Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Nintendo Switch) – Le test

Whatever the initial affinity for the great firm that it is today, Nintendo has always shown itself to be particularly talented in the creation of emblematic titles which have marked, and which will mark, current and future generations. With endearing characters, worlds often generous in color but also in improbable hiding places, the Nintendo catalog is teeming with incredible references that cannot escape any player, and even all those who have never touched a controller on their life ! Zelda, but also Mario and Yoshi, are among these almost untouchable emblems… they are not the only ones and it seems that a famous gorilla is returning, for our greatest pleasure, to share with us his many antics on Nintendo Switch .

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a title initially available on Wii since 2010. It is reminiscent of the very famous Donkey Kong Country released on SNES in 1994. These two titles feature the iconic Donkey Kong (DK for short) , accompanied by his very agile sidekick Diddy Kong, in incredible and colorful adventures, mainly with vertical movement. This mechanic is quite simple to understand and offers many facets of play, often accessible, for both adults and young people. But what about this expected return of DK, announced during the Nintendo Direct in June 2024?

The call of the banana

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD opens with a charming cutscene which lays the foundations of its story: the thick reserve of bananas has been stolen by a mysterious band of masks (the Tiki Tak tribe), visibly possessed and capable of hypnotize all kinds of wild animals. These rascals tried hard on this dear Donkey Kong but without success… our favorite gorilla cannot be won over at first sight! Then begins a crazy race to try to collect as many bananas as possible and save the mistreated animals along the way. You don't really like bananas…? But what are you doing among us! Are you fond of it? Aaaaaah… that’s better… because you’re going to eat bananas!

Bananas are everywhere, they even get in the way of transitions! In the shoes of Donkey or Diddy, you will be able (and must) collect them again and again, solo or in tandem. To achieve this, the gameplay of the title is quite simple, although we remember it being very slightly easier in the past, and particularly on SNES. Are we starting to age? Movement is done quite simply and intuitively with the left joystick, jumping with A or B. Rolling (X or Y buttons while moving) is of course part of the range of skills available, from the start of the game. Donkey is also able to hit the ground with his fist (X or Y buttons), or to blow gently in front of him (X or Y buttons once lying on the ground). The two sidekicks, together, are able to glide a few meters, thanks to Diddy's small helicopter (Diddy also glides very well on his own!). Please note that it is perfectly possible to play with two people, each player then takes care of one of the two monkeys. To make the friend appear, remember: the bass drums stamped DK!

If there is another memory that is likely to stick with players of the time, it is the barrel ride! Numerous and rather effective, this rapid mobility uses several types of barrels: some are automatic, others are manually operated, some are fixed, others are mobile: it is up to the player to select the right moment to move from one container to another. A little nod to the cute little monkey heads that pop out of the barrels while waiting to be shipped!

Back to our bananas. These are scattered throughout the levels. Individually or in clusters, or even in batches. The bonus zones, on the other hand, are clearly bananas landmarks! Each of them is an opportunity to collect numerous fruits, lives and a few tokens… stamped with bananas of course! To reach these extra areas, or simply to reach the end of the level, the player must demonstrate a keen sense of platforming. Indeed, certain areas can be a little complex, especially for novices or the youngest (an aid, a super gorilla named Super Kong, allows you to complete the level no matter what if necessary…). Fortunately, the title is not stingy with additional lives, which it is possible to acquire after collecting 100 bananas, or simply by catching a red balloon. Lives can also be purchased on the game board, from Papi Kong.

Be careful though: it is useful to point out that two game modes are available in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Classic mode and modern mode face each other. The choice is made at the start of the game and cannot be modified subsequently (on the other hand, you are free to play several games, with distinct parameters), and for good reason… if the classic version allows you to find the same playing conditions as on Wii, the modern version is much more permissive with three hearts (instead of two) for our favorite little monkeys. In any case, don't worry, it's a safe bet that you will manage to collect several dozen lives without too much difficulty…

The Planet of the Kongs

Progression within Donkey Kong Country Returns HD takes place from a game board, with multiple pellets symbolizing the many levels available. The board itself is divided into different areas, allowing players to wander through various environments, starting with the jungle, then the beach, etc.

The game board allows you to summarize the number of available lives, bananas, but also banana tokens. These tokens are the currency of exchange with Papi Kong, who is waiting for you in his cabin. For a very decent quantity of banana tokens, the latter will give you some interesting objects, including lives or even magic keys to unlock certain areas of the map.

The game board also highlights the presence of bosses: if the pellets are levels to discover, the stars are the door open to monsters. When discovering a boss, the first task consists of understanding the latter's strong points and weak points in order to detect when, and especially how, to (combat) him. A few attempts (and therefore failures!) are often necessary before understanding all the monster's mechanics… subsequently, a little perseverance, and you should (combat)beat everyone!

Tandem de Kong

As mentioned previously, it is of course possible to go on an adventure with two players, even in the middle of the game. Each participant then controls their monkey, one is Donkey, the other Diddy. The little one in the red cap has his helicopter which allows him to hover for a few seconds, very practical in a large number of situations. Fortunately, even with two controllers, it is still possible for Diddy to climb on Donkey's back: certain passages will thus be much simpler with only one player on the track. Indeed, despite the undeniable fun of a multiplayer game, it is often more difficult to play in pairs, rather than solo. Confusion between the two monkeys is not that rare and many levels require speed and dexterity: it's not easy to be completely synchronous with your partner, especially if they don't have the same level of play as you! In summary, there is often a risk of someone being left behind… Lives then go downhill (very) quickly. Fortunately, the bonus levels are never far away and allow you to recharge your batteries.

Nostalgia when you hold us…

From the first seconds of the game, it was completely impossible for us to remain impassive while listening to the Music of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Finding these melodies that have already resonated, again and again in our ears in the past, is a real little joy. Old-timers will appreciate all these charming little details that made this adventure a great adventure… with its melodies, but also its notes of humor, or its incredible means of transport. Yes, you will enjoy finding the little cart that rolls at full speed on trembling rails, or this rhino that does not hesitate to skewer anything that dares to stand in front of it. And so many surprises for those who discover the title… each level is a discovery, not to say, a little wonder!

Who says fun of play, also says fun of collecting! And in terms of fundraising, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is very generous! Starting with the bananas, but also with its numerous bonuses that dot each level. So, the most experienced players can try to find the letters KONG or the multiple puzzle pieces in all the levels… some are very easy to find, for others, you will have to rack your brains a little! We particularly appreciated the use of the environment in all its forms as well as DK's many skills. In summary, be resourceful and multi-task!

Of course, new players will be equally seduced by the undeniable charm that emanates from Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Young and old will be delighted by this constant excitement, with the pleasant sensation of being carried away on an adventure that never rests. Never, except during its loading times…

Welcome to Switch!

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is fluid in the levels, with good responsiveness from the monkeys in all the actions they are able to perform. On the other hand, the loading times before and after the courses are a little long and ultimately quite frequent. The levels are indeed quite complete, but we still had the impression of often stalling… without really understanding why. Remember that we are talking about a Wii game now on Switch.

The graphics are quite high quality on Nintendo Switch, although they retain the essence of the original game. The colors are bright, the varied environments take the player into different atmospheres, with a very pleasant effect of depth. The bestiary is consistent with the surrounding environment, and highlights a funny local fauna which is very vengeful (but not always very futile)! And all this, to our greatest happiness… we must admit that it is not so common to sail on a sperm whale!

We have already shared it with you, the music clearly took us back a few years (or rather a lot of years back for those similar to the SNES version!). Sounds and melodies are therefore of high quality and offer perfect immersion to the player.

Despite a few small flaws, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD may well succeed once again in the Nintendo challenge: enthusiastically bringing the whole family together around a successful and charming title!

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is available on the Nintendo Switch eShop at a price of around 60 euros but also in physical form.

Did you know?
The title Donkey Kong Country on SNES pleased a large number of players at the time… the critics were unanimous: unmissable! Having sold more than 10 million copies, there is no doubt that it remains present in the hearts of many players today…