With the upcoming November 21st release of Donkey Kong Country Returns, anticipation is at an all time high. As a sequel made by a different studio, many questions have flooded into the minds of gamers about how this one will compare to the classic game series. Kit Ellis, public relations for Nintendo of America, took the time to answer some of our questions about the upcoming game.
Will any of the other Kong characters, like Cranky Kong or Funky Kong for example, be returning?
Cranky Kong is back in Donkey Kong Country Returns. He sells items to help Donkey Kong, such as additional lives.
On an average play through, how long will it take to complete the game?
It will vary from player to player, but so far we have revealed eight of the game's worlds, each containing 6-8 individual stages. The game has quite a bit of hidden content for players to discover, so there's plenty to return to even after you have finished the game.
Has any in-game homage been made to Rare and the original Donkey Kong Country games?
As the newest game in the series, of course Donkey Kong Country Returns retains similar settings, characters, and themes from the original titles. Players will still collect "K-O-N-G" letters, smash through enemies on Rambi the rhino, and hear updated versions of classic music. However, the game is all-new and marks a number of "firsts" for the series as well, such as simultaneous cooperative multiplayer gameplay throughout the entire game, the integration of motion controls and new enemies to overcome.
How many animal buddies, if any, will be available in-game?
Kong's rhino buddy, Rambi, is making a return to Donkey Kong Country Returns, as is Squawks the parrot, who will help the player discover hidden items.
Will the game be compatible with the classic controller?
The Classic Controller is not compatible with Donkey Kong Country Returns, as the game utilizes motion controls that are only possible via the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The game's default control scheme is the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combo, but players also have the option to use the Wii Remote turned horizontally, as in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
What new game-play features have been added in comparison to past Donkey Kong Country games?
The simultaneous two-player mode in this game is a first for the Donkey Kong Country series. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong both have different abilities - Donkey Kong is all about power with his ground-pound, but Diddy Kong can stun enemies with his peanut pop gun and hover for short bursts using his jet pack. We've also integrated motion controls that allow for additional depth of gameplay. One new move allows Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong to blow on objects in the environment to solve puzzles or find hidden items. For example, you may encounter enemies that are on fire. If you jump on them, you will take damage, so you first need to blow to extinguish the flames before taking them on. The 2-D side-scrolling style is familiar, but with new graphics and depth that adds to the game play - some stages now allow you to travel between the foreground and background. The style may feel familiar to fans of the series, but those who dig a bit deeper will find many new features to enjoy.
Players have heard about silhouette levels where the foreground is darkened and the background is providing the lighting. Will there be any other interesting levels types?
We think all the levels are interesting and each one has its own charm. Each world is based on a theme, such as the jungle, beach, caverns or temple ruins. Everyone will have a different favorite, but the series' trademark mine cart levels are back with some great news twists.
Will the soundtrack have entirely new songs, re-envisioned old songs, or a mixture of both?
Kenji Yamamoto of the SPD Sound Team was in charge of the soundtrack, and he pays homage to the original tunes with updated takes on these classic songs, as well as original compositions.
On top of the regular game, what type of bonus content will be available?
Players can collect puzzle pieces and K-O-N-G letters throughout levels in the game to unlock additional bonus content, including extra levels.
One additional feature to note is the return of the Super Guide. If you die too many times on a level, you will have the option to let the Super Guide automatically play through the level for you, essentially making it an “instant win” button. While more experienced players will likely opt out of using this option, the return of this feature is great for new players to the series.
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