Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review - A Definitive Return to Classic Platforming Excellence

For many, the Donkey Kong Country series represents a golden era of 2D platforming, a legacy forged on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. Retro Studios captured that magic and revitalized it with Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii in 2010, a title that we at Gaming News fondly recall as one of the finest 2D platformers of the last two decades. Now, with the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD release on the Nintendo Switch, developed in collaboration with Forever Entertainment, we have the opportunity to revisit this masterpiece. While this Switch transition presents a few minor detriments, it ultimately serves as a fantastic game and a worthy port for a new generation of players and returning fans alike. Our extensive play-through confirms that the core brilliance of Donkey Kong Country Returns remains not only intact but shines brighter than ever on this modern platform.

The Enduring Brilliance of Donkey Kong Country Returns

Before delving into the specifics of the HD port, it is crucial to re-emphasize what makes Donkey Kong Country Returns such a celebrated title. The fundamental gameplay mechanics are where this game