Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze review

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the hardest of the Nintendo picks and a strong choice for players who like demanding side-scrolling levels. Nintendo's page sets the story on a Donkey Kong Island taken over by arctic invaders. In Original Mode you play as Donkey Kong and team up with Diddy, Dixie and Cranky Kong, each with a unique ability, while Funky Mode swaps in Funky Kong with extra hearts for a more relaxed run. That choice of difficulty makes it easier to share with a less experienced player than Celeste or Cuphead. A second player can join on the same console, and online scoreboards and time trial tags give speedrunners a reason to replay. Retro Studios developed it, and the Switch version arrived on May 4, 2018. The limits: it is Nintendo only, has no online co-op, and as an older port it sits behind Super Mario Bros. Wonder for group play.

Who it is for

players who want tough 2D levels with an easier mode

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Original Mode as Donkey Kong with Diddy, Dixie and Cranky Kong
• Funky Mode with Funky Kong, extra hearts and unique abilities
• Two-player co-op on one system
• Online scoreboards and time trials
• TV, tabletop and handheld modes

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Funky Mode gives a more relaxed way to finish the story
• Strength: Each Kong partner has a unique ability
• Strength: Two players can play on one console
• Weakness: Only on Nintendo hardware
• Weakness: No online co-op
• Weakness: USD price check on Nintendo's US store is still pending for this list

Key facts

• Developer: Retro Studios
• Release date (Switch): May 4, 2018
• Players: Single system (1-2)
• File size: 6.7 GB
• ESRB descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence

Where it ranks

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is No. 8 in our Best Platformer Games verdict.