The big Retro Studios game ended up being Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze but don’t worry, it looks absolutely superb. Sure it wasn’t the my highest game on the “Retro Studios to do” list but a sequel to one of the greatest 2D platformers of all time? Yup I’ll certainly take and with a big smile on my face too.
So what’s new in Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze?
Well a number of things although I’m going to be totally biased and just focus on the bits that interest me and I’ll start with the obvious one, swimming. Yes it may sound minor but underwater levels are set to return in Tropical Freeze after skipping the previous Donkey Kong Country game. Typically I’m not a fan of underwater levels but Donkey Kong Country was one of the few times I actually enjoyed them so it’s great to see it back.
Also new for Tropical Freeze is a cool new dynamic camera system unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a 2D based game before, again you can see it in the trailer for yourself but it’s impressive stuff. It gives the game a new feel and an extra depth to the environments beyond the usual foreground and background jumping. I’m actually sitting here wondering why no one else came up with this idea?
Last but certainly not least is the return of Dixie Kong who has always been a personal favourite of mine ever since Donkey Kong Country 2. Oh did I mention that DAVID WISE IS DOING THE SOUNDTRACK?
I s**t you not, the man who did the music for the original Donkey Kong Country game over at Rare is back for Tropical Freeze. I’m SUCH a massive fan of Mr Wise and he has arguably not been involved in a big project since 2002′s StarFox Adventures WHICH had an amazing soundtrack if I might add.
Xav’s Ideal Donkey Kong Country Returns Sequel Wishlist
- Bring back swimming levels: Check
- Bring back Dixie Kong: Check
- Bring back DAVID WISE: CHECK
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze has quite literally become the PERFECT sequel to me, the THREE things I would’ve changed about Donkey Kong Country Returns are being addressed. There’s nothing stopping you now Retro, now go forth and make the best 2D platformer the world has ever seen.
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze arrives this November on Nintendo Wii U, holy crap that’s not too far off.
