Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • SFX
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
View
Trending
  • Summer Game Fest
  • New games for 2025
  • Upcoming Switch 2 games
  • Switch 2 stock
Recommended reading
Diddy Kong in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Donkey Kong After being MIA from Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza trailers, Nintendo confirms Diddy Kong is still kicking with a new design his original creator says looks "better than ever"
King K Rool
Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect time to bring back an AWOL villain, and I'm already uncovering conspiracies that say our favorite crocodile will turn up
Donkey Kong Bananza screenshot of DK with his purple companion Odd Rock sitting on his shoulder
Platforming Games Nintendo made sickos like me wait 26 years, but Donkey Kong Bananza's 3D platforming exceeds my wildest dreams
Donkey Kong Bananza key art with DK in blue overalls
Donkey Kong Donkey Kong creator Shigeru Miyamoto explains the big ape's redesign was all in service of making him "more expressive"
Donkey Kong punches towards the screen in Donkey King Bananaza with a big, mischievous grin on his expressive face
Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Bananza feels like a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey to me, and it couldn't be in better monkey paws
Donkey Kong Bananza gamesradar+ summer preview 2025 DK and Pauline looking scared
Platforming Games Donkey Kong Bananza is a destructive delight that's basically Super Mario Odyssey+, and I can't believe it wasn't a Switch 2 launch title
Screenshot of Donkey Kong and Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza.
Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Bananza features a young Pauline, immediately raising lore implications and many questions about the very serious DK timeline
  1. Games
  2. Platformer
  3. Donkey Kong
  4. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

Cranky Kong's still got it in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Features
By Lucas Sullivan published 18 December 2013

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Old Kong, new tricks

Old Kong, new tricks

For years, Cranky Kong has berated me from the sidelines, prattling on about how easy I've got it and how shameful it is that I need his advice and/or item supply. I was beginning to think that the wrinkly old gorilla was all talk--but judging from my hands-on time in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the geezer can still hop and bop with the best of 'em.

Cranky is the third buddy in Tropical Freeze, joining Diddy and Dixie as DK's sidekicks in the Retro Studios-made sequel. Like DKC Returns, this is still a lovingly difficult platformer, overflowing with devilishly tricky jumps and carefully hidden secrets (the latter of which constantly triggered my OCD tendencies to find everything in a given level). Diddy's got a jetpack and Dixie can get airborne with her ponytail--so what's Cranky's gimmick? Turns out, that cane is good for more than simply shaking at Donkey Kong during a cantankerous rant.

Like another certain anthropomorphic curmudgeon, Cranky Kong can utilize his cane as a pogo stick, bouncing on enemies' heads and dangerous terrain alike. His special ability is especially handy in spike-filled levels; I narrowly avoided death by bramble pit thanks to Cranky on numerous occasions. It's definitely more difficult to pair up with Cranky, given that his lack of air maneuverability makes precision jumps even more demanding. But if you can master the timing of his nimble cane jumps, teaming up with Cranky Kong may be the quickest way to blast through levels.

Of course, I got to see much more than just Cranky. Check out the following screenshots (and don't forget to maximize them) for additional info!

Page 1 of 16
Page 1 of 16
In co-op, Player 2 can take one of DK's buddies for a solo excursion

In co-op, Player 2 can take one of DK's buddies for a solo excursion

Page 2 of 16
Page 2 of 16
Each stage is riddled with lush details, like the planewreck in the background

Each stage is riddled with lush details, like the planewreck in the background

Page 3 of 16
Page 3 of 16
Not every backdrop feels tropical, either--the Autumn island has some truly awesome settings with nary a palm tree in sight

Not every backdrop feels tropical, either--the Autumn island has some truly awesome settings with nary a palm tree in sight

Page 4 of 16
Page 4 of 16
Diddy has his peanut gun; it's only fair that Dixie gets to shoot gumballs

Diddy has his peanut gun; it's only fair that Dixie gets to shoot gumballs

Page 5 of 16
Page 5 of 16
They're not Tikis per say, but many of the enemies exhibit similar attack patterns as those seen in Donkey Kong Country Returns

They're not Tikis per say, but many of the enemies exhibit similar attack patterns as those seen in Donkey Kong Country Returns

Page 6 of 16
Page 6 of 16
Dixie's gleeful squeals as she leaps around are infectiously cheerful

Dixie's gleeful squeals as she leaps around are infectiously cheerful

Page 7 of 16
Page 7 of 16
DK would get roasted if he tried to jump on these fiery, prickly baddies, but Cranky can just cane bounce them into oblivion

DK would get roasted if he tried to jump on these fiery, prickly baddies, but Cranky can just cane bounce them into oblivion

Page 8 of 16
Page 8 of 16
Waggle controls with the Wiimote and Nunchuk are still an option--but thankfully, they're no longer a requirement

Waggle controls with the Wiimote and Nunchuk are still an option--but thankfully, they're no longer a requirement

Page 9 of 16
Page 9 of 16
Cranky Kong deals with opponents as any old geezer would: by smacking them across the head with his walking stick

Cranky Kong deals with opponents as any old geezer would: by smacking them across the head with his walking stick

Page 10 of 16
Page 10 of 16
Here's another example of a very un-jungle theme: a stage that revolves around giant, incredibly bouncy jelly cubes

Here's another example of a very un-jungle theme: a stage that revolves around giant, incredibly bouncy jelly cubes

Page 11 of 16
Page 11 of 16
Timing your jelly jumps can be extremely tricky--I'll admit, they killed me many a time

Timing your jelly jumps can be extremely tricky--I'll admit, they killed me many a time

Page 12 of 16
Page 12 of 16
Every band of viking animals needs at least one hammer-wielding polar bear

Every band of viking animals needs at least one hammer-wielding polar bear

Page 13 of 16
Page 13 of 16
You'll be sorely missing Diddy and Dixie's floaty jumps when you have to hop on tiny platforms with Cranky in tow

You'll be sorely missing Diddy and Dixie's floaty jumps when you have to hop on tiny platforms with Cranky in tow

Page 14 of 16
Page 14 of 16
The name of this dastardly band of viking animals, by the way? Snowmads. Retro Studios: masters of the pun arts

The name of this dastardly band of viking animals, by the way? Snowmads. Retro Studios: masters of the pun arts

Page 15 of 16
Page 15 of 16
With Cranky Kong taking part in the action, who's going to man the item shop? FUNKY KONG IS BACK, BABY!

With Cranky Kong taking part in the action, who's going to man the item shop? FUNKY KONG IS BACK, BABY!

Page 16 of 16
Page 16 of 16
CATEGORIES
Wii-u Platforms Nintendo
Lucas Sullivan
Lucas Sullivan
Social Links Navigation

Lucas Sullivan is the former US Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. Lucas spent seven years working for GR, starting as an Associate Editor in 2012 before climbing the ranks. He left us in 2019 to pursue a career path on the other side of the fence, joining 2K Games as a Global Content Manager. Lucas doesn't get to write about games like Borderlands and Mafia anymore, but he does get to help make and market them. 

See more Platform Features
Read more
Diddy Kong in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
After being MIA from Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza trailers, Nintendo confirms Diddy Kong is still kicking with a new design his original creator says looks "better than ever"
King K Rool
Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect time to bring back an AWOL villain, and I'm already uncovering conspiracies that say our favorite crocodile will turn up
Donkey Kong Bananza screenshot of DK with his purple companion Odd Rock sitting on his shoulder
Nintendo made sickos like me wait 26 years, but Donkey Kong Bananza's 3D platforming exceeds my wildest dreams
Donkey Kong Bananza key art with DK in blue overalls
Donkey Kong creator Shigeru Miyamoto explains the big ape's redesign was all in service of making him "more expressive"
Donkey Kong punches towards the screen in Donkey King Bananaza with a big, mischievous grin on his expressive face
Donkey Kong Bananza feels like a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey to me, and it couldn't be in better monkey paws
Donkey Kong Bananza gamesradar+ summer preview 2025 DK and Pauline looking scared
Donkey Kong Bananza is a destructive delight that's basically Super Mario Odyssey+, and I can't believe it wasn't a Switch 2 launch title
Latest in Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Bananza Donkey Kong looking angry with his arms raised
Nintendo relents, confirms Donkey Kong Bananza is being made by the Super Mario Odyssey team after weeks of fans guessing just that
Donkey Kong sat on a boardwalk, raising a single finger with his back to the camera.
New $35 Donkey Kong cushion also comes with what fans are calling a "banana hole", but I don't think people are going to use the 15-inch plush in the way Nintendo intends
King K Rool
Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect time to bring back an AWOL villain, and I'm already uncovering conspiracies that say our favorite crocodile will turn up
Donkey Kong with prominent buttcheeks sitting on a boardwalk
Donkey Kong Country's 90s cartoon is now free to watch on YouTube if you fancy seeing the peak of musical cartoons and early motion-captured CGI
Donkey Kong Bananza screenshot shows DK and Pauline looking around an area shrouded in green light.
Donkey Kong Bananza is bringing back the DK Rap, but after going uncredited for the seminal hip hop classic in the Mario Movie, the song's composer wasn't aware it was returning in the Switch 2 game
Donkey Kong Bananza screenshot of DK with his purple companion Odd Rock sitting on his shoulder
The next big Switch 2 exclusive Donkey Kong Bananza is playable on Switch 1 after all, you just need a friend kind enough to share it to your dusty old relic of a console
Latest in Features
All-New Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider #1
Spider-Gwen's new comic introduces her own personal symbiote villain, Tantrum: "Tantrum is the embodiment of everything Gwen was trying to leave behind"
A screenshot from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 showing Maelle fighting an enemy.
I accidentally became a god in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and it broke combat so badly that I had to nerf myself to keep things fun even on Expert mode
Multiple Jans discuss their situation in The Alters
My current GOTY contender sold itself to me with an out-of-nowhere musical number, and I can't praise that choice enough
Death Stranding
6 years too late, I bring lukewarm takes: Death Stranding rules, and we should all play more games outside of our comfort zone
María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer
James Gunn's Superman may be setting up The Authority movie with its enigmatic villain The Engineer
Sam sits in a bike looking across at a city in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
70 hours in, Death Stranding 2 is one of few open world games that justifies having such a huge map
  1. Sam fires at the ghost mech squid boss in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
    1
    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review: "This tarpunk delivery epic is more Metal Gear Solid than ever, for better and worse"
  2. 2
    Rematch review: "As with Rocket League, the just-one-more-game pull is magnetic"
  3. 3
    Tron: Catalyst review: "Disc slinging is a thrill in this gorgeous rendition of the series, but I'm let down by a time-loop story that falls flat"
  4. 4
    FBC: Firebreak review: "A disappointingly bland multiplayer FPS that's missing far too much of what made Control special"
  5. 5
    Dune: Awakening review: "Both extremely compelling and extraordinarily boring, sometimes at the same time – yet still a true Dune love letter"
  1. A T-rex in Jurassic World Rebirth
    1
    Jurassic World Rebirth Review: "An unscary sequel that needed a little more time in amber"
  2. 2
    M3GAN 2.0 review: "A bold sequel with a slightly underwhelming conclusion"
  3. 3
    28 Years Later Review: "Enough terror, splatter and suspense to satisfy”
  4. 4
    Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
  5. 5
    From the World of John Wick: Ballerina review: "Brilliant action, even if the plot gives you a sense of déjà vu"
  1. Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3
    1
    Squid Game season 3 review: "A staggeringly excellent final season wraps up one of the greatest Netflix shows ever"
  2. 2
    Ironheart review: "A relic of Marvel's content-at-all-costs era"
  3. 3
    Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 review: "The show's most assured run of episodes to date"
  4. 4
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 8 spoiler review: 'The Reality War' is "a mix of the good, the bad, and the truly baffling"
  5. 5
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 7 spoiler review: 'Wish World' is "an exciting and ambitious" start to the season finale, with hints of WandaVision

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...