Donkey Kong Country is a franchise that unfortunately isn’t particularly well known in this country. It found its genesis on the Super Nintendo, developed by now Microsoft-owned Rare. It quickly catapulted its way in to gamers’ hearts, becoming one of the console’s hallmark titles; thanks to its venerated game play and – for the time – revolutionary visuals.
And though the franchise might not be familiar, its principal characters are, owing to their inclusion in evergreen Nintendo mascot vehicles, Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart. Donkey and Diddy Kong are back for more adventuring, this time under the helm of Retro Studios, best known for the Metroid Prime Trilogy.
What they’ve delivered is somewhat of a throwback; it’s a game designed to invoke nostalgia and return the player to those halcyon days where time and patience fostered the ability to play games that would have many of today’s gamers defenestrating their controllers out of frustration. It won’t win any innovation awards and certainly isn’t set to redefine the platform genre, but does refine it to the point of near perfection – although it may still result in broken windows, controllers and spirits.
As the first game to be released in the DKC series in 11 years, fans of Donkey Kong were eager to see how the iconic ape’s adventures continued. And when it was finally released, the game proved well worth the wait. With incredible level design, difficult yet fun platforming gameplay, vibrant presentation and an amazing soundtrack, “Donkey Kong Country Returns” is an amazing side-scrolling platformer and an incredible comeback for one of Nintendo’s oldest mascots.
Phil writes, "A few weeks ago was the 40th anniversary of Nintendo's main monkey, Nintendo's awesome ape, Nintendo's super simian: Donkey Kong. This Tuesday 10s focuses on the best of the banana bunch in the Donkey Kong series, from main games to spin-offs! It's a banana slamma' of games, so let's get to it."
Tropical Freeze is way better than Country Returns and Dixie's whatever it's called. It's easily in top 3 DK games.
It did not place them in order, despite the article being described as a top ten.
Donkey Kong (94) is my preferred game on that list. I think the Rare Country games are pretty rough.
My first reaction was... They made 10 Donkey Kong games?! Then I thought that must be every single one... then I checked the list and Donkey Kong 64 is not even on it. No wonder Nintendo won't make more 3D Donkey Kong. I really enjoyed tropical freeze but I am still waiting for the next 3D game. Its really the only thing I want from the series at this point. Also, I can't take Jungle beat seriously...
KeenGamer: "What can Nintendo do to honor the anniversary of Donkey Kong Country Returns and what direction does the company go in with one of their oldest characters? Next month will mark a full decade since the iconic ape of the Big N's catalogue graced the Wii with brilliant side-scrolling and platforming action! A sequel followed in 2014, but the neglect for DK doesn’t sit well with many gamers in 2020."
