Donkey Kong Country Returns

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a passable remaster of an amazing platformer – more modern improvements and a larger graphical update would have been nice, but this is still one of the greatest 2D platformers Nintendo has released this century

The 2010 franchise revival gets a makeover and some modern conveniences, but wild difficulty spikes make it tough to recommend for anyone but the most dedicated DKC fan.

A straightforward remaster that struggles to outshine the Switch port of Tropical Freeze, but Returns HD is still a challenging and satisfying platformer that stands the test of time.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fantastic reminder that the franchise that began on the Super Nintendo in 1994 is a real competitor for Nintendo’s best 2D platforming series, an extremely competitive landscape.

With improved presentation and controls, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the definitive version of a classic platformer. Though it lacks the variety and bold ideas of its sequel, and offers little new content, it's a worthwhile experience for those who missed it the first time around.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fine way to play the 2010 original, but it's also lacking any real reason for fans to double-dip beyond waggle-free controls. It's less of a remaster and more of a port, to be honest, which would be all well and good if it wasn't being sold at such a premium. There's plenty of fun to be had, but we can't help but walk away from it with a slightly sour taste in our mouths. Our advice? Grab the superior Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze instead.

Nintendo's Donkey Kong Country reboot feels as good in 2025 as it did in 2010 and 2013.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD still delivers its share of scintillating simian escapades, but aside from a visual spit shine, not much has been added to the game to keep it competitive with the many excellent 2D platformers that have hit the scene since 2010, including its own sequel. DK completionists and newbies looking for a surprisingly stiff "Nintendo hard" challenge will be happy with this package, but others might want to wait until the big ape has something truly new to beat his chest about.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD gives a high definition remaster to the Wii classic

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the best way to experience one of the best 2D platformers ever, but it's a little too expensive.