Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze Review: A Fun Refresh Of A Wii U Classic For Nintendo Switch
By Thomas Kenzaki
May 9, 2018The success of Nintendo's Switch console has opened the door for them to re-introduce some of their Wii U game library on the new console. With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe selling over 7.5 million copies on Nintendo Switch in a little over a year, it only makes sense for Nintendo to bring other Wii U hits over to Switch. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is the latest title to make the swing to Switch and along with some small changes, they make Donkey Kong sized improvements to an already great game.
The Game
First off, this is not a brand new game. It was originally introduced for the Wii U on Feb 21, 2014. Yes you read that right, it was first released over 4 years ago! The Switch has opened up a brand new audience of gamers and they’re eager to introduce them to their most popular Wii U titles.
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: May 04, 2018
- No. of Players: 2 players simultaneous
- Category: Platformer, Action
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Retro Studios
In classic Donkey Kong Country form, this is a side scrolling action game which will feel familiar to anyone who has played a DKC game in the past. It allows for single player or simultaneous 2-player action so you and a friend can work together and battle your way through each level.
You’ll have fun exploring the detailed and well designed levels on 6 different world's (plus 1 secret world after finishing the game). Playing as the different characters adds different challenges so even when the game is over, there is a high amount of replayability.
Each level has a unique theme and the game does a great job of introducing you into the elemental challenges within. Whether it be swinging from vine to vine, swimming, riding Rambi the Rhinoceros or hopping in a mine cart, you'll quickly learn how to perform each maneuver. There's a good mix with level themes so you won't be bored playing the same style of level over and over.
Within each level you’ll also enjoy the challenge of collecting the 4 letters to form K-O-N-G as well as special puzzle pieces which can unlock certain things within the game. If you’re anything like me you’ll need to play through each level multiple times to collect them all as many are hidden or require you to take a specific path which you might not have the first time through.
As with most platform games, you’ll face off against a boss at the end of each world. The bosses each vary in difficulty and you’ll need to put your skills to good use to defeat them. Gone are the days of simply jumping on the bad guys head once to save the princess. DKCTF bosses are big time baddies who will take multiple hits to defeat.
What's New?
The game is even more beautiful on Nintendo Switch with its updated graphics and a bump in resolution up to 1080p (via HDMI in TV mode). The game play is very smooth at 60fps so you won’t miss a beat on any jump, roll or swing!
Nintendo has been great at making their games very accessible. They want everyone to be able to play their games and so in DKCTF they added a new mode called Funky Mode. In this new mode you’ll be able to play as Funky Kong for the first time and he has a few key skills which help make the game easier to play.
As Funky Kong you’ll be able to do things like double jump, roll non-stop, breathe underwater, slowly descend from jumps (to make precision landings easier) and even have extra health to prevent dying as quickly. Small children, grandparents or anyone who just finds the regular mode too difficult will appreciate the easier gameplay in Funky Mode.
Summary
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is another prime example of Nintendo making something old feel new again. Fans of the Donkey Kong franchise will be very satisfied with this refreshing port of an underappreciated Wii U classic. With a high replayability factor, updated graphics and the ability to play on the go, I definitely recommend adding this game to your Nintendo Switch library.
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