The 3DS and I have come a long way, in our relationship.
At first, I was kind of tough on it.
I mean...for a while, its best games were just a couple Nintendo 64 remakes.
Hardly a spectacular launch, but listen, we've gotten past that.
The system's on a roll, things are really picking up for it...so...
Wait, why are we getting another remake?
Look, I love Donkey Kong Country Returns.
Alright?
It's one of the best games ever done for the Wii, it completely revitalized the Donkey
Kong franchise...this game is a huge deal, and it might actually be better than its given
credit for.
But I'm just a little confused.
I mean, unlike Ocarina of Time and Star Fox 64...this game isn't old.
In fact, it's barely older than the 3DS.
So to me, the question is...what's the purpose?
Why port such a recent game to the 3DS?
I mean, it sold really well on Wii, so...it's not like you're trying to recover losses.
And there's a ton of good games coming to the system, so it's not like you need this
release.
The only thing I could see that would make this worthwhile is if the game were...really
improved, in some way.
But it's not.
In fact, if anything...it's not as good.
Now, just so you don't get me wrong...this game's incredible.
The problem isn't the game itself.
It's this new package.
I mean, there's an easier difficulty mode and eight new remixed levels, but aside from
that...it's basically the same game.
And again, it's actually a lesser product.
The graphics are less sharp, and the framerate's been dropped from 60 to 30...so the game isn't
as smooth on the 3DS, either.
But of course, the catch with being just the same game in 3D...is that 3D part.
This game feels almost like it was designed for 3D.
One of the great things about Donkey Kong Country Returns is how it used depth, and
that makes it a great fit for the 3DS.
Maybe that's why they ported it.
There's certainly a coolness factor to blasting from barrel to barrel in 3D.
And having this masterpiece on the go is nice, too.
I don't mean to brush this game off.
I just...that 3D coolness factor only goes so far, you know?
But the silky smooth gameplay and those gorgeous graphics of the Wii version?
That goes a lot further.
For more on the game itself, check out our nine freaking minute review of the original.
And look, if you didn't have a Wii and never played this game, don't even hesitate.
This is an amazing platformer, and it's a real testament to the people at Retro Studios...who
have proven themselves as some of the best developers in the industry.
But if you've never played this game and you do have a Wii...get that one, instead.
Bananas are better without sugar.
So is Donkey Kong Country Returns.