Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze - Nintendo Wii U

Bonus points for any who caught the  Brian Regan  reference in the title...In the past five or so years, two previously dormant video game icons have made major comebacks, starring in some of the best 2-D platformers in decades. Of course, I'm referring to  Donkey Kong  and  Rayman . Both characters offer games that are about as awesome as 2-D platformers get these days, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is yet another modern DK masterpiece to add to the list ( Rayman Legends  was also stellar). This game is simply stupendous, in so many ways. Not only is it filled with nostalgia for the DK of my childhood, but it also adds a ton of new ideas that are not only cool for DK, but for 2-D platformers in general. This game is a real treat. Once again, Retro Studios has nailed it, and this game actually soothes some of the sting I felt at learning they were not developing a new  Metroid game  (Not gonna lie, it still hurts a little). If you don't like somewhat longer, detailed reviews, then give this one a pass. You've been warned.The story in DKCTF is very unique for the series. Once again, Retro has created an all-new villainous force for DK and co. to face called the "Snowmads," a ragtag army of arctic animals with a major Norse/viking theme. They rudely crash DK's birthday party with an invasion, driving all our favorite Kongs away from their home island while also redecorating it to suit their snowy tastes. Needless to say, they brought a polar vortex of their own, transforming DK's island paradise to a frigid arctic playground. Thus, DK and three of his closest companions begin a trek across several unique and totally different islands to take back his home. The premise is cool and all (Like that pun? No...? I'll see myself out...), but like all platformers, the story is there to introduce the platforming action and then take a step back to let the gameplay shine, and it does so well here.The graphics in DKCTF are, putting it bluntly, drop-dead gorgeous. There's so much vibrant color and imagination in this game, it's fantastic! Because you'll be traveling across several different islands, you'll be treated to a huge variety in locales, all of which look awesome. From DK's frozen island, to an island filled with flaming boars, massive mountain crags, and Viking Owl villages, all in a beautiful autumn, to an island strewn with the wreckage of countless boats, planes, and ships (including  Samus' starship cleverly hidden in the canopy in one level, which is awesome! ), to a jungle during harvest time filled with jelly, rivers of juice, and other food items (Yummy), there's no shortage of interesting level themes. Remember the beautiful silhouette levels from DKCR? They return in full-force here, making some levels look like they'd belong in a sweet art house indie game. Lots of creativity in this game visually, you'll never be bored. Seriously people, this game is gorgeous, and it runs at a smooth 60 fps which is awesome. The new enemies are also really neat and full of character. While it's easy to miss the Kremlings, Retro has made up some equally charismatic and iconic villains to replace them, if you ask me. I love the Snowmads. Really, the charm in this game is everywhere. I love how Donkey will sit down and start playing a 3DSXL if left idle. I love the different personalities of the main characters. This game is full of charisma.The sound design in the game is also fantastic. Lots of nostalgic sound effects return. I also really enjoy the voice actor's work on DK and the rest of the characters, even if it's all relegated to shouts, grunts, howls, etc. Best of all, this game sees the return of David Wise, the brilliant composer behind the original Donkey Kong Country trilogy's incredible music. Remember the unspeakably awesome atmosphere of songs like "Aquatic Ambiance" and "Stickerbrush Symphony?" This game has songs of that caliber (Both of those in addition to other fan favorites actually show up gloriously remixed, and the latter is evoked in the incredible "Alpine Incline"). Remember the bop-your-head-to-the-beat awesomeness of the original "DK Island Swing" or the dramatic epicness of "Flight of the Zinger?" Yep, that kind of greatness is here too. I would start listing off awesome tracks from the game, but pretty much *every* single song is stellar. No joke. I love David Wise's music so much. He hit it out of the park with this one. Recruiting him was very smart on Retro's part. Thank goodness he agreed to come back to the series. As a matter of fact, I'd go as far as to say the soundtrack is a major, major selling point for this game. If they ever release this game's soundtrack, I WILL buy it immediately. I don't care if I have to import it from Japan, I *need* this game's soundtrack.The gameplay in Tropical Freeze is, at its core, the same great formula introduced almost two decades ago, with even more of the refinement and freshness that DKCR introduced to the mix. You'll be enjoying a 2-D platformer with a tangible rhythmic quality to it that is very satisfying, with controls so tight you can bounce a quarter off the game and make change. Alongside Rayman's recent outings, you will not find a platformer with such great controls and unique, challenging level designs. You'll be collecting red balloons, banana coins, and literally hundreds upon hundreds of bananas. KONG levels and puzzle pieces are hidden cleverly in the levels. Mine carts return to turn you into a sweat-drenched, adrenaline-drained husk. Make no mistake, this game is ridiculously challenging, perhaps infuriatingly so for some gamers, which is something to keep in mind. DKCTF is a game that hearkens back to a time when dying in the same spot a couple dozen times in a row was due to a lack of player skill, not the game being "cheap" (so many games these days coddle gamers, it's nice to see old-school challenge in my opinion). Boss fights are a highlight as well. Most of them have multiple parts, each of which requires you to take a new and different approach. This makes boss fights super hard, but also very engaging and challenging, which I appreciate.DKCTF also introduces quite a few new ideas to the DKC mix. For the first time since DKC3, DK and friends can swim. In my opinion, the controls in these segments are much better than they were in the old DKC games. Underwater levels in this game are actually awesome thanks to more than just the music this time. There's a lot more emphasis on 2.5-D in this game. During many barrel segments, the camera will change to a full-on 3-D view, which makes for some mind-bending challenge and exciting set-pieces. Even mine cart segments have some 3-Dish moments, which is awesome. The biggest change to the game is the introduction of two new characters. DK and Diddy return and play exactly as they did in DKCR. New to the game are *drumroll* DIXIE KONG, who plays similarly to Diddy but has a double jump of sorts that gives you some extra distance and height. Totally new to the series is CRANKY KONG (He hasn't been the star of a game  canonically  in a loooong while), who essentially uses his cane in true  DuckTales  pogo fashion. Cranky's style is particularly unique, and so fun to use. While player-one can only ever play as DK, each of the three supporting characters add really fun and unique benefits to your move-set. All the characters are fun to play, whether DK for player one or the other three for player two, and the increased variety is really nice for people who love co-op gaming like my wife and I do. Overall, there's a lot of new ideas in this game, too many to count here. Suffice it to say, this is a major step forward for the DKC series, and most definitely not a rehash.Let's face facts, this game rules for the most part, but there are some subjective aspects that some may not like. These should be pointed out for the sake of objectivity. Like I said earlier, this game is ridiculously hard, especially after you get past the first couple islands (and even those can be challenging!). This game will not coddle you. No, this game will kick your @$$ six ways to Sunday, and that will undoubtedly turn some gamers off. As much as I love co-op, you have to be so in tune with your partner to succeed, and the slightest mistake will ruin everything. My wife loves playing DKC with me. For us as a couple, DKCR and now this game have been majorly bonding at the best of times, and end-of-the-world fight inducing at the worst of times (I'm only partially kidding, lol). All I'm saying is the punishing difficulty and co-op don't always mix too well. Also, when playing co-op, they did not make a way for player-2 to quickly switch characters or drop in/out. You have to pause the menu, select the drop out option, then reconnect to pick a new character. That's a major pain. Perhaps worst of all, or least worst of all depending on your opinion, they did nothing to utilize the Wii-U's features in any meaningful way. Don't expect any interesting implementation of the touch screen, gyroscope, etc. The gamepad's screen isn't even on if you select to play off of the T.V, in fact. Rather than a Wii-U showpiece, this is just an awesome traditional hardcore DK experience that happens to be exclusive to the Wii-U, which I'm perfectly happy with. Focusing on the core experience in development is always better, I sayI don't know how Retro does it, but every game they make is just pure gold. They must employ Midas or something. I've played for many hours by now, solo and with my wife, have reached several islands, conquered several bosses, and I'm really thinking that this is the best Donkey Kong game I've ever played. I'm not just blowing smoke or using hyperbole. This game is just pure, refined 2-D platforming gold, and I absolutely love it. DKCTF makes DKCR look like an extended demo in comparison, and I LOVE DKCR, so that really is a testament to the greatness of Retro's work on Tropical Freeze. I love this game, and if you are a fan of old-school gaming challenge, platformers, Donkey Kong, Nintendo, or just awesome games in general regardless of genre, then get this game immediately. Buy it, prepare an epic trek across several islands, and save your precious home and banana hoard from the Snowmads! Brian ReganDonkey KongRaymanRayman LegendsMetroid gameSamus' starship cleverly hidden in the canopy in one level, which is awesome!canonicallyDuckTales

It is here, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze! So far, it is an excellent game. Here is my initial review of the game so far. I’ve completed level one to bring you this review as soon as possible after waiting until 1PM for the UPS guy to deliver it. I might come back to add to the review once I’ve beaten the game to give more details about how many levels and sublevels there are.There are some SPOILERS, so be warned!..Game Files: There are three of them like always. It tells you what level you are standing on, how much of the game you have completed and how many lives you have. Clicking on one brings you to a scroll that has you choose between playing on the TV or the Gamepad. Then you select one or two player (second player controls Diddy, Dixie or Cranky).Story: I like this story, which is not just the “They stole our bananas, get them!” story we usually see in the DK Country series. I like that there are invaders and there is no mention of stolen bananas anywhere. I think this adds to the game, making it more interesting. Basically, invaders from the artic kick the Kongs out of their home and make it an icy place. I like it.Starting the Game: When you start a new file, it immediately goes into a cut scene. The cut scene is the trailer where you see DK’s birthday party but with some more added on. You start the very first level right away (won’t tell you how ) so be prepared to take action.Controls: I have only used the Gamepad so far and will try out the other controllers later. But, the controls feel good. They are not awkward at all and you get used to what button does what pretty quickly. Here’s how they work: Just DK: A/B jump, X/Y ground pound, X/Y + left or right is rolling, ZR/ZL grabbing. With Diddy and Dixie Kong holding A/B becomes hover mode, while tapping the A/B button twice then holding with Cranky lets you jump higher on his cane (but you can’t jump and then do it, it won’t work). With all three, pressing R/L when the meter to the left gets full causes them to high five and kill enemies around you by turning them into life balloons, hearts (red or gold), coins or bananas. You can use the left C-stick (the right one does nothing) or the D-pad to move around. I’m assuming that the Pro Controller is the same while the Wii Remote/Nunchuk will include some motion control like in DK Country Returns.Touch Controls: There are no touch controls. You cannot touch anything on the Gamepad, even in the menu, to do something. I’m a little used to New Super Mario Bros. U and Super Mario 3D World which uses touch controls for some things. That is a little disappointing. They have this touch screen device and they should have used it!Music: Like always, the music is upbeat and fun, even when things get a little hairy. Outside of the level, the music is pretty loud, but you can kind of hear the background noise of the island you are on. You can change this in the options. There is also some retro music from the original DK Country, won’t tell you where, you’ll have to find it for yourself! But even then, the music reminds me of the music in the original DK Country.Graphics: The cut scene graphics are very detailed. You can the individual hairs on DK’s arms blowing in the wind! Everything looks great. I have seen no pixilation anywhere. Even the DK you play is very detailed. I’d say the graphics are a lot better than DK Country Returns. For instance, the water in and out of the level looks so real. The graphics have gone up a lot.Map Layout: You remember in DK Country Returns how there was a coin with DK’s picture on it instead of there being the actual characters running around on the lap like all the other had games? That is gone and DK and Diddy are back to walking around on the map. The layout is much like the New Super Mario Bros. U map with uncompleted sublevels being red and completed being blue, and with forks in the path you travel on. Although, I do wish DK would pound his chest and yell when you leave him alone for a while on the map like he did in DK Country. He just seems to bob along to the music. I like this layout better than DK Country Returns. It kind of has the same feel as the original, if you know what I mean.Candy Kong and Save Points: She’s not here, again. There is no need for her since you don’t have to beat a boss or a certain level to save your game. It automatically saves every level you beat, so you do not need to worry about losing your progress when you quit. But, I’ve always liked Candy Kong Save Points, I wished they’d bring her back like in the first DK Country where once you get to her in a level, you can go back to her time and again to save. But, oh well, maybe next time she’ll be back.Level Starts: A scroll appears with two options—Play Level and Inventory. Y’all know what Play Level means (it does lead to another scroll that has you confirm that you want to play a level or not). Inventory is new. Apparently you can choose three items to take with you that you buy from Funky Kong.Time Attacks: When you have completed a level and replay it, there is now another option—time attacks. You go back and try to beat the level within a set time limit. There are three, the fastest gets you the gold, the second silver and the third bronze. What happens is that your score is then sent to the leaderboards online for everyone to look at. Time attacks are hard. I have yet to even get a bronze medal for level 1.1. But it is fun to try.Check Points: Again, this is run by a pig instead of breaking open a barrel. I don’t get it. No, seriously, what it with the pig? If they wanted to put someone there for the mid-level check points, why not have Candy Kong? When you die and come back at a checkpoint or even the beginning of the level before you have reached a checkpoint, you float down on a balloon. That’s cool, but I liked when he used to burst out of the barrels.Collecting Items: Bananas- Like always, get a hundred bananas you get a life. Sometimes, when you collect a group of individual bananas in a level they turn into a coin. Coins- You use them to buy items for your inventory. Puzzle pieces- I have no idea what happens, I have never collected all of them before. KONG- Collect the letters and you get a life. I kinda like how they added the coins and puzzle pieces because it gives you more to do in a level.Bonus Games: Collect all the banana you get a puzzle piece, a red balloon and a coin. They’re a little hard than previous games.Lives in the Level: Like in DK Returns, you get two hearts with DK and four with DK and Diddiy/Dixie/Cranky. You lose two hearts with Diddiy/Dixie/Cranky, they take off. With Dixie, when you do the L/R high five slap, enemies turn into gold hearts which gives you an extra hit.Level Endings: A barrel overs in midair and has several items whirling by. You hit it to get an item and that ends the level. Hit a banana, you press X/Y quickly to get as many as you can. After that happens, you see the characters on a pedestal next to a results scroll that show you if you collected all of the KONG letters and puzzle pieces. It’s more interesting that running into a cave at the end. Also note, like with Mario games, some levels have more than one exit. I like that, because it makes you explore the level instead of rushing through it.Water Warning Spoiler: You know back in the day when characters could breathe underwater for forever? You never had to worry about how quickly you were going or having to get something to give you more time. Not anymore. DK has an air indication next to where the lives are, run out and you die. You gotta get to air bubbles to refresh the indicator. I’m not sure if I like this. But, DK swims like a champ, much better than in the original.Enemies: There are new enemies in this game, just like there were in DK Country Returns. A few of the enemies don’t make sense to me. The invaders are creatures from icy climates, yet you have some birds and bugs that seem out of place. But I like the new enemies, they are different from the other games which is refreshing.Funky Kong: He’s here and he’s huge, like, as big as DK! Didn’t he used to be a skinny dude? Whatever. His plane is back, but you don’t hop on it to get to another island, but instead, you can buy stuff from him. Green Balloons (will sometimes save you when you fall) or Blue Balloons (extra air), a bird (finds puzzle pieces), a shield (protection), a bottle (makes you temporarily invincible), heart (extra health), Diddy Kong/Dixie Kong/Cranky Kong Barrels (lets you start a level with them or the appear if you lose the one you have). And you can collect toys.I love the DK Country series. The only one I never got was the N64 game because I could never find it. A lot of things are the same, some have been lost, and a lot has been added. The game is fun and I can’t wait to get further along. It is a great addition to the series and if you love DK, you’ll love the game.

Remember when you first played Super Mario Galaxy 1 on the Nintendo Wii? Remember how amazingly fun that game was due to how different and unique the game played? Most of all, I am sure you remember the fact that Mario Galaxy 1 was pretty easy? Even though it was easy, it was still a GREAT and FUN game to play because Nintendo did a great job with making the Wii Remote/Nunchuk controls work really well with Super Mario Galaxy 1. After you collect all the stars, re-beat the game with Luigi, etc there is not much else right? Finally Super Mario Galaxy 2 is announced and eventually released. Super Mario Galaxy 2 BLEW anyone that beat Super Mario Galaxy 1 socks OFF! Super Mario Galaxy 2 is what the dedicated Mario gamer was looking to play because not only did Super Mario Galaxy 2 blew Super Mario Galaxy 1 away, it also gives you that GREAT satisfaction feeling of completing the levels/game due to how challenging Super Mario Galaxy 2 was at the time. Anyone that has completed Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 will know that Super Mario Galaxy 2 was hands down the best of the two thanks to how awesomely creative, challenging, rewarding and FUN the game was to hardcore nintendo mario gamers.Now fast forward to Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Nintendo Wii because if you are reading this, then you will know how much fun that game was to play on the Wii, correct? Most of all, it was a LONG time coming because there has yet to be a great Donkey Kong Country game since the first three Donkey Kong Country games on the Super Nintendo were absolutely phenomenal. Besides how great and fun Donkey Kong Country Returns was for the Nintendo Wii, it did felt easy for true hardcore nintendo donkey kong fans. Even though we still loved and praised the game, we just can't help but think that the game could of been a little bit more harder or challenging ya know? Well guess what? Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is HERE and YES the hype is true! I, myself and others I am sure were on the fence about buying Tropical Freeze because of how easy Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii was back then but I am glad I bit the freaking bullet.....I mean BANANA...because Tropical Freeze is absolutely SPECTACULAR! BUT most of all, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is the CHALLENGE that you have been waiting for since Donkey Kong Country 3 for the SNES because when I say Tropical Freeze is challenging, I ain't kidding! You ever notice when you play the first few levels, you always collect EVERY letter, balloon or the puzzle pieces as well because you just want to find them all before you complete the level? I always end up doing that and have been successful at that for a LONG time until Tropical Freeze first level was completed, I realized I was STILL missing 2 puzzle pieces! This shocked me because every single Donkey Kong Country game that I have played, I always end up successfully finding the hidden stuff in the first few levels due to wanting to explore, take my time, enjoy, etc. but when you play the first level of Tropical Freeze, I am going to bet 99% of the people do not end up finding all of the Puzzle pieces or KONG letters or both during their first time completing the level! Of course they will probably be able to find whatever they are missing the 2nd time they replay the level but I am not kidding, I honestly believe you will not find all those puzzle pieces or kong letters during you're first attempt of completing the 1st level or more levels of world 1.what else? well I know there is sadly, WAY too many negative nancy's that care more about the graphics than the GAME itself wanting to know if the graphics are good or whatever. Read my words, are you kidding me!??! THIS IS DONKEY KONG COUNTRY FOLKS! OF course the graphics are going to look good, so QUIT worrying about that and focus on the more important part of the game which is the GAME itself!The music? HOLY CRAP! If you always enjoyed Donkey Kong Country soundtracks since the first DKC game for the Super Nintendo, then you are in for a VERY special treat my fellow DKC gamer! Also, did I mention there is alot of great extras/unlockables? I wont spoil that part cause trust me, you will want to see it in person by yerself rather than cheating by watching a full playthrough of the game via youtube or whatever lol.If you are skeptical about buying Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, then do not worry because there is no excuse to not buy DKC Tropical Freeze since this brand new spanking game is only $49.99!!! Smart play and decision by Nintendo because I can't be the only one thinking that this game could or should of been $59.99 but that's not the case. Also, for the record if this game was $59.99, I would of still bought it!I am absolutely SHOCKED that Nintendo did not promote the online mode for DKC tropical freeze. I know what you are thinking, "WAIT WHAT? DONKEY KONG COUNTRY HAS ONLINE MODE???" Then guess what? YES! It is true! DKC tropical freeze DOES indeed have online mode. First off, do NOT get sad about the fact that online mode does not include co-op gaming because if you really think about it, Donkey Kong Country already has co-op mode locally! Plus, I don't see myself playing a co-op game of Donkey Kong Country with some random player I don't even know. Anyways, why did I mentioned that Donkey Kong Country tropical freeze has online mode? Well, after you complete any levels in the game, the level itself will unlock a time trial option but the best part is the fact that you can UPLOAD you're fastest completion time of whichever level via ONLINE! After you upload you're best completion time for whichever level, the game will display an online leaderboard ranking! Plus, it will show the person that is playing what they are ranked as right away!But that's not all! Have you ever wanted to see how fast any of the levels can be beaten? Well, the online leaderboards allow the players/gamers to select ANYONE that has submitted their best times and you have the option to WATCH THE ENTIRE REPLAY of the fastest player beating any of the DKC levels! Let me tell you something, you will be SHOCKED and AMAZED on how insanely fast some of the best Donkey Kong Country players in the world can do. It is seriously pure shocking to watch the reply, you will FULLY understand what I mean and feel after you watch you're first replay video of whichever level you want to see being completed in record times by hardcore DKC players!Before I end this review, please do yourself a favor by purchasing Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze for the Nintendo Wii U by either buying the retail disc box version OR please visit the Wii U Eshop and download the game to you're Wii U because i promise you that Donkey Kong Country tropical freeze is a game that you can proudly have stored on you're Wii U main channel page with all of the other games/apps you may have downloaded. I got this game as a gift via disc retail package, even though I am just a TINY bit disappointed about that because I wanted to download Tropical Freeze to my Wii U, so that I don't have to change discs if ya know what I mean hahahaha.In conclusion, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is a MUST buy game for any Wii U owners that are looking for something to keep them playing for months due to how rewarding and challenging this game is compared to the Donkey Kong Country Returns Wii game back in 2010. Were you left wanting more levels, more challenging and more rewarding feelings from completing the game/levels? Then buy Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze ASAP or you might as well just get rid of you're Wii U since you're Wii U doesn't deserved to be played if you didn't put in some DKC tropical freeze time in the Wii U. I am not joking, if you do not play Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze on you're Wii U by the end of this month, then you should be arrested, plain and simple!Cheers everyone and BUY Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, the Wii U needs that Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze lovin! Please wear a hoodie or warm clothes when playing Tropical Freeze because you will literally start to become VERY cold when playing the snow/winter levels, trust me on this one!Peach out!ps. Why are you reading this? GO BUY DONKEY KONG COUNTRY TROPICAL FREEZE NOW or you will be REPORTED!

NOTE: I originally wrote this review on Game Informer's website.It's no secret that the Donkey Kong Country series of games is one of the most beloved platforming franchises of all-time, leading back to the Super Nintendo days. Many assumed DK's adventures would conclude after Rare went to Microsoft, but this wasn't the case thanks to Retro Studios, the developers of the acclaimed Metroid Prime series. In 2010 Retro released the critically welcomed reboot known as Donkey Kong Country Returns, which featured some of the best, creative, and thoroughly difficult levels in platform gaming on the Wii.With Nintendo's Wii U, many wondered what Retro Studios' first game for the system would be. Many speculated a new Metroid was upon us, so most of the internet seemed very surprised when Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was announced during last year's E3 Direct broadcast instead. After much skepticism and a three-month delay, Tropical Freeze has hit stores to critical acclaim. And after spending hours traversing through its six worlds, I can safely say that critical buzz is totally called-for.The plot, like most of Nintendo's platformer outings, is very simple; after a crew of viking-themed enemies known as Snowmads make their way to DK Island and ruin Donkey Kong's birthday party, our hero and his crew--consisting of Diddy, Dixie and Cranky Kong--set out to make things right, across a diverse range of five other gorgeous islands. These different islands pose threats to our crew in the form of walruses, owls, and even a monstrous polar bear. Before going any further I should drive the point home that despite the kid-friendly looks and content, the levels are designed with the child-at-heart gamers that grew up with this classic franchise in mind.While the game boasts a mostly 2D presentation, don't let that throw you off. Unlike previous Wii U 2D platformers (such as Mario's first outing on the console), these levels will leave you in awe of their lush environments. Everything from background trees to glorious skylines are all catchy and appealing to the eyes in high-definition. Retro Studios used their time wisely with this title, and it shows. Even the fur on our starring Kongs look so realistic you'll want to pet them.Speaking of our stars, during the single-player campaign you'll obviously be spending most of your time playing as Donkey Kong himself, while the other Kongs can be found in the signature DK Barrels. In some instances, you'll be able to choose which one spawns from the barrel by simply ground-pounding near it. Each member of the Kong family offers something to help DK out. Diddy Kong boasts a jetpack that can be used to float over a short distance. Dixie Kong can use her hair to levitate higher briefly, which can help to get out-of-reach items or collectibles. For his gameplay debut, Cranky Kong can use his cane like a pogo stick to bounce off of enemies or get through thorny spots, à la DuckTales. When you've filled your Banana meter (which usually happens after getting 100 of them), DK and whomever he's with can use a Kong-POW attack, which turns all of the enemies into objects depending on who DK is with; Red balloons with Diddy, gold Hearts with Dixie, and Banana coins with Cranky.Series staples such as finding the K-O-N-G letters makes a comeback in this installment, and finding all of them will give every level good replay value for completionists. In addition, players are tasked with finding puzzle pieces, which depending on the level there can be anywhere between five and nine of them to find. During my initial playthrough, I haven't found every puzzle piece on a single level yet, so I've got a long way to go still. During other levels, DK and his crew will find themselves using minecarts, rocket barrels and even Rambi to help finish levels. Funky Kong makes a return in this game as well, offering goodies and 1-ups if you've got enough Banana coins to cover it. Trust me, even the most proud of platforming experts will need to go to him at least once.All of this greatness comes down to one thing; the control scheme. Or in this case, schemes. The one thing I usually praise a Wii U game is also something I need to take to task with. While there are an assortment of different control options--Wii remote, Wii remote with Nunchuck, Pro Controller, and GamePad--I would definitely avoid using the Wii remote options and stick with the other two. However, even with these control schemes you'll be given a choice between two different configurations; either use the D-Pad or the Left stick. Neither one is exactly easy to get used to, but at the same time I found myself going with the D-Pad configuration more only because I'm used to platforming with the D-Pad. Why the team at Retro couldn't keep the button for both options the same but allow players to switch how they move around anytime is beyond me. Other than that, the only time the GamePad's screen is fully utilized is for Off-TV Play.For those in doubt about the game's length considering there are only six worlds in the main game, fear not. Every level has a lot to offer, see, and explore--they're literally bursting at their seams with content. Especially if you missed puzzle pieces or KONG letters, you'll find yourself re-exploring levels often. If you're skilled and crafty with your platforming, extra bonus levels will unlock in each world too. With that said, be prepared to get frustrated here and there.Upon defeating the last boss and seeing the game's ending, the frustration and back-tracking is all the more worth it. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is an absolutely engrossing and engaging platformer for Nintendo's Wii U, and anyone with the console is only missing out by avoiding this.

The short version is quite simply: if you liked Donkey Kong Country Returns, you'll love Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.In fact, when I first saw news of this game, I thought it looked a bit too much like an expansion pack or DLC for DKCR. Fortunately, Retro adds enough to make it something a bit more.The biggest innovation in the game is the choice between four Kong characters. In addition to Donkey himself, you get to choose from several "buddies", including Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky. Personally, I love the ability to select my character in a game and loved that the SNES games had a choice of two characters, so this was extremely fun for me. Moreover, each character feels very unique. Donkey is obviously the strongest and can use his ability to pull things (better than blowing!). Diddy has his little floating backpack. Dixie can helicopter with her hair. And Cranky uses his cane to bounce like a pogo stick. I particularly appreciated playing as Cranky because I'd recently placed the rereleased Duck Tales and was just wondering why more platforming games hadn't used Scrooge McDuck's pogo mechanic.That said, the characters do feel a bit unbalanced. As much as I loved playing as Cranky, Dixie is definitely the most useful. Beginners especially will find her ability to glide long distances to be invaluable. Still, I appreciate the choice. Mario games still don't provide nearly as many exciting playable characters.I also really like the Snowmads, the new animal Viking enemies. I always felt the Tikis in DKCR were a bit odd, not anthropomorphic enough to be satisfying enemies. By contrast, the Snowmads feel like real enemies and there's a good diversity of enemy types. There's something really fun about battling evil penguins, polar bears, and walruses. Of course, I'd prefer the Kremlings from the SNES games, but the Snowmads are the next best thing.The level design ranges from good to amazing. Generally, I'd describe it as more fluid than DKCR. There are more moving pieces to the stages and the environment is more interactive (think the Octopus stage in DKCR). I especially liked the musical levels, similar to those found in Rayman Legends but less "on-the-rails." Finally, yes, we do see the return of the dreaded aquatic levels, but they're not quite as bad as I remember from the SNES days. It helps that you can wield Cranky's cane as a weapon underwater.On top of all that, the graphics are definitely a step up from DKCR, which was already a gorgeous game. Prepared to be wowed, especially during cutscenes.Unfortunately, the game isn't perfect. As much as I like the new features, I still can't help but feel the game doesn't go far enough. I remember Retro's developers saying they were excited about making DKC:TF because they could make Donkey Kong Country Returns better, including small things such as making the fur realistic. That sort of mentality pervades the game. It feels like this is the next level up rather than two or three levels up from DKCR. I'm not complaining, it's a fun game, but I do feel like there were some missed opportunities.The biggest feature I miss is animal buddies. Rambi makes a reappearance here, but we don't get any other animal buddies. That's a shame because animal buddies had always been a favorite. SNES' Donkey Kong Country 2 took the right approach in expanding the number and types of animals, which significantly increased the types of gaming possible within a single game. I'd almost have preferred this to more options with the Kongs because the animals just look awesome. Certainly not a deal-breaker, but I just don't see why Retro wouldn't have done this.I was surprised that DKC:TF doesn't include the superguide. In DKCR, if a player died a certain number of times, the game would provide an option to allow the computer to beat the level. This was a great way to allow inexperienced players to enjoy the game but also allow experienced players to challenge themselves. In DKC:TF, this is partly replaced by copious power-ups and the ability to buy lives at Funky's Shop (by the way, great to see him return!), but it's not quite the same. I worry as a result that this game will be less accessible to casual gamers, especially because some of the later stages are brutal.Finally, I'm not as enthusiastic about the soundtrack. This is SNES composer David Wise's return to the franchise, but oddly I felt the DKCR soundtrack was truer to the music of the original SNES games. The Donkey Kong music has always been simple yet catchy. I actually find the DKC:TF soundtrack a bit too rich for the franchise. It's not bad music, and in fact it's quite good in places, but doesn't feel like DK music.Overall, like its predecessor, this definitely pays tribute to the SNES Donkey Kong games whilst going further. There are some missed opportunities and I do wish it had pushed the boundaries a bit more, but it's great as it is. I'd easily give this 4.5 stars for probably the most fun I've had on my Wii U since Rayman Legends.