The real ‘King of Kong’

Title: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Release date: May 24

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Contrary to popular belief, rocket-propelled wooden barrels aren’t exactly the best way to travel.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong soar to the clouds in one of the new areas.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
You can cling to grass-covered walls to collect bananas, reach secret rooms, or just to pass over enemies.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
I didn’t see this part during my playthrough, but it looks absolutely frightening. It’s easy to forget that the Donkey Kong Country games are pretty tough.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
A giant octopus and a wrecked pirate ship. Just another day in the life of Donkey Kong.

Synopsis

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is the handheld redux of Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii, which came out in 2010. You play as both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they fight to get back their stolen bananas by traveling through distinct environments — like volcanoes, jungles, and beaches — on their island. Completing the 2D platformer unlocks eight new stages that weren’t in the first game.

What’s old or new about it?

In addition to the new stages, the 3DS version also has something called New Mode that makes the difficulty a little easier. Each character starts with three hearts instead of two. You can also use new items like a portable DK barrel, which is useful for summoning Diddy again if he dies, or Crash Guard, which shields you from two additional hits in the mine cart and rocket barrel levels (see gallery) before you have to start over. And you can still play cooperatively with a friend — but only by using local wireless play.

Did you know?

“The game features eight new stages that were not in the original Wii version of the game,” said a Nintendo representative. “However, the design of these new stages may be familiar to players that accessed the unlockable artwork from the first game.”