1001 Video Games: DKC Tropical Freeze by Regulas314 on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Developer(s): Retro Studios / Year: 2014-2018 / Genre: 2.5D Platformer / Console(s): Wii U, Nintendo Switch

Beat Goal: Defeat the Snowmad Leader / 100% Goal: Collect all K-O-N-G letters, collect all puzzle pieces, unlock all secret levels

This game is pure bliss! The return of a classic Donkey Kong platformer is something I’ve longed for since Rareware went out the door to Microsoft; I never thought we’d have that magic again, much less from the Metroid Prime people? Get out of here! Metroid Prime was amazing, but this being so far out of that comfort zone is what amazes me more. Keeping the game fun and whimsical with the tone of the original trilogy is what I admire.

I have to respect Miyamoto’s decision to keep David Wise’s original tracks for both this and Returns to better give off that vibe. Even with Kenji Yamamoto (not the Dragon Ball plagiarist) bringing up the rear ith his own amazing tracks this is just a wonderful game to listen to on its own. Donkey Kong Country Returns was by itself an a amzing game bringing the Big Dong back into the limelight after over 10 years, but this did everything that did and did it BIGGER!

In all of DK, Cranky and ESPECIALLY Funky Kong have never been playable before even as second hitpoints so it adds an extra layer of that Kong Family bliss to the game. It makes the option of a Two-Player game feel that much more freeing and versatile being able to use more than just Diddy. And yes, Funky being platabale in the Switch port was enough to make me double dip. People say he makes the game too easy, but I’m inclined to disagree as the challenge of trying not to miss your mark or slip is still prevalent even with Funky at the helm. Just because he can stand on spikes and hover doesn’t make him invincible.

If the original Returns game was FATE to have been made for its circumstances, this game was a MIRACLE! I’ve never seen or handled DK in such a smooth engine before this. The game always feels fair with how it can trip you up, while you may die A LOT lives aren’t uncommon and eventually you’ll amass more coins than you know what to do with; even extra hitpoints it can make the game rather redundant in this regard.

For me, I never found the need to use the Shop for anything barring emergencies, it just feels tacky. But the bonus items like Squawk are welcome for those less diligent. Speaking of Squawk, barring him and Rambi I really wish more animal buddies made it into the game... I miss riding around on a giant spider... Enguarde would have greatly improved the swimming mechanics in the game, Ill tell you that much. I seriously wish the hadn’t gone with air bubbles like in Sonic the Hedgehog... at times the swimming, ironically enough feels like I’m an ape trying to maneuver a minefield... even with Funkys snorkel...

Have I mentioned this game is beautiful? The detailed fur on the Kongs (courtesy of Satoru Iwata) was a magnificent touch alongside the more vibrant atmosphere. My favorite stages as you can see are the silhouette levels like Busted Bayou which also has my favrote track in the game alongside tracks like the remixed Stickerbush Symphony and Mountain Mania; this game probably has my FAVORITE soundtrack of any Donkey Kong game which says an awful lot.

What I have to respect is variety in this game; not just in how vast the levels are from a flaming savanna, a fruit factory or Holland, but the plot as well. Different from the Kremling Coup of the original trilogy like Returns this plot is kicked off by evil penguins and their arctic army taking over the lush Donkey Kong Island and making it into an icy Hell. People bring up the German Comic Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24 for inspiration but you know what this remind me of? An episode of Kirby: Right Back At Ya! I’m serious, Kirby did this EXACT PLOT in its anime over 11 years beforehand! Even without Rare I have to say the big ape is back on to where he belongs!

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is owned by Nintendo.

1001 Video Games is from MrEnter.

Regulas314