It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a Wii U game in possession of great critical acclaim, must be in want of a port. And cor ruddy blimey does Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze fall into line with that as well.
One of the more forgotten gems of 2014, if only for the fact that it was on Wii U, is also the titular Kong’s fifth entry in the mainline Donkey Kong Country series, and in my personal view, the best. But has bringing it to Nintendo Switch hampered its gameplay or overall potential? Obviously not, but it’s the only way I can think to segue into the preview.
Everything you’d expect to be here is here, as far as we can tell nothing has been changed or stripped out of the main game to make it more ‘child-friendly’ or less difficult. The very same balls-to-the-wall hardcore ape platforming you’d want to see is here just as you left it, only with an arguably better choice of controllers. TV mode is just like the original, with a crisp 1080p resolution, a super-solid 60fps, and dripping with additional colour thanks to the full RGB range. We noticed a dip in framerate at one point when discovering a secret, but when trying to replicate it we weren’t able to get anything but buttery smooth performance, so that’s very reassuring.
Portable mode is very much the same deal, only at a native 720p. Both modes also benefit greatly from an excellent amount of anti-aliasing; everything on screen is crisp and sharp, but saw-tooth edges are basically non-existent. To say this is a good-looking game is a gross understatement.
So it looks amazing, plays superbly, and is all around a tip-top port, but what about all this funky new gubbins Nintendo’s been bleating on about? Well, the biggest addition by far is that of Funky mode, a mode in which you’re able to play as Funky Kong himself should you wish to take the edge off the challenge. Funky Kong plays much like Donkey Kong only with a host of new abilities and a larger health bar, being able to take five hits instead of just two (or four when partnered with another Kong). He can roll indefinitely just as though he had a partner Kong with him at all times, gain a little bit of extra height by double jumping, slow his descent to a crawl by hovering with his surfboard (don’t think about it too much), breathe forever underwater thanks to a totally disregard of how snorkels actually work, and even stand on spiked floors thanks once again to his trusty surfboard.
It’s quite the laundry list of new skills, and at first it may sound like it makes the entire game a total breeze, but that’s not entirely true. For example, hovering with Funky gives you incredibly limited horizontal movement, so if you fluff up a jump you might be able to save yourself, but by relying on it too much you could also put yourself in more trouble than if you were playing with the Donk. Also don’t discount pits, there’s not an awful lot that can save you from them. Or mistiming barrel blasts. Or just not hitting the buttons. Where Funky does make things much easier however is in the collectibles. Otherwise out-of-reach KONG letters or puzzle pieces can often be grabbed with ease by Funky using his double jump.
He absolutely makes the game easier, there’s no doubt about it, but he doesn’t make the game straight-up easy. What’s more when you start a save file you’re asked whether you want to play in Funky Mode or Classic Mode, and that decision is final. Should you want a purely classic experience you can do so with absolutely no interruption by the bodacious baboon-relation. What’s more if Funky Kong is too making things too easy you can switch to playing Donkey Kong at any time provided you’re not mid-level. Doing this still gives Donkey Kong a bonus of an additional heart as well, so it’s not jumping from one extreme to the other.
It’s absolutely the right move by Nintendo to add this mode; the original game was incredible, but very, very tough. What’s more, the inclusion of Funky outside of making things easier also makes it possible to complete levels more quickly in Time Trial mode, meaning a whole new potential avenue of play for speedrunners. It’s also just fun to be able to play through levels you know as a new character, but if you’re adamant that you don’t want any noob stuff invading your ultra-hardcore 2D platformer about giant apes collecting bananas from penguins, you can just stick to Classic mode.
The only other notable inclusion aside from the previously mentioned funkiness is HD Rumble, which admittedly we didn’t notice when playing in TV mode at first. Rather than using Super Mario Odyssey’s policy of making everything and anything vibrate the controllers, Tropical Freeze takes a more traditional, subtle approach. Most of the time you won’t feel anything, but when landing on platforms or blasting from barrels, you’ll get some lovely tactile feedback. The latter is a huge highlight, as it feels like a spring is going off in your hands and is all the more noticeable in handheld mode. It’s a bit of a shame there’s nothing else really new given the price point of the game and the fact that it’s a port, but apart from that it’s difficult to find any complaints at all.
In short, this Switch version of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a holotype for how ports should be handled. Everything is just as you remember it, the gameplay hasn’t been affected in the slightest outside of Funky mode, and that little extra bit of spit and polish coupled with faster loading times just makes it an ever-so-slightly sweeter way to play the game. If you’ve never played the game before there’s no better time to sup from these apey waters.
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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze lands on Nintendo Switch on 4th May. Will you be picking it up?
Comments 68
Anyone who hasn't played this on Wii U should definitely invest in this version. An outstanding platformer!
I flippen love this game on Wii U, one of the few games I pre-ordered back then. Deserves a new lease of life.
If you still have your Wii u. Pick it up for the Wii u.
I absolutely was worried about noob stuff invading my ultra-hardcore 2D platformer about giant apes collecting bananas from penguins, so am very happy with the ability to select Funky vs Classic mode from the outset. Bravo, Nintendo.
It is without doubt one of the all time great platformers. Super Mario World and Yoshi's Island will never be topped but this beauty sits right behind them.
I never got to play this on the WiiU. I'm totally picking this up when it launches.
That price is not so Funky.
Loved DKCTF on Wii U. Will pick up on Switch. Wonderful game.
Never bought on Wii U. Portable Switch version with amazon prime discount here I come!
One of these days, I really need to play this again and finally beat the last boss...
"Also don’t discount pits, there’s not an awful lot that can save you from them."
I got stuck in the game in world 2 level 2, the long collapsing bridge we ride Rambi over, so as I assumed, Funky won't help there.
Saw the original on the shelf in my library on Monday, still don't want to go back to it though my son did get me past that bridge on his first try, he's a natural at 2D platforming. And $60 for a port of a 4 year old $50 game should NOT be rewarded with a purchase form anyone. And certainly not from Wii U owners who don't get Funky as DLC. I mean we spent $350 on the Wii U and $50 on the game, you made Funky, let us have him, sheesh.
ahem. Even if and when my library does start carrying Switch games, won't bother with this one again.
Purchased Wii U version and will be buying this day 1
Port the whole first party WiiU library over. Get them off that awful game pad LCD Especially Kirby
I have this on WiiU but never got past the second world because it was tied to the tv. Ill be rebuying this for the portability alone. Can’t wait!
@mailman I hope more people buy it day 1 after reading that post.
I loved Donkey Kong country returns for the Wii + never had a Wii U = day 1 purchase 😀
Never owned a WII U and love DK so day 1 purchase for me. Can fully understand WII U owners would not double dip or wait for discount ( but that goes for every WII U port for that matter)
Did Alex just say 'Balls to the wall'?
He'll not be around long at politically correct Nintendo Life
Can't wait to play this. If it's the masterpiece everyone says it is, it shouldn't be languishing away on such a failure of a console and deserves to be introduced to a newer and bigger audience. People can argue about the price all they want, but if the quality is there, that's all that matters to me.
No 2D side scroller, in 2018, should ever be $60. Just, no.
Far Cry 5 costs $60.
AHH I cannot wait for this to release. I have not played a proper DK game since SNES (I did invest quite a bit of time in Donkey Kongos though on GC)! It's weird... this and Mario Tennis Aces are two of the games I am most looking forward to on any system this year!
One of the best games on Wii U. Can't wait to smash through this again.
Not as hard as everyone said.
I still can’t believe they’re charging $60 for this when the “select” version for the WiiU is $20. This is definitely for people who missed it the first time around. I would rebuy this if it was at a better price.
@gatorboi352 Hopefully someday you realize how ignorant of a comment this is, but until then, have a good day my friend!
£34.99 at Smyths toys when you collect in store: https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/video-games-and-tablets/new-games-coming-soon/coming-soon-nintendo-switch/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-nintendo-switch/p/165235
@gatorboi352 The law of supply and demand is independent of the calendar.
Can’t wait. I was hoping for some more levels
I haven't played it yet, its probably a great game. Probably not worth $60 though due to it being a port but I'm not sure what other games I'll be buying around the time of release so I still might get it. We'll see.
I'm really liking my Rayman Legends platformer for $25. Now there's a port price!
@gatorboi352
That is funny. I'll give you that one.
@mailman @1UP_MARIO
Thanks for the unsolicited advice but I'll buy it for the platform I want (Switch) when I want (May).
This is a great fun tough game. However my new setup allows me to play my Switch and my Wii U with a simple push of a button. Yes, I am bragging. Play this if you have the courage.
And, contrary to what some our regular profesional complainers might say, this is a very polished game, with tight controls and beautiful visuals, so it does feel triple A.
I...might double-dip this, but that would have to be at $20. $30 maybe, but that's the highest I'll go.
@electrolite77 either platform you buy it for you’ll enjoy it. It’s a great game. Great and frustratingly hard
@kobashi100 Why are so many Wii U owners buying Wii u games again? I don't get it!
@AlexOlney Pride and Prejudice?!? Really dude? I'm wondering how many people picked that up.
"...slows his descent to a crawl by hovering with his surfboard (don't think about it too much),..."
...But now I'm thinking about it. O_O
I absolutely loved this game on the Wii U, but there just isn't enough here for me to justify the double-dip. That said, this is an awesome game for those who missed out on it the first time around.
I love this game so much but I'm waiting for a price drop or sale since I already own it. If anyone here doesn't have the Wii U version already, it's definitely worth $60 for the first time!
Enjoyed this on the Wii U. Never finished it but liked it enough to double dip. I am concerned about the price though. Can’t believe they are asking a full $60. Honestly, DLC/extra content or not, all Wii U ports should be capped at $40.
my next day 1 purchase awwwwyeah!!!
@Matthew010 cause they are still very good games. Having the ability to play anytime anywhere is a big draw.
Secondly for me personally I just didn't like playing games on the Wii U. Having the chance to play again on a console I actually like using is great.
Thirdly lots of switch owners never had a Wii U so all of these Wii U ports are new games never played before.
If I play this, I'm not ashamed to admit it'll probably be with Funky Kong.
If you don't have a Wii U, you should definitely buy this version of the game, it is a amazing game! For me, I own the Wii U version, and I'm not getting this version, unless I see it sometime in the future for a really good price.
$60 is a bit high for this game, I'll admit. But hey - supply and demand! Not too surprising the price is higher. The demand is there for the Switch version where it is not for the Wii U version. I'll pick this up day one because I never bothered with the Wii U.
@Gregnetic thanks for such a solid refute of my statement. Have a good day!
@PanurgeJr so, to that point, nobody is demanding this game and the sales will reflect that.
Original was 720p upscaled to 1080i. Supposedly this one is true 1080p, docked.
Never had a WiiU, love platformers....oddly not excited for this and don't know why. Feels like an identity crisis of the smallest proportions. Something about just looks boring to me and I don't know why. Should be MY KIND of game. 4 years ago I would have ate this up, but now I'd just rather play Celeste or Flinthook or an Iconoclast.
I've never been more excited for a port of a game I've already played. I've had $60 in my account since the day this was announced. I'm ready to get Funky!
@Reignmaker It's not as hard as some people make it out to be. It's significantly easier than DKC Returns. I suggest trying out normal mode first.
@gatorboi352
You're right, DK should cost 30€... and Far Cry 5 about 10€.
I’ll double dip
best 2D platformer ever made
upgrade to 1080p for console
additional 720p handheld version
additional 720p tabletop mode
2 player co-op anywhere, anytime
more/better controller options
renewed time trial video uploads
slightly modernized models/animations
Funky Kong for easy mode/killer runs
I've got a duffle bag full of reasons to indulge in the Switch version. The first 3 make it day one, without question. All the rest Is icing on the cake
Highly recommend those who have not yet played it. It's a time and stress killer. Very neatly done and eye-candy.
A lot of people are talking the game up and making it sound very good. So I guess I will give it a shot. Is there any interesting Amiibo support?
Having already purchased it when it was new and 49.99, it'd be easier to double dip if this re-issue will be sold at 49.99.
@gatorboi352 So, do you honestly believe nobody wants a very well regarded platformer, or are you forced to believe nobody will buy Switch games because you've doubled down on your prediction that nobody will buy the Switch?
I skipped Kirby because of the 30fps BS, so I'm looking forward to this one even more.
I don't know why people get so upset over the price just because it's already been released on a previous system.
The way I see it, a whole lot of people missed out on this game because the Wii U was technically a failure. As far as I can see Nintendo is re-releasing it for those who missed out the first time.
Nobody... I repeat nobody is being forced to buy it for a 2nd time.
As it happens I do own a Wii U but for one reason or another (life gets in the way) never got around to buying this.
Personally I can't wait for it. This and Mario Tennis Aces are my personally highlights for the year so far.
@AlexOlney We both know that quote was second hand from Danny Spudge
@BradC40 Even if it is a port, if you, like 99.9% of the world, haven’t already bought it for full price on Wii U, I don’t see any problem with charging full price for such a great game. Nintendo invested the money in making it, so they deserve the reward.
This isn’t Assasins Creed, or Crash Bandicoot
@Marios-love-child Agreed. New Switch owners shouldn’t mind paying full price for a top class game if they never owned a Wii U.
Wii U owners who bought the game however...
Had this on Wii U. Was definitely a fun game with great levels and could get very challenging at points. For me personally I'm going to skip it on Switch but I definitely recommend to anyone that hasn't played it yet.
I'm still trying to 100% DKCR 3D and I have this on Wii U, not in any rush at the moment
Great game but not double-dipping.
@Marios-love-child sometimes it comes across that people feel like Nintendo owe them something. Like they shouldn't have to pay for Wii U ports as they already bought the game previously on another console.
Like you said, nobody is forced to buy this game again. If people are that angry about it the solution is simple. Don't buy the game!
@PanurgeJr I just don't see this game selling well, or driving much demand from folks outside of the core fan base.
One of the best platformers ever made, day 1 purchase for me (even though I have the Wii U version)
@N-Gage incorrect. We should get paid €10 just to play Far Cry 5.
https://youtu.be/FCeEvQ68jY8
$60... Good luck with that.
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