Donkey Kong Country Returns

The 3DS and I have come a long way, in our relationship. At first, I was kind of toughening it. I mean...for a while, its best games were just a couple Nintendo 64 remakes. Hardly spectacular launch, but listen, we've gotten past that. The systems 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 Wiki, 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 Wiki, 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 are an easier difficulty mode and eight new remixed levels, but aside from that...it's basically the same game. And again, it's actually lesser product.

The graphics are less sharp, and the frame rate’s been dropped from 60 to30...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 go so far, you know? But the silky smooth game play and those gorgeous graphics of the Wiki 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 Wiki and never played this game, don't even hesitate.

 Thesis an amazing plat former 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 Wiki...get that one, instead. Bananas are better without sugar. So is Donkey Kong Country Returns.