and a general leaning to tougher platforming makes Country games feel very different to Mario ones – and if you’re a fan of the genre, that’s something that is always a good thing.

Ah Oo Ah Oo

So, what can we say? If you like slightly tougher 2D platformers with a loveable oaf taking the lead, and enjoy Nintendo polish (and probably never had the Wii or the 3DS versions) Donkey Country Returns HD is a really great game that you’ll likely love. It’s considered by some to be a classic, and it’s not tough to see why. On the flip side, if you have played it before, there’s not a whole lot here to drag you back and dip into your wallet again, especially if you’re saving up for the new console and DK’s upcoming big 3D adventure. So, it’s a tough banana to swallow – it probably still tastes good, but the outer peel is definitely looking a little more bruised and brown than you’d like. And so, it’s more Kranky Kong than Donkey Kong for this one.

REVIEW CODE PROVIDED BY: NINTENDO

For more Nintendo Reviews click here.