Nintendo resurrects Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Nintendo Switch, giving players a new opportunity to discover or rediscover this 2D platform masterpiece. Is this Switch version the ultimate port, combining visual quality and mobile playability? Let’s venture into the jungle for an uncompromising review.
The Golden Age of Nomadic 2D Platformers: Is the Magic Still Working on Switch?
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD embodies the excellence of old-school 2D platforming. On Nintendo Switch, the game takes advantage of the console’s versatility to offer an optimal nomadic experience. Is nostalgia on the Switch?
- HD art direction and portability: The game’s colorful, cartoonish style is magnified on the Switch screen, whether in portable or docked mode. The HD graphics are much finer than on Wii, and the overall look is very pleasing to the eye. The ability to play anywhere is a real asset for this type of game.
- Faithfulness to the original experience: Gameplay, levels and enemies remain identical to the Wii version. Fans will not be disappointed. With the Switch, you’ll be able to recapture the sensations of that era, with modern conveniences.
Gameplay: Demanding 2D platform, the Joy-Con up to the Challenge on Switch?
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is renowned for its high difficulty. Precise control is therefore essential. Are the Switch’s Joy-Cons up to the challenge?
- Precise, responsive platform: the game responds to the touch of a finger. Jumps are precise, movements fluid, and responsiveness is top-notch. Despite their small size, the Joy-Cons are up to the challenge. The Pro controller is also an excellent option for optimal comfort in docked mode.
- Intuitive and varied gameplay mechanics: Gameplay in Donkey Kong Country Returns is rich and varied. Gun barrels, mining carts, phases with Diddy Kong… The situations are constantly renewed, and the pleasure of playing is constant.
Soundtrack: Bewitching Exotic Ambience, Nomadic Sound Immersion on Switch?
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD ‘s soundtrack is a key element of its charm. The exotic rhythms and catchy melodies contribute greatly to immersion. Is the audio quality the same on Switch, both in portable and docked mode?
- Memorable music and immersive atmosphere: The musical themes are unforgettable and perfectly suited to the action. The exotic ambience is omnipresent and contributes to the game’s unique identity. On Switch, whether using the console’s speakers or headphones, the audio experience remains top-notch.
- Clear, dynamic sound effects: Character, enemy and environmental sound effects are crisp and punchy. They reinforce the game’s cartoonish action.
Lifespan: A Jungle Adventure Adapted to the Switch’s Nomad Format?
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers a solid lifespan, perfect for nomadic gaming sessions on the Switch. Do the challenge and ancillary content extend the experience on Switch?
- Rich single-player content and replayability: The main story mode offers a good ten hours of gameplay. Bonus levels, collectibles and higher difficulty modes encourage players to explore the game in depth. The Switch’s nomadic format is ideal for progressing at your own pace, in short or longer sessions.
- User-friendly local co-op mode: Two players can enjoy local co-op on the Switch. The Joy-Cons make it easy to share the experience with a friend or family member, whether in portable mode or on TV.
Switch performance and game modes: an optimized port for every situation?
Performance and versatility are key assets of the Nintendo Switch. Does Donkey Kong Country Returns HD take advantage of these features?
- Consistent HD graphics quality in portable and docked modes: The game is visually identical in portable and docked modes. Resolution is adapted to each mode, but graphic quality remains constant. On the Switch OLED screen, colors are particularly vibrant.
- Impeccable fluidity at 60 FPS: The game runs smoothly and consistently at 60 frames per second, whether in portable or docked mode. Fluidity is essential for such a demanding platform game, and the Switch delivers perfectly.
- Game modes adapted to the Switch: Local co-op mode is ideal for multiplayer gaming on the Switch. Portable mode lets you enjoy the game anywhere, anytime. The Switch is the ideal console for (re)discovering this platform classic.
Verdict: A timeless classic, perfectly adapted to Nintendo Switch?
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Nintendo Switch is an exceptional port. The game sublimates the Wii classic in HD while offering an ideal on-the-go experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, this game is a must-have on Switch.
Rating: 9/10
Highlights:
- Demanding and rewarding 2D platform gameplay, perfectly adapted to the Switch
- Successful HD art direction, magnified on Switch
- Unforgettable soundtrack and exotic ambience preserved on the move
- Flawless Switch performance and constant fluidity (60 FPS)
- User-friendly local co-op mode ideal for Switch
Weak points :
- Perhaps a lack of new content compared to the Wii version
- Difficulty still as high as ever, which may frustrate some players
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