Donkey Kong Country Returns - IMPLANTgames

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In today’s video I dive in and analyze Donkey Kong Country Returns. Enjoy! • Donkey Kong Country Re...

[@FletcherReedsRandomness]

This was actually the first DKC game I've ever played. Back then, I was so bad that I had to use the Super Guide, but now I can get through the whole game comfortably. It's really, really hard, but in that fun, overcoming-the-odds sort of way, and it was never cheap like Ghosts N Goblins. As for the motion controls, they never bothered me in the slightest, but if you don't like them, I'd recommend the 3DS version. All that aside, this is one of my favorite games on the Wii, and any fan of platformers who's looking for a challenge should play this.

[@pelucheCR7]

Yep, í thought doing this game with only DK is very satisfying due to the higher but faiir difficulty. As far as í can tell this is the best 2d platformer on the system.

[@ClintonKE]

GNG isn't that cheap. A lot of the challenge of GnG can be taken out with just memorization. Granted yeah Ghouls n Ghosts, SGNG, UGNG, Maximo GtG, Maximo AoZ are all better than the 1st one these days IMO.

[@icantthinkofanoriginalname7818]

This game is legendary

[@shoopoopie1]

man just watching the game play makes me wanna play dkcr such a good game another classic

[@SQGReviewShow]

If you liked this game, you'll love Tropical Freeze because it alleviates most of the few problems Returns had. Rocket Barrel stages have multiple hit points and the level themes are more varied than what you'd expect out of a platformer, and when it does recycle a theme, there's enough different to it to make it stand out. Only thing is, if you want to get to alternate routes AND the main routes, you have to play a level twice sometimes, and the bonus barrel stages STILL repeat. But you'll definitely get a kick out of it :D

[@implantgames]

I actually beat TF before any of the others haha :) It's kind of fun to come back to TF as that is where my fascination with the series originated.

[@thehypist2587]

DKCR is probably one of my favorite games on the Wii. It was so fun, and I loved getting 100% on my file. Looking forward to the Tropical Freeze review!

[@erisweettea]

I require more implantgames lore.

[@implantgames]

During 2010 I was pretty much done with my 360 and a Wii was definitely not on my radar. Instead I was playing a lot of 3DO, 32x, and Atari Jaguar. I still have a soft spot for obscure consoles and games, but in hindsight I had my blinders on to some terrific releases. Kirby's Epic Yarn is another one I loved from 2010.

[@VirtualScallop]

Amazing video (though the sound mixing was off at times) Also, having 200%ed the 3DS version recently, gotta be that person and give obligatory comments: - No motion controls on 3DS (tradeoff: 30FPS, on a smaller screen with slightly downgraded graphics. Not that bad though imo) - (20:03) Time Trials, like Puzzle Pieces, are not required for completion (thank goodness) Again though, amazing video. Any chance you'll review Tropical Freeze?

[@implantgames]

Thank you for the kind words! I apologize for the audio errors, there were rendering errors I did not catch before uploading (never skip a step folks...). Tropical Freeze will be next, stay tuned!

[@mortonscastle5811]

Silhouette levels and Rocket Barrels are amazing, and while Rocket Barrels might be hard when you first do it, after you master it it kind of becomes mindless and super easy. (Still badass and fun to watch) Returns is good, and Retro did good, but where they really shined is Tropical Freeze. They took their level formula and mechanics and just excelled at it. Dixie and Cranky are fun to use, Cranky especially when you get into speed running. Really hoping they making a third game with Enguarde's revival. Returns is alright. Out of all the games I don't know where to rank it. DKC2 and Tropical Freeze are the best in the series for old and new, and I have trouble comparing DKC and DKC3 bc both are great but have different strokes. The Returns temple levels might be harder than the Freeze ones. Watching your review made me remember how hard those things were. I'm replaying Returns this weekend. Also good review and like all your dk ones!

[@sonicrocks09]

I don't remember the Rocket Barrel levels being as difficult and frustrating as you made them seem. In fact, they were some of my favorite levels! The controls were slightly sluggish, sure, but the sense of momentum felt natural. I always felt like, even though it took a bit to react to my inputs, I knew just how long I had to hold or release the button to get through the obstacles

[@Haganeren]

Funny, i found that the puzzles piece were a really big overhaul over the classic adventures where bonus room where a bit too hidden for my taste. I aslo.. Never had this "can't bounce of enemies" problem the author had and rocket barrel level were my favorite with how awesome the run felt like. I even do them today from time to time ! I never made the connexion with underwater level so... That was interesting. Oh, and that new climb mechanics is absolutely awesome ! The best new addition ! It allowed so much great stuff ! I also loved the adventure for the theme each levels had, it's not just "here is plateforms that goes into circle" like Mario but "here is a mill with a plateform that turn when a waterfall is released". You can FEEL how the world works and it's awesome ! The things i liked the less about the classic serie was how everything seemed "rigid" "static" with movement that didn't really matched with the sprite. Something i found completely corrected in Returns. That being said, it was good to see all flaws people put on Returns ! Thanks to you.

[@subtlewookiee]

I bought this game cheap off ebay ($2.50!) after watching this review and have now mostly completed it (93% currently). Like yourself I largely enjoyed the game and it's a treat to be able to pick up amazing titles so cheaply for a "newer retro" system (unlike say the Genesis or SNES where games are going for stupid amounts). Personally I actually really liked the rocket stages. The music was fantastic, and visually they're amazing set pieces, and for some reason the controls clicked with me a lot better than the mine cart stages. I ended up being able to clear most of them with only a few tries (unlike the mine cart ones which took me much longer on average). I would say my one gripe (in addition to the inconsistent enemy bouncing) was the placement of Diddy barrels. Often times in the last checkpoint of a difficult stage there would not be a nearby Diddy barrel. This had the effect of making players who were struggling have to repeat the harder area of the stages without Diddy, thereby making it even more difficult. Whereas a more experienced player who had not lost Diddy would be able to sail through with the better jump duration of Diddy. In a way I guess it's a "git gud" type of system but to me it felt a bit punishing to lesser skilled players (e.g., me). This was especially evident in the last boss where you would have to exit the stage if you wanted to re-get Diddy if you failed on your first attempt past the rocket barrel mini-stage. If I had been able to keep Diddy I feel confident the last boss would have only taken me a few attempts, instead it took at least a dozen as I wasn't willing to exit the stage, go back to another stage and get Diddy, exit that stage, and fight my way through the precursor stage before the last boss. Anyway, thank you for the great review and suggestion to pick up this game.

[@ihatestairs9034]

This game was great. The only problems I had with it were the waggle controls and the boring antagonists, still great overall though.

[@Whatthetrash]

Recently discovered your work, mate. Very cool stuff indeed! Love your breakdown of game series. Subscribed! :)

[@implantgames]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@ViralWatchMedia]

really wish this channel had more subs, Your content is so well made and you have the production value of a 2 million sub channel. I have binge watched alot of your videos because they are so entertaining.

[@implantgames]

Thanks for the kind words and the binging :D I don't see a crazy high sub count in my future, but 100k seems like an obtainable goal.

[@jondespa]

15:50 : 'The new developers did an awesome job of capturing the spirit of the originals.' ----- True!

[@GamingTopTen]

Thanks for reminding me why this game is in my Top 10 of all Time. I was never bothered by the motion controls and rarely had issues with the bouncing off enemies, plus liked the rocket levels, so you can imagine how high in regard I hold this game. Are you sure there aren't other ways to support other than Patreon? I like your work, but hate how Patreon decides that they will take quite a bit off the top.

[@implantgames]

Just keep liking and commenting, that's all I need :)

[@pelucheCR7]

Good review. I never had a problem with the head bop mechanic, í thought it was responsive even with diddy, but that might be because i barely use diddy and completely mastared the mechanic only with DK.

[@implantgames]

Glad you enjoyed the review, thanks!

[@IfOUGHTpIRANHAz]

You have to do YookaLaylee and the Impossible Lair! I actually think it’s better executed than the Returns series. Makes sense, given that former Rare employees made it, with music from the usual suspects and talented newcomers.

[@Alberto_Tellez]

I think your voice is very good for an upbeat, cheerful kind. As for this game, IT'S JUST SO HECKING GOOD!

[@bonesjackson81]

This game is like a great comeback album. Thankful motion shit is fairly limited and doesn't ruin the game. Damn good looking game too.

[@antshield]

A half hour left before the weekend and I found this. You saved my life. :)

[@implantgames]

Haha, perfect timing!

[@Lytane]

Great review and I'm very glad that you enjoyed this game! The BOP mechanic was frustrating in this game and caused a lot more deaths than it should have especially on that first Kong temple! Your assessment of the game is the same one that I had, it's a great game. Fun, lively, looks good and (even if you call it busy work) offers plenty to do in each stage. My main complaints are the same as yours but with a few additions. I thought that some of the levels were a little too long especially when I first started playing the game. Also Diddy is a power up instead of a character sucks but the main issue I had was the animal buddies. I missed them and when I heard this game was coming out I was so excited to see who they would bring back and the new buddies they would add but alas I was disappointed.

[@implantgames]

Thanks Lytane! I think your assessment of level length would be a good place to start if I was looking to find reasons this game is overrated. That and the sheer amount of levels. This game is loooooong for a 2D platformer!

[@dvdbytes4348]

No I AM interested in hearing about your video game history. I always find it interesting, to hear other people's experiences.

[@implantgames]

During 2010 I was pretty much done with my 360 and a Wii was definitely not on my radar. Instead I was playing a lot of 3DO, 32x, and Atari Jaguar. I still have a soft spot for obscure consoles and games, but in hindsight I had my blinders on to some terrific releases. Kirby's Epic Yarn is another one I loved from 2010.

[@dvdbytes4348]

I personally have a bit of a soft spot for the 32X as well, thought mostly for its untapped potential and what it could have been, rather then for what it is. I also have soft spots for the Sega Saturn, the Gamecube and the original Xbox, though I can't really put my finger on why exactly. The great thing about missing great games the first time around, is the surprise when you do get to play them. I mean it's never too late.

[@nope3486]

I haven't played it in years but do you not press the jump button when jumping on an enemy to get the boost? Anyway good review, personally found the game a bit underwhelming and it took me months of constantly going back to it to finish, something just felt off.

[@implantgames]

There is a timing element to the boost that didn't seem to click with me (even after dozens of hours). In my opinion, the DKCR is too long. The 6-7 worlds of the originals is fine, but 8 worlds plus the template stages is just a bit much. Not that there is anything objectively wrong with it, but it feels long for a 2D platformer.

[@thenateman01]

You’re Metroid videos brought me here great stuff man!

[@sldlsndns3420]

really enjoying these dk reviews. Can't wait to see what you think of Tropical Freeze (if you are planning on playing it)

[@implantgames]

Thanks man, and TF is next :D

[@DOOF1]

*_ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY D O N G_*

[@morshuthemerchant5558]

I never played it on the Wii but Rolling in the 3DS version is sastifying. I can't imagine playing this game by shaking my controller and then pressing the jump button.

[@js200gb]

Well said! Damn, the script for this must be like 60 pages! This game was (mostly) fun to 100% and made me smile a lot at some of the clever/cute moments it throws in. I really hated the motion controls, but got used to them. I think I remember there being a time attack type mode, which I usually love, but the tight times required you to roll, thus shake a lot. Being super frustrating even on the first couple stages, I opted out. No podcast recently? Looking forward to the Tropical Freeze review! Loved that game!

[@implantgames]

I think it's 11 single spaced pages haha ;) The time attack mode is way beyond my skill level, I would have had to look up a walkthrough haha. I was stunned I was like 40 seconds off on the first stage. Oh well. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@0ThrowawayAccount0]

The volcano theme is taken from Metroid Prime's "Magmoor Caverns" which was a nod from Retro Studios, who also worked on that game

[@TempoKong]

Time Trial isn't required for 200%

[@implantgames]

Get out! Had I known that I might have went for it.

[@dudujencarelli]

@@implantgames Then try and play the 3DS version. It preserves the original gameplay, graphics and sound, and also adds another 8 optional extra challenging levels in World 9 to fill up 200% completion.

[@FranzoOnLine]

Actually, the motion controls ARE optional... just play the 3DS version!

[@implantgames]

Then I would have to say the smooth frame rate is optional ;)

[@FranzoOnLine]

I'll take 30 fps and button controls over 60 fps and motion controls

[@AggressivelyAverage]

Another flawless video! :D I had this for my 3ds but never beat it because i couldn’t bear the small screens xD! If you were interested i would completely love to see your take on the kingdom hearts series if you’re interested! I’m playing through the first two main line games to prepare for the third and would love to see how your views contrast with mine!

[@implantgames]

Thanks for the kind words! Kingdom Hearts intimidates me... I've just never been an RPG guy. However even I must concede the series is far more popular than I ever realized.

[@AggressivelyAverage]

implantgames I’m actually scared by rpg’s as well! My girlfriend forced me to play kingdom hearts (she’s never played like any other video game ever) and i learned that even though it is an rpg it’s not really an “rpg” if you know what mean! ;D

[@Filmonaut]

Next is Tropical Freeze, the very best DKC game :)

[@Filmonaut]

Worst? Diddy's Kong Quest would be a close second!

[@ClintonKE]

Meh, DKQ is great but it is overrated. DKDT and TF are both better than it IMO.

[@CDX1080]

Your videos are always a joy to watch.

[@implantgames]

Thank you Sir!

[@CDX1080]

@@implantgames Thanks to you!

[@miragevarietyproductions3361]

Unless you done a video about it already, I'd like to know your opinion on Tropical Freeze the sequel to Returns. Personally I find Returns to be great but Tropical Freeze to be much better.

[@implantgames]

TF is next!

[@TheGauges420]

At around 7:35 I can't help but notice that if you're a more skilled player that you could absolutely beat the chicken boss quickly as well, as if you would've stood in the center of its attack animation, it wouldn't have struck you, and it shows it's vulnerability for a moment, granted this is not only a very tight space between the chickens legs to not get hit, but also a short window of time that the weakness is exposed, but it is clear a more experienced player would probably finish it more quickly.

[@SlyBeast]

The jump boost...that drove me NUTS in the beginning. I got the hang of when to press the jump button again but still had a few misses here and there well into the game. I don't know why you can't just hold the button down like in the Mario games.

[@implantgames]

Yeah it feels very odd. It's more forgiving in TF thankfully.

[@Faapu]

Personally I prefer Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, but they're both fantastic games

[@mattevolto]

What the heck?! I was sure i was subscribed to you, yet i suddenly stopped seeing your videos on my home page... i even had to subscribe again... am i dumb, or is youtube still unsubscribing users? Oh well. Glad to be back :)

[@implantgames]

Welcome back!

[@MellyMellouange]

I know that the game doesn't explain this very well; but getting a high bounce from enemies doesn't actually depend on whether you're holding the Jump Button or not. Instead, a timed button press is required.

[@FuzedBox]

Returns was the only time I returned a video game. I hated waggle with a passion. Earlier this year I decided to try it again on my modded Wii with the controls mapped to a cube controller via hack. Such a good experience. I thought it was the toughest in the series.

[@LucosPlays]

I was waiting for this really wanted to see what do you think of the game now that you beated after some months i think it was when i saw the Captain Toad box. I've never played the game because i didn't liked the wiimote but well i can see it now what i missed on for almost 8 years. Yes the OST was a great follow up to the trilogy and the second part of the DK Island Swing from the original becoming it's own track was a great thing because i loved it. It's awesome that the game has less recycled backgrounds and the gimmick of the Rocket Barrel yes it's a pain and now i can see why. GOOD LORD THE JIGSAW PIECES ARE OPTIONAL DUDE I LOVE THAT! The tikis we're a great change from the burned out Kremling Crew (at least for me) but they we're really a bit how do i define it not that memorable. The flaws were pretty obvious for this game and it shows but the time trial was the biggest because it wasn't needed a 200% hidden by a Time Trial Run. The bosses from what i seen were pretty standard for this series. This was a great review as always Kris good job the wait was worthy. And i cannot wait to see Tropical Freeze sometime in the future. Keep up the good work men and NAM DUG TIG (yeah that thing from twitter i had to xDDDD)

[@implantgames]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the thoughtful comment!

[@niespeludo]

Try Zack and Wiki for the Wii as well, you're likely to enjoy it. As far as other platformers go, please check wario land shake it. I enjoyed playing all the modded versions of New Super Mario Bros Wii in the modding scene, some are quite better than the actual game and it ended up becoming one of my most played games back then.

[@PFBM86]

He sounds like he probably wouldn't like Zack & Wiki or Wario Land due to his prejudice against motion controls. Zack & Wiki also has lots of trial and error and is lacking in checkpoints, if memory serves me correctly. It's a great game but unlikely to win Kris over due to the above aspects.

[@TBoneTony]

Happy to have played this game on the original Wii, sadly I felt that the motion control to slap the ground could have been used with a simple down on the D pad and the Rocket Barrel levels as you said in the video, if you were hit then you died. Mine Craft levels I can understand since everything is going at a fast pace but would have liked to see the health utilized in those sections of the game rather than one hit kills.

[@implantgames]

I like that you mistyped Mine Cart as Mine Craft :D One of my favorites. It does feel like Retro Studios wasn't quite sure how to handle the difficulty considering the original series is on the tough side of 16-bit platformers.

[@MaximumRD]

Hey good to hear ya buddy! Hope you feel better soon!

[@implantgames]

Thanks Rob, glad to see you still around these parts :D

[@RetroLiminal99444]

Dkc returns was the first game and introduced me to the Dk franchise.

[@Sjono]

My biggest gripe is how rolling isn’t tied to a button but to waggle. That and those damn rocket barrels

[@implantgames]

I would have just appreciated an option. The classic controller had lot of buttons, and a way bigger d-pad.

[@thewolfgabe3656]

I was gonna say they addressed a lot of your complaints with Tropical Freeze

[@implantgames]

Was? ;)

[@schlubopbeebop886]

I never understood all the complaints about the rocket levels. They were all very easy and every obstacle was well telegraphed.

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

...Okay, now we're going into my unfamiliar territory, 'cause I still have yet to play these newer games in the franchise, and I probably never will! ...Because, really, I can't imagine anything to even compare to DKC2. That being said, these games are quite pretty, and look innovative all the same! I'm glad Nintendo thought to find another developer who was still capable of at least doing the series justice, especially after Retro Studios' epic Metroid Prime games! But I'm old and jaded, I don't care about the modern shlock. They don't make games like they used to...Oh god...I'm turning into Cranky Kong!! Get will soon, Kris!

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

XD True

[@ClintonKE]

TF is IMO the best game in the DKC series actually. And trust me I still have my old SNES carts of DKC 1-3. Yeah the same flaws (bonus stages, the jump issue) are still in TF some and it does the same thing DKC did with new characters again in its own way. In that another character went on to replace a character fully. In this case Diddy is pretty much again sort of replaced by Dixie. A power up replaced by another power up. Still everything that made Returns good is only built on in TF. And Returns was IMO worthy of the same amount of praise the 1st DKC got already.

[@ClintonKE]

@MultiTarded, I respectfully disagree. Keep in mind it was Retro that made these DK games and the games were their major project after the 1st Metroid Prime games. You know the games they made with respect to the series (in this case Metroid) and so on and are well loved these days. It was touched on in this video but if there is one thing Retro did very well it was making the world feel alive as you run through it. Things happen as you go through these levels in these games, far more than any thing happening as you went through the levels in the old DKC games and in general most platformers I can think of. Granted that is more of a limit of platforming back then if anything but still if I'd like to think that if DKC2 was remade they'd do what modern platformers have been doing to spice up their levels. If DKC2 was made in the style of Returns and TF I have a feeling stuff like Toxic Tower would be changed around some to make the level feel more alive. Don't tell me for one second that as you climbed up the tower to avoid the acid if windows of the stuff started to burst through it wouldn't be cool man. Or if for example the Lockjaw (well Snapjaw if you are gonna be picky) level had the ships that you were on sinking as you climbed around them to avoid that stupid fish. Either way with how they are going about and evolving the levels as you go through them how can you really say they have no soul in it? Look at the mine cart levels of DKC such as Mine Cart Madness vs DKCR's Prehistoric Path and tell me for one second which one took longer to think about and have working right? Prehistoric Path at least had me liking the cart rides somewhat.

[@ClintonKE]

MultiTarded, Retro had a different goal for DK than what they had for Metroid. The last DK game that people had any fond memories for after all was DKC2 and so on with mixed feelings for any of the others after. What other than a platformer would they do for DK in this situation? The point of this anyway is they went into this with love like they did for Metroid if you can't tell so I don't know what your issue is. As for DKCR and TF music wise certain songs like the various rocket barrels, Mountain Mania, and Wing Ding were some of the music I liked. They had a few others I liked as well but I think the real issue you have with this is the one a lot of people have with DKC3 in that they don't think there is anything good in it for whatever reason. Personally I gotta wonder why an OST that has a lot of classics being remade is so bad to you anyway? I mean a lot of games in general just recycle the same song over and over again for their OST. I mean look at Super Mario World. As for you not liking the idea of levels "being alive" as you go through them I guess that is a personal taste thing. However considering how a lot of platformers have been doing it (Rayman and so on as well) I can at least say the games have done them well. Certainly better than other games like Mario 3D world did. However to make a comparison real fast. DK at least has been treated better by Retro than anything Yoshi's Island has had. Which is a shame cause YI was the better platformer on SNES IMO anyway when comparing DK vs YI. Really if you wanna complain about music than just look at Yoshi's New Island's "The Yoshi Clan" opening.

[@johneygd]

This game looks too buzzy for me ,i can hardly see what’s going on, also i never liked those motion controllers on the wii, they just add latency to those games.

[@ThePillowGamer]

The 3Ds version doesn’t have motion controls. Other than minor slow down and reduced graphics, I’d say it’s the best version.

[@zoenicoletv]

There seem to be 2 opinions of the motion controls. Your's, and Jirards from the Completionist. He says that eventually he was rolling with ease and precision. We all know (or should know) that the 3ds version is the best because of this.

[@coastersplus]

No motion controls, and extra levels... but at the cost of frame rate and pixels. I've heard some people argue that emulation is the way to go.

[@ico128]

The fan made Wii patch did the job for me.

[@PFBM86]

The people who complain about the motion controls in DKC Returns tend to be people who dislike motion controls in general. Overall they're very well implemented and I found them fun and easy to use, although I agree the blowing mechanic was pretty pointless (glad they took it out in Tropical Freeze). The 3DS version looks and plays like trash due to the low framerate.

[@implantgames]

I guess any mechanic can be learned and mastered, but I found it odd to scratch my nose and then have DK either roll and ground pound.

[@jonmahashintina]

On my third or so playthrough of this game, but this time emulating it via dolphin and using a gamecube controller. So much fun, just miss waggling like mad to get hits on bosses at the end.

[@jondespa]

The controls are better with the nunchuk.

[@PFBM86]

Yep, I cringed when the video started and I saw he was using Wiimote only.

[@coastersplus]

Punching tikis was so satisfying. Also a joystick was nice

[@jondespa]

And roll-jumping is just a breeze!

[@implantgames]

Not saying there is anything wrong with the nunchuck, but I'm not used to it at all and find it feels strange to use for me. While I don't really like holding the wii remote horizontally, there is a familiarity to it that I prefer.

[@jondespa]

Either way, they should have given us players the option to have it without the motion controls. The more options the better. ;)

[@cookieskoon2028]

As an old school fan, the DKC games for Snes are much better with save stating via the big E. So I agree with ya.

[@Sjono]

I hate how Diddy Kong is treated as a power up than an actual playable character when you’re doing this game single player

[@ClintonKE]

Diddy ended up being better than DK overall in DKC to the point where the main character wasn't even usable in 2 of the 3 classic games. I feel making him a power up was a way they could avoid DK being kicked while still making Diddy useful.

[@ClintonKE]

MultiTarded, yep and one of those ways isn't to make the main character of the series that you were in charge of reviving being reduced to a mcguffin or whatever 2 games in a row after the 1st one. Diddy, than later Dixie and Cranky being power ups kind of sucks but at least they are still playable. More in TF than Returns and you have to unlock hard mode but they are still there for single player hard mode without issue when its done. Granted TF's real issue character wise in the long run is that Diddy beaten out by Dixie again almost 100% of the time minus certain situations.

[@angelsolorzano2844]

Yeah! Your videos are the best, mate! Cheers!

[@implantgames]

Thank you very much!

[@diegosanchez1080]

This was awesome!

[@TerrorOfTalos]

I love this game, never had much issue with the motion controls or getting extra height off enemies though. The game is also harder than Tropical Freeze for sure, although TF is an overall better game.

[@coastersplus]

I have no clue how I managed to beat this game as a kid, I can barely handle the temple stages in TF now. Though TF's rocket barrel stages are way more fair.

[@TerrorOfTalos]

@@coastersplus I know right? Then again it did have some solid checkpoint placement (which was especially needed for the later levels). I also checked my save file the other day and it sits at 114% which I'm not surprised by because I really did pla the shit out of DKCR when I was younger lol

[@9-VoltGaming]

16:50 I was going to say that spiders are not insects... but... they have 6 legs in this game so I guess these are?

[@donkeykongisbetterthanmari7495]

It's just a godgoddamn game

[@trapez77]

This game feels way better with the nunchuck

[@implantgames]

Not saying there is anything wrong with the nunchuck, but I'm not used to it at all and find it feels strange to use for me. While I don't really like holding the wii remote horizontally, there is a familiarity to it that I prefer.

[@fredjd11]

I was really dreading the motion controls coming into this game; I had just finished DKCTF 200% and didn’t see how so crucial a function as rolling could be assigned to such a notoriously finicky control method as the Wiimote waggle... ...but then I simply started playing Returns and by midway through World 1 was as comfortable with the waggle-roll as I’d have been with a conventional button. Had no issues (none that I remember) all the way to 200%. Anyone having issues with the motion controls should definitely try the Wiimote + nunchuck control scheme. A downward flick of the Wiimote satisfyingly models the “feel” of the roll maneuver. I also find the analog stick feels more “natural” as an input for DK’s fluid movement. I am no longer surprised that several people who played DKCTF on the Wii U preferred the “classic” Wiimote + nunchuck scheme over the more conventional button scheme made available in that game. As for the comparison with the 3DS port, 60fps is far more important for this game than the option having button inputs. The 3DS version maxes out at 30fps and frequently dips into the 20s when there’s a lot of activity on screen-which the designers attempted to mitigate by making the display space smaller on the 3DS version, which is yet another change that detracts from gameplay. (I also find the 3DS itself to be exceedingly uncomfortable for extended platforming sections, but perhaps that’s just me.) Until Nintendo releases the 60fps HD re-master that is, for the time being, however bafflingly, restricted to the Chinese Nvidia Shield, the Wii version of DKCR is indisputably the definitive version of the game. (It would be nice if that re-master were to include the additional stages that are restricted to the 3DS version.) That being said, it’s a shame that Retro/Nintendo did not include alternative controller mappings sans obligatory waggle. This is a chronic issue with Nintendo games...

[@9-VoltGaming]

20:05 Wrong, you don't need to do the time trials to 200% they don't count to percentage, just mirror mode

[@barkdawgHI]

Why didn't you use a nunchuck?

[@9-VoltGaming]

19:15 The problem is that you're playing like a Mario game, in this game you have to press the jump button right when he touches the enemy, I literally NEVER had that problem

[@0ThrowawayAccount0]

for real, this review is lacking some key game mechanic understanding...

[@AppericateGamer]

Spin move is annoying put off in the game Rocket barrel part not a fan hurt my hands in those sections Black and white level is cool idea Good point about the challenge in older donkey kong country different than newer donkey kong country game One hit in rocket barrel is bs Great review overall glad you have good time with donkey kong series Returns good game but not high level of dkc 2 and tropical freeze My favorite of series DKC1, 2, tropical freeze

[@AppericateGamer]

Agree i enjoy replaying tropical freeze and the music pretty good

[@implantgames]

Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks mate!

[@Optidorf]

DKC Returns is a very good game, but not without its downsides. There are way too many rocket barrel levels (and mine cart levels), the difficulty grade is a big leap from the previous games and the rolling move should always have been attributed to a button. That being said DKC Returns is quite innovative when it comes to interactive environments, has a gorgeous art direction, an atmospheric (jazz) soundtrack and a lot of challenging (and fair) levels. I don't think any other developer - including Rare - could have delivered a better job.

[@thedonutkillermandude3668]

It's a great game but I don't get immersive ambiance that the original trilogy had. I blame it on the graphics both because of the technical limitations of the Wii but also the dubious artistic choices made. At 12:36 you can see a direct comparison. Furthermore, everything is way too happy and hardly intimidating, feels like a fun trip rather than an epic adventure journey.

[@AstroTibs]

Wait, how quickly do bananas go bad? What's the point of having a hoard?

[@donkeykongisbetterthanmari7495]

It's just a game

[@sonicmario64]

The Kremlings > The Tiki Tak Tribe

[@Soynereh]

Really enjoyed it on the 3ds.

[@peterc504]

I didnt care for any of the newer DKC games..I really missed using the animals & thats what made the older ones much more fun...kinda sad they took em out in the newer games

[@Saxjon]

"Despite three playthroughs, I never felt confident while attempting to roll" THREE PLAYTHROUGHS? REALLY? Wow, you suck! Also, you got something wrong: Puzzle time attack doesn't add percentage. So in order to achieve 200%, you need to find all KONG letters and beating all mirror stages. Apart from that, GREAT REVIEW! Very well written as well as your other reviews I've watched.

[@implantgames]

"You suck" and "great review" in the same comment?! I don't know how to respond haha ;) Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@RoxiiXoX]

I had a real problem with DKCR- as someone who enjoyed playing with Diddy and Dixie most, I had a problem with DK being turned into a very sluggish baffoon- The lack of animal buddies was extremely ditinct, especially in exchange for those awful rocket levels- all of the new moves felt un fun, the motion controls were annoying- the aesthetic of the game had like 5% of what the originals had, if that- the art style and enemies were bad, the design choices looked cheap and didnt live up to DK's trademark style- and I can't even bare to menton how unwell Rhambi looks, like is he ok??? The music- Christ I can hardly remember a single track from this game- the remixes were lack luster too, i cant even remember them- Sigh, still im just happy to have a DK game I guess

[@francisthompson3772]

Dk was never a good or fast character. You had no reason to use him in the old ones.

[@captainyasopp154]

This game looks dope af but sadly I won't get a chance to play it I lost my Wii back in 2011 😥

[@jondespa]

Let's hope for an HD version release for the Switch!

[@captainyasopp154]

@@jondespa ohh that would be legit I would most definately buy it.

[@implantgames]

The game with the HD texture pack looks amazing on emulators, would love to see an official HD port!

[@nicholasbarsanti2863]

Hope you get better in tropical freeze review

[@implantgames]

Thanks man!

[@jordanstewart3924]

can you review the 3ds version

[@implantgames]

Sadly I cannot. I don't have the hardware to capture 3DS.

[@jordanstewart3924]

@@implantgames what if you invest in a capture card it can be a cheap one and if you have the 3ds version it'll be fun and good for people with a 3ds and want a donkey Kong game on the go

[@seanfroelich4528]

I've never "returned" (heh heh) to any of these games because the levels are TOO LONG. I know Returns is more forgiving with lives, but the levels themselves do not invite speedruns as well as the SNES classics. DKCR depends more on spectacle which diminishes on followup plays.

[@lordroy88]

DKCR is better than Diddy’s Kong Quest in my opinion.

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

So DK64 doesn't technically count as being part of this series? Can't blame you, really, it's a 3D platformer after all, and there's also lesser titles like Barrel Blast, King of Swing and its sequel Jungle Climber, which you can also safely ignore. Nintendo's own Donkey Konga and the epic Jungle Beat on the other hand, were awesome, with the bongo controller and all! Much like you, I totally jumped ship on modern Nintendo altogether recently, and I REFUSE to own a Switch!

[@CSharp__]

why tho

[@hammerkirby5243]

Why do you refuse to own a Switch?

[@harmonicky3313]

Man reading your comments... you really have to try new things instead of just sticking with the familiar.

[@implantgames]

I believe it is called DK64, not DKC64 :D I actually don't own DK64 at the moment, and I'm not sure I'm happy with my N64 recording setup for that matter.

[@y2commenter246]

I don't plan on getting one, either.

[@lilnemi]

Do tropical freeze next

[@implantgames]

TF is next!

[@lilnemi]

implantgames I meant do a tropical freeze review next smh

[@implantgames]

TF review is next!

[@lilnemi]

implantgames sorry I thought you meant the fuck lmao

[@implantgames]

Haha my bad :D

[@bottemillerpostings6959]

I hope the next donkey Kong game has no lives

[@arognlie]

14:32 The accent of plethora should fall on the first syllable. PLEthora. Not pleTHORa.

[@implantgames]

I apologize my regional dialect of American English does not meet your expectations.

[@arognlie]

I typically enjoy listening to your videos. I greatly appreciate your crisp enunciation, which you may choose to ascribe to regional dialect. But words like plethora carry a lot of baggage around their use as it is seen as a word of education, often first encountered through reading, as opposed to a word we acquire through daily life. Using a non-standard pronunciation makes it sound like the speaker doesn't actually know how to use the word. Just something to keep in mind...

[@CSharp__]

Notice me senpai

[@dylanbosley4139]

To anybody who wants their childhoods ruined, sometimes Donkey Kong says pedo after bouncing on an enemy ( a clip of it is in the last minute of the video

[@ScottysHaze]

You mispronounced the word "plethora". It's PLETH•er•uh. Not pleth•OR•uh.

[@Kittenfox_55]

#creatorontherise

[@johanandersson8252]

BANANA

[@dewdbrowatch1446]

I actually hate dkc returns but loved tropical freeze

[@DrUpauli]

Do sonic mania

[@implantgames]

Next year.

[@ultraness]

I actually prefer the 3DS version, since it removes the motion controls entirely. It has a lower frame rate, but never dying because I failed to roll when I shook a controller was a fair trade for me. It improved my opinion of the game (you can also play an easy mode that adds extra health, but I didn't use it). Still, I view DKC Returns as the worst of the five (they're all good, but one has to be worse than all the others). It adds new features, yeah, yet I thought it was trying too hard to emulate the first DKC. Most of the level areas and music comes from a much earlier game, and not even from the best of the original trilogy. I also just don't really agree about the checkpoints being much of a problem in the original games, which had levels that are far shorter than this game's. I don't find that the length between checkpoints is really that different, given the different level lengths (and your examples of frustrating DKC2 levels are from the final levels, the hardest in the game). More than that, given your complaints about replaying sections being a problem, I find your pass on the longer bosses in DKC Returns odd, since every boss in that game requires the player to start from the beginning and do the same sections over again, a trial that the original trilogy reserved for only the final boss. As for final bosses, the last boss in Returns has some of the cheapest game design in the series, since you lose Diddy Kong, the extra health he provides, and his rocket boost if you die; furthermore, the only way to get Diddy back is to exit the last boss and replay a frustrating rocket barrel section (where you die in one hit, I believe). It's strangely unforgiving, given that the game is generally more forgiving than the older ones. It's similar to the rocket and mine cart levels, which have you dying in one hit; the original always let you take that extra hit, provided you had two Kongs. I don't understand why they made those levels harder in this sense. Another aspect of the game worth mentioning is how it changes when playing with two players. What's cool about it is that you can now play simultaneous co-op, which is actually the best new idea I think the game had. Unfortunately, the co-op play isn't really done very well, as DKC Returns was clearly designed as a single-player game, first and foremost, as some of the challenges are difficult to do with two people and keep both Kongs alive. Additionally, lives do become an issue with two players, since you lose a life when each Kong dies, and that means that the mine cart and rocket barrel levels result in two lives being lost instead of one after each crash (and every crash immediately results in death). Lives can then be lost absurdly fast on these levels, as a result. Anyway, Tropical Freeze made Returns more or less irrelevant to me, as it's more inventive and better made in basically every single way.

[@pelucheCR7]

Frankly i see this as the third best, 3 being the worst of the bunch and its not like this wasnt creative as well for example the minecart levels, some of the beach levels, the whole factory world and the volcano world is pretty awesome, its spin was probably one of the best ive seen done.

[@pelucheCR7]

@MultiTarded TF is far easier than returns, at no point in the game did i find it cheap. It was easy enough por the most part, that i never considered using the sidekicks with the exception of finding secret exits. Also other things like the use of more traditional controls and small tweaks to the head bop mechanic add to that.

[@francisthompson3772]

@MultiTarded Dude, I can't count the ammount of time I died because of an ennemy I couldn't see yet in DKC1-3. There were a lot more cheap death in those game.

[@francisthompson3772]

@MultiTarded Well, I "rush" this way in the new ones without problem...

[@francisthompson3772]

@MultiTarded Why do you think I put rush in " "? I DON'T play fast at all! Well, not normally, at least. Time attack mode exist in the new one for a reason for a reason. And also, I saw a lot of review saying one of the thing they like in all DKC is that the physic of the game encourage to go fast. I'm sure after multiple replays this issue I had problem with becomes better because you know where things are, but it's still quite annoying on your first playthrought.

[@one7decimal2eight]

as a fan of the first dkc...I bought the wii version with high hopes. this game sucked. way too hard and stingy on the extra lives. and when you play with a friend you go through lives way too fast. huge waste of time to blow on every dust particle. huge fail of a game.

[@francisthompson3772]

Not really the game's fault if you're bad. Also, yes, multiplayer is dumb in this game. Oh, Wait, you were only fan of the first DKC? Like, the worst one of them all. Wow...

[@DOOF1]

But for an honest review of the video, your constant inhaling makes it very hard to focus on what you're saying. Still a good review tho

[@SummonerArthur]

I didnt noticed his inhaling, but just THOSE MOMENTS WHEN *THE MUSIC FADES IN TOO SOON AND YOU CANT HEAR HIM ARE ANOYING*

[@implantgames]

There are some audio rendering errors and I'm not sure why that happened, but full volume fades in too soon.

[@SummonerArthur]

@@implantgames sorry but... It looks like you rushed this video production. And thats why those errors appeared. Was that it? If it was, calm down man. Take your time. Your videos are great, and I dont think people would mind waiting one more day to watch your video if you promisse there will be quality in it. If it wasnt, well... Dont worry! Sometimes these things happens. Vegas video and audio tracks turns into a giant mess while you go trought editing.

[@RandomYouTubeGuy87]

A fantastic game but no way near as good as the original trilogy!

[@bluewulv]

Thos should've een brought to switch

[@Sjono]

Way to skip over DK64

[@implantgames]

They should have named it DKC64.

[@rosyhvideo2587]

Vvvv