LTTP: Donkey Kong Country Returns

Dax01 said:
Think I'm getting better at this game. Enjoying levels more the second time around. Was never able to reach 25+ lives before; now I'm at 49! Won't be able to get all the KONG letters and puzzle pieces because I refuse to play the mincart/rocket barrel levels. >.<

I really hope Retro comes up with something really creative for the gamepad. And even if it isn't any groundbreaking, I'm eager to see what they do with it.

Thank you, sir or madame! I had not know you could turn down the wiimote's speakers. That's much better. :)
Click to expand...

Game was demoed using Wiimote controls only. Chances are, Gamepad screen will be used for Off tv play only, and maybe some stats while playing.
 
With all this talk about the game's difficulty, I'd like to chime in. Thinking back to my original playthrough, I certainly did die a lot, yet the game never really felt hard. I think the reason behind this is because a lot of small features work together to streamline the experience and minimize frustration: Things like plentiful checkpoints, almost-instant respawn, etc. So even though the game was definitely challenging (at least the later worlds were), I never really felt bogged down or anything like that because you get sent back into gameplay almost immediately following a death, and a new checkpoint is never too far out. The result is that you spend very little time watching death scenes/loading screens or doing the same thing over and over, so it all feels very smooth. I don't know if many people took notice to details like these, but they go a very long way in making the game an enjoyable experience despite its difficulty.
 
Heh, my brother and I played through the entire game coop without ever teaming up for jetpack jumps. The game isn't that hard. Definitely not harder than the old DKCs.
 
Astrosanity said:
Honestly the new swimming mechanics look lifted more from Rayman Origins/Legends than anything else. Right down to an identical 'twirl' attack.
Click to expand...

The Xtortionist said:
The underwater spin attack looks great. Frequent use of it will keep the pace quick and the animation for it is so fluid.
Click to expand...

That's another thing I like, which again should add to the faster/aggressive nature of the water levels. Previous DKC games had you entirely passive unless you had Enguarde which gave them a slower pace. Now you can attack/break through objects underwater, and there's increased urgency in the form of the bubble air supply. You can bet Retro will design levels around that moveset in mind.
 
Neo Zuko said:
DKCR hard? I keep hearing this but I'm not worried an 8-Bit. I plan on playing DKCR soon and this is where my old school NES skills will come in handy :)

If I can handle Ninja Gaiden, Super Mario Bros. 3, and all those other NES games, I'm sure I can handle the best DKCR has to challenge me. I have the 3DS version and I was going to get the Wii version too to have a big screen option. Especially since they delisted DKC 1-3, which I found easy enough. YMMV of course.

I can see gamers today without that NES experience having trouble. Games today hold your hand like I never would have imagined. In some ways that removes barriers and increases the fun. In other ways it breeds weaker warriors and lowers mastery satisfaction.

I find lots of games too easy nowadays. For example, The Last of Us on normal mode was too easy for me in retrospect. However being hard does not equal the most fun, usually it's those slightly hard games that still make you feel like a bad ass gaming ninja mastering it which end up being the best IMHO. Sure a game that's a bit too hard can be frustrating but it's nothing as frustrating as a game that's way too easy.
Click to expand...

It's really not that hard unless you're trying to go for Shiny gold medals on time trials.

Do yourself a favor and skip the 3DS version though, it's absolutely awful in comparison to the Wii version.
 
So this game is comparable in terms of difficulty to DKC series on the SNES? Might actually pick it up now. I figured it was going to be a watered down version of those games so I didn't want to bother and be disappointed. I played a shit of DKC on SNES so if this is comparable, I'll probably really like this. So Wii version is the way to go and not 3ds?
 
RawkHawk2010 said:
I wanna know why exactly you think this.
Click to expand...

Framerate is poor in comparison, the 3DS version is 30 fps with some dips and the controls just don't feel as tight.

Doing time trials on 3DS is damn near impossible, ended up getting rid of the game, couldn't stand the way it felt after having mastered the Wii version.
 
The Xtortionist said:
There should be around 8 levels per world because the first boss was labeled 1-8 in the demo's level select.
Click to expand...

That looks like 1-B to me. That was how the boss levels were labeled in DKCR I believe...

Edit: Beaten haha. I would bet the game will have a similar amount of content, perhaps even more than DKCR... Each of the Prime games offered slightly more than the last.
 
JoeFenix said:
Framerate is poor in comparison, the 3DS version is 30 fps with some dips and the controls just don't feel as tight.

Doing time trials on 3DS is damn near impossible, ended up getting rid of the game, couldn't stand the way it felt after having mastered the Wii version.
Click to expand...

A lot of people I've talked to who mastered the Wii version say DKCR3D feels like the definitive version of the game.

Guess I'd have to play it myself before saying anything more, though.
 
Donkey Kong Country Returns is one of the best platformers I have ever played.

As far as Tropical Freeze is concerned:

1. I hope it is of similar difficulty

2. I won't buy it without the Rocket Barrels

3. Have a nice day
 
gogosox8 said:
So this game is comparable in terms of difficulty to DKC series on the SNES? Might actually pick it up now. I figured it was going to be a watered down version of those games so I didn't want to bother and be disappointed. I played a shit of DKC on SNES so if this is comparable, I'll probably really like this. So Wii version is the way to go and not 3ds?
Click to expand...

It has already been discussed a bit, but it seems that people agree that DKCR is on the same level of difficulty than the SNES games. I'd say that only DKC2 is harder, and only because of the bramble levels.
 
Salih said:
meh, you would still buy it :P

david wise alone makes it alone an instant purchase.
Click to expand...

I would but I'd notice their absence.

(I think they'll be in despite not seeing them as of yet)

I personally think David Wise gets too much hype here and it's not because he doesn't deserve it but rather because it's Retro's art and level design that made the first one special.

Maybe I underrate music in games as I do think it can really add to it but it's not what I look for first and foremost.

I'm glad he's part of the game though because while I liked the music from the first one, it could be more wonderful.

Let's hope Wise is inspired this time around and there are a lot of original pieces(like the little I heard so far).
 
I am getting both versions of DKCR. I approach my mobile collection as a separate thing, so I always get the console equivalent as well. I like playing on the go, but a big screen version is good for prosparity and that 3DS screen isn't the best LCD produced by any means.
 
So the OP is playing fucking donkey kong?

Great game, I was lttp too having played the 3D version 3 months ago, the game was in a sense difficult but I never felt it was due to bad design
 
Dax01 said:
Think I'm getting better at this game. Enjoying levels more the second time around. Was never able to reach 25+ lives before; now I'm at 49! Won't be able to get all the KONG letters and puzzle pieces because I refuse to play the mincart/rocket barrel levels. >.<
Click to expand...

You'll master those levels as well if you just put your mind into it. There's nothing random going on, everything can be memorized :) you'll get better controlling the barrel and cart in time as well.

gogogo Dax, 100% that thing
 
ASIS said:
Game was demoed using Wiimote controls only. Chances are, Gamepad screen will be used for Off tv play only, and maybe some stats while playing.
Click to expand...
Noooooooooooooo D: There are some cool gimmicks for some of the worlds in DKCR, and I'd like to see some gimmicks employed with the gamepad.
 
TheGreatMightyPoo said:
I would but I'd notice their absence.

(I think they'll be in despite not seeing them as of yet)

I personally think David Wise gets too much hype here and it's not because he doesn't deserve it but rather because it's Retro's art and level design that made the first one special.

Maybe I underrate music in games as I do think it can really add to it but it's not what I look for first and foremost.

I'm glad he's part of the game though because while I liked the music from the first one, it could be more wonderful.

Let's hope Wise is inspired this time around and there are a lot of original pieces(like the little I heard so far).
Click to expand...

David Wise didn't compose DKCR. They just remixed a few of his older tracks and made a whole new soundtrack.
 
LevityNYC said:
David Wise didn't compose DKCR. They just remixed a few of his older tracks and made a whole new soundtrack.
Click to expand...

I know that.

I didn't mean to be confusing.

I just meant I hope he's inspired in this return to the series as he set the bar on the older games and probably won't be able to top them. I just hope it's of similar quality.
 
Roboleon said:
You'll master those levels as well if you just put your mind into it. There's nothing random going on, everything can be memorized :) you'll get better controlling the barrel and cart in time as well.

gogogo Dax, 100% that thing
Click to expand...

I'll leave those levels for last. Gonna see what I can get otherwise. I'm scared of 'em!
 
TheGreatMightyPoo said:
I just meant I hope he's inspired in this return to the series as he set the bar on the older games and probably won't be able to top them. I just hope it's of similar quality.
Click to expand...

If Tropical Freeze's soundtrack is of similar overall quality to the six or so songs we've heard so far, I feel like it's already topped DKC1's and DKC3's, with a topping of DKC2's being a very real possibility. For the first time memory restrictions won't have Wise limited to certain soundfonts, so he can go wild with the live-bands, electric guitars, and whatever the fuck else fits a given situation.
 
Dax01 said:
Noooooooooooooo D: There are some cool gimmicks for some of the worlds in DKCR, and I'd like to see some gimmicks employed with the gamepad.
Click to expand...
With both NSMB and DKC Nintendo has clearly been focused on makind straight up 2D platformers with no overarching gameplay gimmick, which is a huge part of why it's really hard to be very innovative. The focus is on perfecting the genre, so I'm not sure I want mandatory gimmicks, at least if they're intrusive and I'm a big fan of different control methods and concepts. They can do those in multiplayer, mini games and they can be optional too.
 
I'll be overjoyed if the new game has no motion controls or gamepad gimmicks. Just straight up platforming on the pro controller would be best.
 
Dax01 said:
Noooooooooooooo D: There are some cool gimmicks for some of the worlds in DKCR, and I'd like to see some gimmicks employed with the gamepad.
Click to expand...

Gimmicks? What gimmicks?
 
Hiccup said:
It'll probably have Wiimote, Gamepad, and Pro controller mode. I know I won't be using the shake shake
Click to expand...
I'm asking about what these "gimmicks in some of the worlds" are. Besides the motion controls, absolutely nothing feels gimmicky gameplay wise. Having different enemies, themes, or mechanics for every level isn't a gimmick
 
ASIS said:
Game was demoed using Wiimote controls only. Chances are, Gamepad screen will be used for Off tv play only, and maybe some stats while playing.
Click to expand...
Why would they force you to play the game with an optional control scheme? What if you only have a gamepad?

There is no chance Tropical Freeze is Wiimote only. When I demoed the game the Rep there told me that gamepad controls will be there, they just werent available for the demo for whatever reason.
 
Love this game so much. Got up to the end boss on Wii version but could never beat him. Also didn't finish a couple or the K levels.

Picked up the 3DS version and managed to finally finish all levels with all kong letters and beat the final boss. I much preferred the 3DS controls. The 3D in this game looked amazing and felt like this game was originally intended to be made for 3DS. A shame about the lower frame rate and jaggies but still thoroughly enjoyed it. If tropical freeze wasn't coming out I'd probably go back and try and finish the Wii version.

I didn't mind the waggle to ground pound but rolling should definitely have been on a button originally. Music was very disappointing after the first 2 games in the series but some of the remixes were great.

Can't wait for tropical freeze

Never finished DKC3 though. I had an N64 by then and didn't play it at release. I've tried to play it in the last several years but I just don't enjoy it. Soundtrack is awful too.

First DKC sold me on a SNES with Super Mario All Stars.
 
I didn't get a chance to read through your whole post TC, but the 3DS port has made the game a bit easier (more health, powerups, etc.) and it looks like they're bringing that over to the Wii U game as well.
 
hachi said:
You shouldn't use the analog stick in a 2D platformer that has fundamentally digital controls and then go on to complain about precision. The best way to play this game is still sideways wiimote. But you will be told otherwise by those who awkwardly shake the controller to roll instead of using a single, sharp flick of one wrist.
Click to expand...

A sideways Wiimote is the single worst controller ever made for a mainstream system. Tiny buttons, tiny control pad, incredibly uncomfortable grip that was never intended to be held that way. It was the single reason I find this game unplayable, my hands were cramping after 20 minutes.
 
David H Wong said:
A sideways Wiimote is the single worst controller ever made for a mainstream system. Tiny buttons, tiny control pad, incredibly uncomfortable grip that was never intended to be held that way. It was the single reason I find this game unplayable, my hands were cramping after 20 minutes.
Click to expand...

Yup. I tried to use the sideways control scheme because I found the d-pad gave you more precision, but it's too uncomfortable for me too hold that long.
 
Okay. I've been playing the game more, up to World 3, and I'm ready to conclude that I was wrong. What I saw as faults in the design was just me sucking. I wasn't approaching the game with the right mentality and thus not putting in a certain effort.

Still don't like how the motion controls were implemented. (There shouldn't be any).
 
Incredible title that surpasses the SNES games. Only Brawl and the Mario Galaxies top it for me on the Wii.

Since you can just buy tons of balloons from Cranky Kong, the game may not feel hard since you'll likely never get a Game Over. In truth, DKCR,is quite difficult when it comes to the time trials as well as the final world.

Also, I didn't mind the motion controls aside from the hand slaps. Their unreliability interfered with Time Trial runs.

Sooo excited for Tropical Freeze.
 
I really love the feeling of triumph when you string together a series of jumps on several enemies. Feels so satisfying, and the reward — banana coins! — is awesome.
 
Bought the game when it came out. . . on 3DS. Beat it in around 10.5 hours, classic mode, just running through the levels and not looking for KONG letters or puzzle pieces. Returned to it tonight to start a new "new mode" save file intending to unlock and play through some of these bonus levels.

The bonus level in the first world: OH MY GOD! Mind blowingly awesome level this – 1-K Platform Panic. I'm really looking forward to playing through the rest of these bonus levels now. This level definitely captures that rhythmic flow that DKC is famous for.

Also, for people saying this game is much easier than the original trilogy: that's ridiculous. DKC 1 is easy. DKC 2 has some tough parts, and the bosses are a little trickier, but it is never painful. I think DKCR is as hard, if not harder than DKC 2. I played through and beat DKC 3 but can't say I remember too much, only that it was generally pretty good.

Another side note, having played the 3DS mode on classic, I think the new items in "new mode" are absolutely great and make the game a lot more enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend anyone play "classic" mode for prideful reasons, as I did. It's just not worth the extra effort IMO. I can see why the Wii version is probably preferable to the 3DS version, even having not played the Wii version, but this is a solid port. Minor slowdowns, in a few areas, but never too distracting, and never too often, hardly worth mention, and the items are neat.

Really looking forward to Tropical Freeze. I was disappointed there weren't water levels in DKCR.
 
Yeah, I thought the Green Balloon and Crash Guard were really good ideas that the game should have never gone without. DKCR originally provided an item to shield DK from enemies/objects TEN TIMES before he would lose a heart, but offered nothing to help with the actual common threats. (aka falling into abysses and the one-hit deaths of minecart/rocket barrel levels.)

Glad that newer players can receive help for the actual hard parts of the game now. :P
 
It's probably been said in this thread a hundred times, but some of the best video game music of all time. Love DKC and cannot wait for the next DKC game on the WiiU.
 
eojoko said:
Also, for people saying this game is much easier than the original trilogy: that's ridiculous. DKC 1 is easy. DKC 2 has some tough parts, and the bosses are a little trickier, but it is never painful. I think DKCR is as hard, if not harder than DKC 2. I played through and beat DKC 3 but can't say I remember too much, only that it was generally pretty good.
Click to expand...

Absolutely agree. DKCR is definitely harder than the older games.
 
DCKR is an incredible game! Easily my favourite side scrolling platformer EVER!

Unfortunately I'll never 200% it (currently on 188%) because some levels are just to damn hard with one hit and no Diddy. Has anyone here on GAF completed DKCR 200%?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Beta64 - Donkey Kong Country Returns
Social Community 
2
217
DreamcastSkies replied
Donkey Kong Bananza Previews
2 3 4
165
3K
Nintendo's Witch replied
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD | Review Thread
Analysis Review  2 3
105
8K
sloppyjoe_gamer replied
Universal picture Donkey Kong copyright
28
725
Heimdall_Xtreme replied
Donkey Kong Bananza Overview trailer
20
716
Danjin44 replied
Top Bottom