7 Things You Should Know About Donkey Kong Country Returns

Number 1: Return to Platforming

After appearing in countless spin-offs and party titles, the Donkey Kong franchise is returning to its 2D platforming roots, in a whole new adventure made exclusively for the Nintendo Wii.

Number 2: Built for Nostalgia

Similar to the New Super Mario Bros, this title has been developed with older gamers in mind. As such, players will find various nods to the classics of the early 90s, such as its old-school art style, musical selection and iconic sounds. Donkey Kong Country Returns will rekindle deep-rooted feelings of nostalgia, while introducing many fresh and exciting gameplay experiences, secrets and unlockables.

Number 3: The Plot

Shattering expectations, the Kremlings do not return as the villains. Instead, a group of evil Tiki have taken control of DK Island’s animals, and have stolen Donkey Kong’s banana hoard. Now he must defeat the Tikis to free his friends from their mind control and retrieve his favorite food.

Number 4: Gameplay

Players of the original series will feel right at home with the gameplay mechanics of the latest installment. Along with it use of traditional play mechanics, many iconic elements of the series have returned. These include mine cart levels, swinging from vine to vine, ground pounding obstacles, riding animals and collecting golden "KONG" letters.

Number 5: Multiplayer

Players don’t have to take on the quest alone, in fact its best played with a pal. In co-op mode, players adventure together on the same screen, with the first player in the role of Donkey Kong, and the second as Diddy.

As a two-player affair, success depends on teamwork. For example, if one player dies, the other can bring them back by smashing a DK Barrel that floats into view.

To avoid problems arising from differences in player skills, Diddy can hop on Donkey Kong’s back to let the first player carry the team to the goal. In return, Diddy’s jetpack can be used to make Donkey Kong’s jumps easier.

Number 6: Controls

Using two control schemes, players can choose to control Donkey and Diddy with the Wii Remote and nunchuck. For those craving a traditional experience they can use only the remote held sideways.

Number 7: Time Attack Mode

Adding to the game’s replay value, gamers can revisit completed levels to take on time attack challenges. More than difficult, these will push you to reach the goal in the shortest amount of time possible.

Conclusion:

It’s been 14 years since gamers last romped through the jungles of Donkey Kong Country, but the latest installment will rekindle many childhood feelings. It will also introduce a whole new generation to the joys of platforming as the Banana loving gorilla and his pal.