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When talking about the best Nintendo platformers, it's not uncommon for Super Mario's name to come up immediately. This is especially true in recent times, as he has been (understandably) one of the great representatives of Switch. In a way, we could say that it is his 'fault' that other greats like Donkey Kong Country Returns HD go unnoticed.
Luckily, even if we sometimes forget about them, Nintendo always keeps them very much in mind. Otherwise, we would not have been able to return to what is said to be one of the best platformers of recent decades. Originally released on the Nintendo Wii, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings back one of the most fun games from that peculiar console that made home exercise so fashionable.
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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, the prodigal son of the Nintendo Wii comes to Switch
... if you don't forget that it's 15 years old. It's important to keep the temporal context in mind in order to appreciate it accurately.
Without further ado, we cannot ask it to offer the technical and/or mechanical complexity of a Super Mario Odyssey or Kirby and the Forgotten Land, since it is a remaster of a classic. This is why it has its limitations. Nevertheless, it is still very entertaining and I would recommend it
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Having said that, what are we going to find? If you already enjoyed the original, imagine a much prettier version with better graphics. That's what it offers, since it doesn't include any new features beyond the modern mode (which includes changes to make it easier) or the extra 3DS levels.
And no, they haven't forgotten about the nostalgics who are looking to suffer once again. If you want to enjoy the original difficulty, you can do so. For newcomers, what Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers is a very Nintendo-style side-scrolling platformer.
and collecting bananas (to increase the number of lives available), puzzle pieces, KONG letters (collectibles) and balloons (lives), among other things.
We will be able to move around normally and will have an attack that briefly paralyzes enemies, a spinning ground move with which to hit several opponents
, we will be able to hang from certain sections, there will be jumping platforms, and so on.
It follows the usual dynamics of the big N's games, but with a much higher level of challenge. In short, it's the hard version of Nintendo's platformers. It demands a lot from you, so it's perfect for those looking for something more challenging.
Otherwise, as I said before, no problem, because it has a simpler mode. Leaving that aside, in addition to its great level design, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD also stands out for the presence of the final bosses.
. The downside, as I said, is that Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is little more than a graphical overhaul.
We noticed this in the loading times, which are a little higher than we would like, and the lack of new features. Almost all of its value comes from the fact that back in the day it was a great game and that in 2025 it is still one of the best platformers in the industry
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This is undeniable. If you've never played it, I firmly believe you should give it a try, as it's really good. Otherwise, you will have to assess whether its price is justified, which is a personal issue.
If you ask me, I would say that I really enjoyed the experience. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is as fun as ever and is one of the flagship titles of the Nintendo Wii for a reason. In addition, recovering these classics always has its point, with Nintendo being one of the companies that most bets on this dynamic.
. Do I recommend it? Well, the truth is that yes. And very much so.