Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Image
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Generally favorable reviews - based on 77 Critic Reviews What's this?

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8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 907 Ratings

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  • Summary: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has players help Donkey Kong and his friends get back their home from Vikings. Swing, swim, leap, and barrel-blast your way through tons of eye-popping levels to save DK Island from a permanent freeze.
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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Cranky Kong Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 77
  2. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. Mar 13, 2014
    100
    Everything in Tropical Freeze was made with extreme care and attention. From the landscapes and enemies to the music and level design. Each island has its own ecosystem so filled with details and different things to do that, as soon as one level is over, the question of what will Retro do next always looms around, and the developer always surprises.
  2. Feb 13, 2014
    93
    Just like the previous game, I yelled alternating cries of agony and relief working through particularly challenging areas. Almost everything is fair and doable with enough focus and patience; the bonus stages are a little ridiculous, but that's to be expected. [March 2014, p.89]
  3. Feb 19, 2014
    90
    Another "job well done" by the masters at Retro Studios.
  4. Feb 17, 2014
    85
    Tropical Freeze is a marvel. Though it doesn’t deviate from expectations in the slightest, it’s an exceptional, and exceptionally tough platformer that just about every masochistic Wii U owner should play.
  5. Feb 27, 2014
    80
    Tropical Freeze is exactly what we expected from the sequel of one of the best platform games of the last generation. There might not be many surprises, but this is still an extremely polished (and great) game.
  6. Feb 17, 2014
    80
    You know what you are going to get when you buy a Donkey Kong Country game. Fortunately, that's a good thing and this is no exception.
  7. Feb 17, 2014
    60
    If the regular levels were as inventive as the boss battles, then Tropical Freeze would be a surefire hit, or at least a game that demands more of your attention. No matter how much I was looking forward to seeing DK in HD, it's difficult to maintain that enthusiasm when the end product plays it so safe: even the visuals fail to make an impact. They're nice enough, but like the level design, the environments are mostly bland.

See all 77 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 4 out of 170
  1. Feb 21, 2014
    10
    Haven't finished the game, but from what I've played some of these low reviews are baffling. The level design and attention to detail are topHaven't finished the game, but from what I've played some of these low reviews are baffling. The level design and attention to detail are top class. The gameplay is fluid and intuitive. Lots of great, subtle ideas presented on a moment by moment basis, so I'm not sure what all the "lack of ambitious gameplay" is all about. Maybe these reviewers rushed through things a bit?

    Absolutely beautiful game, by the way. Maybe the best looking game on the Wii U (Close between this and Mario 3D World). David Wise on the soundtrack puts it over the top. Get it.
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  2. Nov 25, 2014
    10
    For those who've played the others in the series know that the plot of Donkey Kong Country was never very exquisite. The games in the seriesFor those who've played the others in the series know that the plot of Donkey Kong Country was never very exquisite. The games in the series have always been based in rescuing the treasure of the Kong family, called "bananas", or, redeem and save some of the hands of K.Rool Kong. But this time, Retro Studios has a small innovated, since the plot is based on a certain invasion. Donkey Kong is celebrating his birthday happily with his grandfather Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong and his nephew to Diddy's girlfriend, hairy Dixie Kong. It is then time to blow out the candles, come to the fore the plot enemies, the fearsome Vikings. The intention of the evil here is to freeze the island of overalls and take possession of it, that objective is achieved without much effort. It is then that the Kong family to go through 6 different islands, to return to their place of duty, and thus recover what they had been taken.

    I believe that we will be stoned by many here, but honestly something that bothered us much in Donkey Kong Country: Returns were some attributes of its gameplay. Have to shake the Wii Remote to blow seedlings and flowers was not quite sure what we expected. Without the Wii Remote as the main control, Retro Studios did a great job with the gameplay, improving absolutely everything that was presented in Returns. The distinctive gameplay that each Kong offers to join with our protagonist, does not allow at any time we feel certain sickness, or discomfort to control the characters, since in addition to intuitive, the gameplay is also very fun. And what then of the gameplay in aquatic stages? The Retro simply took a bath on any platform game, using gameplay so comfortable and delicious, certainly you will lose many minutes just swimming, and diving again

    Another interesting point was the inclusion of dynamic camera that Retro implemented in this title. Play phases Minecart or even barrels are simply fantastic with the distinct view presented to us thanks to this function. Furthermore all, was added to the game a sort of "Power Combo" in which depending on the character that is on the back of Donkey Kong, by pressing the L and R buttons together with a full energy bar, enemies become items . If the character is controlling Diddy Kong, enemies become life balloons. If the player has on his back Dixie Kong, enemies become golden hearts. Already Cranky Kong, to use this function enemies turn into coins for use in stores.

    The return of abandoned

    Once again we have to point to the Retro. Unlike Returns where we can have only Diddy Kong as an auxiliary character, the developer brought us back to simplicity and sweetness of Dixie Kong. Donkey control with the aid of Dixie is just fantastic. Unlike the main trilogy of Rare, where the little monkey wearing her ponytail like a helicopter blade for various things, this time our friend serves as a boost to reach higher ground, or even to dose the speed and calculate certain precision every jump. In addition to Dixie and Diddy, Retro Studios renewed in bringing back the surly and dear Cranky Kong. But this time, not as a guide or seller, but as an aid player. Cranky Kong have on your back is not only fun, but also serves a lot of help at various times. Is to reach higher ground, or to walk on thorns, or even to shoot his dentures that stun the enemy.

    Another remarkable comeback was the high overall astral Funky Kong. In the original trilogy, Funky always appears as a "lessor of aircraft", or even as a mechanic boats. But this time Funky returns as a salesman in a store with various aid items. Since balloons life until selectable characters. Simply a fantastic addition to the plot, killing the longing of nostalgic and presenting the Funky fun for beginners. The only negative point is in relation to animal friends. We are still trying to understand why the Retro have used again only Rambi phases and Squawks as a guide to indicate secrets phases. Among many animal friends really fun, and some that do not please everyone, I think you agree that at least Enguarde should have appeared.

    absurd graphics

    For those who criticizes both Nintendo and the Wii U for not presenting good graphics, 3D Super Mario World was a slap in the face on the left, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was another slap, but this time on the right. The richness in detail, the design of levels and above all, the characterization of each character make this one of the most beautiful of the new generation games. Another interesting point to be said is the graphics in the phases of water. Honestly, in our long history of platform games, we have not seen such a blessed water and a sea background as detailed as in that game. What then of the phases in which we see the characters as shadows? Simply an unforgettable art direction.

    100%? 200%? good luck

    Here we have one of the best game of qualities, and at the same time one of the major defects. Our dear patients, we ask you to carefully read this analysis to check their cons indications for this game. If you just want to finish the game, see the end credits and simply having fun, the game is essential for you. Now if you intend to accomplish all the challenges of the game, picking up all the KONG letters and all Puzzles Pieces, prepare to be frustrated, screaming, dying, try again, die again, and sometimes lose at least about 30 minutes in some phases. The Retro Studios put a difficulty that sometimes gets to be absurd in some situations. As stated above, do 100% of the game is practically an invitation to frustration. Parts in seemingly impossible places to get extremely hidden letters and absolutely full of traps levels are factors that can please too many, and too upsetting many in the same proportion. But for those who achieve the feat of achieving the 100% original, the game will give you the opportunity to play it again in Hard Mode, with one heart, no points to score phase and free choice of characters. Yes, for the nostalgic, this is simply epic, but why not introduce this form of game from the beginning? Here is our question.

    The game also features a Time Attack in which the player can compare their achievements with players around the world, including being able to record your gambles and can watch the records of players worldwide. Otherwise, the player opens a new secret stage in each world, since even take all the KONG letters. Extremely challenging levels that sometimes come to frustrate even more, those players who want to do everything in the game. When finished in its entirety opens a seventh and final world with only 3 stages so that the player finally complete 100% the main campaign. However, like the other, prepare to be frustrated, die, die and die again. To complete, Retro Studios added again the local multiplayer, in which two players can choose the character you want and go facing the challenges of the game, together, phase by phase.

    Very creative chefs

    Sincere we are. For those who played the trilogy of Rare and enjoyed having to fight the Kremlings and its leader K.Rool was kind of frustrating playing Returns and come across enemies so poorly made and uninspired as the Tikis. The impression he gave was that the player was fighting macumbaria instruments, and against dangerous enemies. This time the Retro improved a lot, and even not bringing Kremlings loved back, at least in this time had enemies that do justice to the series, the Vikings. This time enemies are also animals, giving more emphasis on history and reminding us much more funny and different enemies who were Kremlings. And what about the leaders? Simply better than the other. Challenging and very well made, every battle against bosses is unique. From the first to the last boss, fight the leaders of each world is a thoroughly enjoyable and fun task.

    David Wise

    The addition of David Wise was a balcony and both Nintendo. It's unbelievable to see that even after so many years, the British composer, still has the "feeling" for the exact number. The music made exclusively for the new set of Kongs have the exact feeling of every moment that the player faces. The quality of the songs, along with the supreme level design make a perfect blend of sentiment, nostalgia and emotion. Simply without comment, and we can easily say that David Wise is one of, if not the greatest composer of games of all time, alongside legends like Koji Kondo Nobuo Uematsu and. Absolutely fantastic, epic and nostalgic.

    The game that fans have been waiting

    You know you is unconditional fan of the Donkey Kong Country series, do not think twice and just buy a Wii U to play this wonder, or buy the game if you have you own the console. The game is just amazing in everything that has, from the start, taking a bath excitement, challenge and beauty to the end of its projection. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze shut the media mouth, and shows once again that Nintendo is the goddess of platform games. For us is simply wanting more, why games like this are never enough. Long live the Donkey Kong Country series.
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  3. May 3, 2014
    10
    Playing through Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, I thought it was a nice platformer. The designs were nice, it proved to be challenging,Playing through Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, I thought it was a nice platformer. The designs were nice, it proved to be challenging, and it used some nice dynamic camera angles that I hadn't seen before in a 2D platformer. Then it was over, and I found myself a little disappointed at how bare-bones the game turned out to be. Unfazed, I decided to extend my playtime by collecting all of the K-O-N-G letters and Puzzle Pieces. It was then that I saw the game start to open up. Although it's not as extensive as New Super Mario Bros. U or Rayman Legends, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze had one important thing going for it; the "just one more try" mentality. The inclusion of collectables such as Images and Dioramas added to the thrill of trying and failing, and listening to the absolutely gorgeous soundtrack over and over was never irritating. It's just one of those games that you may not love at first, but overtime you begin to appreciate the smaller, finer details that the game poses to you. In a long line of 2D platformers for Wii U, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze finds itself amidst some stiff competition. But this game doesn't ape the others (pun intended); it merely puts its own spin on the meaning of 2D platforming just like other greats before it. If you are a Wii U owner and are desperate for a game that is challenging and rewarding, look no further than Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. It is a title that has definitely earned its place in every gamer's home. Expand
  4. Feb 23, 2014
    10
    Okay this will be a quick and simple review broken down into 5 categories

    1) Visuals Hot damn does this game look good. It runs at a
    Okay this will be a quick and simple review broken down into 5 categories

    1) Visuals
    Hot damn does this game look good. It runs at a smooth frame rate and all the characters and enemies show great animation. The primary colors are brilliant and it looks great in HD. The variety in level types is great, and this is one of the best looking 2D platformers. 9

    2) Sound
    Following the DKC series the music is fantastic. A wide variety and it reaches the quality standard. I won't review too much for the music, as a quick video search will find the OST. 9

    3) Design
    Many people find this lacked good level and I cannot disagree more. Very rarely did I feel bored with what it threw at me, and it didn't overuse anything. A very difficult game to add, but it teaches you through the design and rewards you for not being conservative. 10

    4) Controls/technical
    Tight. Not much too say. Pretty perfect for a platformer. My only gripe is how tedious it is to switch in a second player, and it's not so simple to switch between TV and gamepad play like in Super Mario 3D world. 8

    5) Lasting appeal
    This game could easily draw me in again many alternate paths, collectibles and co-op is enough to bring more after your first run-through. 9

    9/10
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  5. Nov 26, 2015
    9
    + Great level design that challenging but fair
    + Funky Kong's shop is useful, especially for beginners
    + so many new ideas + the levels
    + Great level design that challenging but fair
    + Funky Kong's shop is useful, especially for beginners
    + so many new ideas
    + the levels have amazing depth
    + Memorable boss fights
    + Local Co Op
    + Amazing soundtrack by David Wise

    - No Online Co Op
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  6. Mar 14, 2014
    9
    If you've been holding out for a a solid Nintendo title that will bring back the classic feel of console gaming, now is the time for you toIf you've been holding out for a a solid Nintendo title that will bring back the classic feel of console gaming, now is the time for you to buy your Wii U. If you already own a Wii U, it's pretty much your BIRTHDAY! Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze brings back so many elements of DK Country with absolutely gorgeous graphics and catchy tunes from the original composer.

    Play it, beat it, buy it, and saddle up on your rhino cause there are plenty of secret levels with loads of bananas just waiting to be found. Rayman was great, Donkey Kong is awesome!
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  7. Jun 5, 2016
    0
    I was a huge fan of DKCR and I really wanted to like this game, but I just couldn't. The load times, as others have said, is bad, but theyI was a huge fan of DKCR and I really wanted to like this game, but I just couldn't. The load times, as others have said, is bad, but they would be tolerable if the rest of the game ran smoothly--it doesn't. Controls feel heavy and unresponsive. Action-intensive areas are laggy. The visuals themselves are stunning, but unfortunately I think the Wii U is just not up to the task of rendering them smoothly.

    I tried to get into this game 3 times but couldn't get over how muddy it feels. Perhaps if they port it to the NX, I'll give it another shot. But my other concern is the poor level design. Levels were much too long with too much emphasis on exploration that leads nowhere (e.g. water areas where you just collect bananas). But maybe with the bump in gameplay speed/lack of lag will make it feel better. Just can't recommend this game and regret purchasing at full retail.
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See all 170 User Reviews

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