Donkey Kong Country Returns
Template:Infobox Donkey Kong Country Returns is a side-scrolling 2.5D platform game developed by Retro Studios for the Wii. It was released on November 21, 2010 in North America, December 2, 2010 in Australia, December 3, 2010 in Europe, and December 9, 2010 in Japan. It features Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, who travel across the island to retrieve the Banana Hoard. This game is also the sequel to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System game, Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. It is the fourth game in the Donkey Kong Country series. A sequel named Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was released for the Wii U in February 2014.
A remake was later made for the Nintendo 3DS under the name Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, released in 2013. In addition, a port of the game was later released for digital download on the Nintendo eShop for Wii U on January 21-22, 2015 in all regions excluding North America. On March 31, 2016, the digital re-release was made available in North America exclusively for My Nintendo users. The game remains publicly unavailable on the North American Wii U eShop.
Story
On one peaceful day, the volcano of Donkey Kong Island erupts and reawakens the Tiki Tak Tribe from their slumber. For mysterious purposes, the Tikis hypnotize the local wildlife ranging from elephants, giraffes, zebras and squirrels by using their music to bring them every banana in sight. Under their control, Donkey Kong is robbed of his Banana Hoard. Inside DK's Tree House, Diddy Kong notices the Tikis with the bananas. He looks upon the cavern beneath the house and notices that there are no bananas, then angrily chases after them. Donkey Kong then emerges from the house and sees the animals stealing his bananas. However, a Tiki forces him back into the house and attempts to hypnotize him as well, but he is somehow immune to the hypnotic powers of the Tikis. He punches the Tiki through the front door and out of the tree house and immediately sets off for adventure. Donkey Kong reunites himself with Diddy Kong and the two simians head off through the island to recover their precious bananas.
After traveling through various parts of Donkey Kong Island, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong soon encounter the leader of the Tiki Tak Tribe, Tiki Tong. After they defeat him, Tiki Tong's explosion launches them into space. While there, the Kong's knock the moon down to earth, which crushes the Tiki base inside the volcano. This releases the bananas, which sends them and the moon flying out of the volcano. With the statue destroyed, the effects of the hypnosis on the creatures of the island are undone. DK and Diddy are able to land before they crash onto the island, and cheer as their bananas continue to rain from the volcano.
After the credits, a Golden Temple appears on the island. If the Kongs get all the Rare Orbs from the eight Kong Temples, they'll have access to the Golden Temple and its secrets.
Gameplay
Donkey Kong Country Returns is a platformer game. The two playable characters are Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. The animal buddies are Squawks the parrot and Rambi the rhino. Squawks helps find puzzle pieces and Rambi can destroy most enemies and hazards simply by charging into them.
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong can be fired further forward or further back in levels from Barrel Cannons. It is harder to see what is going on when the apes are fired further back.
If the Kongs get hit by an enemy or hit spikes, they will lose some health. If they lose all their health, get hit by waves in the level Tidal Terror or fall into a pit, they will lose a life. If they lose all their lives, it is Game Over.
Time Attack
The Time Attack mode is accessible when any level has been completed at least once. In this mode, the player can earn one of four medals by finishing it in the fastest time possible. The level is always started with only Donkey Kong, even if players have Diddy Kong with them. When the Tutorial Pig finishes the countdown and waves the green flag, the timer and level will officially start. If the Kongs reach the end of the level and hit the Slot Machine Barrel with a checkered flag on it, then the Tutorial Pig will wave it to stop the timer. Then, the player's total time is recorded and a bronze, silver, gold, or shiny gold medal is awarded, depending on how fast the player did in the level. Shiny gold medals require an even faster time than normal gold medals, and their required time is not shown in the game.
Players don't lose lives in Time Attack mode. However, the timer does not reset if players are taken out by enemies, obstacles, or an abyss.
Time Attack mode does not affect the game clear percentage, nor unlocks anything in Extras; as a result, this game mode is completely optional.
Mirror Mode
The treasure that's found in the Golden Temple is a mirror, which unlocks Mirror Mode. In this mode, players can't use inventory items or Diddy Kong, as a result, there's no multiplayer feature. To add to the difficulty, Donkey Kong only gets one hit point, and as such, all recovery hearts are removed. Clearing all the levels in Mirror Mode will unlock some bonus images in the Image Gallery and is necessary for 200% completion.
Controls
This game utilizes two different control schemes, which are the 
by itself, and the with the Nunchuk Attachment, which serves as the primary control scheme.
Wiimote & Nunchuk
Solo & Co-op
and 
: Start Game (At title screen)- : Jump, Ascend (while using the Barrel Jet)
or : Grab barrels, vines, cling patches, Dismount Rambi
or 
: Pause
: Walk, Run, Crouch- Shake: Ground Pound, Blow (while crouching), Roll (while walking/running), Charge (while walking/running on Rambi)
Co-op only
- or (Donkey Kong): Carry Diddy Kong
- or (Diddy Kong): Ride Donkey Kong; Dismount Donkey Kong
Wiimote (horizontal)
Solo & Co-op
: Grab barrels, vines, and cling patches
: Jump; Ascend (while using the Barrel Jet), Start Game (At title screen)- : Pause
- : Pause
: Walk, Run (while holding )
: Crouch, Dismount Rambi (while holding )- Shake: Ground Pound, Blow (while crouching), Roll (while walking/running), Charge (while walking/running on Rambi)
Co-op only
- (Donkey Kong): Carry Diddy Kong (while holding
) - (Diddy Kong): Ride Donkey Kong (while holding ), Dismount Donkey Kong (while holding )
Characters
Main characters
Supporting
Enemies
Tiki enemies
- Tiki Goons
- Tiki Dooms
- Tiki Buzzes
- Tiki Torks
- Flaming Tiki Buzzes
- Tiki Boings
- Tiki Torches
- Tiki Bombers
- Tiki Tanks
- Tiki Zings
- Big Zings
- Tiki Pops
- Tiki Seekers
- Tiki Pilot
Jungle enemies
Beach enemies
Ruins enemies
Cave enemies
Forest enemies
- Chomps
- Mega Chomps
- Shroom Chomps
- Spore Chomps
- Vine Chomps
- Buzzbites
- Cling Cobras
- Skittlers
- Munchers
- Bopapodami
Cliff enemies
Factory enemies
Volcano enemies
Golden Temple enemies
Bosses
- Mugly (hypnotized by Kalimba Tiki)
- Scurvy Crew (hypnotized by the Maraca Tiki Trio)
- Stu (hypnotized by Gong Tiki)
- Mole Miner Max and his Mole Train (hypnotized by Banjo Tiki)
- Mangoruby (hypnotized by Panpipe Tiki)
- Thugly (hypnotized by Xylophone Tiki)
- Colonel Pluck and his Stompybot 3000 (hypnotized by Accordion Tiki)
- Tiki Tong
Other
Items and objects
- Bananas
- Banana Bunches
- Banana Coins
- Barrels
- Minecarts
- K-O-N-G Letters
- Barrel Cannons
- DK Barrels
- Slot Machine Barrels
- Hearts
- Puzzle Pieces
- Auto-Fire Barrels
- Red Balloons
- Bonus Rooms
- Treasure Chests
- Animal Crates
- Rocket Barrels
- Map Keys
- Rare Orbs
- Banana Juices
Worlds and levels
| Worlds and levels | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jungle | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 1-1 | Jungle Hijinxs | 9 | "Jungle Hijinxs" | |
| 1-2 | King of Cling | 7 | "King of Cling" | |
| 1-3 | Tree Top Bop | 5 | "Jungle Hijinxs" | |
| 1-4 | Sunset Shore | 5 | "Palm Tree Groove" | |
| 1-5 | Canopy Cannons | 5 | "King of Cling" | |
| 1-6 | Crazy Cart | 5 | A remixed version of "Mine Cart Cruise" | |
| 1-K | Platform Panic | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 1-B | BOSS LEVEL: Mugly's Mound | 0 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| Beach | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 2-1 | Poppin' Planks | 5 | "Poppin' Planks" | |
| 2-2 | Sloppy Sands | 7 | "Poppin' Planks" "Sloppy Sands" | |
| 2-3 | Peaceful Pier | 5 | A remixed version of "Poppin' Planks" "Mine Menace" | |
| 2-4 | Cannon Cluster | 7 | "Mast Blast" | |
| 2-5 | Stormy Shore | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 2-6 | Blowhole Bound | 5 | "Aquatic Ambiance Returns" (DKCR version) | |
| 2-7 | Tidal Terror | 5 | "Tidal Terror" | |
| 2-K | Tumblin' Temple | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 2-B | BOSS LEVEL: Pinchin' Pirates | 0 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| Ruins | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 3-1 | Wonky Waterway | 7 | "Ruin Rhapsody" | |
| 3-2 | Button Bash | 7 | "Voices of the Temple Returns" | |
| 3-3 | Mast Blast | 7 | "Mast Blast" | |
| 3-4 | Damp Dungeon | 9 | "Ruin Rhapsody" | |
| 3-5 | Itty Bitty Biters | 7 | "Voices of the Temple Returns" | |
| 3-6 | Temple Topple | 5 | "Voices of the Temple Returns" | |
| 3-K | Shifty Smashers | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 3-B | BOSS LEVEL: Ruined Roost | 0 | "Savory Stu" | |
| Cave | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 4-1 | Rickety Rails | 5 | "Rickety Rails" | |
| 4-2 | Grip 'n' Trip | 5 | "Mine Cart Cruise" | |
| 4-3 | Bombs Away | 5 | "Rickety Rails" | |
| 4-4 | Mole Patrol | 5 | A version of "Red Rockin'" that lacks the chorus | |
| 4-5 | Crowded Cavern | 5 | "Mine Menace" | |
| 4-K | Jagged Jewels | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 4-B | BOSS LEVEL: Mole Train | 0 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| Forest | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 5-1 | Vine Valley | 7 | "Forest Frenzy Returns" | |
| 5-2 | Clingy Swingy | 5 | "King of Cling" | |
| 5-3 | Flutter Flyaway | 7 | "Treetop Rock Returns" | |
| 5-4 | Tippin' Totems | 7 | "Forest Frenzy Returns" | |
| 5-5 | Longshot Launch | 7 | "Treetop Rock Returns" | |
| 5-6 | Springy Spores | 7 | "King of Cling" | |
| 5-7 | Wigglevine Wonders | 7 | "Forest Frenzy Returns" | |
| 5-8 | Muncher Marathon | 5 | "Treetop Rock Returns" A cover of "Forest Frenzy Returns" | |
| 5-K | Blast & Bounce | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 5-B | BOSS LEVEL: Mangoruby Run | 0 | "Mangoruby Rush" | |
| Cliff | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 6-1 | Sticky Situation | 9 | "Sticky Situation" | |
| 6-2 | Prehistoric Path | 5 | "Clifftop Concert" "Prehistoric Path" | |
| 6-3 | Weighty Way | 5 | "Boulder Roller" | |
| 6-4 | Boulder Roller | 7 | "Clifftop Concert" A cover of "Sticky Situation" | |
| 6-5 | Precarious Plateau | 5 | "Boulder Roller" | |
| 6-6 | Crumble Canyon | 9 | "Clifftop Concert" | |
| 6-7 | Tippy Shippy | 5 | "Clifftop Concert" | |
| 6-8 | Clifftop Climb | 5 | "Sticky Situation" | |
| 6-K | Perilous Passage | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 6-B | BOSS LEVEL: Thugly's Highrise | 0 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| Factory | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 7-1 | Foggy Fumes | 7 | "Palm Tree Groove" | |
| 7-2 | Slammin' Steel | 5 | "Factory Friction" | |
| 7-3 | Handy Hazards | 7 | "Factory Friction" | |
| 7-4 | Gear Getaway | 7 | "Factory Friction" | |
| 7-5 | Cog Jog | 9 | "Life in the Mines Returns" | |
| 7-6 | Switcheroo | 5 | A remixed version of "Life in the Mines Returns", with cyber-punk beats added | |
| 7-7 | Music Madness | 5 | "Automatic Action" | |
| 7-R | Lift-off Launch | 0 | "Factory Friction" | |
| 7-K | Treacherous Track | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 7-B | BOSS LEVEL: Feather Fiend | 0 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| Volcano | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 8-1 | Furious Fire | 5 | "Burnin' Bop" | |
| 8-2 | Hot Rocket | 5 | "Mine Menace" | |
| 8-3 | Roasting Rails | 5 | "Lava Blitz" | |
| 8-4 | Smokey Peak | 5 | A remixed version of "Palm Tree Groove" | |
| 8-5 | Bobbing Basalt | 7 | "Burnin' Bop" | |
| 8-6 | Moving Melters | 5 | "Burnin' Bop" | |
| 8-7 | Red Red Rising | 5 | "Burnin' Bop" | |
| 8-K | Five Monkey Trial | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
| 8-B | BOSS LEVEL: Tiki Tong Terror | 0 | "Red Rockin'" "Tiki Tong Song" | |
| Golden Temple | ||||
| Level number | Level name | Number of Puzzle Pieces in the level | Music theme | |
| 9-1 | Golden Temple | 5 | Template:Conjecturaltext | |
Marketing and release
To promote the game, Nintendo partnered Chiquita to cross-promote the game for a limited time by having Donkey Kong promotion stickers on their bananas. In addition, an online contest was set up asking people to upload three photos of themselves doing the "Donkey Kong dance" for a chance to win one of thirty-one prizes.[1] Nintendo also partnered with Johnny Rockets to rebrand their Chocolate Banana Shake as the "Donkey Kong Chocolate Banana Shake" for a limited time. In addition, the promotion ties in with a sweepstakes for a chance to win a copy of the game.[2]
In the United Kingdom, select Game and Gamestation stores were chosen to promote the game at launch by trading a handful of bananas in exchange for the copy of the game. The first twenty customers that arrive at the store are guaranteed to get the game.[3]
Nintendo of Australia promoted the game before launch by having game demo in two locations: The Nintendo Connection at Myer department store, Sydney City in November 27, and The Nintendo Experience at EB Games, Swanston Street, Melbourne in November 28. The first two-hundred people who sampled the game received a special Donkey Kong Poster.[4] They celebrated the launch of the game by holding an event in Circular Quay, located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia in the afternoon. It featured a tower of bananas with a sign next to it saying "Kong's Banana Hoard", along with a variety of banana-based foods. The staff kept the public entertained with trivia questions; answering them correctly will be rewarded with a free Donkey Kong shirt. At night time, the main event began with the showing of the video game from the projector; giving people a chance to play the game.[5]
Development
Donkey Kong Country Returns development started after several core developers of the Metroid Prime series left Retro Studios, which made several executives skeptical of whether the developer could keep making high-quality games.[6] At the same time, Shigeru Miyamoto wanted to make a new Donkey Kong Country game and suggested Retro Studios as its developer. Since many Retro Studios employees were fans of the series, the suggestion was welcomed enthusiastically by them.[6]
Development started out slow, with the developers creating only two of the eight bosses during 2009.[6] The pace fastened around 2010, as the team increased in size and after E3, as Retro Studios and Nintendo eventually agreed on how the levels should be designed.[6]
Kensuke Tanabe, who had worked on the localization of the original Donkey Kong Country, and his assistant Risa Tabata supervised Retro Studios during development, giving their opinions on the level designs and requesting enemies to be changed. Tanabe also asked for the creation of a multiplayer mode to distinguish the game from Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.[6] Shigeru Miyamoto also gave input, such as requesting that the music not be changed.[6]
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
- Main article: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
The game was remade for the Nintendo 3DS titled as Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. Aside from the graphical change, the remake features additional new content, such as an easier mode and all-new levels.
Gallery
Staff
- Main article: List of Donkey Kong Country Returns staff
Glitches
Template:Conjecturaltext
The player must go to an area in a level with a DK Barrel and at least one enemy without Diddy Kong. The player must grab the DK Barrel and wait the enemy to approach Donkey Kong. When the enemy is almost touching him, throw the barrel so that it breaks before Donkey Kong gets damaged. If done correctly, Diddy gets on Donkey Kong's back and two extra hearts appear in the health HUD, but one of the main hearts is empty, while it naturally would refill when the barrel breaks.
Template:Conjecturaltext
When visiting Cranky Kong's Shop, the game may freeze during transitions, such as when buying items or even entering the shop.[7] This can sometimes be fixed by entering and exiting the Home Menu.[8]
Official soundtrack
- Main article: Donkey Kong Returns Original Sound Track
An original soundtrack that is based on the game is released only in Japan for Club Nintendo members. It has twenty-five songs from the game.
References to other games
- Game & Watch series: Mr. Game & Watch can be seen in one part in the background of Foggy Fumes.
- Donkey Kong: The original 25m level can be seen in one part in the background of Foggy Fumes. Also, in the level Wonky Waterway, a statue of Donkey Kong with his appearance in this game holding a Wii Remote can be seen. Moreover, in some secret temple levels, some pillars and platforms have paintings that resemble the stages of the arcade game.
- Donkey Kong Jr.: The music of the sky area of the Golden Temple is a remix of the title and stage themes.
- Donkey Kong Country: The main theme of Donkey Kong Country Returns, as well as other pieces, are remixed versions of this game's themes. Also Cranky Kong is seen sitting in a rocking chair as he does in this game plus some of his quotes were of those that originated here. Just like in the original, Returns features bonus stages in levels in certain areas instead of Bonus Barrels and players have a one shot chance at beating them also like in the original.
- Donkey Kong Jungle Beat: Some sound effects are borrowed from this game. Also, DK's finishing beating of the world's Tiki after a boss fight is reminiscent of some battles from this game.
- New Super Mario Bros. Wii: The level pads look identical to those from this game, even using the same colors. Also, both games have Super Guide. The Worlds 5 ; 6 ; 8 and 9 between these two games are respectively similar and have the same theme.
- Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest: Ship levels and volcano levels in the series were first seen in this game. Banana coins make a return. Returns' End of level barrel has a similar function to this games' End of Level Target in that they both release prizes depending on what a player chooses.
- Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble: When Diddy gets on Donkey Kong for the continuous roll attack might have been inspired from when Dixie gets on Kiddy Kong and rides him around. Also the concept of Rocket Barrels originated from this game although they were used a little differently.
- Donkey Kong 64: Diddy's jetpack ability originated here. Additionally, when in multiplayer facing either Mugly or Thugly, the player can have Diddy shoot peanuts at them, making them eat the peanuts and be distracted.
References in later games
- Mario Kart 7: The DK Jungle course is based on Donkey Kong Country Returns.
- Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon: In Treacherous Mansion, Strong Greenies have spears decorated with masks resembling the Kalimba Tiki.
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: This game features many elements from Donkey Kong Country Returns, due to it being a follower of the game.
- Mario Golf: World Tour: The DK Jungle golf course is heavily based on this game. Donkey Kong's Albatross, Hole-in-One and Eagle celebrations feature him in a silhouetted jungle setting referencing the silhouette levels that appeared in this game.
- Mario Kart 8: DK Jungle returns as a retro course and some enemies are seen there.
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS: Tiki Buzzes appears as enemies in Smash Run. The music theme "Gear Getaway" is remixed from this game. Several trophies are also taken from this game.
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: Jungle Hijinxs appears as a new stage. The stage features "dual-plane battling", with fighters being able to travel between the foreground and background with Barrel Cannons that appear on the stage. Screaming Pillars also appear as obstacles. Several pieces of music are either directly taken or remixed from this game.
Names in other languages
Trivia
- At the game's release, those who pre-ordered Donkey Kong Country Returns at GameStop in the United States or Canada received a special banana-shaped Wii Remote pouch with the game's logo printed on it.
- If Donkey Kong does nothing for a long time while standing, he will look around, and sit to play what appears to be a Nintendo DS Lite. While he is playing, button sounds and a sound effect from the first Donkey Kong arcade game can be heard. Moments later, he throws the DS behind him, and it quickly fades away.
- Shortly before the game's release in North America, Nintendo tried to trademark the pop culture phrase "It's on like Donkey Kong!"[9]
- Unlike the first two Donkey Kong Country games and Donkey Kong 64, Diddy cannot be controlled in single player. His purpose is allowing Donkey Kong to hover for a while, as well as providing two extra hit points.
- Donkey Kong Country Returns is one of the Puzzle Swap panels in the StreetPass Mii Plaza app for the Nintendo 3DS.
References
- ^ GoNintendo: Official PR - Chiquita and Nintendo team up for Donkey Kong Country Returns cross-promotion, dated 1/26/11; retrieved 1/27/11
- ^ GoNintendo: Johnny Rockets starts 'Donkey Kong Chocolate Banana Shake' promo contest, dated 11/14/10; retrieved 1/27/11
- ^ Official Nintendo Magazine: Fans buy Donkey Kong Country Returns with bananas, dated 12/3/10; retrieved 1/27/11
- ^ GoNintendo: Nintendo of Australia - Be The First To Play Donkey Kong Country Returns, dated 11/18/10; retrieved 1/27/11
- ^ Aussie-Nintendo: That's a lot of bananas - Sydney's DKCR launch event, dated 12/4/10; retrieved 1/27/11
- ^ a b c d e f Iwata Asks: Donkey Kong Country Returns (accessed March 08 2012)
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyZc381WElY&index=10&list=PLVimAd1p9OoBXBcQOkAMEoszUxVRhq8i0
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3aEkYJQhvE&index=21&list=PLVimAd1p9OoBXBcQOkAMEoszUxVRhq8i0
- ^ http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-10/tech/on.like.donkey.kong_1_nintendo-claims-nintendo-super-nes-video-game-characters?_s=PM:TECH
External links
- Official American Website
- Official Australian Website
- Official European Website
- Official Japanese Website
