Summary
Donkey Kong Country Returns HDhas released a new trailer that briefly goes over the new features included in the remaster, including a more forgiving Modern Mode. The Modern Mode adds a number of features that makeDonkey Kong Country Returns HDless difficult and more approachable for newcomers to the game. Considering that the originalDonkey Kong Country Returnswas one of the hardestDonkey Kongplatforming titles, these features may be appreciated by those who struggled with the game.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HDwas announcedduring the June 2024 Nintendo Direct, with many fans caught off-guard by the reveal of a remaster of the Wii title on Nintendo Switch. Developed by Retro Studios ofMetroid Primefame, the originalDonkey Kong Country Returnswas released for the Wii in 2010 and was hailed as DK’s return to the home console in a platforming adventure.Returnswould then pave the way for a follow-up on the Wii U,Tropical Freeze, with the latter getting a re-release on the Nintendo Switch early in the console’s life cycle.Returns HDwill be launching late into the Switch’s lifespan and will add a few new features, more specifically its beginner-friendly Modern Mode.
In a new overview trailer forDonkey Kong Country Returns HD, fans briefly get a glimpse of many of the game’s original features and storyline, in which Donkey and Diddy Kong have to confront the Tiki Tribe in order to reclaim their precious bananas. Many of the original’s features are back, including the mine cart levels, rocket barrels, and even the option to choose between a traditional button-based layout orthe original motion controls from the Wii version.
What’s Included in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s Modern Mode?
In Modern Mode, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are given three hearts instead of two, meaning they can take more hits before losing a life. In the original mode, when DK and Diddy are together, they have four hearts, while Modern Mode bumps this up to six hearts total. Modern Mode also increases the number of items that players can take into a level, going from three to nine. These items include extra DK barrels, invincibility potions, Squawks to help find hidden items, and extra hearts, which are all one-time-use items. Modern Mode also includes a wider selection of items stemming fromthe 3DS version ofReturns, including the Crash Guard and Green Balloon.
Considering how many players believeDonkey Kong Country Returnsto be one ofthe hardest Wii games of all time, these extras in Modern Mode might be appreciated by those who had a hard time with the original. It should be noted that Modern Mode cannot be turned off after starting a new game ofDonkey Kong Country Returns HD.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
WHERE TO PLAY
Help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong recover their precious banana hoard from the villainous Tiki Tak Tribe! Stomp enemies, blast through barrels, and ride rockets and mine carts (and even Rambi the rhino) in 80 levels across nine worlds.Play the game as it was first designed for the Wii™ system, or reduce the difficulty for extra hearts and other goodies to make your journey a little easier. This barrel-blasting adventure is visually enhanced in HD for the Nintendo Switch™ system and includes the extra levels from the Nintendo 3DS™ version!Team up with a friend and take on the whole game as Donkey Kong and Diddy KongPass a Joy-Con™ controller to a buddy and take on the Tiki Tak Tribe as DK and Diddy in two-player local play. Pelt foes with Diddy’s Peanut Popgun and hover using his Barrel Jet, and slam bad guys into submission with DK’s Ground Pound—or just Barrel Roll right through them. Work together to reclaim those bananas by the bunch!
