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  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
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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. 

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