Donkey Kong Country Returns

This article is about the 2010 Wii game. For the Nintendo 3DS version, see Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. For the microgame from WarioWare: Get It Together!, see Donkey Kong Country Returns (microgame).

Donkey Kong Country Returns
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer	Retro Studios Nintendo SPD Group No.3
Publisher	Nintendo
Platform(s)	Wii, Wii U, Nvidia Shield
Release date	Original release: Template:Release Nintendo Selects: Template:Release Wii U (digital download): Template:ReleaseNvidia Shield: Template:Release[?]
Genre	Platformer
Rating(s)	ESRB: - Everyone PEGI: - Three years and older CERO: - All ages ACB: - General
Mode(s)	Single-player, Multiplayer cooperative
Input	Wii: Wii Remote Wii Remote and Nunchuk

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a side-scrolling 2.5D platform game developed by Retro Studios and released for the Wii in 2010. It is the fourth game in the Donkey Kong Country series and a reboot. The game stars Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, who must recover the banana hoard from a new group of villains, the Tiki Tak Tribe. In 2014, a sequel was released for the Wii U, titled Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

In 2013, the game was ported to the Nintendo 3DS, titled Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. The original Wii game was later released for digital download on the Nintendo eShop for the Wii U on January 21-22, 2015 in all regions except North America. On March 31, 2016, the digital re-release was made available in North America exclusively for My Nintendo users. The game was later made publicly available on the North American Wii U eShop on September 22, 2016.

On July 4, 2019 at approximately 9 pm UTC+8, the game was silently released on the Chinese Nvidia Shield store without any prior notice from Nvidia's Chinese website or its social media accounts. Unlike the other Wii/GameCube ports, this game was never advertised by Nvidia and was only known to exist by approval information from government websites. Nvidia eventually posted about the game on July 12 at 3:13 pm UTC+8.

Story

The animals are hypnotized to steal Donkey Kong's bananas

One day on Donkey Kong Island, a large stream of lava erupts from a volcano sending out small boulders. A tower emerges from the eruption as well as the rest of the Tiki Tak Tribe from the boulders sent out from the blast. The Tikis drift down into the jungle, where they hypnotize the wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and squirrels. The Tikis' minions steal every banana from the banana hoard and load them onto large leaves pulled through the jungle and then taken onto an airship soon after. Diddy looks out of a window from DK's Tree House and spots the animals with the stolen bananas in the distance. Diddy goes down to check the banana hoard and realizes no bananas are left, and then angrily chases the thieves. Donkey Kong awakens and opens the tree house door, noticing the last few loads of bananas being stolen. Donkey Kong shakes his fist in anger. One of the Tikis' high-ranking members suddenly appears and pushes Donkey Kong back into his tree house. It attempts to hypnotize Donkey Kong multiple times, but he remains unaffected by it for unknown reasons. Donkey Kong punches the Tiki and sends it out the front door, Donkey Kong then jumps down from his tree house and starts his new adventure. Diddy joins along once Donkey Kong frees him from a DK Barrel.

After traversing the island's many regions, the Kongs come face-to-face with Tiki Tong, who turns the stolen bananas into banana juice and spews it on each high-ranking member of the Tiki Tak Tribe to transform them into a pair of hands. After defeating Tiki Tong, a resulting explosion sends the Kongs into outer space. The Kongs panic and realize they are about to crash into the moon. Donkey Kong puts Diddy on his back, and with the help of the Barrel Jet and his wind-up punch, the Kongs send the moon down to earth, which destroys the Tikis' base. The bananas are released in a explosion, which sends the Kongs and the moon flying out of the volcano. With the Tiki Tak Tribe defeated, the animals on Donkey Kong Island are freed from their hypnosis. Donkey Kong and Diddy land back on the island and celebrate their victory as the bananas 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 can access the Golden Temple.

Gameplay

Donkey Kong Country Returns plays similarly to the earlier Donkey Kong Country installments. The player controls Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, who can use various moves such as jumping and rolling to defeat enemies and progress in a level. Some abilities were newly introduced in the game. The Kongs can perform clinging to move across green surfaces. The Ground Pound move involves Donkey Kong hitting the ground, which he must do on certain objects, such as switches, to progress in the level.

Unlike the previous Donkey Kong Country titles, Donkey Kong and Diddy each have two hearts to represent their health status. If both Kongs are together, the health counter has a total of four hearts, two per Kong. When a Kong touches an enemy or spikes, they lose one heart. If the Kongs lose all of their hearts, they lose an extra life. If the Kongs crash into an object while riding a Rocket Barrel or a Mine Cart, get hit by waves in the level Tidal Terror, or fall into a pit, water, or lava, they instantly lose a life. If Donkey Kong and Diddy lose all of their lives, the player gets a Game Over.

The Kongs can get an extra life if they collect 100 bananas or a Red Balloon, or by jumping on eight consecutive enemies in a row (just like the Super Mario series). Banana Coins are another common item throughout the levels, and they allow the Kongs to purchase items from Cranky Kong's Shop. K-O-N-G Letters also return in every level, and they are mandatory to collect for a perfect completion score. The game introduces Puzzle Pieces, a few of which appear in every regular level. If the Kongs collect every Puzzle Piece in a level, the player unlocks something in the Extras menu.

The level checkpoints are each represented by a Tutorial Pig at a booth, with some levels having more than one checkpoint. If the Kongs lose eight lives in a level, the Tutorial Pig gives them the option of using Super Kong, who automatically plays through the level. However, none of the collected items are added to the inventory, and when Super Kong completes a level, it stays red from the overworld unless Donkey Kong and Diddy complete it themselves, causing it to turn blue.

Modes

1 Player

In 1 Player mode, the player controls Donkey Kong. If he is by himself, Donkey Kong can throw a DK Barrel to release Diddy, who hops Donkey Kong's back. When Diddy is with Donkey Kong, he can briefly make them hover in midair by using his Barrel Jet. He can also use Donkey Kong for the Kong Roll ability, allowing them to roll into many enemies and go through a straight plain in a level quicker. If the Kongs take two hits while Diddy is on Donkey Kong, the player loses Diddy.

2 Players

In 2 Players mode, the second player controls Diddy Kong. They can control him independently from Donkey Kong, or keep Diddy on Donkey Kong's back. When independent, Diddy can still use his Barrel Jet and also has the ability to cartwheel and use his Peanut Popgun to stun enemies. Diddy has his own version of ground pounding, the Popgun Pound. Diddy is slightly faster and is more agile than Donkey Kong. In the mode, both players share the same stash of balloons, meaning if one of the players survives and the second player runs out of lives, they can only be brought back by a DK Barrel.

The 2-Player Cooperative Mode allows Diddy to be present without Donkey Kong.

Mirror Mode

Jungle Hijinxs in Mirror Mode

The treasure of the Golden Temple is a mirror, which unlocks Mirror Mode. In this mode, level layouts are completely mirrored, and players cannot use inventory items or Diddy Kong. As a result, no multiplayer feature is available during this mode. 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.

Time Attack

Jungle Hijinxs, in Time Attack mode.

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 completed the level. Shiny gold medals require an even faster time than normal gold medals, and their required time is not shown in the game.

The Kongs do not 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.

Extras

Main article: List of extras in Donkey Kong Country Returns

Images, music, and dioramas can be unlocked if players perform certain tasks within the game, such as collecting all Puzzle Pieces in levels, defeating bosses and beating Key Temple stages.

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.

Wii Remote & Nunchuk

Solo & Co-op

• and : Start Game (At title screen)
• : Jump, Ascend (while using the Barrel Jet)
• or : Grab barrels, vines, cling onto grass 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

Wii Remote (horizontal)

Solo & Co-op

• : Grab barrels, vines, and cling onto grass 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

Character	Description
Donkey Kong	The main playable character and the one who can be controlled independently. He can perform usual actions like jumping, rolling on a short distance, and ground pounding.
Diddy Kong	The secondary character. He cannot be controlled independently except for multiplayer sessions, when he can perform the same actions as DK. Using his jetpack, he can hover in midair shortly, allowing him to fly an extra distance after jumping. With his Peanut Popgun, he can shoot enemies with peanuts and stun them for a brief moment. He can be used to perform the continuous Kong Roll.

Supporting characters

Character	Role
Cranky Kong	Runs a shop in each world of the game, except for the Golden Temple. He sells various items in exchange for Banana Coins. Like in the previous Donkey Kong Country games, Cranky starts making snide or contemptuous comments as soon as the Kongs enter his hut.
Tutorial Pig	A character that pops up from the background to offer indications on how to perform certain actions, such as blowing and rolling. He also runs the checkpoint booths.
Rambi	A very strong and rideable Animal Friend, surpassing the powers of Donkey Kong. Rambi can use his horn to defeat enemies and crush solid blocks depicting his face. Rambi's weakness is fire, and by touching fire, Rambi runs away.
Squawks	Available for hire in Cranky Kong's Shop. He warns the player about nearby Puzzle Pieces.
Super Kong	A silver guide available after eight consecutive deaths in a level.

Bosses

Each world of the game ends with a boss battle. Normally peaceful creatures, the first seven bosses will display hostility towards the Kongs once hypnotized by the higher-ranking members of the Tiki Tak Tribe, employed to guard portions of the banana hoard. The eighth and final boss is the leader of the tribe himself, Tiki Tong.

Boss battles may be sequential, meaning the boss will become more aggressive as it takes more hits. After receiving the final hit, the creature will faint, and the Tiki that possesses it will reveal itself in a dizzy state, allowing the Kongs a chance to knock it out with repeated punches. However, if ignored for some time, the Tiki will regain consciousness and leave the fight scene, abruptly ending the level, although this has no influence on the game's progress.

Image	Name	Tiki possessor	Description	Level appearance
	Mugly	Kalimba	Mugly scurries across the battle arena with his mouth open in an attempt to swallow the Kongs. The boss is normally covered with retractile spikes, making jumping on the enemy dangerous. Mugly will slow down as it runs if the Kongs simply jump over it. This causes the boss to retract its spikes, leaving its rear side open for a jump attack. Mugly will also jump high in the air, trying to thump the Kongs.	Mugly's Mound
	Scurvy Crew	Maraca Gang	The Scurvy Crew's main tactic is digging themselves in the sand and resurfacing one at a time to attack the Kongs. As they lunge their weapons to impale the primates, they can be jumped on to make them raise their claws above their bodies, leaving their sides open for a ground pound or roll attack. Doing either of these will flip the enemy upside down and allow the Kongs to attack its underside, the vulnerable spot. After each member of the crew receives damage, they will return under the ground and slowly spawn from the sand in a tower formation, chasing the Kongs and trying to hurt them. In this formation, they will eventually raise their claws and leave their sides unprotected. The Kongs should now roll into them to scatter each individual upside-down, then proceed stomping on every one of them.	Pinchin' Pirates
	Stu	Gong-Oh	Stu uses its cauldron to hoard explosives. His definitory strategy is tossing bombs at the Kongs, which can be picked up as their fuse burns and thrown back at Stu to explode and damage him. At several points in the battle, Stu will draw a bulky missile with the entire floor as its explosion range. Occasionally, he will also drop a Tiki Pop.	Ruined Roost
	Mole Miner Max	Banjo Bottom	After traversing three sets of mole-infested wagons driven by the Mole Train, the Kongs arrive at the locomotive, where they face Mole Miner Max. The boss simply pops out of the remaining wagons attached to the locomotive, and uses a pickaxe to attack. He will faint once he receives four jump hits.	The Mole Train
	Mangoruby	Wacky Pipes	Mangoruby's body is segmented into six electrified spheres, meant to prevent jump attacks. However, Mangoruby will lose its power if the Kongs press on the switches scattered on the battle arena. While electrically charged, Mangoruby will give chase and try to stop the Kongs from pressing those switches. Losing its power makes the creature flee away from the Kongs and enables them to stomp on its body, breaking two of its segments with each attack. During the final two hits, the Mangoruby will release electrical energy that moves around the spheres.	Mangoruby Run
	Thugly	Xylobone	As a relative of Mugly, Thugly uses similar tactics during the fight. These include running across the stage and quivering belly flop attacks. Thugly will slow down if jumped over, folding his incandescent shell due to inertia and leaving his rear side open to a jump attack. He will attempt to ram its horn into the Kongs, but will crash into the wall and fall dizzy on his back, offering a chance to attack his belly side. After three hits, Thugly will morph into a second phase, when he starts spewing trails of fire, along with using the other tactics. After another three hits, Thugly will become angrier and add a fireball-spitting attack to his repertoire of attacks. Three more hits defeat him.	Thugly's Highrise
	Colonel Pluck and Stompybot 3000	Cordian	Fought on a motionless conveyor belt, Colonel Pluck controls his biped robot, Stompybot 3000, used to slam the Kongs. As he slowly walks across the area, he will sometimes suddenly turn red and walk hurriedly for a brief moment. The Kongs can slip past Stompybot 3000 when it raises its feet to walk. Stompybot 3000's vulnerable spot is on its underside, inaccessible due to spikes. However, Colonel Pluck will perform some brisk movements that will reveal the robot's vulnerable zone, which can now be clung to and pounded repeatedly. This heats up the machine and eventually destroys it, leaving Colonel Pluck in a flying cockpit. During this phase of the battle, Colonel Pluck will drop BuckBots as it soars across the screen, and will also attack the primates by swooping down on them. When close to the ground, the Kongs can attack him with a jump to inflict damage. Three stomps are needed to defeat Colonel Pluck.	Feather Fiend
	Tiki Tong	N/A	The head of the Tiki Tak Tribe. Using a serum prepared with bananas and the combined efforts of the other Tikis, Tiki Tong empowers himself with a pair of hands. He uses them in several attack methods, such as laying them flat and sweeping them across the arena, slamming them on the ground, and powerfully clapping them to squash the Kongs. Stomping two times on a hand's back side will destroy it. After losing his hands, Tiki Tong will head into battle using only his main body, raining down fire tikis and swooping to attack. After a while, he will thump full-force into the ground. This creates shock waves, but also unveils the red button on his head. The Kongs must attack this portion three times to vanquish Tiki Tong.	Tiki Tong Terror

Enemies

It has been requested that this section be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: add Robo Bee

The Tiki Tak Tribe has invaded a large portion of Donkey Kong Island, scattering its members throughout all the 9 worlds and mixing them with the indigenous population of enemies. The lower-ranking members of the tribe typically resemble bongo drums, the rest being designed after other traditional instruments (kalimba, gong, xylophone etc.), particularly those that possess the boss enemies.

Most of the enemies from the island's natural fauna are specific to certain worlds, though they might briefly appear in other locations. For example, Rawks, which are common in the Jungle world, can be also encountered in Damp Dungeon, a level from the Ruins world, as well as the Golden Temple, the last area to be explored in the game.

Tiki Tak Tribe
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Tiki Goon	Grunt-level enemies, slowly moving back and forth on platforms. Although harmful if simply touched from one side, as they bite, Tiki Goons can be destroyed using any form of attack, such as stomping, rolling, barrel throwing, or Rambi's strike.	Jungle Hijinxs	Red Red Rising
	Tiki Doom	A larger variant of the Tiki Goon. While its behavior remains unchanged, slowly traversing patches of ground, it can be taken out with three stomps, as opposed to one. A single roll attack is also decisive.	Tree Top Bop	Golden Temple
	Screaming Pillar	A stone totem, initially found sleeping. As soon as it hears the Kongs, it wakes up and screams, toppling on the path. Screaming Pillars can crush the protagonists, as well as any other creature standing right below them. However, after collapsing on the ground, they become harmless and can be jumped on and cracked open with a ground pound.	Jungle Hijinxs	Five Monkey Trial
	Screaming Pillar (big)	A colossal Screaming Pillar. It ploughs down into the abyss, destroying the Kongs in one hit.	Canopy Cannons	Canopy Cannons
	Tiki Buzz	An airborne Tiki that flies on predetermined paths, ranging from straight lines to circles. Its lateral and bottom sides are dangerous to touch, but it can be defeated using any attack technique.	Crazy Cart	Golden Temple
	Tiki Tork	A gargantuan equivalent of Tiki Buzz. Three stomps on its body are necessary to defeat it. Alternatively, the Kongs can use any other attack technique once to achieve the same result.	Prehistoric Path	Golden Temple
	Flaming Tiki Buzz	A blackened Tiki Buzz set on fire. While burning, it can only be defeated with a thrown barrel; touching one in this state is harmful. However, a blow will dissolve its flames, leaving it dizzy and as vulnerable as a standard Tiki Buzz.	Crazy Cart	Red Red Rising
	Tiki Torch	An enemy that is constantly covered in red flames, walking back and forth on the ground. It is dangerous to make contact with a Tiki Torch shrouded in fire, and while in this state, it can only be attacked from distance with a barrel. The Kongs are able to put out the fire engulfing a Tiki Torch using a short blow. While extinguished, Tiki Torches become confused and open to any kind of attack.	Peaceful Pier	Red Red Rising
	Tiki Bomber	A variant of the Tiki Torch that emits blue flames. Apart from being harmful to touch whatsoever while flaming, it can attack by shooting small fireballs from their lateral sides. Blue Tiki Bombers discharge fireballs in straight lines, while brown Tiki Bombers, which are normally found on elevated platforms, shoot them in arc-shaped lines. A blow will extinguish them, allowing the Kongs to defeat them just as Tiki Torches.	Wonky Waterway	Furious Fire
	Tiki Boing	A Tiki with a coil-wound body. It moves with rhythmical bounces, enabling it to attack the Kongs in the process. Tiki Boings can be defeated using any form of attack.	Jagged Jewels	Tippy Shippy
	Tiki Tank	A sturdy Tiki reinforced with stone. Roll attacks and normal stomps do not have effect on it. Instead, the Kongs can pound the ground near a Tiki Tank to flip it over, uncovering its bottom side and allowing them to destroy the enemy with a stomp. Alternatively, a Tiki Tank can be immediately defeated with a barrel or with Rambi.	Button Bash	Red Red Rising
	Tiki Zing	A rotating disc with razors. Some Tiki Zings can be found floating in one place, other fly on set patterns, tracing straight lines and circles in the air, and might group themselves in miscellaneous formations, as seen in Clingy Swingy. They are harmful and invulnerable to many of the Kongs' attacks, including barrel tossing, but Rambi is able to break them.	King of Cling	Five Monkey Trial
	Tiki Zing (big)	An uncommon, larger variation of Tiki Zings. It moves considerably slower and is just as harmful. However, these Tiki Zings cannot be defeated by any means of attack.	Platform Panic	Blast & Bounce
	Fireball	A Tiki Zing variant shrouded in flames. It spins and rotates in circles, being harmful even for Rambi. Fireballs are indestructible.	Precarious Plateau	Precarious Plateau
	Giga Goro Ball	A large, spherical Tiki that tries to crush the Kongs by rolling over them if they are too slow. Giga Goro Ball is indestructible.	Crumble Canyon	Crumble Canyon
	Tiki Pop	A Tiki with a bowl-shaped head, carrying a flashing bomb. Tiki Bombs walk slowly in one direction on the ground; they will self-destruct moments after spawning from Stu's cauldron. They will explode earlier if the Kongs make contact with them, and their combustion is dangerous.	Ruined Roost	Ruined Roost
	Tiki Seeker	Small Tikis peeking from black portals in the background. They cannot be interacted with, but will produce short blades that can hurt the Kongs. They launch the said blades towards the current position of Donkey Kong, before retreating into the portal.	Golden Temple	Golden Temple
	Tiki Pilot	The Tiki responsible for transporting part of Donkey Kong's banana hoard using his airship and a rope net. Tiki Pilot is briefly seen in the first level, Jungle Hijinxs.	Jungle Hijinxs	Jungle Hijinxs
General enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Frogoon	A green frog enemy that attacks by simply jumping in one place. Every time it jumps, the Frogoon stays airborne for a brief moment by inflating itself. Frogoons can be flown away by any means of attack.	Jungle Hijinxs	Muncher Marathon
	Hopgoon	A yellow species of frogs related to Frogoons. Instead of jumping in one place, Hopgoons use jumps to move along a path. They can be overcome with any attack.	Tree Top Bop	Muncher Marathon
	Chomp	A spiky carnivorous plant affixed to a stretchy stem. After munching air two times, Chomps will dash in the direction they are facing to attack, repeating the process afterwards. They are not very vulnerable, as the Kongs cannot attack them with any direct move, such as stomping or rolling, but can be taken out with a barrel.	King of Cling	Flutter Flyaway
	Snaggles	A voracious shark enemy that attacks by jumping out of the water. Every part of its body is dangerous to touch and will damage the Kongs upon direct contact. Snaggles can only be defeated with a barrel.	Poppin' Planks	Damp Dungeon
	Yellow Snaggles	A relative of Snaggles. It jumps out and drops back into the water just like regular Snaggles. However, Yellow Snaggles will attempt a second, quick immediate attack without warning the player. These enemies can be defeated with a barrel.	Poppin' Planks	Damp Dungeon
	Squeekly	A species of stout bat enemies. They fly in a straight line across the screen, their mouths being wide open. They attempt to attack by flying into the Kongs and are also able to pass by solid walls, whereas other characters are not. Squeeklys can be knocked out with any attack technique.	Tumblin' Temple	Bobbing Basalt
	Buzzbite	A short, rash enemy traveling on walls and ceilings. To move, it spins its sharp feet around the body, damaging the Kongs upon contact. They can only be destroyed with a barrel.	Jagged Jewels	Five Monkey Trial
Jungle enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Awk	A flightless blue parrot and a basic enemy. It walks down a path, being harmful if simply touched from behind or front. It can be defeated using any attack technique, such as stomping, rolling, barrel throwing, or Rambi's charge.	Jungle Hijinxs	Canopy Cannons
	Rawk	A red-feathered variation of Awks. It will charge into the Kongs as it spots them in an attempt to attack. However, Rawks can be defeated just like Awks.	Jungle Hijinxs	Golden Temple
	Giant Chomp	A large type of Chomp. It behaves the same, but takes less time before it attacks. It is more resistant than the regular Chomp and cannot be destroyed.	King of Cling	King of Cling
	Mimic	A mysterious enemy under the guise of a bush. It mimics the scenery, waiting for the Kongs to approach, then attacks by charging towards them. Mimics can be taken out using any attack method.	Sunset Shore	Sunset Shore
Beach enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
File:Snaps closeup.png	Snaps	An orange crab enemy crawling back and forth on the ground. Snaps usually appear from underground, drilling outwards through the sand. They are only able to hurt the Kongs if they come into contact with their lateral sides. Despite being armed with claws, Snaps do not use them. As a result, they can be defeated by all signs of attack, including a roll attack.	Poppin' Planks	Tippy Shippy
	Pinchly	A relative of Snaps that makes use of its claws and wears a protective pirate bandana. With its claws, the enemy lunges towards the Kongs in an attempt to injure them. If stomped on, Pinchlys will raise their claws upwards, leaving their lateral sides discovered and open for roll attacks. Pinchlys can also be defeated by flipping them over with a ground pound, then stomping their underside.	Poppin' Planks	Tippy Shippy
	Squidly	A mollusk projectile flying along an horizontal path in the air. Its pointy head is covered with a conical, harmful shell that can pounce the Kongs. However, Squidlys can be defeated with a stomp or a thrown barrel.	Sloppy Sands	Five Monkey Trial
	Electrasquid	An electrified type of Squidly which cannot be stomped on. The only way to destroy an Electrasquid is by using a barrel.	Sloppy Sands	Tippy Shippy
	Squid Shot	A stubby turret machine, operated from inside by an unseen creature. Most times, Squid Shots are the origin of Squidlys and Electrasquids, shooting them in differing patterns. Squid Shots cannot be destroyed, but can be walked on or touched safely.	Sloppy Sands	Five Monkey Trial
	Jellybob	A jellyfish foe protected by electricity. It regularily leaps from the water and slowly floats back down in a straight line. It cannot be touched anyhow, but can be defeated from distance with a barrel.	Cannon Cluster	Blowhole Bound
	Squiddicus	A giant kraken-like octopus that creates an obstacle course using his large, spike-covered arms. The Kongs cannot beat the enemy, but are able to avoid his intervening limbs.	Stormy Shore	Stormy Shore
Ruins enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Stilts	A clumsy, white turkey enemy walking on stilts, hence its name. It also uses them as defense, kicking and hurting the Kongs with them. Upon getting stomped or rolled under, the enemy loses its stilts (as well as plumage) and starts running aimlessly on the ground, during which it can be defeated by any attack.	Wonky Waterway	Damp Dungeon
	Humzee	A species of hummingbird enemies. They attempt to attack the Kongs by repeatedly charging towards them in flight. Although small in size, Humzees can be defeated with a stomp or a roll attack.	Button Bash	Button Bash
	Giga Rangwi	An enormous Snaggles charging out of the water at regular intervals. There is only one of its kind and cannot be defeated.	Damp Dungeon	Damp Dungeon
	Toothberry	A noisy furball enemy that moves by hopping on the ground. It can bite or land on the Kongs to hurt them. However, Toothberries can be defeated using any attack method.	Itty Bitty Biters	Clingy Swingy
	Cageberry	A Toothberry isolated and protected by a thorny cage. To move, the enemy pushes its cage in the desired direction, possibly ramming into the Kongs and hurting them. Cageberries cannot be destroyed, but can be turned upside down and stunned with a close ground pound. The cage can then be anchored into the ground by pounding its bottom surface. After a short time, the Toothberry inside the cage will forcefully pull it outside, propelling the Kongs in the air.	Itty Bitty Biters	Itty Bitty Biters
	Ack	A bigger variation of Toothberries showing the same behavior. Two stomps are needed to destroy an Ack, but it can be taken out immediately using a roll attack or a barrel.	Itty Bitty Biters	Itty Bitty Biters
	AckStack	A stack formation of brown Acks. After they spot the Kongs, they will collapse and toss themselves towards the protagonists in an attempt to hurt them. They will fixate their teeth into the ground, remaining there until receiving a stomp.	Itty Bitty Biters	Itty Bitty Biters
Cave enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Mole Miner	Mole enemies, mostly found in vehicle riding levels and appearing in various stances. Some of them are seen traveling on rails in mine carts, and can be defeated by stomping or simply crashing with them, though the latter will cost the Kongs a life. Other are using pickaxes as mining tools and also weapons, and can be knocked out by crashing into them. Mole Miners also aid Mole Miner Max in his battle and must be stomped on in order to proceed through the boss fight.	Crazy Cart	The Mole Train
	Mole Guard	A small dispatch of mole enemies using bombs to destroy the track in front of the Kongs during mine cart rides. Since Mole Guards appear in the foreground, they never come in direct contact with the Kongs.	Bombs Away	Bombs Away
	Chū Komorin	A larger, blue variant of Squeeklys. They only appear in a Rocket Barrel stage and attack by flying up or down, trying to block the Kongs path.	Crowded Cavern	Crowded Cavern
	Big Squeekly	An enormous Squeekly guarding the cavern. It appears in a Rocket Barrel stage, during which it tries to impede the Kongs in different ways. This includes chasing them down while shooting powerful sonic waves at the primates.	Crowded Cavern	Crowded Cavern
Forest enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Hungry plant	An enormous blue type of Chomp hiding in the canopy leaves, facing downwards. If the Kongs grab onto its vine-looking tongue, the hungry plant will suck it back inside its mouth, along with the characters. Should they end up in the mouth of a hungry plant, the creature will chew and injure them. Hungry plants cannot be defeated.	Vine Valley	Wigglevine Wonders
	Yellow Chomp	A yellow Chomp lookalike. Just as its red cousin, the Yellow Chomp lunges upwards trying to injure the primates. However, it takes four consecutive chomps before it attacks, as opposed to two. Yellow Chomps can be defeated with a barrel.	Vine Valley	Flutter Flyaway
	Shooting Chomp	A yellow, completely stationary type of Chomp. Its body is covered with pores that emit poisonous particles. Ground shooting Chomps can be defeated with a single stomp attack. However, many shooting Chomps are stuck to the ceiling and require a barrel toss to be destroyed.	Clingy Swingy	Tippin' Totems
	Cling Cobra	Similarly to Buzzbites, Cling Cobras are able to stick to any kind of grassy surface. They will hurt the Kongs if they run into them, but can be taken out with any attack technique.	Clingy Swingy	Clingy Swingy
	Skittler	Spider enemies, coming in purple and orange colorations. Purple Skittlers remain stuck to a thread until getting stomped on, after which they will either greet defeat or just fall and crawl on the floor unharmed. Orange Skittlers plunge onto the ground and start walking directly. Walking Skittlers can be defeated using any attack. However, hanging Skittlers are dangerous to run into with a roll attack.	Flutter Flyaway	Muncher Marathon
	Bopapodamus	A big hippopotamus enemy perched on a high wooden pole. It is completely inoffensive and can be collapsed with five stomp attacks.	Tippin' Totems	Springy Spores
	Green Chomp	A green pigmented version of Chomps, standing with their mouths wide open in the air. Their tongue mimics a bouncy mushroom, which the Kongs can use to reach higher areas. Upon bouncing on their tongue, green Chomps immediately close their mouths in an attempt to snatch the Kongs. Jumping on their tongue is safe, but if the Kongs fall directly into the mouth of a green Chomps, they will get trapped there and lose hearts. Green Chomps cannot be defeated.	Longshot Launch	Wigglevine Wonders
	Wigglevine	A strange, pear-shaped enemy. It can fly using two rotor leaves, which are sharp and harmful. Normal-sized Wigglevines can ferry the Kongs above vast abysses using short vines attached to them. Small Wigglevines, on the other hand, are not able to sustain the Kongs with their vines and will self-destruct after a short time.	Wigglevine Wonders	Wigglevine Wonders
	Skittler Pillar	A solid wooden structure ornated with a Skittler carving. It is vertical and moves up and down, powerfully striking the ground. The Kongs can only avoid being squashed by a Skittler Pillar, without being able to destroy it. Pairs of Skittler Pillars that face each other and slowly move at the same time are also encountered; these are completely harmless, but may delay the characters' race to escape the horde of Munchers.	Muncher Marathon	Muncher Marathon
	Munchers	A massive population of small arachnids, invading the forest area after hatching from their eggs. They pursue the Kongs and are impossible to defeat.	Muncher Marathon	Muncher Marathon
Cliff enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Skellirex	An undead reptile skeleton patrolling a ground area back and forth. It is dangerous to simply run into a Skellirex, but a basic attack will crumble its body, leaving its skull skipping on the floor. The skull can also be destroyed with a basic attack.	Tumblin' Temple	Clifftop Climb
	Skullyrex	Merely smaller variations of Skellirex skulls, jumping on the floor while chomping air. They can be defeated with a stomp, roll attack, or a barrel.	Sticky Situation	Crumble Canyon
	Bonehead Jed	Small dinosaur skeletons traveling by small carts, pushing their wheels to move forward. They are able to extend their spine and elevate their heads, creating an impediment for the Kongs. Bonehead Jeds can be defeated using any means of attack, except rolling.	Sticky Situation	Boulder Roller
	Firehead Ned	A variation of the Bonehead Jed that can spit fireballs. It otherwise behaves the same, using a cart to move and periodically extending its head. It can also be defeated like a Bonehead Jed.	Sticky Situation	Boulder Roller
	Robobī	A robotic, bee-like insect that flies around in pursuit of the Kongs. They will give off a harmful electric shock if touched. They cannot be destroyed.	Perilous Passage	Perilous Passage
	Firebite	A flaming variation of Buzzbites. They quickly move around walls and platforms, leaving a short trail of fire behind. They are dangerous to touch and cannot be destroyed.	Perilous Passage	Perilous Passage
Factory enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Tiki Zing (Foggy Fumes)	A jagged disc object grinding its way on the ground. It will hurt the Kongs upon contact and cannot be destroyed.	Foggy Fumes	Foggy Fumes
	Pogobot	An electrified robot resembling a pogo stick. It hops back and forth down the alley, alternating from short to high jumps. While dangerous to come into direct contact, Pogobots can be defeated from a distance using a barrel.	Foggy Fumes	Cog Jog
	Pyrobot	A cylindrical robot containing a flamethrower, making it capable of shooting flames. Yellow Pyrobots can be wrecked with three basic stomp attacks, but the red models are resistant and require a barrel or a Buckbomb to be destroyed.	Handy Hazards	Treacherous Track
	BuckBot	A robot designed after household chickens. It patrols a single platform back and forth and can be taken out by any signs of attack.	Slammin' Steel	Feather Fiend
	BuckBomb	A reddish variation of the BuckBot. It can be destroyed immediately with a roll or a barrel attack. However, if stomped, it will start ticking, exploding shortly after. Before they go off, BuckBombs can be picked up and hurled into other enemies.	Handy Hazards	Music Madness
	Electroid	Small, animated balls of plasma following a set path in the air. Some of them are solitary, while other form electrical bonds with each other. Most of the time they can only be avoided. However, sometimes, Electroids might float in front of red and blue blocks, which can push them off the screen.	Slammin' Steel	Switcheroo
Volcano enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Char-Char	An incandescent rock, usually displaying a grinning face. This type of Char-Chars can jump from the ground in an arc shaped path; even though they are harmful if touched directly, they can be put out with a blow or a barrel. A faceless variety also appears in this game. Some of these act like lava bubbles, quickly emerging from lava and plunging back into it; others float slowly towards the ground and die out upon impact. Faceless Char-Chars cannot be destroyed with a blow, only with a thrown barrel.	Furious Fire	Moving Melters
	Rentamaguma	Larger Char-Chars floating in the air, covering a wide portion of the screen with their fire tails. They cannot be defeated.	Furious Fire	Furious Fire
	Fireballs	Powerful concentrations of fire. In Hot Rocket, fireballs appear from behind and soar across the screen. They destroy Donkey Kong's Rocket Barrel if they hit it. In Roasting Rails, larger, heavier balls of fire emerge from lava. They are also capable of wrecking DK's vehicle, or just damaging the Kongs if they are on foot. Neither type of fireball can be destroyed.	Hot Rocket	Roasting Rails
	Leaping flame	Invincible serpents made of fire. They come from lava and circle around the Kongs as they fly with their Rocket Barrel.	Hot Rocket	Hot Rocket
Golden Temple enemies
Image	Name	Description	First level appearance	Last level appearance
	Kowalee	An overgrown koala enemy riding a helicopter-like carriage. It flies in one position and tosses bombs at the Kongs. Before they detonate, the bombs can be thrown back at the enemy to knock it out.	Golden Temple	Golden Temple

Items and objects

The adventure is littered with noteworthy objects that can be used or manipulated in various ways or purposes. Below is a table that comprises all collectables, projectiles, vehicles, and miscellaneous objects found in the game.

Collectibles

Image	Name	Description
	Banana	Bananas, the most common items in the game, are normally found floating in the air and arranged in rows and other patterns. They are very frequent in the main level space and in Bonus Areas as well. Upon collecting 100 of them, the Kongs receive an extra life.
	Banana Bunch	Banana Bunches are less common than singular bananas, and they represent five or ten bananas.
	Banana Coin	Returning from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Banana Coins are the currency of the game. Many of them are found throughout the levels, and are used to purchase items in Cranky Kong's Shop. Banana Coins are usually encountered floating in the air, and the Kongs can often find them in Bonus Areas. Sometimes, they will spawn after collecting a certain set of bananas.
	Heart	A common item that refills one space of the health counter. It can be found along the way during normal play and Time Attack, but never during Mirror Mode.
	Red Balloon	An item that gives the Kongs an additional try if they lose all of their hearts. Red Balloons are sometimes found floating in the air; they start ascending just as the Kongs enter their screen, and should be grabbed quickly. The Kongs start off their adventure with four Red Balloons. If all the current balloons are lost, the player receives a Game Over.
	K-O-N-G Letters	This set of four letters is found in each level (excluding temple and boss levels) in this order. Should all K-O-N-G Letters in a world be collected, access will be granted to the said world's hidden temple stage. As a result, K-O-N-G Letters do not appear in any of the hidden levels. All letters in the game need to be collected in order to fully complete the game.
	Puzzle Piece	A precious item found in all except boss levels. They are most often encountered in hidden places, though some will spawn after collecting a certain set of items, like bananas and Banana Coins. Puzzle Pieces are also the objective of Bonus Areas. A level contains either five, seven, or nine Puzzle Pieces; if all the Puzzle Pieces in a level are collected, they will unlock a piece of artwork in the Extras section in the game's file menu.
	Rare Orb	A valuable object needed to unlock the gateway to the Golden Temple. Rare Orbs appear at the end of every Key Temple stage and replace Slot Machine Barrels in the said stages.

Barrels

Image	Name	Description
	Barrel	A wooden object that is sometimes found lying on the ground. Barrels can be heaved and carried, and can be hurled at enemies to attack them from distance – this is especially useful for enemies like Tiki Torches, Snaggles, and Jellybobs, which are harmful at any kind of direct contact. Upon getting thrown, barrels start rolling along a path, clearing the way of any enemies and breaking when they knock into a wall.
	DK Barrel	When Donkey Kong travels alone and encounters a DK Barrel, he can break it to free his partner, Diddy. If they are already teamed up and find a DK Barrel, it can be broken to replenish their health counter. Just as regular barrels, DK Barrels can also be used for purposes of attack. However, they break upon contact with any element.
	Barrel Cannon	A floating, barrel-shaped cannon. Upon command, the barrel launches the Kongs across long distances. The barrel is usually marked with a white arrow, but certain Barrel Cannons display a skull and crossbones, indicating they self-destruct as soon as they shoot the Kongs.
	Blast Barrel	A type of barrel similar to Barrel Cannons, it is marked with a white explosion symbol. This barrel automatically shoots the Kongs as they enter it. Self-destructing Blast Barrels, showing a skull symbol inside an explosion, also exist.
	Slot Machine Barrel	The goal in most levels of the game. When hit, the Slot Machine Barrel will reward the Kongs one of the prizes displayed on the barrel's roulette.

Miscellaneous

Image	Name	Description
	Containers	These objects have an identical purpose, but might change appearance to fit the aesthetic of the environment. They contain items, ranging from bananas to Puzzle Pieces. They are located in the immediate background, and even though they cannot be interacted with directly, the Kongs can pound the surface in front of them to release the item inside.
	Trapdoor	A thin platform hidden amongst ground. If pounded, it will spin for a short time, allowing the Kongs to fall beneath it. This usually leads to secrets, such as Bonus Areas.
	Bag	An object hanging with a rope from above. It displays a bull's-eye and contains a valuable item, such as a Puzzle Piece. A bag can be destroyed with a barrel.
	Bowling birds	Pin-shaped dodos resting around the checkpoint in Blowhole Bound. The Kongs can collapse a flock of bowling birds with a Roll Attack, which produces an item.
	Rambi Crate	A spacious crate containing Rambi. It has a rhino head emblem on its side. To destroy the crate and free Rambi, the Kongs can ground pound near it or roll into it.
	Vine	A thin plant hanging from the forest canopy. It can be either stationary or swinging, and appears in various lengths. Vines are used to sway above chasms or climb atop higher areas. Vine Chomps have a vine for a tongue, and use it to attract prey into their mouths.

Vehicles

Image	Name	Description
	Mine Cart	A vehicle used to travel on rails which cannot be walked on. If empty, the Kongs may take full control of it. However, sometimes, mine carts are occupied by ore, and the Kongs would have to jump from one to another in order to progress. If the mine cart crashes into an element, the Kongs lose a life.
	Rocket Barrel	A barrel-shaped device used to fly. As it moves through the air, the Kongs can control it by ascending and descending to avoid obstacles. As with the mine cart, if the Rocket Barrel crashes, the Kongs will lose a life.

Worlds and levels

The game is divided into eight main worlds and an extra level, the Golden Temple. With the exception of boss levels, all levels in the game contain a number of Puzzle Pieces that unlock concept artwork. Every world has one unlockable level and alternate paths to take between levels.

In each world, the Kongs can come across Cranky Kong's Shop, where Cranky sells various items that can be used in the course of the game.

Below is a table listing all levels in the game, along with the number of Puzzle Pieces each one has (five, seven, or nine), as well as the music theme playing there. The soundtrack of the game features various rearrangements of past Donkey Kong melodies, with the other tunes being new. Tunes followed by an asterisk (*) have been given a title in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Worlds and levels
Jungle
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	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 rearrangement of "Mine Cart Cruise"
1-K	Platform Panic	5	Temple theme
1-B	BOSS LEVEL: Mugly's Mound	0	Mugly's theme
Beach
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	Music theme(s)
2-1	Poppin' Planks	5	"Poppin' Planks"
2-2	Sloppy Sands	7	"Poppin' Planks" "Sloppy Sands"
2-3	Peaceful Pier	5	A rearrangement of "Poppin' Planks" "Mine Menace"
2-4	Cannon Cluster	7	"Mast Blast"
2-5	Stormy Shore	5	Stormy Shore theme
2-6	Blowhole Bound	5	"Aquatic Ambiance Returns"
2-7	Tidal Terror	5	"Tidal Terror"
2-K	Tumblin' Temple	5	Temple theme
2-B	BOSS LEVEL: Pinchin' Pirates	0	Pinchin' Pirates theme
Ruins
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	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	Temple theme
3-B	BOSS LEVEL: Ruined Roost	0	"Savory Stu"
Cave
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	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	"Mole Patrol"*
4-5	Crowded Cavern	5	"Mine Menace"
4-K	Jagged Jewels	5	Temple theme
4-B	BOSS LEVEL: The Mole Train	0	Mole Train theme
Forest
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	Music theme(s)
5-1	Vine Valley	7	"Forest Frenzy Returns"
5-2	Clingy Swingy	5	"King of Cling"
5-3	Flutter Flyaway	7	"Tree Top Rock Returns"
5-4	Tippin' Totems	7	"Forest Frenzy Returns"
5-5	Longshot Launch	7	"Tree Top Rock Returns"
5-6	Springy Spores	7	"King of Cling"
5-7	Wigglevine Wonders	7	"Forest Frenzy Returns"
5-8	Muncher Marathon	5	"Tree Top Rock Returns" A rearrangement of "Forest Frenzy Returns"
5-K	Blast & Bounce	5	Temple theme
5-B	BOSS LEVEL: Mangoruby Run	0	"Mangoruby Rush"
Cliff
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	Music theme(s)
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" An upbeat arrangement 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	Temple theme
6-B	BOSS LEVEL: Thugly's Highrise	0	Thugly's theme
Factory
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	Music theme(s)
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" "Mine Menace"
7-5	Cog Jog	9	"Life in the Mines Returns"
7-6	Switcheroo	5	A rearrangement 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" "Mole Patrol"
7-K	Treacherous Track	5	Temple theme
7-B	BOSS LEVEL: Feather Fiend	0	Feather Fiend theme
Volcano
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	Music theme(s)
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 rearrangement 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	Temple theme
8-B	BOSS LEVEL: Tiki Tong Terror	0	"Red Rockin'" "Tiki Tong Song"
Golden Temple
Level number	Level name	Puzzle Pieces	Music theme
9-1	Golden Temple	5	Golden Temple theme

The Jungle

The Beach

The Ruins

The Cave

The Forest

The Cliff

The Factory

The Volcano

The Golden Temple

Representative pictures of each world in the game

Marketing and release

The promotional stickers

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. 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. Shortly before the game's release in North America, Nintendo tried to trademark the pop culture phrase "It's on like Donkey Kong!" 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.

The Wii Remote banana pouch

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.

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. 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.

Development

Template:Quote2 After the completion of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, employees of Retro Studios felt "franchise fatigue" and considered creating a Donkey Kong game next, although the studio went on to create a third Metroid Prime installment to showcase the Wii's motion controls at Satoru Iwata's suggestion. The development of Donkey Kong Country Returns started after several core developers of the Metroid Prime series left Retro Studios, which made several executives skeptical of whether the company could continue making high quality games. 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.. The game's director Bryan Walker further opined that after multiple senior developers of the Metroid Prime series left Retro Studios and another key developer passed away, it "did not feel right" to immediately continue the Metroid Prime series. Following internal conversations, the studio wanted to specifically revisit the Donkey Kong Country series due to the success of the games, making it the first game developed by them not to be of the Metroid Prime series.

Development started out slow, with the developers creating only two of the game's eight bosses during 2009. The pace fastened around 2010 as the team increased in size, and after E3, Retro Studios and Nintendo eventually agreed on how the levels should be designed.

Bryan Walker explained that early in development, the team struggled to get an idea of the game's aesthetics, mentioning how early art mockups looked "like something you would see in Metroid Prime – very sullen, dark, edgy, menacing palm tree". The team, however, "learned very quickly" and soon made tweaks with more appropriately whimsical designs.

Kensuke Tanabe, who had worked on the localization of the original Donkey Kong Country, as well as his assistant Risa Tabata, supervised Retro Studios during the game's 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 more from Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

As a producer, Shigeru Miyamoto gave extensive feedback and mentorship throughout development. Other inputs included requesting that the music be unchanged.

In a 2021 interview, Kynan Pearson, a former member of Retro Studios who had worked on the game, revealed that the silhouette levels were inspired by the aesthetic of Frank Miller's Sin City comic series.

Reception

Reviews
Release	Reviewer, Publication	Score	Comment
Wii	Chad Concelmo, Destructoid	10/10	"With a ton of incredible levels to conquer; gorgeous, perfectly designed graphics (wait until you see the first sunset level!); retro-inspired music; and smooth, flawless gameplay, videogames don't get much better than Donkey Kong Country Returns. I can't recommend this game enough. If you have a Wii, BUY THIS GAME. You will not be disappointed. And please hurry. There are so many memorable parts I want to talk to you about. Donkey Kong Country Returns is a perfect videogame experience, from start to finish."
Wii	Ellie Gibson, Eurogamer	9/10	"You could argue that it doesn't move the series forwards much. There are a few new twists in here, but nothing which fundamentally changes the game or represents a significant departure from the tried and true formula. But who cares? DKC fans who just want to remember the good old times won't, and nor will newcomers to the series. This game has the potential to win over a whole new generation, and to do so without eliciting any whinges from those of us old enough to remember the taste of a McRib washed down with Tab Clear. If you fit into either of those categories, and you're looking for a bit of fun, old school escapism this Christmas, pick up a copy of DKC Returns. It's great to be back in the old Country."
Wii	Tom Mc Shea, GameSpot	8.5/10	"Donkey Kong Country Returns doesn't hide behind any gimmicks. This is a traditional take on 2D platformers, and it excels because the brilliant level design makes old obstacles seem new again. Every level hides a new surprise, and you'll replay them over and over again not only to nab every hidden collectible, but also because they're exquisitely entertaining. Fantastic visual design and a catchy soundtrack complement the core gameplay beautifully, making it a pleasure to enjoy the aesthetic aspects. It's a shame there are some control issues, but you usually have only yourself to blame when you fall into a bottomless pit. Donkey Kong Country Returns is another great game for Nintendo's furry mascot, and it's a must-play for anyone craving an old-school platformer."
Aggregators
Compiler		Platform / Score
Metacritic		87
GameRankings		87.87%

Staff

Main article: List of Donkey Kong Country Returns staff

Glitches

Diddy and Damaged Donkey Kong

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.

Cranky Kong's Shop Glitch

When visiting Cranky Kong's Shop, the game may freeze during transitions, such as when buying items or even entering the shop. This can sometimes be fixed by entering and exiting the Home Menu.

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 media

Donkey Kong playing with a Nintendo DS Lite

• 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. Some temple levels also feature cave paintings based on the level. 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, and at the end of each temple level, sprites of Donkey Kong's head from this game can be seen in the background during the "Level Clear!" screen. When Donkey Kong pulls out a Nintendo DS Lite during his idle animation, sound effects from this game play.
• Donkey Kong Jr.: The music of the sky area of the Golden Temple is a remix of the title and stage themes.
• Super Mario Bros.: Collecting a Banana plays a sped-up sound effect of kicking a Koopa Shell from this game.
• Super Mario Bros. 2: A piece of concept art based on the overworld levels in this game can be unlocked in Donkey Kong Country Returns.
• 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 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!: Diddy getting on Donkey Kong for the continuous roll attack might have been inspired from Dixie getting on Kiddy Kong and riding him around. Also the concept of Rocket Barrels originated from this game although they were used a little differently.
• Super Smash Bros. series: The wind-up punching move used by Donkey Kong at the end of the game is very similar to his standard special move, the Giant Punch.
• Donkey Kong 64: Diddy's jetpack ability and Peanut Popgun originated here.
• 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.
• Nintendo DS Lite: After standing idle for enough time, Donkey Kong pulls out a Nintendo DS Lite.
• Mario Kart Wii: Several of Donkey Kong's and Diddy Kong's voice clips are reused 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. Worlds 5, 6, 8, and 9 of these two games are respectively similar and have the same theme.

References in later games

• StreetPass Mii Plaza: Donkey Kong Country Returns is featured on one of the Puzzle Swap panels in this game.
• 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 Kalimba.
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: This game features many elements from Donkey Kong Country Returns, due to it being a sequel. The final world, Donkey Kong Island, features many background elements that reference setpieces from Returns.
• Mario Golf: World Tour: The DK Jungle golf course is heavily based on Donkey Kong Country Returns. Donkey Kong's Albatross, Hole-in-One, and Eagle celebrations feature him in a silhouetted jungle setting referencing the silhouette levels that appeared in Returns.
• Mario Kart 8/Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: 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 track "Gear Getaway" is arranged from Donkey Kong Country Returns. Several trophies are also taken from Returns.
• 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 arranged from Donkey Kong Country Returns, such as the remixed track "Donkey Kong Country Returns (Vocals)".

Pre-release and unused content

Concept art of a Ferndozer as seen in Donkey Kong Country Returns

In the concept art gallery for the game robotic creatures called Ferndozers are shown, in which they are the only dumped concept characters whose official names are shown. Ferndozers look like monstrous tanks with a Barrel holding a giant chainsaw and a robotic arm. In a second concept art from the gallery it is shown that Ferndozers would appear in the Factory, many of them deforesting the Factory's surroundings. The concept art also showed Donkey Kong in the corner, controlling it with a remote control.

Nintendo eShop description

Donkey Kong Island has been taken over by the musical Tiki Tak Tribe! Jump, swing, and blast your way through over 65 levels spanning eight worlds. There are many hidden items to uncover in each level, and collecting them all will unlock something special! Invite a friend to take control of Diddy Kong for two-player cooperative play!

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Donkey Kong Country Returns.

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  Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong

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  Tutorial Pig in a barrel

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  Squawks

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  Colonel Pluck

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  The Tiki Tak Tribe

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Donkey Kong Country Returns media.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

File infoMedia:DKCR Title Theme.oga ​

Jungle Hijinxs

File infoMedia:DKCR Jungle Hijinxs.oga ​

Factory Friction

File infoMedia:DKCR Factory Friction.oga ​

Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	ドンキーコングリターンズ[?] Donkī Kongu Ritānzu	Donkey Kong Returns
Chinese	森喜刚 归来 Sēnxǐgāng Guīlái	Donkey Kong Returns
German	Donkey Kong Country Returns[?]	-

Trivia

• The save data description is "Get bananas back from the Tikis!"

External links

• Official American Website
• Official Oceanian Website
• Official European Website
• Official Japanese Website
• North American manual (EN/FR/ES)