Donkey Kong Returns is a old school game which will leave you in a wake of Nostalgia!
Genre: Adventure
Developer: Nintendo - Retro Studios
System: Wii
Total Score: 91/100
Value Score: 9.1/10
• Story: 7/10
o The storyline for DKC Returns is quite simple and somewhat original in a way. One day the volcano on DK island explodes and a group of tikis appeared in a similar fashion to the Smithy Gang from Super Mario RPG. The tikis had some sort of mind control power and mesmerized the innocent animals of the DK Island, to steal bananas. When DK and diddy kong found out that their banana horde was being taken away, the tikis decided to intervene and trick DK as well, however ironically, their mind tricks didn't work. DK and diddy thus begin their journey traveling over the island fighting off the tikis and getting back their banana horde. Not a complex storyline, simple and somewhat original, its nothing new or revolutionary like Super Mario RPG, but its abit ahead of the Mario Storylines at least (in terms of originality).
• Characters: 9/10
o Fans of the series will be glad to see their favorite Gorilla and Monkey pal back as one team. The nostalgia doesn't end there, as Cranky Kong makes a return along with two familiar animal buddies, Rambi the Rhino and Squawks the Parrot. However Cranky no longer gives out advice but replaces several of the past characters' tasks such as giving out items (which originally belonged to Swanky Kong), Squawks no longer plays a major role in terms of storyline or in game depth, players will be glad that Rambi makes a in game appearance. However there are no kremlings, no candy kong, no funky kong nor any of the other animal buddies. The entire kremling army has been replaced with a army of tikis and mind controlled animals.
• GamePlay: 9/10
o Game play somewhat remains the same but one can say 90% of the entire gameplay in terms of mechanics is different. Diddy kong is treated as a extra jump boost for DK and not as a separate character like the previous DK games (this of course can be changed in 2 player mode). There is no save feature either eliminating Candy Kong, as the game autosaves as soon as you finish a level. Funky Kong and his travel services are non-existent as you can easily travel along each world without any cost or requirement. Cranky Kong offers some items in the exchange for Banana coins which you collect throughout the game for either extra lifes, a extra heart, banana juice which gives you 10 extra hearts and to a key which can be used to unlock a certain area of the world. The World map is similar to New Super Mario Bros. Wii, not a single different thing about it. Each level consists of puzzles which you can collect to unlock art work, the 4 KONG letters can be used to unlock a special stage which offers you the chance to collect a orb (collect each orb from each world to unlock the Golden Temple at the end of the game). The wiimote allows you to use several commands such as to stomp the ground with a shake to uncover items or stun enemies, while running and shaking will make you roll, you can jump and use diddy kong's jetpack as a boost to stay afloat, you can blow on a few objects to uncover items as well. You now have 2 hearts per character, with a total of 4 hearts, if you lose 2 hearts, you lose diddy, to regain 4 hearts, simply break a DK Barrel. There are mini games similar to the original DKC game with the prize being puzzle pieces. There are some parts to the game where the game becomes tedious, you will get the chance to use a "Super guide" like in New super Mario bros. Wii where it finishes the level for you. Sometimes the wii mote will not respond fast enough for a command or it might make respond earlier than expected which can lead to simple mistakes (I.e. Gamespot's clunky controls complaint). Also the game is somewhat easy in the first 1-5 worlds, but however it becomes hard and harder throughout the rest of the game.
• Graphics: 10/10
o The graphics in DKC Returns is simply breathtaking, if you loved DK64 or the Super Mario series, you will love the graphics for this game, each part of the levels in each world is heavily detailed, the character sprites are nicely done with fluid animation. Its said this game contains more pixels than the amazing Metroid Prime Series. Not a single problem, one of the best looking Wii games up to date (next to Super Mario Galaxy series).
• Sound: 10/10
o The sound effects in DKC Returns is perfectly tuned in with the environments and the characters, each character grunt sounds realistic and not fake like in the old DKC games. When playing through levels, even the environment comes to life literally.
• Music: 10/10
o The OST in the game is considered to be one of the best in terms of Wii games, it consists of remixes from the original DKC game, full of nostalgia. The game contains new tunes as well however not as dynamic as the original DKC series, it still holds similar rhythm and balance the originals did. Recommend the Tiki Boss battle themes and all of the DKC Remixes.
• Length: 8/10
o This game has a decent length to it, longer than New Super Mario Bros. Wii, it has a similar length as the old DKC games as well, 8 worlds with 8 different bosses, along with that a extra secret world. The game also allows you to go time attack as a time challenge for each level for the extra challenge. Altogether the whole storyline should take you no more than 7-8 hours. If you want to complete everything from the KONG letters and puzzle pieces, might take you a bit longer.
• Replay Value: 8/10
o You can replay every single boss and level, you may finish a level but not completely retrieved the puzzle pieces and the KONG letters, doing so might take some additional time as it can be a difficult task. Once you do complete each level with the entire KONG collection you will be awarded a star medal, collect all the star medals of each world to unlock a special stage, once you complete the special stages in each world, you will be able to enter the Golden Temple which is a additional world. Also collecting puzzle pieces will also unlock art work gallery, and you can listen to the music gallery when you have completed each world. If you finished the game with single player , try playing it with 2 players as the gameplay will be completely different.
• Player Value: 10/10
o Overall a nostalgic game and one worth getting, if you are a fan of the DKC series. I've waited years for a DKC game to be released as it was one of my first few games I've ever purchased and played when I was younger. This game might not contain some of the things that made the originals great (I.e. Kremlings, Kong family, animal buddies, etc), but it brings some of the more famous elements and adds a bit to the mix for the newer audiences. This game is really worth it!