Donkey Kong Country Returns

 Wii
Donkey Kong Country Returns Image
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 77 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 487 Ratings

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  • Summary: The latest installment of the Donkey Kong Country series returns.
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Donkey Kong Country Returns Power Punch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 77
  3. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. Nintendojo
    Jan 25, 2011
    100
    Everything about Donkey Kong Country Returns is so fluid and smooth. Retro constantly surprises players with new game mechanics, striking set pieces and tons of Donkey Kong charm. This title is quite possibly the definitive side-scrolling platform experience for Wii.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    Dec 18, 2010
    95
    Donkey Kong Country Returns is hands-down one of the best Nintendo titles this year, and a real delight to fans of the Donkey Kong Country franchise.
  3. Game Revolution
    Dec 12, 2010
    91
    Gameplay is amazingly true to DKC.
  4. GamingXP
    Dec 10, 2010
    90
    Donkey Kong Country Returns is a great Nintendo Wii game and one of the best Wii games of the year. The developers have merged the good old features with new and fresh gameplay elements.
  5. Computer and Video Games
    Dec 10, 2010
    88
    The game's skilful courses and challenging, inventive boss battles are a breath of fresh air amongst Wii's all-to-easy competition - and help DKCR remain a pleasingly faithful instalment in one of gaming's greatest ever series.
  6. Play.tm
    Jan 16, 2011
    80
    Donkey Kong Country Returns definitely has its faults, and we'd wager that the majority of players will never see it all the way through to the end. Yet while the difficulty curve is ridiculous and the multiplayer is quite broken, the game's charm and mystery prevails, giving us some of the same feelings that the original releases did. If you're looking for a serious challenge and don't get frustrated too easily, Donkey Kong Country Returns is worth a look.
  7. Edge Magazine
    Dec 10, 2010
    70
    Retro Studios has done a fine job with the Donkey Kong Country concept, ably translating its appeal for a modern platform, but it doesn't push it much further. [Christmas 2010, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 77 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 119
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 119
  3. Negative: 6 out of 119
  1. ninecats
    Nov 21, 2010
    10
    An example of returning to 2D and doling it RIGHT unlike some other titles! *cough*sonic 4*cough*
    even with the Wii remote shaking the    An example of returning to 2D and doling it RIGHT unlike some other titles! *cough*sonic 4*cough*
    even with the Wii remote shaking the controls are tight and very responsive. the levels are beautifully designed and Cranky's shops are very funny.

    great old-school style platforming!
    10/10    … Expand
  2. PaRaDoX_LiBeRtY
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    Great platformer with beautiful graphics, interesting control and amazing soundtrack!
  4. EverettLamb
    Dec 2, 2010
    10
    I was hesitant to learn of this game and play it, but I'm glad I did play the game. This game truly captures the platform concept done wellI was hesitant to learn of this game and play it, but I'm glad I did play the game. This game truly captures the platform concept done well and above all has everything you will love. As a Christmas gift or just a game to spend your money on you can't go wrong picking up this title. Having playing this game makes me reminisce my childhood of playing the three country games for the Super Nintendo, and what a good feeling it was of the fond memories remembering. This game is challenging for sure, but what seeks hold of you is the impressive levels and lots of content to unlock. Glad to see Retro Studios and Nintendo knowing what exactly the Country needs. Praise aside, the only downfall I see and what made me bit disappointed was the absence of the Kremling enemies. In conclusion, I'd definitely would say this is a solid platformer and a worthy purchase title.… Expand
  5. BasilZero
    Nov 19, 2011
    9
    Donkey Kong Country Returns is the first OFFICIAL Donkey Kong game based on the main franchise since DK64 from early 2000s. The game goes backDonkey Kong Country Returns is the first OFFICIAL Donkey Kong game based on the main franchise since DK64 from early 2000s. The game goes back to its original 2D roots from the SNES era, this time bringing back the original duo Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Fans will reminiscence throughout the game as they go through similar stages, hear familiar music, and see many familiar and old enemies from the past game as they travel through this nostaglic game. Many of the theme songs are remix versions of several tracks from several games and players will enjoy listening to the incredible orchestrated music to the lush environment that they are thrown into playing. Storyline wise, its not as top as the old games however the same formula is there, DK lost his banana horde and needs to get back it from the enemies. Although one thing that some fans might not like is the sheer difficulty of the game that will come mid way through the game and the apparent lack of Kremlings.… Expand
  6. playWISE
    Dec 29, 2010
    9
    â
  7. MatthewAce70
    Oct 24, 2020
    8
    Donkey Kong Country Returns is a great-looking Wii game and it is so much fun to play. Starring Donkey & Diddy, you'll be traversing through aDonkey Kong Country Returns is a great-looking Wii game and it is so much fun to play. Starring Donkey & Diddy, you'll be traversing through a variety of exotic levels, while using several known "Kong" moves and attacks, as well as some new ones. The soundtrack is packed with classic tunes and brand new ones that evoke a tropical feel so beautifully.
    So if you have a Wii and/or a Wii U and you love platformers, then you'll love this game.    … Expand
  8. DiamondDuck
    Apr 6, 2019
    0
    Easily the worst game I played. The game is controller breaking difficult that it isn’t fun, motion controls, and nothing happens. The gameEasily the worst game I played. The game is controller breaking difficult that it isn’t fun, motion controls, and nothing happens. The game goes at a snails pace, that makes the game take forever. I only just recently finished this trash bin, and I regret every second. If you’re looking for a good Wii game, just buy shovelware. People say they all suck, but at least it’s a better time.… Expand

See all 119 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Wii Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2010
6
#6 Most Shared Wii Game of 2010