Unfortunately Metroid isn’t as popular as donkey Kong and they can get away with selling at a higher price than a remaster of prime.. but prime remastered is the gold standard of a re release
Sadly no one buys Metroid games. We're lucky Nintendo even approved Prime Remastered (or Prime 4) to exist at all. Hell, even the majority of Nintendo diehards don't play Metroid games - they only play Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, and maybe stuff like Splatoon, Pikmin, and Xenoblade. Metroid is just too 'un-Nintendo' for them. If Metroid were on other platforms, it would have most assuredly sold better.
Well, no. I like the full price policy of Nintendo because they remade the EXACT same game. Already played it? Not buy. Not already played? Buy it (10-20 bucks are not a problem). Very straightforward. I would feel far more embarassed and mannipulated if they added random new contents so as to push you psychologically to buy something with little added value
@@raggamuffinmcgeeyou’re absolutely right. I stopped buying a AAA video game every month and I saved over 700 dollars over the year. Now I can afford a downpayment on a 700k house! 😂😂😂😂😂
Return to Dream Land Deluxe still holds the crown of the golden standard of what a $60 re-release should be. Completely redone visuals, cutscenes, and models, perfectly done music mixing with new instrumentation added to some returning tracks, new powerups added in a fun and non intrusive way, almost if not double the original games content including customizables, brand new and remade minigames, an epilogue that expands upon the story and innovates upon the existing gameplay in a new and fresh way, amazing new music in all the new modes, quality of life changes from the original and additions from games that came after it. A stable 60 fps which somehow deserves praise instead of being a standard, and adjustments to the base game like higher boss hp and different attack patterns from the original. I could continue for a while, but the point is if you want to re-release on old game for $60, you better make sure it has enough new content to justify that price tag
True! The only flaw is the lack of Scope Shot, with some other minor nitpicks here and there. I don't think a remake should remove content that was present in the original release imo. It's an incredible remake otherwise
@@FunkyyP I love Wind Waker HD and all of the quality of life elements it brought to the table. What with the beautiful visuals, faster traveling thanks to the Swift Sail, the gyroscope controls making it easier to use items like the bow or boomerang, needing Tingle to decipher only 3 Triforce charts instead of 8, and the Picto Box holding 12 photos rather than 3 (makes completing the Nintendo Gallery so much easier). In fact, I cannot go back to the original anymore thanks to how much better the HD version is.
Pikmin 3 deluxe and mario 3d world + bowser's fury are also some pretty good examples of rereleases earning their $60 pricetag. Both made made some integral improvements to the original's gameplay while also adding tons of side content.
@@Lightspeeds I could understand if you’re just *the* biggest DK fan or if you didn’t play the original/don’t have access to the original, but the Metroid Prime remake being $40 with less access to the original and higher regard leaves no excuses for this to be $60. Should’ve been $40. Also, Nintendo raised the price of Tropical Freeze from the Wii U to the Switch, so they must know that people will pay anything for monke
As someone who’s played it, I won’t be grabbing it because of the price but I definitely recommend trying it out for the first time. If you haven’t played Tropical Freeze, I highly recommend it too
@ Oddly enough I have both the Wii U and Switch release of Tropical Freeze, loved and beat it both times on there. I also have played through all the other DKCs so idk how I missed this one.
You ABSOLUTELY should add dk returns to the library immediately if you dont own it before. The game is pure quality (unless the port developers have effed it up somehow). If you already own it then yeah this is asking a lot
Same for me I never played it in the past so this will be a first time for me. And also eventually I’ll grab tropical freeze which I also never played.
0:54 To be fair, DK: Jungle Beat was-, and still is, a DEEPLY misunderstood game, and might in fact be the greatest "hidden gem" of the Gamecube.... It's an amazing platformer that thrives on a complex-, and hard to master combo-mechanic. Completing the game is fairly easy. But getting all the medals? Oh, boy! that's when the fun begins. I love that game to death and it is the single biggest reason I keep coming back to the Gamecube today. Nothing plays quite like it, and if you are going to play it today the only version that hits the mark is the Gamecube version played on bongo-drums.
Seeing how successful Mario RPG got down to like 25$ over at my local electronics chain, I feel like this will be cheap because there's no way people will jump on it with that price.
I don't know, the sales for 1st party Nintendo games are far and few in between. Wish I would've seen Mario RPG in that sale, I just bought it a month or so ago for like $15 off. It's still lame to me to see a super old Switch selling at retail still for $60. Even PS5 games like Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart don't go on sale often, I don't understand, I thought MSRP went down in time for a release
It's possible to see a price cut from some retailers, but rarely from Nintendo themselves, unless it's a limited time e-shop sale at like, 20% off, max. As it is, not a single 1st party Nintendo Switch game has ever received a permanent price reduction, even eight years into the Switch's lifespan. Hell, the Switch itself hasn't had a price cut either, and that's even with 'Switch 2' supposedly releasing late this year. I expect Switch 2 to cost at least $400 with all first party games retailing for $70 (or $80 for Zelda games). $400 might be only $50 more than the Switch OLED, but Switch 2 isn't going to be much more powerful than current Switch. Maybe like, 1/3rd as powerful as XB1 from 2013, but probably weaker.
@@Chicomite I got Super Mario RPG from Amazon for $33 about a week ago. I just checked and it’s still there but make sure you select carefully, they have some higher priced versions available.
Is this supposed to somehow justify or excuse a half-assed (at best) job on a ported game from 15 years ago, released at full price, no less? If that was your implication, help me understand. If it wasn't, my apologies.
@@omnicidal I think the point they're to make is that this is mainly for people that either never had the game on wii or 3ds or never had those consoles in general. Now I don't think that it excuses the 60$ price tag but I think it somewhat explains why they made this in the first place. Well either that or it was made to promote the theme park who knows.
Because that's exactly what Nintendo did. Lazy port job that shouldn't even be considered a 'remaster', but still sold at a premium price. Nintendo gonna Nintendo.
@@ppo9200 pun intended? Tbh it's not awful but it's a bad mechanic. It just kills the pacing with a lot of stopping and starting, and it was addressed in the sequel with the much faster and obvious pulling mechanic.
@@ppo9200It ain't overblown. That is part of the problem that this game has. There's just so much stop & doing things to progress like blowing, pounding, pulling and other things. It not only kills the pacing, but they aren't fun either. It's just tedious.
If this was being sold at $40, it was would be a much easier sell. I adore the original DKC Returns. It's a masterpiece. But, it's still easily accessible and has already been rereleased on another console. I feel like this is Nintendo going for a cheeky cash grab, rather than providing a good product.
A game isn’t easily accessible if it’s not on the current platform nobody wants to dig out their old Wii to play this game, most HD TVs don’t even have AV support. The 3DS eshop is no longer up so you can’t buy Returns 3d from Nintendo, you would have to hunt down a used one which isn’t convenient. People like you don’t consider any of these things and it’s baffling, this game is for DK fans and the high price isn’t exclusive to this game, almost ever Nintendo rerelease is 60$
Yeah. Tbh this has not nearly as much value nor as much effort involved than a new game. It isn´t even like a TTYD Remake, which adds a new artstyle, music and features to the mix, or Metroid which cost 40$ bucks for much more, is a very weird remaster that sometimes lacks some cool effects the Wii version has. I would say that 35$ would be the reasonable price.
Nintendo has always been penny-wise but dollar-foolish. Especially when they're 'succesful'. Greedy AF, even if it doesn't actually help them in the long run. I mean, we know the super-fans will buy anything they release so long as it's Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, or Donkey Kong, even if the games were sold at $100. I mean, "who can't afford a measly $100? Are you poor, lol?" (Says the kid who either doesn't have a job at all, or works two to three days a week but has zero bills to pay and has no understanding of the value of money). As for the rest of us, we'll pass.
Personally I like the full price policy of Nintendo because they remade the EXACT same game. Already played it? Not buy. Not already played? Buy it (10-20 bucks are not a problem). Very straightforward. I would feel far more embarassed and mannipulated if they added random new contents so as to push you psychologically to buy something with little added value
@banjobro64 Your opinion would make sense if it weren't for the fact that Metroid Prime for Switch isn't sold at full price, in fact today its remaster costs €40. Donkey Kong Country Return on Wii cost €50, now there's even a surcharge. I think you're confused about the difference between paying homage to a masterpiece and speculating on it
@@cosmicopeyoteYes there is a bit of inconsistency with MP but MP is the exception here. Plus, DKCR's gameplay aged less, MP is older and a less successful IP. Anyway it's not a big price difference considering inflation and does not change the whole thing. I've already played both games so I am quite happy not being persuaded/nudged to re-buy them because of minor additions. That's not speculating it's the exact opposite, because they are expressingly pushing people like me out from the purchase and just extract value from casuals/people who did not play the game or collectionists. It's also useful for them to understand how many people actually want to play that kind of game without a confounding price variable
@banjobro64 MP cannot be considered a less successful IP, the argument does not hold up, why should someone who has never played MP spend 40 and someone who has never played DKCR spend 60? Here there is a full-blown speculation to the detriment of those who have already owned the other versions, therefore collectors and fans.
I already beat it on 3ds. stil have my 3ds and this game for it. Going to buy it again here. I hope they put it out on Switch 2 so I can buy it there as well. Yes, I know Switch 2 is going to be backwards compatible with switch games.
“We would never expect a remaster to remove a mechanic.” I expected them to remove the one hit mechanic from minecarts and rocket barrels. You know, since Tropical Freeze already did that. Definition of “Missed opportunity.”
@jacobporter419 its not announced yet and there is no launch line up for it yet ,its still in development , there was a srmi conductor shortage during the pandemic , it will take years to get parts to build the hardware. Rome wasnt built overnight.
i think these reviews need to really evaluate the game’s value with its price. it’s a remaster/ HD port. we know the game is good. it hasn’t changed. it isn’t worth $60 on switch. this specific release, specifically for that reason, should be like a 3 or 4 out of ten. disgusting price.
While I agree with you on the first point, I disagree with the second. 3 or 4/10 because its overpriced is way too extreme. 3 or 4 means the game is just outright bad. Not that its not worth it; it means that its a bad game overall with some good qualities. Anything below 6/10 is where the game being good at all is questionable. The 7/10 is fine because its still a good game which cannot be denied and someone paying the $60 will still get a fun experience out of it all, but there's enough of a gap between max score and where its currently at that shows it could have been better. Reviews are meant to tell you how good a game is, not how worth your money it is. That's for the individual to decide.
@garrett3726 We should have gotten a new DK yrs ago. Nintendo knows "damn well" a New DK would sell like hotcakes. Nintendo hasn't made good game since Pikmin 4
I ended up buying it since I had a 10 dollar coupon to use and never played it on the ds or wii. Im pretty sure i got tropic freeze on sale for 30/35 too, but have yet to play it either. Guess Ill play HD 1st so i wont be disappointed haha
I wouldn't be surprised if they're using an emulation/translation layer to run the PowerPC code from the Wii original on the Switch as a cost-cutting measure vs. natively porting the code to ARM, would explain the performance issues. Charging $60 for an up-rez of a Wii game is bad enough, but there should be ZERO issues for that price. This feels like something that should have been priced at $20-30 tops, $60 is an insult, but hey, that's Nintendo for you. You could get better results running your Wii copy in an emulator and upping the output resolution.
Yeah, it's like they couldn't just get Retro to port it to a newer version of RUDE like they did with Prime Remastered. Which if anything you would think would be easier to do since DKCR is a much newer game.
any other company would charge £20 or $30 for this. this is mad. idk how alex and the others just never criticise nintendo for their prices. it’s genuinely abhorrent. i don’t feel like this review could have went in on it as much as it should. too much “but it’s still a great game” excusing it. we have went from nintendo rereleasing new game on nintendo selects for £20, just with a reprinted box art, to full price rereleases of decade and a half old games for more than what they retailed for, with no new content.
I think the price doesn't really bother them because some review channels and nintendo partnered youtubers get the games for free so when they make reviews or play them on stream or in a video, price for them is a non issue which is a bad thing cause most people WILL have to pay for it and yeah i agree 60 dollars is disgusting, it should be the same price as metroid prime remastered at the least.
Just bought this game cant wait to play the first donkey kong game in my life and im 29... Since i was a kid that im fascinated about this game but never had the opportunity
@cwega2463 I have my switch for a year.. never saw a Nintendo game on sale.. I bought for sale alot of good games for every studio but I gave up on Nintendo. I just want an old donkey Kong game to start my adventure
@@afoolfromnowhere nintendo do 33% sales on select games (like 5 at a time) every 2 months about. amazon sells most switch games at a permanent 30% sale for like £37, and most shops like curry’s and smyths sell games at a locked 30-50% off.
its great and worth it , if you never played it you are not going to care 2 shts if its a port or not! the people who would be silly buying this are the ones who played it, so i don't know what cwega.. is on about , because tropical freeze is from 2014 and still the best. Also wait for a sale?????? ridiculous hahaha its a Nintendo game ffs
Have fun, its a great game! :) If you like it, you can then get "Tropical Freeze" which is even better. You should also check out the SNES trilogy if you have an NSO membership, DKC have all been great games.
People saying it should Cost less or be bundled for 60, remember there are millions of people who just entered The Nintendo Universe with a Switch. So, probably a hight amount didnt Play this Game. On The other hand this is a full game. I cant remember Nintendo Selling full games from their own IP for less than 60 Dollars. Sorry one exception is metroid Prime remastered. 😂
It's really clear that they simply dumped this out as a tie-in for the recently opened theme park. A 'hey, Donkey Kong has his own game series!' and nothing more. Honestly, no shade to the theme park itself, it's cool and all, but it's just a stark reminder that basically nothing has been done with DK in over a decade since it's based so heavily on this game that has been released three times now, with only Tropical Freeze as an alternative. Hope this is the last we see of Returns for a long, long time after this.
Tomb raider remastered sets the president of gaming value, 3 whole games in one, updated graphics, modern controls but also original graphics/controls. Way longer experience & all bundled for €30 & that's for 1-3 remastered & 4-6 remastered which are vastly better games than this.
As someone who is in the same position as you, I would say yes. I seems like it's just as good as TF, whether or not it ends up being better than it is another question
as someone who played both, returns won’t impress you but it’s a great game. however i don’t recommend spending 60€ on this. if you have a wii/3ds get it for that or if you have a pc play it on dolphin. if not wait and buy it used. i just don’t see the point in spending that much money on this
All 5 DKC games are worth playing! They're all great JNRs and if you haven't played Returns yet, go get it. This is the best version without stupid shake controls, all extra levels from the 3DS version and everything in HD. The Wii version was the opposite of that and to play it on a tiny 3DS screen isn't doing the game justice, the 3DS version is the weakest version.
I'm sad it seems like the ONE new thing they could've done that (I think) would have been relatively easy to add but didn't was being able to play as Diddy Kong in Mirror Mode, if only because they let you do that with him + Dixie and Cranky in Tropical Freeze. They even already have versions of the cutscenes with just Diddy thanks to multiplayer!
Yes it is. I’m willing to pay $60 for a remastered Wii game so I can play it again WITHOUT going back to older systems that could stop working any day now.
@@omnicidalSo, someone sees the value of the game, and now they're part of a problem. Get a life. If you don't see the value on the game, fine. But don't think people will share your opinion.
I wish they charged $100 for this game. Just so I can have a good hearty laugh at the fanboys who would still be defending it and blaming others for being "too poor", when the reality is that the only reason they are so nonchalant about paying megabucks for a lazy port of a 15 year old game is because mommy and daddy bought it for them.
To me every game that is already on the 3DS with the same content and 3D functionality is a no buy on the Switch. This is one of them. However for people who don’t own a 3DS and don’t care for the 3D effect these ports are the definitive versions and the only ones that are officially available on a portable system. Not to mention the new generation who wasn’t alive when the Wii was out.
@@Miradis Oh, I didn’t know that. Guess I missed it. That’s definitely worth something. Although I myself only play alone. 😅 Online coop would be funny though.
@ Actually that's why it's not clear. I want the games with bigger controller and tv out, I just can't decide if it's worth buying them again for these reasons. Also, it's not the money thing, it's the rebuying of the same game over and over for a few things that have me hesitant.
The only think I dislike is they ported the 3DS version, which was probably the easier way to bring the 3DS extra content but at the same time the game lost many visual aspects that were exclusive to the Wii version.
Nintendo gonna Nintendo. I'm surprised the game doesn't run at 30fps too. Then again, the game somehow can't manage to hit a stable 60fps in many spots.
But when a lot of us played on the Wii and 3DS.. That 3rd time full price same game is very Shady from the big N. Play it in 🐬 until the price decrease at half, Nintendo doesn't deserves your money for that.
For me, not needing to use waggle controls is worth it tbh. Though, my biggest gripe with this, as well as DKCTF is that the controls are different from the og DKC's from SNES. I want to be able to use the Y-button for rolling AND grabbing AND running, not having to use L or R for one of them... Don't jnderstand why this is not something that they can patch in. My brain is still so ingrained knto that control scheme, and is, according to me ofc, superior
If you can find it cheaper on 3DS, go for it. It is the exact same thing of this new HD version outside of lower graphics, and oddly enough, the 3DS version is waaay more polished and has not even a stutter in framerate. So, get Tropical Freeze on Switch if you want, but don't miss on Returns either, it's a fantastic game -- just not that good on Switch. Blame the devs for that.
1:00 Jungle Beat is one of the best DK games! I will not stand for this Jungle Beat Slander! XO TBH, for a bongo-controlled 2D platformer, they did an amazing job with the concept and it's for sure worth trying once in your life!
Alex I’ve been watching your videos for a while and just wanted to say you’re a gem in the games media space. I find myself mouthing “hello there lovely people” at the start of your vids.
they’re judging it as a rerelease and not the actual game itself. we know true game is good, but is it good enough to buy the third time, with no new content, for additional cost?
@@cwega2463 Portability on a newer device being an added benefit, yes it is good enough. The market dictates the price, not even Nintendo. This is worth it to some, so that determined pricing. I didn't play the Wii or the 3DS version, as I believe many did not, so I will pick this up. Still beats paying a monthly fee to access a lackluster library, on failing hardware.
@@cwega2463 Well, it's still the best version...for me the 3DS version was the one to skip, the game wasn't made for such a tiny screen and aside from the new levels just an inferior version. The price of the Switch version is of course typical Nintendo, but if you consider how much money people spend on stuff like amiibos etc., stuff that just collects dust on a shelf usually, I rather skip stuff like that and buy one of the best JNRs in the best version. For me the 9th world is new at least and I'm glad to finally get rid of those stupid shake controls. Paying a high price here is basically the opposite of getting great Indie games often way under their value...it kinda evens out.
With regards to 4:58, bouncing off of enemy heads in the original was actually super lenient…it’s just that the way it works is very counter intuitive. After you bounced off the first enemy, all you have to do is release then hold the jump button again sometime before you land on the next enemy to get the next full bounce.
A port is all I need really so I've pre-ordered it because I adore the DKC games and Tropical Freeze is easily the best platformer of all time, so I want to support Nintendo publishing more DKC games in the future. While I do own the Wii copy of the game, the last time I played it was when I was only 9 or 10 and I found the game too difficult to ever complete (I never got past the level in world 2 with the giant waves). and my Wii has been in a box in the attic for years, so I'd much rather have it accessible on my Switch along with Tropical Freeze and the original trilogy via Switch online.
This would’ve been fine had it been cheaper _or_ had more effort put into it. $40 in its current state would’ve been justifiable. Making the game more accessible with a fresh coat of paint is a good idea. However, the coat of paint is sloppy and isn’t worth the $60 Nintendo’s asking for. That wouldn’t have been completely terrible had they added more content though. Would’ve been cool if they added an epilogue story with Diddy Kong as the only protagonist, reminiscent of DKC2. Could’ve been a few new worlds and some new bosses with some new music and that would’ve justified the $60 a bit more They’ve hit that gray area where it’s not worth the price they’re asking for, but had plenty of potential to be great. Disappointing
Sure, maybe as a "Remaster", this wasn't as good as it COULD'VE been, but in terms of core gameplay, for me, *Donkey Kong Returns (3DS) > Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze (Wii U)* IMO. Fight me, Alex (and the internet). lol
The original game had timeless art direction - like many and most first-party Nintendo Wii games - and thus, doesn't require any "remake" in its graphical design. It looks gorgeous just as it is without any graphical upgrade. The answer is quite clearly *no.*
This version will be the definitive way to play as DKCRHD has improved graphics, it doesnt force motion controls onto you, runs at 60fps, has all the 3ds content such as the levels which will also be playable in hd. Besides the price, what else is the matter. I wouldn't just say "just buy tropical freeze" as that is a different experience even if it is better. It's not the same game. If price is that much of an issue, just wait for a price drop But if you enjoyed returns and want to experience the whole package and have all the best versions of dkc games on one system, i think it's worth it. I pre-ordered mine cause i know im going to enjoy this game and its worth is more than just a price tag based on the points i mentioned above. That being said i was able to get a pre-order discount allowing the game to come down to just £45 which is reasonable.
I preordered on play Asia for $40. Never played it before so I’m okay shelling out the dough. Tropical freeze is one of the only games I can’t stop picking up and starting over from the beginning and playing through until the end.
both this and tropical freeze should be in a bundle together for like $40. the fact the 14 or 15 year old returns and 11 year old tropical freeze costs $120 from nintendo still in 2025 is not defendable imo. i could literally buy both games on original hardware, PLUS the original hardware, for LESS.
That’s an over exaggeration and you know it. Find me a Wii a Wii U, DK Returns and Tropical Freeze for $120 you can’t. The price of a game and what YOU think it’s worth are completely subjective and can’t be mentioned in a review what you think is too much someone else just sees as just a couple hours of work and therefore worth it.
I also hate the price tag, but feel it at least makes sense for Tropical Freeze, since they added Funky Mode and the game never had a chance to reach audiences on the Wii U. But DKCR is absurdly overpriced, as was Luigi’s mansion 2. Frustrating stuff really.
No way Nintendo still wants to sell for third time the same game. Big N ninjas killing emulators when they want to sell us at full price an old rom just at 2x resolution and worse graphics.. 19.90€ would be realistic price.
Who wouldn't count jungle beat? It has some of the most unique platforming in any game ever and it's combo system gave incentive to replay levels to try to get a better score and to experiment with how you tackle the platforming and enemies to try to squeeze as much as you can from every interactions. I hope jungle beat gets a remake or remaster as i think a lot of people wpuld love it if they got to try it.
@@AndDeathForAll82 IMO, TF is better than DKC2, due to having better level design, more variety, and a more balanced difficulty. DK2 is still great, though. I especially love the pirate theme and dark atmosphere.
I was thinking they sped up the balloon rising animation to make for quicker respawns, but I went back to the original game and...nope! They're the exact same length. The screen transition just happens before DK reaches the top of the screen on Wii. It's a nitpick for sure, but the rising speed does look weird here.
DKCR is the best platformer of all time and I'm glad I can finally pester everyone I know to play it without having to say "its actually really easy to set motion controls to a button in dolphin I promise"
I do not get how Metroid Prime Remastered (from the same studio) with a much bigger graphical jump from the original is 40 bucks and this one 60. It does not make sense.
Retro themselves made the Prime Remaster, whilst DKCR 'remaster' was outsourced to another studio. Nintendo knew it didn't matter if the DK port was a decent job, because they know it's Donkey Kong and will sell no matter what - hence, $60. Metroid on the other hand, Nintendo wasn't even sure if they wanted to release Prime Remastered at all, so they sat on the completed game for several years before they decided to throw us a bone and charged only $40 because, well, that's how much a remaster should cost (so long as it isn't Mario, Zelda, or Donkey Kong, which will sell at any price).
Could have been a 30,- swansong port for the switch, I'll never understand how they dare ask 60,- for it. It's a top tier game, absolutely, but it's also a 14 year old game, and the port just isn't that good, especially looking at the videos posted by GameXplain. I'll just be playing this on the Wii, and get this when the price goes down somewhere in the next decade. They really dropped the ball with this one imo.
Looking at the comments of the people who just buy every new first-party Switch release without thinking I can understand why they price these warmed-over ports they way they do. Given the fantastic Metroid Prime remaster was only $40, $60 for this should be insulting to everybody.
@@yellowblanka6058 Yep, business wise it makes sense for them to do this probably, and they probably don't want to "dilute brand value" by offering it cheaper since they just opened the new park addition at Universal Japan. I'd say that this bad port with that price is what's actually diluting DK brand value, with tons of fans talking negatively about it. It should have been pulled a bit more towards Tropical Freeze visually, there are tricks for them to use that don't require building it all from the ground up to do so. I mean look what they did with Windwaker HD, that was a huge upgrade imo.
I just downloaded this game. There is two modes you can play. I do like seeing the graphics upgraded and I forgot how hard this game can be on certain levels.
I only bought this game because I’m a huge DK fan and have been wanting anything DK for the switch since tropical freeze, but this makes me want a new DK game more now.
I won’t act like there’s no problems surrounding this port, but I’m looking forward to the game. Returns was the first DK game I actually beat, which was the stepping stone to Tropical Freeze becoming my favorite game ever. And when we had DKC 1, 2, 3, and Tropical Freeze on Switch already, I wanted a version of the game that had button controls and added the 3DS levels to a home console. And yeah, Tropical Freeze already exists and beyond any shadow of a doubt is the better game in every regard. Looks better, the music is so much better, the levels are much better designed with more interesting level and world themes… Returns always felt like to Tropical Freeze what DKC 1 felt like to 2. It’s a good game in a bubble, but the game feels so much more basic and barebones when compared to the sequel. And to address the elephant, giraffe, zebra and squirrel walking off with a bunch of bananas in the room- yes, the game’s price tag is too much. But how worth it the game is at the price will depend on the individual. For me, I got it with a voucher I had left over from last year when there’s not really anything else I’d want to use a voucher on. Helps that I wanted this game, but without the voucher, I would have waited for a rainy day when I have enough to buy a game but no games I want otherwise because, again, Tropical Freeze already exists and is a much better game. Some people may get it for the first time. Some people might be really into DK either through the movie or Tropical Freeze or whatever. Some people might want to relive an old classic. Some people might find the price too high, but still want the game, so they wait for a rare Nintendo sale, or buy it used. And some may just not want the game because the price tag is too much for too little on offer. And all of that is fair. Legos are crazy expensive and I would never spend a penny on a hundred dollar plus set for something I’d build and do nothing with. You might balk at movie ticket prices for something you can wait until it hits streaming services. Some people would scoff at a 300 dollar video game console. Value is what we make of it for hobby stuff like video games. But to return to the point- yes, the game is too expensive and is another example in a long line of examples where Nintendo puts the prestige of their brands over a pro-consumer move. It sucks, and there’s not really anything we can do as consumers, since it’s Nintendo’s call at the end of the day. All we can do is judge if we want any given game or not and spend our money or save it.
The only DKC game I haven't played, I just wish it was like half the price. Maybe they'll drop it after it flops. I can't imagine being released on the same day as the official switch 2 reveal will help either.
I’ve preordered it. The price point won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it cost me £43 and I’ve never played it before so it’s a new game for me personally
The only reason I plan on getting this, is because I really want to be able to have this game on Switch, so I can legally play it through emulation with mods that would actually make it the definitive way to play this game. And even then, I will most likely get it at Target instead of EBGames, where I'm likely to get a cheaper price. Either that or do a trade in at EBGames, just so I don't spend so much on it. I mean, the price is ludicrous for what is otherwise just a half hearted port!
While the price is way too high and some of the things in this irk me (Like, why NOT credit the original team??), I'm still picking it up solely because I don't want the franchise to die out - and it's a damn fine game. I'd even go as far as saying it's better than Tropical Freeze too.
So cool we can play both Donkey Kong Country revival games on Switch. If you don't have a Wii or Wii U and don't want the 3DS port I probably would get this one, I know I will.
When gamexplain mentioned the graphical shortcomings of this port I was worried yet hopeful they would fix it by release but apparently not they couldn't do that.
I had the Wii getting this for Christmas for 1st grade in 2010 and I was joyed and I also got Mario Party 8. My dad got it for me for $35 from the GameStop near my house. Now my childhood is back, if the remake is great
can you elaborate on what's wrong about having faster baloon animation? i'm a bit confused about the review of this video, a lot of trivial critiques and not sure why it is recommended over tropical freeze?
yea i appreciate this review. these negatives pointed out have drove me to cancel my pre order. just going to play tropical freeze and yooka laylee impossible lair again lmao
Holy cow, I just realized WarioWare: Get It Together! has actually predicted DKCR HD when I played it back in 2021! Am I the only one who thinks it happened somehow?
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Can't wrap my head around why Prime remastered was only $40 but this is $60??
Preparing for Switch 2?
Unfortunately Metroid isn’t as popular as donkey Kong and they can get away with selling at a higher price than a remaster of prime.. but prime remastered is the gold standard of a re release
Sadly no one buys Metroid games. We're lucky Nintendo even approved Prime Remastered (or Prime 4) to exist at all. Hell, even the majority of Nintendo diehards don't play Metroid games - they only play Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, and maybe stuff like Splatoon, Pikmin, and Xenoblade. Metroid is just too 'un-Nintendo' for them.
If Metroid were on other platforms, it would have most assuredly sold better.
@@N.i.E.M.O I feel like Metroid would fit well on the Xbox since they usually do alot of fps games
the price is why i'm actually passing for now
Should be bundled with Tropical Freeze at this point and for that price.
Knowing the big N, they'd probably bundle it for 110$.
Not including tax.
Well, no. I like the full price policy of Nintendo because they remade the EXACT same game. Already played it? Not buy. Not already played? Buy it (10-20 bucks are not a problem). Very straightforward. I would feel far more embarassed and mannipulated if they added random new contents so as to push you psychologically to buy something with little added value
People will still buy it (among other poor financial decisions) then complain that they aren't paid a living wage or live paycheck to paycheck.
@@raggamuffinmcgeeyou’re absolutely right.
I stopped buying a AAA video game every month and I saved over 700 dollars over the year.
Now I can afford a downpayment on a 700k house!
😂😂😂😂😂
That’s right, I’d be all in on thag
Return to Dream Land Deluxe still holds the crown of the golden standard of what a $60 re-release should be. Completely redone visuals, cutscenes, and models, perfectly done music mixing with new instrumentation added to some returning tracks, new powerups added in a fun and non intrusive way, almost if not double the original games content including customizables, brand new and remade minigames, an epilogue that expands upon the story and innovates upon the existing gameplay in a new and fresh way, amazing new music in all the new modes, quality of life changes from the original and additions from games that came after it. A stable 60 fps which somehow deserves praise instead of being a standard, and adjustments to the base game like higher boss hp and different attack patterns from the original. I could continue for a while, but the point is if you want to re-release on old game for $60, you better make sure it has enough new content to justify that price tag
True! The only flaw is the lack of Scope Shot, with some other minor nitpicks here and there. I don't think a remake should remove content that was present in the original release imo. It's an incredible remake otherwise
Nah the golden standard is Metroid prime remastered
@@FunkyyP I love Wind Waker HD and all of the quality of life elements it brought to the table. What with the beautiful visuals, faster traveling thanks to the Swift Sail, the gyroscope controls making it easier to use items like the bow or boomerang, needing Tingle to decipher only 3 Triforce charts instead of 8, and the Picto Box holding 12 photos rather than 3 (makes completing the Nintendo Gallery so much easier). In fact, I cannot go back to the original anymore thanks to how much better the HD version is.
or if you’re going to do just a simple upscale, thats fine, but it has no right being a full 60
Pikmin 3 deluxe and mario 3d world + bowser's fury are also some pretty good examples of rereleases earning their $60 pricetag. Both made made some integral improvements to the original's gameplay while also adding tons of side content.
$60 for a 14-year old Wii game that’s already been remade and has a sequel? Absolutely not worth it
Well I'm part of the problem, I put a preorder down.
@@LightspeedsMe too. 😭
This, this is all that needs to be said. Thank you.
Donkey Kong is a bigger IP. Metroid doesn’t sell well.
@@Lightspeeds I could understand if you’re just *the* biggest DK fan or if you didn’t play the original/don’t have access to the original, but the Metroid Prime remake being $40 with less access to the original and higher regard leaves no excuses for this to be $60. Should’ve been $40. Also, Nintendo raised the price of Tropical Freeze from the Wii U to the Switch, so they must know that people will pay anything for monke
I’m getting this ONLY because I haven’t ever played the original. I understand for everyone else 60 is a big ask. Hell it’s still a big ask for me.
As someone who’s played it, I won’t be grabbing it because of the price but I definitely recommend trying it out for the first time. If you haven’t played Tropical Freeze, I highly recommend it too
@ Oddly enough I have both the Wii U and Switch release of Tropical Freeze, loved and beat it both times on there. I also have played through all the other DKCs so idk how I missed this one.
You ABSOLUTELY should add dk returns to the library immediately if you dont own it before. The game is pure quality (unless the port developers have effed it up somehow). If you already own it then yeah this is asking a lot
I too would say add it to your library, but I would also say try to get a deal on it
Same for me I never played it in the past so this will be a first time for me. And also eventually I’ll grab tropical freeze which I also never played.
0:54 To be fair, DK: Jungle Beat was-, and still is, a DEEPLY misunderstood game, and might in fact be the greatest "hidden gem" of the Gamecube.... It's an amazing platformer that thrives on a complex-, and hard to master combo-mechanic. Completing the game is fairly easy. But getting all the medals? Oh, boy! that's when the fun begins. I love that game to death and it is the single biggest reason I keep coming back to the Gamecube today. Nothing plays quite like it, and if you are going to play it today the only version that hits the mark is the Gamecube version played on bongo-drums.
Literally one of the most unique games of all time, and I think it might crack my top 10. It’s so underrated it’s not even funny
I love that game. I still have the bongos that you play the game with.
Nha it sucks lol.
I still play the Wii version, very fun
JB is really fun!
I’m only getting it cuz I never played the original or the 3DS version so I wanna play it for the first time
I still have my 3DS copy. I will wait for very deep discount.
It’s a great game. You’ll have fun.
Wait for a good sale
If I had this on 3Ds I wouldn't buy it again.. Its still on the go unless you wanna play this on big screen then buy it...@Nero7441
This is my favorite game in the series so tbh I'd say it's worth it as a first time game
Seeing how successful Mario RPG got down to like 25$ over at my local electronics chain, I feel like this will be cheap because there's no way people will jump on it with that price.
I don't know, the sales for 1st party Nintendo games are far and few in between. Wish I would've seen Mario RPG in that sale, I just bought it a month or so ago for like $15 off. It's still lame to me to see a super old Switch selling at retail still for $60. Even PS5 games like Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart don't go on sale often, I don't understand, I thought MSRP went down in time for a release
@@Chicomite rift apart goes on half price sales about 3 times a year. you just gotta look for it. this is on the ps store as well.
It's possible to see a price cut from some retailers, but rarely from Nintendo themselves, unless it's a limited time e-shop sale at like, 20% off, max. As it is, not a single 1st party Nintendo Switch game has ever received a permanent price reduction, even eight years into the Switch's lifespan. Hell, the Switch itself hasn't had a price cut either, and that's even with 'Switch 2' supposedly releasing late this year.
I expect Switch 2 to cost at least $400 with all first party games retailing for $70 (or $80 for Zelda games). $400 might be only $50 more than the Switch OLED, but Switch 2 isn't going to be much more powerful than current Switch. Maybe like, 1/3rd as powerful as XB1 from 2013, but probably weaker.
@@Chicomite I got Super Mario RPG from Amazon for $33 about a week ago. I just checked and it’s still there but make sure you select carefully, they have some higher priced versions available.
And how much is tropical freeze?
Don't think this remaster is really for people who already have it more so for the new generation who watched the new movie and stuff lol.
Yeah there are kids with switches that weren't born when it first came out
@@DontuseMyRealNameYTplz1425Hell, there are kids who weren’t even around the SECOND time this was released
Is this supposed to somehow justify or excuse a half-assed (at best) job on a ported game from 15 years ago, released at full price, no less? If that was your implication, help me understand. If it wasn't, my apologies.
still not an excuse to charge 60 bucks for it. Nintendo isn't a small indie company that needs the money.
Buy it at a discount at least
@@omnicidal I think the point they're to make is that this is mainly for people that either never had the game on wii or 3ds or never had those consoles in general. Now I don't think that it excuses the 60$ price tag but I think it somewhat explains why they made this in the first place. Well either that or it was made to promote the theme park who knows.
How on Earth did they manage to mess up the sound mixing? That feels like a "Sega-Handed-The-Port-Job-Off-To-Another-Studio" level mistake.
Because that's exactly what Nintendo did. Lazy port job that shouldn't even be considered a 'remaster', but still sold at a premium price.
Nintendo gonna Nintendo.
Some are speculating that this is emulation, which might explain the sound issues.
I agree about the blowing mechanic. Absolutely terrible mechanic tbh.
Such an overblown critisism
@@ppo9200 pun intended?
Tbh it's not awful but it's a bad mechanic. It just kills the pacing with a lot of stopping and starting, and it was addressed in the sequel with the much faster and obvious pulling mechanic.
@@TheLonelyGoombayea it was just a pun mate.
@@ppo9200It ain't overblown. That is part of the problem that this game has. There's just so much stop & doing things to progress like blowing, pounding, pulling and other things. It not only kills the pacing, but they aren't fun either. It's just tedious.
If this was being sold at $40, it was would be a much easier sell. I adore the original DKC Returns. It's a masterpiece. But, it's still easily accessible and has already been rereleased on another console. I feel like this is Nintendo going for a cheeky cash grab, rather than providing a good product.
Bro its an extra 20 measly dollars, just by the game.
A game isn’t easily accessible if it’s not on the current platform nobody wants to dig out their old Wii to play this game, most HD TVs don’t even have AV support. The 3DS eshop is no longer up so you can’t buy Returns 3d from Nintendo, you would have to hunt down a used one which isn’t convenient. People like you don’t consider any of these things and it’s baffling, this game is for DK fans and the high price isn’t exclusive to this game, almost ever Nintendo rerelease is 60$
Yeah. Tbh this has not nearly as much value nor as much effort involved than a new game. It isn´t even like a TTYD Remake, which adds a new artstyle, music and features to the mix, or Metroid which cost 40$ bucks for much more, is a very weird remaster that sometimes lacks some cool effects the Wii version has. I would say that 35$ would be the reasonable price.
Nintendo has always been penny-wise but dollar-foolish. Especially when they're 'succesful'. Greedy AF, even if it doesn't actually help them in the long run.
I mean, we know the super-fans will buy anything they release so long as it's Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, or Donkey Kong, even if the games were sold at $100. I mean, "who can't afford a measly $100? Are you poor, lol?" (Says the kid who either doesn't have a job at all, or works two to three days a week but has zero bills to pay and has no understanding of the value of money).
As for the rest of us, we'll pass.
A masterpiece? I don't think so.
"It's a hell of price for very little improvement over the Wii original"
(And some downgrades)
Personally I like the full price policy of Nintendo because they remade the EXACT same game. Already played it? Not buy. Not already played? Buy it (10-20 bucks are not a problem). Very straightforward. I would feel far more embarassed and mannipulated if they added random new contents so as to push you psychologically to buy something with little added value
@banjobro64 Your opinion would make sense if it weren't for the fact that Metroid Prime for Switch isn't sold at full price, in fact today its remaster costs €40. Donkey Kong Country Return on Wii cost €50, now there's even a surcharge. I think you're confused about the difference between paying homage to a masterpiece and speculating on it
@@cosmicopeyoteYes there is a bit of inconsistency with MP but MP is the exception here. Plus, DKCR's gameplay aged less, MP is older and a less successful IP. Anyway it's not a big price difference considering inflation and does not change the whole thing. I've already played both games so I am quite happy not being persuaded/nudged to re-buy them because of minor additions. That's not speculating it's the exact opposite, because they are expressingly pushing people like me out from the purchase and just extract value from casuals/people who did not play the game or collectionists. It's also useful for them to understand how many people actually want to play that kind of game without a confounding price variable
@banjobro64 MP cannot be considered a less successful IP, the argument does not hold up, why should someone who has never played MP spend 40 and someone who has never played DKCR spend 60? Here there is a full-blown speculation to the detriment of those who have already owned the other versions, therefore collectors and fans.
Can't wait for this game, have it pre-ordered. I already beat it on 3ds, it's amazing!!
Same here, the 3DS version is awesome
Mine is preloaded I'll buy it again better version on the go.
I already beat it on 3ds. stil have my 3ds and this game for it. Going to buy it again here. I hope they put it out on Switch 2 so I can buy it there as well. Yes, I know Switch 2 is going to be backwards compatible with switch games.
Do u all think I should cancel my preorder having second thoughts 🤔
You already beat the game on 3ds and now is buying the 15 year old game for full price. Yikes. You are part of the problem
“We would never expect a remaster to remove a mechanic.” I expected
them to remove the one hit mechanic from minecarts and rocket barrels. You know, since Tropical Freeze already did that. Definition of “Missed opportunity.”
They also removed a platforming feature that effectively ruins multiplayer in the harder levels.
@ I just saw a video on that. Yeah that’s pretty bad
It's been 11 years since the last new donkey kong game
I've been waiting too long for a sequel
There will never be another dkc game would be great to have one for switch 2
All eyes on Donkey Kong Country coming on Thursday 👀
Are there any Water Buffelos in the game?
@@t.fernbach602 Incorrect, all eyes will be on the Switch 2 being announced
@jacobporter419 you're a smart cookie
@jacobporter419 its not announced yet and there is no launch line up for it yet ,its still in development , there was a srmi conductor shortage during the pandemic , it will take years to get parts to build the hardware. Rome wasnt built overnight.
Nintendo isnt going to change their mind , they are in charge not some leaker.
Despite the valid price complaints, as someone who never played DKC Returns I'm excited to try out the precursor to Tropical Freeze!
It’s a solid game you won’t be disappointed. I remember buying it in 2010 and I was in total awe throughout the game.
i think these reviews need to really evaluate the game’s value with its price.
it’s a remaster/ HD port. we know the game is good. it hasn’t changed.
it isn’t worth $60 on switch. this specific release, specifically for that reason, should be like a 3 or 4 out of ten.
disgusting price.
Lol Ya agree! We all know the game is good, the price is the problem. $60 is outright insult
While I agree with you on the first point, I disagree with the second. 3 or 4/10 because its overpriced is way too extreme. 3 or 4 means the game is just outright bad. Not that its not worth it; it means that its a bad game overall with some good qualities. Anything below 6/10 is where the game being good at all is questionable. The 7/10 is fine because its still a good game which cannot be denied and someone paying the $60 will still get a fun experience out of it all, but there's enough of a gap between max score and where its currently at that shows it could have been better.
Reviews are meant to tell you how good a game is, not how worth your money it is. That's for the individual to decide.
I’m hoping if it sells well we will get a new DKC but who knows
@garrett3726 We should have gotten a new DK yrs ago. Nintendo knows "damn well" a New DK would sell like hotcakes.
Nintendo hasn't made good game since Pikmin 4
No. Here’s the thing, people have different financial situations, and that would MASSIVELY convolute the scoring process
I ended up buying it since I had a 10 dollar coupon to use and never played it on the ds or wii. Im pretty sure i got tropic freeze on sale for 30/35 too, but have yet to play it either. Guess Ill play HD 1st so i wont be disappointed haha
I wouldn't be surprised if they're using an emulation/translation layer to run the PowerPC code from the Wii original on the Switch as a cost-cutting measure vs. natively porting the code to ARM, would explain the performance issues. Charging $60 for an up-rez of a Wii game is bad enough, but there should be ZERO issues for that price. This feels like something that should have been priced at $20-30 tops, $60 is an insult, but hey, that's Nintendo for you. You could get better results running your Wii copy in an emulator and upping the output resolution.
Yeah, it's like they couldn't just get Retro to port it to a newer version of RUDE like they did with Prime Remastered. Which if anything you would think would be easier to do since DKCR is a much newer game.
any other company would charge £20 or $30 for this. this is mad.
idk how alex and the others just never criticise nintendo for their prices. it’s genuinely abhorrent. i don’t feel like this review could have went in on it as much as it should. too much “but it’s still a great game” excusing it.
we have went from nintendo rereleasing new game on nintendo selects for £20, just with a reprinted box art, to full price rereleases of decade and a half old games for more than what they retailed for, with no new content.
I think the price doesn't really bother them because some review channels and nintendo partnered youtubers get the games for free so when they make reviews or play them on stream or in a video, price for them is a non issue which is a bad thing cause most people WILL have to pay for it and yeah i agree 60 dollars is disgusting, it should be the same price as metroid prime remastered at the least.
He criticized the price a lot in this video
@@Milkshakefrenchfries yeah... like twice
Watch the video first
@jacobporter419 i did watch it fully
Just bought this game cant wait to play the first donkey kong game in my life and im 29... Since i was a kid that im fascinated about this game but never had the opportunity
genuinely, wait for a sale. it isn’t worth $60 for a HD port of a 10 hour wii game that’s 15 years old.
@cwega2463 I have my switch for a year.. never saw a Nintendo game on sale.. I bought for sale alot of good games for every studio but I gave up on Nintendo. I just want an old donkey Kong game to start my adventure
@@afoolfromnowhere nintendo do 33% sales on select games (like 5 at a time) every 2 months about.
amazon sells most switch games at a permanent 30% sale for like £37, and most shops like curry’s and smyths sell games at a locked 30-50% off.
its great and worth it , if you never played it you are not going to care 2 shts if its a port or not! the people who would be silly buying this are the ones who played it, so i don't know what cwega.. is on about , because tropical freeze is from 2014 and still the best. Also wait for a sale?????? ridiculous hahaha its a Nintendo game ffs
Have fun, its a great game! :) If you like it, you can then get "Tropical Freeze" which is even better. You should also check out the SNES trilogy if you have an NSO membership, DKC have all been great games.
People saying it should Cost less or be bundled for 60, remember there are millions of people who just entered The Nintendo Universe with a Switch. So, probably a hight amount didnt Play this Game. On The other hand this is a full game. I cant remember Nintendo Selling full games from their own IP for less than 60 Dollars. Sorry one exception is metroid Prime remastered. 😂
It's really clear that they simply dumped this out as a tie-in for the recently opened theme park. A 'hey, Donkey Kong has his own game series!' and nothing more.
Honestly, no shade to the theme park itself, it's cool and all, but it's just a stark reminder that basically nothing has been done with DK in over a decade since it's based so heavily on this game that has been released three times now, with only Tropical Freeze as an alternative. Hope this is the last we see of Returns for a long, long time after this.
Be amazing if they re-did the original 3 dk countries and sold as a bundle.
Tomb raider remastered sets the president of gaming value, 3 whole games in one, updated graphics, modern controls but also original graphics/controls. Way longer experience & all bundled for €30 & that's for 1-3 remastered & 4-6 remastered which are vastly better games than this.
Ive Pre ordered this and can’t wait to play it tomorrow Australia time….ok thats more than enough waffling back to you in the studio 🤘🏽
Honestly, I actually thought the blowing mechanic was kinda neat.
Thanks for the video. Great points. Can’t disagree. But I still look forward to the physical copy that I pre-ordered.
Having not played the original, but played Tropical Freeze- is this worth picking up?
As someone who is in the same position as you, I would say yes. I seems like it's just as good as TF, whether or not it ends up being better than it is another question
as someone who played both, returns won’t impress you but it’s a great game. however i don’t recommend spending 60€ on this. if you have a wii/3ds get it for that or if you have a pc play it on dolphin. if not wait and buy it used. i just don’t see the point in spending that much money on this
All 5 DKC games are worth playing! They're all great JNRs and if you haven't played Returns yet, go get it. This is the best version without stupid shake controls, all extra levels from the 3DS version and everything in HD. The Wii version was the opposite of that and to play it on a tiny 3DS screen isn't doing the game justice, the 3DS version is the weakest version.
Yes
TF is a much better package but DKCR is a great game. In the top platformers
I'm sad it seems like the ONE new thing they could've done that (I think) would have been relatively easy to add but didn't was being able to play as Diddy Kong in Mirror Mode, if only because they let you do that with him + Dixie and Cranky in Tropical Freeze. They even already have versions of the cutscenes with just Diddy thanks to multiplayer!
Yes it is. I’m willing to pay $60 for a remastered Wii game so I can play it again WITHOUT going back to older systems that could stop working any day now.
Thanks for being part of the problem.
@ I’m not going back to my 3DS. It’s over a decade old, and may not work anymore.
@@omnicidaldon’t worry I will offset his purchase by pirating it
@@omnicidalSo, someone sees the value of the game, and now they're part of a problem. Get a life. If you don't see the value on the game, fine. But don't think people will share your opinion.
I wish they charged $100 for this game. Just so I can have a good hearty laugh at the fanboys who would still be defending it and blaming others for being "too poor", when the reality is that the only reason they are so nonchalant about paying megabucks for a lazy port of a 15 year old game is because mommy and daddy bought it for them.
I really wish they would make a new DK, it’s been over a decade now
To me every game that is already on the 3DS with the same content and 3D functionality is a no buy on the Switch.
This is one of them.
However for people who don’t own a 3DS and don’t care for the 3D effect these ports are the definitive versions and the only ones that are officially available on a portable system.
Not to mention the new generation who wasn’t alive when the Wii was out.
This and Luigi's Mansion 2 have me in a bind as I have the 3DS games, but I want the bigger controller and tv out.
@
Well then the decision should be clear.
Although I wouldn’t want to pay full price for these even if I was interested in these ports.
One word: co-op. It’s reason enough
@@Miradis
Oh, I didn’t know that. Guess I missed it.
That’s definitely worth something. Although I myself only play alone. 😅
Online coop would be funny though.
@ Actually that's why it's not clear. I want the games with bigger controller and tv out, I just can't decide if it's worth buying them again for these reasons. Also, it's not the money thing, it's the rebuying of the same game over and over for a few things that have me hesitant.
7/10 is like a 4/10 for Nintendo life… the pricing is beyond disgusting and I’m the biggest fan boy… absolutely embarrassing
The only think I dislike is they ported the 3DS version, which was probably the easier way to bring the 3DS extra content but at the same time the game lost many visual aspects that were exclusive to the Wii version.
Nintendo gonna Nintendo.
I'm surprised the game doesn't run at 30fps too. Then again, the game somehow can't manage to hit a stable 60fps in many spots.
I think that’s been disproven, as a lot of those lost visual aspects talked about in this HD port were actually in the 3DS version too.
A lot of us didn't get the Wii version and this looks better so for many of us it's like a brand new game
Exactly
It's still a 14-year old game sold at 60$... with a new console coming, this is useless
But when a lot of us played on the Wii and 3DS..
That 3rd time full price same game is very Shady from the big N.
Play it in 🐬 until the price decrease at half, Nintendo doesn't deserves your money for that.
@@JordiLASo don't buy it and don't play it if you don't want it. Play something else
But it isn't.
For me, not needing to use waggle controls is worth it tbh. Though, my biggest gripe with this, as well as DKCTF is that the controls are different from the og DKC's from SNES. I want to be able to use the Y-button for rolling AND grabbing AND running, not having to use L or R for one of them... Don't jnderstand why this is not something that they can patch in. My brain is still so ingrained knto that control scheme, and is, according to me ofc, superior
If you can find it cheaper on 3DS, go for it. It is the exact same thing of this new HD version outside of lower graphics, and oddly enough, the 3DS version is waaay more polished and has not even a stutter in framerate.
So, get Tropical Freeze on Switch if you want, but don't miss on Returns either, it's a fantastic game -- just not that good on Switch. Blame the devs for that.
1:00 Jungle Beat is one of the best DK games! I will not stand for this Jungle Beat Slander! XO
TBH, for a bongo-controlled 2D platformer, they did an amazing job with the concept and it's for sure worth trying once in your life!
It feels like 2010 was last year for me. I cant justify buying a game that seems so recent for me at such a high price.
I think it’s overpriced too, but 14 years ago is by no means recent in terms of video games.
Alex I’ve been watching your videos for a while and just wanted to say you’re a gem in the games media space. I find myself mouthing “hello there lovely people” at the start of your vids.
I knew reviewers were going to be harsh on this game lol still a 9/10 game for me, platforming masterpiece.
they’re judging it as a rerelease and not the actual game itself. we know true game is good, but is it good enough to buy the third time, with no new content, for additional cost?
@@cwega2463 Portability on a newer device being an added benefit, yes it is good enough. The market dictates the price, not even Nintendo. This is worth it to some, so that determined pricing. I didn't play the Wii or the 3DS version, as I believe many did not, so I will pick this up. Still beats paying a monthly fee to access a lackluster library, on failing hardware.
@cwega2463 Not everybody is buying it for the 3rd time, this is a new game for a LOT of people.
@@cwega2463 Well, it's still the best version...for me the 3DS version was the one to skip, the game wasn't made for such a tiny screen and aside from the new levels just an inferior version. The price of the Switch version is of course typical Nintendo, but if you consider how much money people spend on stuff like amiibos etc., stuff that just collects dust on a shelf usually, I rather skip stuff like that and buy one of the best JNRs in the best version. For me the 9th world is new at least and I'm glad to finally get rid of those stupid shake controls. Paying a high price here is basically the opposite of getting great Indie games often way under their value...it kinda evens out.
Yep because their being paid by the media to bash it.
I ordered it very exited I played tropical freeze 8 times last year it,s my absolut favorite platformer ever
Price this at 29.99 and they'd sell twice as many copies (at least). Wouldn't you want to make the same money and be able to say you sold more copies?
With regards to 4:58, bouncing off of enemy heads in the original was actually super lenient…it’s just that the way it works is very counter intuitive. After you bounced off the first enemy, all you have to do is release then hold the jump button again sometime before you land on the next enemy to get the next full bounce.
So excited to play this with my girlfriend!!!
Your girlfriend is a gamer?
@ A little bit, we play Minecraft and platformers together
Lucky you. Gamergirls are rare.
I have no gf, so I play this with Joi (AIH).
@@sparkypack, Joi (AIH)? What's that?
A port is all I need really so I've pre-ordered it because I adore the DKC games and Tropical Freeze is easily the best platformer of all time, so I want to support Nintendo publishing more DKC games in the future.
While I do own the Wii copy of the game, the last time I played it was when I was only 9 or 10 and I found the game too difficult to ever complete (I never got past the level in world 2 with the giant waves). and my Wii has been in a box in the attic for years, so I'd much rather have it accessible on my Switch along with Tropical Freeze and the original trilogy via Switch online.
This would’ve been fine had it been cheaper _or_ had more effort put into it. $40 in its current state would’ve been justifiable. Making the game more accessible with a fresh coat of paint is a good idea. However, the coat of paint is sloppy and isn’t worth the $60 Nintendo’s asking for. That wouldn’t have been completely terrible had they added more content though. Would’ve been cool if they added an epilogue story with Diddy Kong as the only protagonist, reminiscent of DKC2. Could’ve been a few new worlds and some new bosses with some new music and that would’ve justified the $60 a bit more
They’ve hit that gray area where it’s not worth the price they’re asking for, but had plenty of potential to be great. Disappointing
Another example of "Maybe I'd buy it if they at the very least slashed the price in half."
nindy never does that
I got the game for 37€ on ebay today, definitely worth it at that price point. It was pure luck with the auction, though.
I'm glad more pple can experience this. Me own 3ds version, if I need bigger screen and more nice looking might buy this.
How many times Donkey Kong has returned?
I never had this game in the Wii, so it’s more about adding to my collection. I am still excited to play it, even having played tropical freeze.
Fuck yeah, I am buying this game, it is so good!
Purchase complete.
Sure, maybe as a "Remaster", this wasn't as good as it COULD'VE been, but in terms of core gameplay, for me, *Donkey Kong Returns (3DS) > Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze (Wii U)* IMO.
Fight me, Alex (and the internet). lol
The original game had timeless art direction - like many and most first-party Nintendo Wii games - and thus, doesn't require any "remake" in its graphical design. It looks gorgeous just as it is without any graphical upgrade. The answer is quite clearly *no.*
but because of that should they have charged $60? the answer is quite clearly *no*
@cwega2463 That is what I'm saying? Can you read?
This version will be the definitive way to play as DKCRHD has improved graphics, it doesnt force motion controls onto you, runs at 60fps, has all the 3ds content such as the levels which will also be playable in hd.
Besides the price, what else is the matter.
I wouldn't just say "just buy tropical freeze" as that is a different experience even if it is better. It's not the same game.
If price is that much of an issue, just wait for a price drop
But if you enjoyed returns and want to experience the whole package and have all the best versions of dkc games on one system, i think it's worth it.
I pre-ordered mine cause i know im going to enjoy this game and its worth is more than just a price tag based on the points i mentioned above. That being said i was able to get a pre-order discount allowing the game to come down to just £45 which is reasonable.
60$?! That blows
See what I did there?
I preordered on play Asia for $40. Never played it before so I’m okay shelling out the dough. Tropical freeze is one of the only games I can’t stop picking up and starting over from the beginning and playing through until the end.
both this and tropical freeze should be in a bundle together for like $40.
the fact the 14 or 15 year old returns and 11 year old tropical freeze costs $120 from nintendo still in 2025 is not defendable imo.
i could literally buy both games on original hardware, PLUS the original hardware, for LESS.
@@cwega2463 THIS, THANK YOU!
That’s an over exaggeration and you know it.
Find me a Wii a Wii U, DK Returns and Tropical Freeze for $120 you can’t.
The price of a game and what YOU think it’s worth are completely subjective and can’t be mentioned in a review what you think is too much someone else just sees as just a couple hours of work and therefore worth it.
@manic221 you can buy a wii u for like $80 and then buy DK returns and Trop Freeze pretty cheap
I also hate the price tag, but feel it at least makes sense for Tropical Freeze, since they added Funky Mode and the game never had a chance to reach audiences on the Wii U. But DKCR is absurdly overpriced, as was Luigi’s mansion 2. Frustrating stuff really.
@@manic221 wii is $25 pre owned. wii u is 80 (without game pad but just use the wii controller) both games are $8.
As someone who missed this game on Wii and DS, I’m beyond hyped to finally get to play the it.
No way Nintendo still wants to sell for third time the same game. Big N ninjas killing emulators when they want to sell us at full price an old rom just at 2x resolution and worse graphics.. 19.90€ would be realistic price.
It sounds like you don't factor price into your score? I was expecting you to say something a bit lower than 7 after that review.
Who wouldn't count jungle beat? It has some of the most unique platforming in any game ever and it's combo system gave incentive to replay levels to try to get a better score and to experiment with how you tackle the platforming and enemies to try to squeeze as much as you can from every interactions. I hope jungle beat gets a remake or remaster as i think a lot of people wpuld love it if they got to try it.
I wouldn’t count jungle beat as a mainline game
Did you play it? It was definitely a mainline game in my eyes, amazing game especially if you get a good combo going
I still have the original for Wii, as well as Tropical Freeze for both Wii U and Switch, and those are fine for me.
This game is better than Tropical Freeze.
fair enough
It gotta be better or else I ain't buying it. I will stick with my SNES DK2.
@@mussim2919Yeah, both are great games… until they’re compared directly to DKC 2.
No, TF surpasses Returns in all metrics. TF is the best entry together with DKC2
@@AndDeathForAll82 IMO, TF is better than DKC2, due to having better level design, more variety, and a more balanced difficulty.
DK2 is still great, though. I especially love the pirate theme and dark atmosphere.
I was thinking they sped up the balloon rising animation to make for quicker respawns, but I went back to the original game and...nope! They're the exact same length. The screen transition just happens before DK reaches the top of the screen on Wii. It's a nitpick for sure, but the rising speed does look weird here.
I never played it before and....i'm very exited to play it...
Excited
It's a good game, but play Tropical Freeze first if you haven't played it (it's an overall better game, and it's a better introduction).
'...If you count 2004's Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat'
Which you absolutely should because that game is a slept on gem
DKCR is the best platformer of all time and I'm glad I can finally pester everyone I know to play it without having to say "its actually really easy to set motion controls to a button in dolphin I promise"
Bro it's great but doesn't hold a candle to the Rare SNES games
Day 1 purchase for me. Love the Donkey Kong games.
I do agree, Tropical Freeze was amazing. A masterpiece IMO.
I do not get how Metroid Prime Remastered (from the same studio) with a much bigger graphical jump from the original is 40 bucks and this one 60.
It does not make sense.
Retro themselves made the Prime Remaster, whilst DKCR 'remaster' was outsourced to another studio. Nintendo knew it didn't matter if the DK port was a decent job, because they know it's Donkey Kong and will sell no matter what - hence, $60. Metroid on the other hand, Nintendo wasn't even sure if they wanted to release Prime Remastered at all, so they sat on the completed game for several years before they decided to throw us a bone and charged only $40 because, well, that's how much a remaster should cost (so long as it isn't Mario, Zelda, or Donkey Kong, which will sell at any price).
I'm buying this only because i missed out on owning a Wii, and love Donkey Kong. I hope to see a sequel to Tropical Freeze!!!
Could have been a 30,- swansong port for the switch, I'll never understand how they dare ask 60,- for it. It's a top tier game, absolutely, but it's also a 14 year old game, and the port just isn't that good, especially looking at the videos posted by GameXplain. I'll just be playing this on the Wii, and get this when the price goes down somewhere in the next decade. They really dropped the ball with this one imo.
Looking at the comments of the people who just buy every new first-party Switch release without thinking I can understand why they price these warmed-over ports they way they do. Given the fantastic Metroid Prime remaster was only $40, $60 for this should be insulting to everybody.
@@yellowblanka6058 Yep, business wise it makes sense for them to do this probably, and they probably don't want to "dilute brand value" by offering it cheaper since they just opened the new park addition at Universal Japan.
I'd say that this bad port with that price is what's actually diluting DK brand value, with tons of fans talking negatively about it. It should have been pulled a bit more towards Tropical Freeze visually, there are tricks for them to use that don't require building it all from the ground up to do so.
I mean look what they did with Windwaker HD, that was a huge upgrade imo.
I just downloaded this game. There is two modes you can play. I do like seeing the graphics upgraded and I forgot how hard this game can be on certain levels.
That price is unjustifiable.
They released this game for $20 three separate times before now. 💀💀💀
Please people we all know its too much for an old game but its in HD and on a cartridge so i dont care im not a cheapo im still buying it
Full price is genuinely insane
It’s not full price though.. if it was full price then it would be like 85 bucks when it first come out due to inflation
I only bought this game because I’m a huge DK fan and have been wanting anything DK for the switch since tropical freeze, but this makes me want a new DK game more now.
I'm shamelessly getting it. Been waiting to have this in HD and with normal controls
Thank you. I will enjoy it on my Steam Deck and my 3DSXL
I already got it, just waiting for release, one of my fav series/game
Never played this game at all so I’ll be buying it.
I won’t act like there’s no problems surrounding this port, but I’m looking forward to the game. Returns was the first DK game I actually beat, which was the stepping stone to Tropical Freeze becoming my favorite game ever. And when we had DKC 1, 2, 3, and Tropical Freeze on Switch already, I wanted a version of the game that had button controls and added the 3DS levels to a home console.
And yeah, Tropical Freeze already exists and beyond any shadow of a doubt is the better game in every regard. Looks better, the music is so much better, the levels are much better designed with more interesting level and world themes… Returns always felt like to Tropical Freeze what DKC 1 felt like to 2. It’s a good game in a bubble, but the game feels so much more basic and barebones when compared to the sequel.
And to address the elephant, giraffe, zebra and squirrel walking off with a bunch of bananas in the room- yes, the game’s price tag is too much. But how worth it the game is at the price will depend on the individual. For me, I got it with a voucher I had left over from last year when there’s not really anything else I’d want to use a voucher on. Helps that I wanted this game, but without the voucher, I would have waited for a rainy day when I have enough to buy a game but no games I want otherwise because, again, Tropical Freeze already exists and is a much better game.
Some people may get it for the first time. Some people might be really into DK either through the movie or Tropical Freeze or whatever. Some people might want to relive an old classic. Some people might find the price too high, but still want the game, so they wait for a rare Nintendo sale, or buy it used. And some may just not want the game because the price tag is too much for too little on offer. And all of that is fair.
Legos are crazy expensive and I would never spend a penny on a hundred dollar plus set for something I’d build and do nothing with. You might balk at movie ticket prices for something you can wait until it hits streaming services. Some people would scoff at a 300 dollar video game console. Value is what we make of it for hobby stuff like video games.
But to return to the point- yes, the game is too expensive and is another example in a long line of examples where Nintendo puts the prestige of their brands over a pro-consumer move. It sucks, and there’s not really anything we can do as consumers, since it’s Nintendo’s call at the end of the day. All we can do is judge if we want any given game or not and spend our money or save it.
I own and played the previous versions on the 3DS and Wii and will also be getting this one.
The plus is that it's now on the Switch! And once there's a sale it'll actually be worth buying.
The only DKC game I haven't played, I just wish it was like half the price. Maybe they'll drop it after it flops. I can't imagine being released on the same day as the official switch 2 reveal will help either.
I’ve preordered it. The price point won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it cost me £43 and I’ve never played it before so it’s a new game for me personally
The only reason I plan on getting this, is because I really want to be able to have this game on Switch, so I can legally play it through emulation with mods that would actually make it the definitive way to play this game. And even then, I will most likely get it at Target instead of EBGames, where I'm likely to get a cheaper price. Either that or do a trade in at EBGames, just so I don't spend so much on it. I mean, the price is ludicrous for what is otherwise just a half hearted port!
Lukewarm to say the least. Thank you for the frank review. Disappointed in Nintendo.
While the price is way too high and some of the things in this irk me (Like, why NOT credit the original team??), I'm still picking it up solely because I don't want the franchise to die out - and it's a damn fine game. I'd even go as far as saying it's better than Tropical Freeze too.
So cool we can play both Donkey Kong Country revival games on Switch. If you don't have a Wii or Wii U and don't want the 3DS port I probably would get this one, I know I will.
When gamexplain mentioned the graphical shortcomings of this port I was worried yet hopeful they would fix it by release but apparently not they couldn't do that.
I had the Wii getting this for Christmas for 1st grade in 2010 and I was joyed and I also got Mario Party 8. My dad got it for me for $35 from the GameStop near my house. Now my childhood is back, if the remake is great
can you elaborate on what's wrong about having faster baloon animation? i'm a bit confused about the review of this video, a lot of trivial critiques and not sure why it is recommended over tropical freeze?
Ive only played 1&2 on snesn back then, which i really loved. Might give this a try
yea i appreciate this review. these negatives pointed out have drove me to cancel my pre order. just going to play tropical freeze and yooka laylee impossible lair again lmao
Holy cow, I just realized WarioWare: Get It Together! has actually predicted DKCR HD when I played it back in 2021!
Am I the only one who thinks it happened somehow?
Idk please elaborate