Inspired by earlier games in the Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a new take on a beloved Nintendo franchise. The first Donkey Kong Country game developed for play for Wii, this new iteration blends familiar actions, levels and characters with a whole new graphical treatment and feel, as well as new control schemes and play options. Features include: a co-op play option allowing you to team up as Donkey Kong and Diddy, radically different visuals ranging from nearly 3D treatment to others that appear in silhouette, two different controller schemes and more.

A New Country for Old Friends

Under the influence of a group of evil Tikis, the animals of Donkey Kong Island have raided Donkey Kong's banana hoard and stolen his stash of bananas - and being an ape of large appetites he understandably wants them back. Good thing that you are along for the ride. With Donkey Kong Country Returns, Retro Studios brings Donkey Kong back to a banana and platforming hungry public in a new side-scrolling adventure with familiar characters and new levels that reignite the passion players had for the Super NES original and all things Donkey Kong.

Join Donkey Kong and sidekick Diddy in a whole new side-scrolling adventure.
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Gameplay

Like earlier Donkey Kong Country games, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a side-scrolling platformer, but although the game contains classic references, as well as levels and activities reminiscent of earlier games in the series, it is far from a remake. In fact, Donkey Kong Country Returns stands very much on its own not only in its nearly 3D status, but also in its new visual treatment and control scheme. The game features the familiar team of Donkey Kong and his little buddy Diddy Kong. The goal is make your way across Donkey Kong Island collecting bananas and search for hidden items as you swing on vines, ride mine carts and more as you avoid the variety of enemies and situations set against you. New silhouette graphical treatment of both game heroes and enemies in certain levels also introduces new challenges, as players must perform all actions from within an entirely new perspective. The game also features the players choice of either the Wii Remote/Nunchuk controller configuration, or a sideways oriented Wii Remote. In addition to simple navigation and jumping movements, the Wii Remote also allows for a variety of other actions, including: ground pounds, rolls and even air blowing with simple, yet timed shaking of the remote.

In addition, the game also contains fun and user-friendly co-op functionality. In co-op mode players take on the role of either Donkey Kong or Diddy. Both characters have abilities of their own, but work together. Beyond this the game takes possibilities for cooperation even further, especially with players of different skill levels, as Diddy can if need be simply rest on Donkey Kong's shoulder and let him do all the work at times. In the event of death, either character can also be revived by the other by hitting a Donkey Kong barrel within the game. The game also continues the series' use of additional animal friends such as Rambi the Rhino, who can serve as a battering ram and can be ridden in certain areas of the game.

Key Game Features

• Retro Studios faithfully restores everything that made the original series great, from barrel cannons to mine carts, and then builds on those elements with stunning graphics and new layers of depth to the world and game play. The game offers the traditional side-scrolling experience everyone loved, but with levels created in fully rendered 3D environments.
• Diddy Kong joins the quest. With his trusty backpack, he can produce a jet pack or Peanut Pop Guns to give Donkey Kong more abilities.
• For the first time ever, the franchise features the ability for two people to play together at the same time - one as Donkey Kong, one as Diddy Kong. Players can navigate the levels separately or as one unit. Diddy Kong can ride on Donkey Kong's back and hop off whenever he pleases, allowing novice players to ride on Donkey Kong's back through more challenging areas of the game.*
• Hidden items, puzzle pieces and other surprises are found all through the jungle. Spell out K-O-N-G by the end of each level to earn an extra bonus.
• Motion controls give players a real feeling of control. Players move Donkey Kong using the Control Stick on the Nunchuk controller and can shake the Wii Remote controller to make Donkey Kong slap the ground.
• Vibrant colors, beautiful graphics and fun characters draw players in. Even people who have never played a Donkey Kong game before can pick up a controller and start collecting loads of bananas.
• Every level offers new fun and new challenges. Sometimes Donkey Kong is running through the jungle, sometimes his action takes place on a tropical beach and other times he must become a master of timing as he jumps chasms in a mine cart.

Additional Screenshots

Familiar actions & environments. View larger.

New silhouetted levels. View larger.

Special abilities via Wii remote. View larger.

Co-op play and new enemies. View larger.

* Additional accessories required and are sold separately.

The new standard Wii controller.
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Introducing the New Standard Wii Controller

The Wii Remote Plus Controller is the new standard controller for the Wii gaming system, shipping with new Wii systems as well as available for individual purchase. Like the original Wii Remote before it, this new controller utilizes a triple axis accelerometer along with a built-in optical sensor that works in conjunction with the Wii sensor bar. Together this enables the recognition of player movement as well as gives the controller the ability to act as a pointing device used in-game. Yet what really sets the Wii Remote Plus controller apart is its incorporation of additional gyroscope technology.

Wii Remote Plus gyroscope technology provides on-the-fly rotational motion recognition, once available only to Wii players who purchased the additional Wii MotionPlus accessory for the Wii Remote. The Wii Remote Plus controller contains all these motion-capturing capabilities within the body of a single controller. To top it off the Wii Remote Plus controller maintains the same compatibility to games as the Wii Remote, so you can play most of your old favorites with it. It is also the same size as the Wii remote. Taken together this means no more extra accessories to buy in order to experience the full effect of past or future games designed to take advantage of advanced Wii MotionPlus technology; no more compatibility issues with existing Wii Remote peripherals and skins. Just sync up your Wii Remote Plus controller and have at it.

Key Features

• Moving forward the Wii Remote Plus is the standard Wii controller, shipping with all consoles
• Incorporates the functionality of the original Wii Remote and that of the Wii MotionPlus accessory in a single controller
• Comes in a variety of attractive colors, many of which match existing Wii console color schemes
• Maintains the same compatibility and backwards compatibility as the original Wii Remote, meaning that you can use it to play these games even if the game contains no advanced motion-control features
• The Wii Remote Plus controller is the same size as the Wii Remote, ensuring compatibility with all existing Wii Remote peripherals and skins

Additional Screenshots

MotionPlus tech inside. View larger.

Compatible with all accessories. View larger.

Additional colors available. View larger.

Match to existing systems. View larger.