It's on, like Donkey Kong!

Donkey Kong Country Returns
Nintendo Wii

It would be a fair to say that Donkey Kong is one of the most recognisable characters in videogame history even having a game named after him with the 1981 arcade hit “Donkey Kong” featuring ‘Jumpman’ who later became the plumber we all know and love, Mario.

In typical Nintendo fashion we see the classic franchise being resurrected from the depths of their ever growing catalogue of intellectual properties (or IP, to you and me) and given the simian duo the spotlight for a brand new game, Donkey Kong Country Returns. Expect to see a game which plays very similar to New Super Mario Bros Wii but with the typical barrel blasting, animal riding twist which is what the series is most commonly known for.

Once again the banana hoard which both Diddy and Donkey Kong live for has been stolen but this time the Kremlings are nowhere to be seen. Under the evil hypnotic control of the Tik Tak Tribe, the animals of the island have unwillingly captured the precious banana hoard and you are given the reins to get it back into your possession.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a direct sequel to the Super Nintendo titles featuring traditional 2D gameplay with 3D graphics, expect to see some glorious jungle environments and frantic mine cart chases which involve you collecting various bits and bobs on your way for secrets and unlockables.

As ever with Nintendo games you can expect to see a two player co-operative mode which based upon my brief experience at Eurogamer 2010 earlier on in the year is coming along very nicely indeed. Diddy and Donkey work together to overcome obstables, enemies and even reach inaccessible areas if you were playing on your own.
There are other features which are aped from New Super Mario Bros Wii such as the Super Guide whichwill appear if you die more than eight times in one level with the console showing you how to complete a section or even the entire level if you are feeling out of luck with the game. These features which have appeared in previous Nintendo titles are essential to ensuring that all audiences can enjoy the title through to completion.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is being developed by Retro Studios, the creators of the excellent 3D Metroid Prime series so it should be very interesting to see them working with a brand new type of gaming experience for both them and us. It’s out December 3rd for the Nintendo Wii exclusively which is certainly something to beat your chest over when everyone else is playing Call of Duty.