Boss fights, which appear at the end of each world, are also a step up from what came before, with more phases and tougher patterns this time around. Enemy designs are also exceptional, with fluent animations and often humourous behaviours. The attention to detail is both a credit to the hardware and the development team, too, enlivening the backgrounds with subtle animations and nods to fans. The overall effect while progressing is one of continual surprise and delight. Exceptions can be those focused on minecart rides or rocket barrels, both making their return, and while we wouldn’t go so far as to say the longer stages are a superior offering to those of the Wii title, they are often enrapturing and up to Retro Studio’s standards.
On the surface it’s tempting to query a world count two short of the previous, but the development philosophy has clearly been to produce an entirely engaging, detailed approach to level design many stages will take up to ten minutes, occasionally beyond, on a first playthrough. There’s a playfulness and confidence on show throughout, with the six worlds - two shy of that in Returns - maximising their themes. There are moments when swimming is extensively used, and they feel like a pleasing change of pace rather than a chore. We’re not sure how elegantly apes actually swim but the mechanic is impeccable here, with basic movement, an equivalent of a roll and buddy-specific moves instinctive and natural to use. In fact, it’s within seconds that you’re bashing your way out of a plane and high-diving into water, bringing a much-demanded return to swimming. The core worlds also take turns between playing with the standard world tropes and mixing things up, with the varied environments allowing Retro’s designers breathing space to flex their creative muscles. It’s earned a reputation as a go-to development studio for high quality, lovingly crafted games. The aptly named Returns on Wii naturally brought comparisons between Retro Studios and the iconic Rare, especially as the Texas Studio had taken a major diversion from its Metroid Prime Trilogy and delivered a platformer of the highest standard. The last time that DK had a run of core platforming titles was in the days of Rare and the Super NES, after which the ambitious Donkey Kong 64 and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat - among others - explored new directions and experimented with the brand. We’ll break some suspense right away - Tropical Freeze does not disappoint. Anyone that discounts this title due to the fact it’s not the exact franchise they wanted is missing out, as the brilliant Donkey Kong Country Returns gets a sequel that should be cherished by enthusiastic gamers looking for a challenge.
It says much for the level of expectation placed upon Nintendo and Retro Studios that some questioned the decision to revisit the world of Donkey Kong for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, yet that initial reaction should be pushed aside.
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