-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D |OT| It's on like Dragon Kong!
- Thread starter Frolow
- Start date
The Xtortionist
Member
I wish you the very best of luck with 4-K and 4-B.
Dacvak
No one shall be brought before our LORD David Bowie without the true and secret knowledge of the Photoshop. For in that time, so shall He appear.
Go with the 3DS version for sure.
Hahahha, thanks. 4-K isn't that bad, but yeah, pretty much all the bosses from here on out are gonna be awful. Dunno if I'm gonna be able to do it all again since I had way more freetime to go through mirror mode on the original, but I'll try
Well, got done with World 8 and am a bit disappointed. This game would've been so much better if half of its levels weren't full of "make-sure-you-do-it-exactly-like-this" linearity.
If you're going to require memorization through some strictly predetermined route, at least make the payoff worth it. With modern Sonic games, I get to devise my own optimal path and run it blazingly fast once I get everything down. With Mega Man Zero, the result of memorizing a stage is wrecking shit like a badass and being rewarded with EX Skills that make me even stronger. The same goes for Metroidvanias that are linear in design but offer upgrades to progressively enhance the experience in return.
What perks are there in DKCR's linearity that offset constantly requiring the player to wait for the game? Time trials are much more liberating without that collect-a-thon junk, but you still have to play most levels on their own terms, and other things like wall bumping become even bigger annoyances. Rolling jumps already must be more or less committed to, so I don't understand why we have to wait so long to do one whenever Donkey changes directions, as well.
I'm of the mind that some of the best platformers out there encourage creativity by giving plenty of options. I'm not really getting that with DKCR. It's hard to explain, but I feel like I have little identity playing it, like I'm just going through the motions. I've been watching playthroughs, speed runs, and TAS nonsense on YouTube of DKCR and other platformers like Super Mario World and DKC2 for the past hour just to make sure I'm not crazy, and there is definitely a difference. Hopefully I can illustrate this sentiment with the help of a few videos:
This SMW TAS is positively brimming with personality, humor, and showmanship, all because Mario's core mechanics and power-ups contribute to that kind of open-ended creativity, tool-assisted or not. The variety on display is nuts and likely won't be executed by regular players, but it's still there.
This DKC2 one is different because it's a more traditional TAS focusing simply on getting the best times possible. It's interesting because it helps show how much more varied DKC2 is in general on the player's side of things. Beyond the often optional animal friends that drastically change how one approaches situations, you have the better bonus rooms, partner swapping, partner/cannonball throwing, hook climbing, and speedier, more nimble rolling.
Anyway, compare those videos to the ones on this excellent DKCR TAS playlist. Your average run consists primarily of rolling and jumping (since blowing and pounding are mainly relegated to secrets), with spectacle only stemming from deftly avoiding all the hazards that would otherwise wreck your fun. It's a bit underwhelming, right?
These are absolutely extreme examples that are obviously not the case when playing like a normal human, but I believe they're the best way for me to express the nagging feeling I had the whole time I was making my way through DKCR. There's plenty of challenge and strong level design, but Donkey's no-frills foundation (and its iffy application within the game) brought things down for me, I think. It definitely has something to do with how interactive each game feels.
If you're going to require memorization through some strictly predetermined route, at least make the payoff worth it. With modern Sonic games, I get to devise my own optimal path and run it blazingly fast once I get everything down. With Mega Man Zero, the result of memorizing a stage is wrecking shit like a badass and being rewarded with EX Skills that make me even stronger. The same goes for Metroidvanias that are linear in design but offer upgrades to progressively enhance the experience in return.
What perks are there in DKCR's linearity that offset constantly requiring the player to wait for the game? Time trials are much more liberating without that collect-a-thon junk, but you still have to play most levels on their own terms, and other things like wall bumping become even bigger annoyances. Rolling jumps already must be more or less committed to, so I don't understand why we have to wait so long to do one whenever Donkey changes directions, as well.
I'm of the mind that some of the best platformers out there encourage creativity by giving plenty of options. I'm not really getting that with DKCR. It's hard to explain, but I feel like I have little identity playing it, like I'm just going through the motions. I've been watching playthroughs, speed runs, and TAS nonsense on YouTube of DKCR and other platformers like Super Mario World and DKC2 for the past hour just to make sure I'm not crazy, and there is definitely a difference. Hopefully I can illustrate this sentiment with the help of a few videos:
This SMW TAS is positively brimming with personality, humor, and showmanship, all because Mario's core mechanics and power-ups contribute to that kind of open-ended creativity, tool-assisted or not. The variety on display is nuts and likely won't be executed by regular players, but it's still there.
This DKC2 one is different because it's a more traditional TAS focusing simply on getting the best times possible. It's interesting because it helps show how much more varied DKC2 is in general on the player's side of things. Beyond the often optional animal friends that drastically change how one approaches situations, you have the better bonus rooms, partner swapping, partner/cannonball throwing, hook climbing, and speedier, more nimble rolling.
Anyway, compare those videos to the ones on this excellent DKCR TAS playlist. Your average run consists primarily of rolling and jumping (since blowing and pounding are mainly relegated to secrets), with spectacle only stemming from deftly avoiding all the hazards that would otherwise wreck your fun. It's a bit underwhelming, right?
These are absolutely extreme examples that are obviously not the case when playing like a normal human, but I believe they're the best way for me to express the nagging feeling I had the whole time I was making my way through DKCR. There's plenty of challenge and strong level design, but Donkey's no-frills foundation (and its iffy application within the game) brought things down for me, I think. It definitely has something to do with how interactive each game feels.
NOPE. There's much more to the "rolling and jumping," namely the huge variation in degree the player applies, whether repeatedly edging the Circle Pad to counter-steer midair, or only -lightly- pressing jump to clear a gap without hitting a falling ceiling above. Those are just examples. The moment-to-moment control in DKCR is far more involving than its predecessors.
Ryancrisp78
Banned
I still struggle to understand why so many people hate the Wii version due to the motion controls. The only motion control that annoyed me in the slightest was the blowing. Everything else felt totally natural and fun, especially the shaking the Wii remote to pound the ground. The rolling was borderline for me, but certainly nothing that even came close to ruining the experience. The 3DS controls have actually resulted in more accidental rolls off the edge of a cliff than the Wii version ever did for me.
I bought the 3DS version because this game is so awesome that I love being able to carry it with me at all times, but this version is by no means the definitive version mostly due to the resolution and the 30 fps. The Wii version is gorgeous and runs as smooth as silk (albeit without the extra levels.)
Bottom line: If you're enjoying the 3DS version, you owe it to yourself to try out the Wii version if you haven't already.
I bought the 3DS version because this game is so awesome that I love being able to carry it with me at all times, but this version is by no means the definitive version mostly due to the resolution and the 30 fps. The Wii version is gorgeous and runs as smooth as silk (albeit without the extra levels.)
Bottom line: If you're enjoying the 3DS version, you owe it to yourself to try out the Wii version if you haven't already.
ArchedThunder
Banned
Where has this game been all my life?
What is special about those dkcr tas? I didn't notice anything impossible on a regular time trial.
Gave me warm feelings though, when I was doing them on wii, but that dkc2 tas linked didn't have this thrilling rhythm, outside of more animals, on the contrary I say the level design is less dense with the amount of little shortcuts for making your way faster through the levels, because indeed in country serie that's all there is for going off the rails, it's certainly not Mario.
Gave me warm feelings though, when I was doing them on wii, but that dkc2 tas linked didn't have this thrilling rhythm, outside of more animals, on the contrary I say the level design is less dense with the amount of little shortcuts for making your way faster through the levels, because indeed in country serie that's all there is for going off the rails, it's certainly not Mario.
Snkfanatic
Banned
This game is such a challenge, but I am loving every minute of it. The music...my god the music. I really hope we get a sequel to this.
Vespasianus
Banned
Am I the only one who adored DKC1 and DKC2 but didn't like DKC Returns?
People may mock me for it, but I insist that DKC1 and DKC2 are far better than any 2D Mario game ever made. I think they are the best 2D platformers yet.
DKC3 was still a great game but the art style and music weren't up to par, and the environments weren't as memorable.
DKC Returns on the other hand...just seems so sterile. The lack of Kremlings is disappointing, and I can't remember a single musical theme from the game, whereas I remember almost all of them from DKC1 and 2.
I don't suppose we'll ever get 1995 era Rare back again though, so I suppose no point crying over spilled milk.
People may mock me for it, but I insist that DKC1 and DKC2 are far better than any 2D Mario game ever made. I think they are the best 2D platformers yet.
DKC3 was still a great game but the art style and music weren't up to par, and the environments weren't as memorable.
DKC Returns on the other hand...just seems so sterile. The lack of Kremlings is disappointing, and I can't remember a single musical theme from the game, whereas I remember almost all of them from DKC1 and 2.
I don't suppose we'll ever get 1995 era Rare back again though, so I suppose no point crying over spilled milk.
Shaking to ground pound was pretty awesome. Roll should have just been B or 1.
A button press just makes it easier for me to play.
The loss of resolution and framerate is a legit bummer though, luckily the 3D doesn't suck.
bumpkin
Member
I remember joking that the "super guide" feature Nintendo introduced in one of the NSMB games (Wii, I think?) was some kind of a slap in the face. I certainly never thought I'd get so pissed off at a stage and have so much trouble getting through it that I'd say, "Yep, time for the super guide." Stage 5-8 was an example of a level that hit the tipping point for me. 4-3 was a cake-walk by comparison, let me tell ya!
I also conceded to the super guide on level 6-4.
I'm so ashamed.
kobashi100
Banned
just got to the boss in world 6.
Made sure I have collected every letter in every level so far. Puzzle pieces I am gonna have to come back to.
K levels also. After trying so long on 4-K I decided to go back to them once I have finished the game.
Honestly I was going nuts on a train and the guy opposite me was laughing @ my frustration.
Made sure I have collected every letter in every level so far. Puzzle pieces I am gonna have to come back to.
K levels also. After trying so long on 4-K I decided to go back to them once I have finished the game.
Honestly I was going nuts on a train and the guy opposite me was laughing @ my frustration.
Mad Bowser
Banned
I am enjoying this game to the max. Right now I reached the 5th world boss. How can I defeat him? He has been a pain in the ass.
I feel the same about the DKC trilogy as you, and I love DKCR even more than them. Everything feels so much more alive and detailed. There are so many small touches to everything that weren't found in the original games (or even other modern platformers). Plus the level design is phenomenal. Up there with the first two DKC games and at times even better. The music is worse though, and the lack of Kremlings is a bummer. The game is still my favorite in the series though (apart from the sometimes iffy waggle).
In my opinion I'd say DKC2 = DKCR > DKC >>> DKC3.
It's a little better if you turn off the 3D.
WiiDSmokers
Banned
Took me awhile to figure it out. Hit all the blue diamonds on each of the 'islands'. Then the boss will change colors. Simply jump on his back. Repeat three times
Mad Bowser
Banned
I have been doing this since forever. The thing is, the boss doesn't let me hit the diamonds + they are spinning.
whatsinaname
Member
It wasn't a very difficult level but 3-3 is great fun.
Game looks infinitely better in 3D. Terrible recommendation to turn it off. Framerate is the same either way.
What kind of advice is that? 3D has zero impact on framerate. Layers look awesome in 3D. Leave it on.
bumpkin
Member
It has cross-talk like a mofo, at least for me. I usually have the slider at half (my sweet spot).
Doesn't for me.
DonMigs85
Member
The crosstalk really only shows up against darker backgrounds. It's a limitation of the 3DS screen.
WiiDSmokers
Banned
You have to out maneuver the boss and hold onto the grass and go in the direction that the island are spinning. Hit all diamonds, then jump on the back of the boss and repeat.
Mad Bowser
Banned
Great. Thanks.
Man if I had the money I swear I'd pay David Wise to work with Retro and make the Soundtrack for DKC2, I mean, I really like the music in Returns, but Wise is a fucking genious, I even sometimes listen DKC and DKC2 soundtracks while I work!
Velcro Fly
Member
Played through World 2.
Tidal Terror was really fun and the only level I got all the puzzle pieces just naturally going through the level.
Attempted 2-K a couple times but decided to save that for later and finished the boss instead. 2-K looks absolutely scary though.
Game is definitely fun and I appreciate the level design and difficulty. It's too bad that I have so many other 3DS games that I'm playing so I can't just plow through the game. I think I'll go back and look for puzzle pieces eventually though.
Tidal Terror was really fun and the only level I got all the puzzle pieces just naturally going through the level.
Attempted 2-K a couple times but decided to save that for later and finished the boss instead. 2-K looks absolutely scary though.
Game is definitely fun and I appreciate the level design and difficulty. It's too bad that I have so many other 3DS games that I'm playing so I can't just plow through the game. I think I'll go back and look for puzzle pieces eventually though.
WiiDSmokers
Banned
Finally decided to order this. Thanks to this gif:
Looking forward to it!
Sent this GIF to a few friends. They're all getting a 3DS just for this game.
You should check out the full trailer that GIF is from.
I remember watching all these trailers before the game came out and was impossibly hyped for this game. And then it lived up to every last bit of hype. This game is wonderful
I know that feeling ;_;
reggieandTFE
Member
Is anyone else using the control stick instead of the pad? I always use the control pad for 2d platformers, but having to use a run button seems to loose for DK. I feel kinda gross, but I just beat the 4th level boss.
Thugnificent
Member
Got this game not too long ago, and I am loving (almost) every second of it. It's more difficult than I had imagined, especially those rocket barrel levels.
Pad all the way for me, even though it's tiny.
Pad all the way for me, even though it's tiny.
One of my favorite tracks in the game, reminded me of Metroid (you know why).