Nintendo Selects: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
- Over 70 levels of banana-hoarding fun featuring Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong
- Run, jump, climb and defeat enemies through diverse environments until you retrieve Donkey Kong’s stolen banana hoard
- Lush, layered side-scrolling levels come to life in stunning 3D
- Rebuilt and optimized for portable play on the Nintendo 3DS system
- “E”; Everyone w/Mild Cartoon Violence
Nintendo Selects highlights a variety of great games at a great price, including this one. Donkey Kong’s smash-hit return to platforming was rebuilt from the ground up and optimized for portable play on the Nintendo 3DS system. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D comes with all of the ground-pounding, barrel-rolling, platforming action of the original brought to life with stunning 3D visuals.
List Price: $ 19.99
Price:
|
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
 Had low expectations, instead found a unique, memorable, and challenging side scroller for my 3DS,
This review is from: Nintendo Selects: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (Video Game)
As a child, I grew up playing all of the classic nintendo games, and titles such as Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country on the SNES not only kept me busy for hours, but became a video game staple for me growing up. Fast forward to 2016, I’m an older, wiser, late 20 year old with a full time job, and I don’t have the time to play video games like I used to. When I do have some time, I try to play casual, faster paced games. On the 3DS, side scrollers are preferable, since sometimes I only have a little bit of time to play a few levels before I go on with my day. Besides time constraints, I have to say that when it comes to Nintendo side scrollers mostly Mario related, I’ve been bored more often than not. Besides the Mario Galaxy series, mario sidescrollers on the wii, wii u, and 3DS (with the exception of Mario Maker) to me have felt bland, repetitive, rehashed, and mostly give me an overwhelming feeling of been there done that. I had always planned on buying this game due to the great reviews and my Love of DOnkey Kong Country, but I was not to keen on spending plus on a new or used copy. But since the announcement of the Nintendo Selects, for bucks I thought it was the best time to buy. Now having played this game, I have to say that I HAD NO IDEA that a nintendo side scroller could be this great again.
Besides the whole Donkey Kong/Diddy Kong gameplay dynamic which works very well, the actual gameplay, levels, environmental triggers, and difficulty variances between levels is amazing. Each world has its own theme which is usually the case with typical nintendo Mario/Donkey Kong Games. But what has had me so impressed are the tiny differences, originality, and uniqueness of each level within those worlds. Each level has a title, you know to describe what the levels about. I’m used to general titles that go with the theme of the world but I don’t expect that they actually mean anything. But each level does its best to differentiate itself from the previous and tries to become memorable. Starting with 1-4 Sunset shore, you no longer see Donkey kong but instead only see the black of his outline as a bright, lush sunset appears behind in the background. Every item and character are dark shadows of their typical colorful self, and it keeps you on your toes to know whats going on. Thats one example. Since then (I havent finished the game but Im close) I’ve had an octopus try to destroy my platforms in 2-5, tidal waves try to kill me in 2-7, Barrel shoot between pirate ships in Mast Blast 3-3, and so on just to name a few. There have been such a difference in each level that I find it refreshing, and as an adult who plays as a past time but has lost the interest I once had for video games, this game definitely takes me back. Besides the variance in gamplay, I have come to respect the game when it comes to the different degrees of difficulty between all the levels. While some levels may be straight forward, finding jigsaw pieces (unlocks bonuses and also takes me back to Banjo-Kazooie!) may not be, and some are so well hidden and require such specific triggers that I would have never been able to find them without help from Squawks the Parrot in game. There is also time run which I thought would have been easy, but some of the times to reach are difficult to get gold in. I’ve had to play levels over, and over, to be able to get the Gold. A nice added feature. And although the bosses are quite interesting, they aren’t quite difficult to beat. No, the levels that have driven me insane have been the secret courses that open only once you beat all the levels on a world. I have played hard side scrollers before, and I always appreciate a good challenge. But those Secret Courses have not only pushed my patience but have cost me countless lives. But as frustrated as I become, its quite satisfying to beat those levels at the end. Definitely pushes my skills to the limits at times. In the end, I have a new found respect for the Donkey Kong Side Scroller, and would definitely be willing to pay plus dollars to play a sequel. Whereas other games just sit around until I play them, I make sure to find time, even if its just 10-15 min a day to play my current favorite 3DS game. A++ Nintendo.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
One of the best Wii/3DS games and one of the best platformers of the past decade, By
Relytia (Portland, OR) – See all my reviews
This review is from: Nintendo Selects: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (Video Game)
I can almost hear the haters now, complaining about Nintendo re-releasing a not-that-old game onto the 3DS, but such gripes are unfounded in my opinion. While it is true that this is *mostly* a port of the fantastic platformer from a couple years back, there are definitely enough additions and differences to make this a game that may be the preferred version among fans. Seeing how this is a game that has, for the most part, been accessible since 2010, I’ll focus mainly on discussing the differences between this version and the original and whether or not you’ll want to even bother buying this. Before I say anything else, now that for (and don’t ever pay more for a Nintendo Select title), this is a must-own game for your 3DS collection. In the rare case that you’re not familiar with Donkey Kong Country Returns, I’ll sum the game up thusly: It is easily one of the best Wii games, arguably the best Donkey Kong game that has ever been released, and it’s a real contender for best 2-D platformer of the past two decades. It is that good. The whole experience is just saturated with nostalgia while still feeling extremely fresh. The visuals are colorful and stylistic, and the music is wonderful, whether the tune is classic or new. The level design and game mechanics are amazingly well-crafted, the difficulty and satisfaction in the game is huge, and most importantly, the control mechanics are so tight you can bounce a quarter off of the game and make change. Much like the original DKC trilogy, the gameplay has an awesome rhythmic quality to it. Yes, the game may be missing King K. Rool and the Kremlings as villains, and many of DK’s relatives we’ve all come to know and love don’t show up, but for the most part, Donkey Kong Country Returns really is the quintessential Donkey Kong game, and should not be missed. If you never got a change to play the original (god forbid), then this is a wonderful time to get into it, for certain. So what are the main additions/differences between DKCR3D and the original? First off, the controls are obviously different. The Wii original used the motion-control capability of the Wiimote to good effect, in my opinion. I thought the waggle activated actions worked well for the most part, but it did have its issues that could really add frustration in intense platforming sections. I know of many people who hated that part of the original. For those who weren’t so enthusiastic about the motion, you’ll be happy to know that has all been replaced by traditional button presses, obviously. So basically, you will have a different experience when it comes to rolling, blowing, ground-pounding, etc. Otherwise, the super tight controls are the same. There is a bit of extra content that has been added to the game this time around. After you beat the game, a whole new "world" of levels becomes accessible that are quite fun and unique to play through. Many of the settings of these new levels fit the themes found in the original world levels, but are brand new, such as one on a huge, low-leveled riverbed in a forest. They look and play great. The original had a ton of content, but these new additions are very nice indeed. While DKCR is definitely a fun game, there’s no doubt that it’s also by far one of the most challenging platformers of the past decade or so. This definitely adds a huge level of satisfaction to the game, but it also stands as a huge barrier of entry to younger or less experienced gamers. For those people, Nintendo has added an "easy mode" of sorts to the game that greatly reduces the challenge. Some changes in this mode include DK and Diddy getting three hearts by default instead of two, power-ups that reduce damage, green balloons that save you if you were to fall into a bottomless pit, etc. To be honest, I’m torn on this. On one hand, I appreciate making a hard game more accessible so everyone can enjoy it. On the other hand, this "easy mode" makes the game almost insultingly easy by comparison. It’s not too bad though, because "original mode" is still available, so if you crave the soul-crushing difficulty of the original, you can still play it that way, which is great. Well, that’s most of the major changes/additions you can expect from this game. I’m very impressed with the port-job the game received. Very little was sacrificed to get the game to play on Nintendo’s handheld. You’ll notice some details in the visuals are a bit toned down. After all, the 3DS isn’t quite up to the Wii’s specs, but it does still look great for the most part. DKCR is a splendidly detailed game, and it’s worth noting that having all that shrunk to the 3DS(XL)’s screen size can get crowded at times. The cool 3-D effect, while nonessential for the gameplay itself, is…
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Both a kid and an adult can equally enjoy this game as it has a fairly decent level …,
This review is from: Nintendo Selects: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (Video Game)
It’s a platforming game that definitely transcends through generations of players. Both a kid and an adult can equally enjoy this game as it has a fairly decent level of challenge, without overstepping the punishing line. A must have for an 3DS owner especially now at this discounted price!
|
Find More Nintendo 3DS Games Products
Had low expectations, instead found a unique, memorable, and challenging side scroller for my 3DS,
Besides the whole Donkey Kong/Diddy Kong gameplay dynamic which works very well, the actual gameplay, levels, environmental triggers, and difficulty variances between levels is amazing. Each world has its own theme which is usually the case with typical nintendo Mario/Donkey Kong Games. But what has had me so impressed are the tiny differences, originality, and uniqueness of each level within those worlds. Each level has a title, you know to describe what the levels about. I’m used to general titles that go with the theme of the world but I don’t expect that they actually mean anything. But each level does its best to differentiate itself from the previous and tries to become memorable. Starting with 1-4 Sunset shore, you no longer see Donkey kong but instead only see the black of his outline as a bright, lush sunset appears behind in the background. Every item and character are dark shadows of their typical colorful self, and it keeps you on your toes to know whats going on. Thats one example. Since then (I havent finished the game but Im close) I’ve had an octopus try to destroy my platforms in 2-5, tidal waves try to kill me in 2-7, Barrel shoot between pirate ships in Mast Blast 3-3, and so on just to name a few. There have been such a difference in each level that I find it refreshing, and as an adult who plays as a past time but has lost the interest I once had for video games, this game definitely takes me back.
Besides the variance in gamplay, I have come to respect the game when it comes to the different degrees of difficulty between all the levels. While some levels may be straight forward, finding jigsaw pieces (unlocks bonuses and also takes me back to Banjo-Kazooie!) may not be, and some are so well hidden and require such specific triggers that I would have never been able to find them without help from Squawks the Parrot in game. There is also time run which I thought would have been easy, but some of the times to reach are difficult to get gold in. I’ve had to play levels over, and over, to be able to get the Gold. A nice added feature. And although the bosses are quite interesting, they aren’t quite difficult to beat. No, the levels that have driven me insane have been the secret courses that open only once you beat all the levels on a world. I have played hard side scrollers before, and I always appreciate a good challenge. But those Secret Courses have not only pushed my patience but have cost me countless lives. But as frustrated as I become, its quite satisfying to beat those levels at the end. Definitely pushes my skills to the limits at times.
In the end, I have a new found respect for the Donkey Kong Side Scroller, and would definitely be willing to pay $35 plus dollars to play a sequel. Whereas other games just sit around until I play them, I make sure to find time, even if its just 10-15 min a day to play my current favorite 3DS game. A++ Nintendo.
Was this review helpful to you?
|One of the best Wii/3DS games and one of the best platformers of the past decade,
I can almost hear the haters now, complaining about Nintendo re-releasing a not-that-old game onto the 3DS, but such gripes are unfounded in my opinion. While it is true that this is *mostly* a port of the fantastic platformer from a couple years back, there are definitely enough additions and differences to make this a game that may be the preferred version among fans. Seeing how this is a game that has, for the most part, been accessible since 2010, I’ll focus mainly on discussing the differences between this version and the original and whether or not you’ll want to even bother buying this. Before I say anything else, now that for $20 (and don’t ever pay more for a Nintendo Select title), this is a must-own game for your 3DS collection.
In the rare case that you’re not familiar with Donkey Kong Country Returns, I’ll sum the game up thusly: It is easily one of the best Wii games, arguably the best Donkey Kong game that has ever been released, and it’s a real contender for best 2-D platformer of the past two decades. It is that good. The whole experience is just saturated with nostalgia while still feeling extremely fresh. The visuals are colorful and stylistic, and the music is wonderful, whether the tune is classic or new. The level design and game mechanics are amazingly well-crafted, the difficulty and satisfaction in the game is huge, and most importantly, the control mechanics are so tight you can bounce a quarter off of the game and make change. Much like the original DKC trilogy, the gameplay has an awesome rhythmic quality to it. Yes, the game may be missing King K. Rool and the Kremlings as villains, and many of DK’s relatives we’ve all come to know and love don’t show up, but for the most part, Donkey Kong Country Returns really is the quintessential Donkey Kong game, and should not be missed. If you never got a change to play the original (god forbid), then this is a wonderful time to get into it, for certain.
So what are the main additions/differences between DKCR3D and the original? First off, the controls are obviously different. The Wii original used the motion-control capability of the Wiimote to good effect, in my opinion. I thought the waggle activated actions worked well for the most part, but it did have its issues that could really add frustration in intense platforming sections. I know of many people who hated that part of the original. For those who weren’t so enthusiastic about the motion, you’ll be happy to know that has all been replaced by traditional button presses, obviously. So basically, you will have a different experience when it comes to rolling, blowing, ground-pounding, etc. Otherwise, the super tight controls are the same.
There is a bit of extra content that has been added to the game this time around. After you beat the game, a whole new “world” of levels becomes accessible that are quite fun and unique to play through. Many of the settings of these new levels fit the themes found in the original world levels, but are brand new, such as one on a huge, low-leveled riverbed in a forest. They look and play great. The original had a ton of content, but these new additions are very nice indeed.
While DKCR is definitely a fun game, there’s no doubt that it’s also by far one of the most challenging platformers of the past decade or so. This definitely adds a huge level of satisfaction to the game, but it also stands as a huge barrier of entry to younger or less experienced gamers. For those people, Nintendo has added an “easy mode” of sorts to the game that greatly reduces the challenge. Some changes in this mode include DK and Diddy getting three hearts by default instead of two, power-ups that reduce damage, green balloons that save you if you were to fall into a bottomless pit, etc. To be honest, I’m torn on this. On one hand, I appreciate making a hard game more accessible so everyone can enjoy it. On the other hand, this “easy mode” makes the game almost insultingly easy by comparison. It’s not too bad though, because “original mode” is still available, so if you crave the soul-crushing difficulty of the original, you can still play it that way, which is great.
Well, that’s most of the major changes/additions you can expect from this game. I’m very impressed with the port-job the game received. Very little was sacrificed to get the game to play on Nintendo’s handheld. You’ll notice some details in the visuals are a bit toned down. After all, the 3DS isn’t quite up to the Wii’s specs, but it does still look great for the most part. DKCR is a splendidly detailed game, and it’s worth noting that having all that shrunk to the 3DS(XL)’s screen size can get crowded at times. The cool 3-D effect, while nonessential for the gameplay itself, is…
Read more
Was this review helpful to you?
|Both a kid and an adult can equally enjoy this game as it has a fairly decent level …,
Was this review helpful to you?
|