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 518 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: 102 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 123
  3. Negative: 6 out of 123
  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. Poopman69
    Feb 2, 2020
    10
    Just gonna say that I played this game when it came out and it was pretty fun, replayed it recently and its even better now
  4. Super_Gamer_07
    Jan 4, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best wii games alongside Mario Kart Wii, 007, Wii Sports, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. and Zelda: Twilight Princess. TheThis is one of the best wii games alongside Mario Kart Wii, 007, Wii Sports, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. and Zelda: Twilight Princess. The controls of this game are so smooth and responsive and playing the story mode is so fun. Even though some stages are really hard but I like a challenge so it's not a problem.… Expand
  5. jim109109
    Jun 1, 2012
    9
    What sets me apart from the general crowd of brainless retards on metacritic is the fact that my reviews are actually subjective ratings ofWhat sets me apart from the general crowd of brainless retards on metacritic is the fact that my reviews are actually subjective ratings of games relative to each other. And even to this standard, DKCR is one of the best games. On Wii, it is the second best game, after Mario Galaxy. Why is it great? Similarly to the genius SNES series, every platforming level feels like a brand new experience. The level ideas are immensely ambitious and creative. The gameplay is as good as the original, including the legendary "roll jump". The controls aren't perfect, the motion controls are a poor idea for this game, I don't want to shake my wii to roll. There is no option to change the controls either. This was a rather stupid idea. But that is probably the only downside to this brilliant game, after its HUGE number of levels, speed runs, bonuses, unlockable secret worlds and the like I hadn't been bored once. The difficulty - it's equally hard to the original donkey kongs, although the fact that you have virtually infinite lives is strange. The speed runs are EXTREMELY challenging, only a few elite players will get the shiny gold medal, which are impossible for a casual gamer to get even after days of play. So, enjoy, this game has 95% positive reviews for a reason.… Expand
  6. playWISE
    Dec 29, 2010
    9
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  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 123 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