The Nintendo Wii is shaping up to be the place to go for your platforming game fix. With Kirby’s Epic Yarn impressing and Epic Mickey looking…epic, surely Wii owners couldn’t want for anything else? Well hold your horses, because some old Nintendo favourites are making a return – Donkey and Diddy are back in 2D, and are looking in great form!
The team have had their stash of bananas stolen by a gang of ‘Tikis’ – but instead of sitting back and accepting it (or even calling the law), they head out vigilante style to try and get the bananas back.
The original Donkey Kong Country was famed for its boundary pushing visuals on the SNES, and whilst Returns doesn’t repeat this achievement on the Wii, it certainly looks good. The two levels I played were nicely detailed and colourful, but after playing Kirby’s Epic Yarn I just couldn’t get excited about them. From what I’ve heard though there is plenty of level variety, and even weather effects on the way.
Those who have been following this game may have noticed that Donkey and Diddy now have a health bar rather than the ‘one hit and die’ philosophy of the original game. This health bar is needed as the game is deceptively tough, to the point where I died several times throughout the demo – even when playing with a Nintendo rep who knew the levels very well. In a way I’m pleased about this, as it will provide a lasting challenge that hopefully won’t get too frustrating as the deaths never felt cheap or unfair.
Level one of the demo was all about getting used to how the pair controlled. Jumping is weighty and accurate, with Diddy making use of a jetpack for those hard to reach places – he can also carry Donkey and use the jetpack to traverse larger distances.  Both of them can pound on objects such as blocks to reduce them to rubble – hopefully revealing treats. In terms of defeating enemies, Donkey likes to get up close and personal whilst Diddy hangs back and fires pellets from afar. Donkey can also roll up into a ball and fire himself forward very fast – like Sonic the Hedgehog…but a monkey.
At certain points during the level the camera pulled back slightly, and the duo could jump into the background, be it to progress or to pick up a collectible – it was a nice effect.
Level two was a boss fight against ‘Mugly’ – a very odd looking beast with horns on his face. A direct attack quickly reveals that:
- I’m an idiot for trying a direct attack
- Mugly can eat you
Lesson learnt I quickly spotted an ‘X’ on Mugly’s back – and jumping onto, and attacking that ‘X’ causes the beast to take damage, but also speed up. Eventually I triumph and the demo ends.
I had a blast playing Donkey Kong Country Returns – despite its obvious roots it feels fresh, and I can’t wait to try the finished version. The end of the year is going to be an expensive time for Wii owners.
CaptainMurdo
In before Colin: I wasn’t very good at this. I enjoyed it though/ Nice to see Wii games without the gimmicky flicks and waggles. Just buttons and the occasional movement.
Colinbarr66
I wasn’t going to mention that you couldn’t even jump onto a ledge and that you were completely useless.
cc_star
Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Zelda Skyward Sword, Epic Mickey and Donkey Kong Country Returns – Heaven!
yogdog
My idea of hell, if I’m honest.
I prefer more serious games but thats my choosing.
Good to hear wii owners are getting some loving :)
CaptainMurdo
Kirby did look epic but the queue was massive, as was Zelda. DK was enjoyable.
Kennykazey
So many nice Wii games!
We need to HD port them all to ps3, it’s the only way to stop this madness.
deadwelsh
Thought this was a PS3/360 website?
I must have missed the switch to all platforms as i have just noticed the ninetendo and idevice headings in the nav menu
cc_star
Those headings were added a couple of weeks ago, following about a month of multi-format reporting
deadwelsh
sounds about right, was on holiday for 2 weeks about 2 weeks ago!
aerobes
Sounds really cool, I had a Wii when they were first released but eventually sold it to a friend but now with all these super looking games being released, it’s looking like I’m going to have to stump up the readies for a new one. :)