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King K Rool
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  1. Games
  2. Platformer
  3. Donkey Kong
  4. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong pummels penguins in frosty island adventure

Features
By Henry Gilbert published 12 June 2013

Donkey Kong Country returns again

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Can't keep a good ape down

Can't keep a good ape down

Donkey Kong Country seemed to be a forgotten series of Nintendos until the franchises blockbuster comeback on the Wii with Donkey Kong Country Returns. Now just a few weeks after that sidescrolling, banana-collecting adventure was remade for the 3DS, developer Retro Studios has a brand new journey in Donkey Kong Country. However, this time the developers seem to be in a much more experimental mood for the Wii Us Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

As the name suggest, DKs newest challenge on his island paradise is an army of artic animals that are out to conquer the Kongs lovely landmass. The controls from the previous game are back, meaning you use the Wii Nunchucks analogue stick to move, the A button on the Wii Remote to jump, and waggling those two controllers to attack. Though we arent in love with that set-up, the update to the graphics cushioned the blow some. The Wii Us HD graphics look fantastic on not just the characters, but on the diverse settings of the levels.

And the game takes great pains to take the camera all over the stage via the many more cinematic moments peppered through the stages we played. Run and jump platforming made up the majority of the action, but every now and then DK would hop into a cannon barrel that would blast DK all over the stage. The scenes reminded us of Sonic the Hedgehog bouncing around a stage, but we had some control of the ape during the action. After a comeback, some time off, and the reported returns of Dixie Kong and composer David Wise, the writer of many of the most iconic songs in the series. Tropical Freeze definitely seems more ambitious than simply recapturing the magic of the 1990s. Well have a better chance of judging when its released this November.\

Keep reading to learn more about the games with the accompanying annoted slides.

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of 9
Winter is coming. Oh, wait. It already came.

Winter is coming. Oh, wait. It already came.

Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
Though we only got a taste of it, the sequel boasts the return of underwater stage.

Though we only got a taste of it, the sequel boasts the return of underwater stage.

Page 3 of 9
Page 3 of 9
Also not present in the demo, Dixie Kong makes her long-awaited return in Tropical Freeze.

Also not present in the demo, Dixie Kong makes her long-awaited return in Tropical Freeze.

Page 4 of 9
Page 4 of 9
Some of these stages might cause early distress.

Some of these stages might cause early distress.

Page 5 of 9
Page 5 of 9
It's the wreckage the cute but tenacious arctic enemies you face throughout the game.

It's the wreckage the cute but tenacious arctic enemies you face throughout the game.

Page 6 of 9
Page 6 of 9
One of the earlier levels give players a taste of the underwater wonders the game has in store.

One of the earlier levels give players a taste of the underwater wonders the game has in store.

Page 7 of 9
Page 7 of 9
It wouldn't be a Donkey Kong without a mine cart stage.

It wouldn't be a Donkey Kong without a mine cart stage.

Page 8 of 9
Page 8 of 9
We're betting that's a new enemy, but could this be the actual leader of the anemey troops, right? He seems too small.

We're betting that's a new enemy, but could this be the actual leader of the anemey troops, right? He seems too small.

Page 9 of 9
Page 9 of 9
CATEGORIES
Wii-u Platforms Nintendo
Henry Gilbert
Henry Gilbert
Social Links Navigation

Henry Gilbert is a former GamesRadar+ Editor, having spent seven years at the site helping to navigate our readers through the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. Henry is now following another passion of his besides video games, working as the producer and podcast cohost of the popular Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts. 

See more Platform Features
Read more
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 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 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
Diddy Kong in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
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Screenshot of Donkey Kong and Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza.
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