Donkey Kong Country Returns

Anyone familiar with the original Donkey Kong Country series remembers how much fun they were.  The environments were vibrant, lush and full of secrets, the music was probably some of the best at the time and the gameplay was energizing, challenging yet fulfilling.  Thankfully Donkey Kong Country Returns is a return to form. Instead of reimagining Rare's classic SNES series like the Nintendo 64's Donkey Kong 64, DKC Returns is more like a continuation of the good old days and one that many people are undoubtedly waiting for. 

DKC Returns does employ modern platforming design and technology, like 3D environments with playable foreground and background areas, but it does so without drastically changing the look or feel of the original series.  With the original having incorporated what is commonly known as 2.5D graphics, this upgrade to 3D does little but further excite the notion of a new DKC title.  DKC Returns is a total throwback to the originals, in every shape and form, and will certainly cater to both new and old gamers alike. 

Like its predecessors, DKC Returns is a platformer focused on collection, whether it be bananas, letters or various other items along the way.  If you're bent on collecting every single item in a level, get ready for a typically slower run-through, but the payoff is oh so rewarding. 

In single-player, the player takes the role of Donkey Kong but still has access to Diddy Kong's special moves –  his jet pack, which can give him a jump boost, and Peanut Pop Gun, which fires a bouncing peanut projectile. Two-player co-op is also an option, with one player playing as Donkey Kong and the other of course playing as Diddy.  This adds a nice touch to the game and allows for a fun experience if you don't feel like playing alone or have people over. 

Motion controls are also a new feature.  Drumming the Wii Remote and Nunchuk makes your character do a "ground slap", allowing access to new areas and items. In addition, a shake of the Wiimote while running will trigger Donkey Kong's signature roll attack.  Both motion-controls are extremely fluid and there was little to no lag in response time.  While a new addition to an old favourite, the use of motion-controls works well and efficiently. 

While I only got to explore a small portion of the game it looks as promising as ever.  Nintendo is certainly doing a great job at catering to the nostalgic fans with its upcoming Wii titles as well as the 3DS and its lineup.  However, DKC Returns is not just a cheap thrill, it's actually a well thought out and well executed return to one of the greatest series on the SNES.

Stay tuned for more details about DKC Returns when it's released this holiday season!