Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Reviews
A special mention, even after many years, goes to the soundtrack that accompanies the gait of the Nintendo gorilla, in an extraordinary mix of motifs from the first trilogy and original tracks that contributed to the success of the platform game by Retro Studios.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a simple, but very well done remastered of this Nintendo classic. The thing is that is is based on the 3DS version rather than the Wii's version.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Nintendo continues its long tradition of enhancing past games with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. While the third time isn't quite the charm it could have been-more of the same Retro Studios title that millions have already experienced on past Nintendo systems-the game is still plenty enjoyable, and even more in co-op. The Cranky Kong in me wants a long overdue brand-new entry in the series. But if you've missed this game through the years, this oldie is still a goodie, and make sure you don't miss it a third time. Even though these bananas are looking a little brown at full launch price, grab the game at a discount, and you'll have a "barrel-blasting adventure!"
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.
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.
The ability to pick it up and put it down for short bursts was a perfect fit for the game, and helped keep my blood pressure under control for some of the endgame levels that really got me boiling over.
While it's not as strong a game as Tropical Freeze, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great way to introduce younger or less skilled players to the wonderful world of Donkey Kong Country. However, those familiar with the game already through its two previous releases may struggle to find much value in another revisit, even if the visual improvements are numerous but sparse.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a phenomenal platformer and a must-play Nintendo Switch title, but it could be skippable for the fans that own the 3DS port.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great title to rescue from the Wii's library, allowing a new generation of gamers to enjoy this masterful platformer. It didn't need a total overhaul, so it makes sense that it's just an HD rerelease rather than a total remake, but the problem is that it's priced the same as a brand-new 2025 title, which doesn't seem fair no matter how HD it is. If you don't mind the cost, you'll have yet another amazing game on Switch, but if you don't want to drop the full price on a 14-year-old game, I wouldn't blame you.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the exact same, challenging game from the past, just looking slightly better. It is a charming if difficult classic platformer, but I’m not sure it stood the test of time. If I were to score it as a new product aimed at mainstream audience, the verdict would be a bit more negative.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Although it's not the celebration DK deserves, it represents the finest version of the game.
Even though I love Donkey Kong, having the only games starring Donkey Kong released on the Switch being rereleases of older games is disappointing. Not only that, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has the least amount of extra content to it compared to games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. That doesn't dismiss the fact that this game is extremely fun and still has a great amount of content. If you haven't played the Wii or 3DS version of Donkey Kong Country Returns, then the HD Switch version is a must-play as it is one of my favorites in the series, but returning fans might not care for the touch ups that much.
The quality of its level design, the two-player coop and a wealth of stages, including the 3DS ones, are enough to recommend a purchase, but Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is sort of lazy if compared to other remastered versions of Nintendo old classics. If you have already played it before elsewhere, there is really no reason for a second playthrough.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Despite it feeling really late in the game to drop this HD re-release, the simple fact is that Donkey Kong Country Returns is a masterclass in tough-yet-exhilarating platforming, and the Switch is now the best place to play it all over again – or for the first time.
While it may be a 15-year-old game now, it holds up beautifully and still delivers thrilling platforming, spectacle, and diabolical challenges.
If you haven’t ever played Donkey Country Returns and think you’ll have fun with a platformer with a higher difficulty and emphasis on traversal and exploration, you should consider playing Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Switch is by far the best way to play the game; it avoids the awkwardness of the Wii's controls and doesn't have the visual compromises of the 3DS version. It makes it difficult to be impressed with it as a remaster, especially a full-priced one. There's a lot that could've been done to improve the visuals or add more features to the game, but as it stands, you're basically getting the same game as before. It's still an absolutely fantastic game and well worth playing. If you've already played Donkey Kong Country Returns: Tropical Freeze and are hankering for more, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is well worth picking up. If you haven't played its predecessor/sequel yet, it's better to start there.
Despite its age, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD maintains exceptional quality, offering engaging platforming sequences, visually impressive set-pieces, dazzling vistas, and a high level of difficulty. While the majority of collectibles offer limited in-game value beyond unlocking mirror mode, their inherent appeal, driven by ingrained desire, compels players to seek them out. It's highly replayable and highly addictive, leaving gamers eager to keep playing. It is disappointing that this remaster doesn't include anything new for veterans, but when the foundation is so enjoyable, it's hard to be dissatisfied.
Nintendo Switch remaster of this classic platformer is the definitive version of it, and anyone who loved playing it previously is going to love the opportunity to play through it again. If you’re newer to video games… this is an essential modern classic.
A great continuation of the SNES series with imaginative twists and bright colors but it does not add nor improve much over the Wii/3DS originals.
Review in Arabic | Read full review