Donkey Kong Country Returns

 Wii
Donkey Kong Country Returns Image
Metascore
87

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

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 434 Ratings

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

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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: 86 out of 103
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 103
  3. Negative: 5 out of 103
  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. TarHeelHomie
    Dec 12, 2012
    10
    Perhaps my favorite thing about this game (besides the incredibly fun levels), was the degree of difficulty. In my opinion, it's hard for aPerhaps my favorite thing about this game (besides the incredibly fun levels), was the degree of difficulty. In my opinion, it's hard for a game to find the perfect balance of difficulty. There were many levels that I had to try 10-12 times to beat as the game progressed, and towards the end there were a few levels that took countless tries. To me, that's perfect. It allows you to feel like you accomplished something when you finally do beat it. And for the insane gamers out there, there is a bonus world after you beat the game with a series of insane levels. Everybody wins!… Expand
  4. JamieT13
    Dec 4, 2010
    10
    A great example of how all side - scrolling platformers should be. Awesome level design with beautifully detailed environments and an amazingA great example of how all side - scrolling platformers should be. Awesome level design with beautifully detailed environments and an amazing soundtrack. Maybe Retro Studios is the new Rare.… Expand
  5. RandomCriticDan
    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    Surprisingly difficult, but good fun, especially with co-op. A hoot to play with friends and family, but not obnoxiously simple. A goodSurprisingly difficult, but good fun, especially with co-op. A hoot to play with friends and family, but not obnoxiously simple. A good balance of Wii-friendly playfulness and Mario-like difficulty.… Expand
  6. Pakon
    Aug 14, 2019
    9
    A great 2D platformer and one of the best-looking games on the Wii. The gameplay is great; however, you might need some time to get used toA great 2D platformer and one of the best-looking games on the Wii. The gameplay is great; however, you might need some time to get used to the motion controls.… Expand
  7. Meta1234
    Apr 22, 2018
    8
    First of all great music even if it is greatly a remake of the stellar Rareware music.

    Great game overall with some criticism. Too    First of all great music even if it is greatly a remake of the stellar Rareware music.

    Great game overall with some criticism. Too difficult, clumsy usage of the Wii controls. After so much hype for the motion controls by Nintendo you would expect the signature games of the console to make good use of it, but no, the response is slow and bad.    … 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 103 User Reviews

Trailers

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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