Like New Super Mario Bros. Wii, but much, much better and more challenging; an example for future platformers to follow.
Graphics: 8/10
3D models have stylishly jagged edges and characters are detailed. Sillouette levels in particular are a beauty to look at. Backgrounds are hugely detailed and full of easter eggs, such as Mr. Game & Watch and the original Donkey Kong construction level in the background of a factory level. What's really impressive about this game is that it doesn't seem to be designed by a tile designer, but lovingly crafted from scratch like a 3D game. Unlike in NSMB Wii, you can actually see the surface of the ground you're walking on from a 3D, not 2D, perspective, similar to Super Smash Bros. Brawl. This is a 3D game along a 2D plane. A few surfaces lack detail, but for the most part, this game is a joy to look at. It never feels like a bunch of stickers over a static background. Levels change before your eyes with stunning animation. When rolled into, enemies fly toward the screen comically.
Gameplay: 10/10
This game is HARD. Be prepared to lose dozens of lives in the later levels. Also be prepared to feel a huge sense of satisfaction when you finally beat them. The challenge is ingenious. Deviously placed enemies and precarious platforms require patience and quick reflexes. Long jumps and an abundance of game changing switches will test your platforming skills. There is also a decent amount of variety. Extremely difficult mine cart and rocket barrel segments only require the push of a single button, but they are fast and challenging, and one mistake means sudden death. Along with simply reaching the end without dying, there are ingeniously hidden Kong letters and puzzle pieces for you to collect. Perhaps you need to throw a barrel at a brick wall to find a challenging bonus room with a puzzle piece inside. Maybe you need to collect every banana over some falling platforms to make a Kong letter appear. And don't worry, average gamers, an abundance of checkpoints and extra lives make sure you never have to backtrack too far. And if you're truly stuck, if you die enough times, a "Super Guide" Kong will complete the level for you, but he won't collect any bonuses or items. Unlockable Temple levels are also a treat to play. Diddy Kong is your jump-and-roll-enhancing power up buddy. Challenging boss battles and a fittingly epic final boss battle are creative and fun, and tie the game's simplistic story together.
Controls: 7/10
Donkey Kong is heavy. His jumping is clumsy and he doesn't bounce very high. However, considering that he's a gorilla, this makes perfect sense. You'll adjust after a litttle bit, and before you know it, romping through the jungle as a starving ape will feel very natural. Motion contols can be an issue, though. While pounding (shaking the Wii remote) is fine, "blowing" and rolling by shaking the Wii remote are not. Blowing interupts the action, and you might accidentally roll when you're actually trying to pound, sending you off a ledge to your doom. Also, in order to bounce offf an enemy's head, rather than holding the jump button, you actually have to hit the jump button at just the right moment to catch air. This is tricky and too often activates Diddy Kong's jet pack, leaving you nowhere to go but down into the bottomless abyss. Multiple controller options help you find the right style, though, and for the most part, the controls are smooth and responsive.
Sound: 9/10
Sound effects are pleasantly cartoony and enemies make cute squawks. The music is catchy and upbeat, full of nostalgic remixes of other Donkey Kong Country tunes. There are severall memorable songs, especially in the factory world (my favorite!). Funky jazz tunes and electronic synths fit the mood almost perfectly.
Lasting Appeal: 10/10
Hundreds of deviously hidden puzzle pieces and Kong levels, along with two secret levels in every world.
Extras: 9/10
Every song is available in a virtual jukebox for your listening pleasure. Also, a huge amount of unlockable artwork and dioramas pave the path to 100% completion.
Multiplayer: 7/10
DKCR has arguably the best co-op mode. Only two players can adventure simultaneously, but perhaps this is for the best. It keeps it simple. With no collision detection, players won't annoyingly bump into each other. Remember how in NSMB Wii you would keep bouncing off each others' heads? Well here you can just walk right through each other. Unfortunately, you pool lives, so your buddy might burn through a dozen of your hard earned lives in a single level. And when you both die, you lose 2 lives. So multiplayer is an effective mode for burning through lives. Also, there is nothing you can do with another player that you couldn't do in single player mode. The game is actually harder with a buddy to keep track of, and a lack of the Diddy Kong power up. However, nothing keeps this mode from being unbelievable fun and free of frustration.
Overall: 9/10
Any fan of Mario or platformers should buy this game. A Mario-like overworld is proof of the Italian plumber's influence on this game. This is effectively New Super Mario Bros. Wii 2.0, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Levels filled with tidal waves, giant octopuses (octopi?), 3D background/foreground traveling, killer hummingbirds, moving statues, giant sonic bats, a mob of spiders, and more spice this adventure up and show the love and care that went into this project. This game is fantastic. Fabulous creativity and lengthy content make this a must-have Wii game.