Donkey Kong Country Returns on the 2nd of December!

[VanAce]

yVq7XNV7K0w

HELL YES! Loved the first 2 back in the day. Retro seems to have go the formula down pretty pat. Even the mine carts are in it :D

[AyatollaofRocknRolla]

Word. Loved the 2d DKC games. Didn't care for Donkey Kong 64 so much.

[Zeph101]

Looks like Jungle Climber for the DS more than DKC for the Snes. I'm not complaining, anyone who's played Jungle Climber knows it's a brilliant re-imagining of the DKC games.

[amcam]

Word. Loved the 2d DKC games. Didn't care for Donkey Kong 64 so much.

^this

[adam_91vn]

Might have to get a Wii :(

[Stevorooni]

Graphically it looks similar to Donkey Kong Jungle Beat which I thought was gorgeous

[FrozenSoul80]

As long as this is waffle-free I'd be all over this! :D

I really hope Retro Studios can recapture the sense of humour the series contained.

[Stevorooni]

I was wondering if they'd be able to use some characters created by Rare like Cranky or K.Rool, but considering they have Diddy I assume that Nintendo own it all

[VanAce]

I wonder if the ride on animals will be in it. Didn't see any in the trailer. didn't see any underwater parts either.

[adam_91vn]

I wonder if the ride on animals will be in it. Didn't see any in the trailer.

I am pretty sure there was in vid

[banjoeskimo]

Looks like co-op is a distinct possibility for this, which is great, 'cause I have many a friend who loves the old DKC games.

Seeing as DKC was the primary motivator that got me to take up gaming, I'm super stoked that we're finally seeing the franchise return. This can't come soon enough. :D

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Put me down as interested.

[Australian Ninja]

So it is a Wii retail game, a download or what?

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

I'm guessing first yellow game case.

[fishonthecarpet]

As happy as I am about the announcement I hope they don't expect people to fork out full price for this.

[Hyperblau]

Where do i pay?

[FX-GTZ]

That level on the 0:51 second mark reminds me of Gta:SA's vibrant sunset's. Finally a new Donkey Kong Country game! I've been waiting forever, the last DK game to come out was that gba version.

[Cubby]

I must say I'm quite looking forward to this, I absolutely loved the mine cart levels.

Also, Diddy looks angry/constipated.

[FrozenSoul80]

So is there a release date for me to get excited about, or should I just forget about this for the next few months?

[Second]

**** my life.

[Beinkasaurus Rex]

This is probably the only game I'll be getting for my Wii in the next few years, but it'll be worth it! I pretty much have DKC on SNES memorised, it's like my childhood game <3

[Watchers]

Looks pretty fun!

[Fenrir]

Didn't care for Donkey Kong 64 so much.
I liked DK64, though I suspect if they could replicate the sense of scale and adventure that the DKC games had in a 3D DK then we'd have something really special. DK64's remote island overworld setting was pandering to the limitations of the day, but it wasn't as immersive.

[banjoeskimo]

So is there a release date for me to get excited about, or should I just forget about this for the next few months?

Holiday 2010 in the US, so I suspect sometime between Christmas and March for Australia.

[RunningMild]

I have one thing to say about this:


















































































































IT'S ABOUT ****ING TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[texta]

This will be the reason I buy a Wii.

[Spazzola]

It looks like I'll be spending a lot more time at my mate's place.

[Stevorooni]

Might have to play through the originals again now.

I only have DKC3 on the Snes, but I grabbed the first 2 on Virtual Console. I also have Donkey Kong Land 2 on the Gameboy

[Zeph101]

DK Land 2 and 3 are pretty similar to their snes counter parts. DK Land 1 however is substantially different, it's even got a world entirely devoted to the original 1981 game based around construction work in Skyscrappers.

*The more you know*:D

[Stevorooni]

Yeah I can remember DKL1 having flying pigs and other shit that wasn't in DKC

Classic games

[fishonthecarpet]

Played it last night :P The original DKL is the best since it's an independent adventure with it's own merits. The other two are kinda watered down versions of the console ones... though DKC3 is a bit different. I just find them kinda dull though.

Actually, I'll probably be selling DKL2 + DKL3 soon so PM me if you're interested anyone.

[Cubby]

Did they all have yellow cartigaes, or was it just DKL1? I remember my brother had one, and I'm pretty sure it was DKL1.

[Stevorooni]

I know that DKL2 had a yellow cartridge

[fishonthecarpet]

All of em do. Sitting on my desk :)

[Cubby]

Well there you go, pretty sure it was the first one though. Was the first "world" a ship, or something like that?

[fishonthecarpet]

In DKL2 the first world is a ship... though I think you get to some ship levels pretty quickly in DKL...

[Watchers]

DK64 was awesome, if only for this:

RcP91tQ4ZSM

If he shoots ya, it's gonna HURT!

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Man I feel like firing up Donkey Kong Country again now just to prepare myself, even though this game won't be out until next year

[JubeiSaotome]

Glad Rare isn't working on this. I'm actually looking forward to a DKC game, it's strange.

[Slippery]

Think it will be full price?

[fishonthecarpet]

Almost positive.

[Natrak]

Is the sky blue?

[FrozenSoul80]

Why wouldn't it be? It's a full game...

[fishonthecarpet]

Because there is a high chance it will have the gameplay and content of a high-grade XBLA title. Of course, could be wrong with what we know at this stage, but so far we've just seen it's a 2D platformer with the gameplay of the almost 20-year old SNES games, a slight bit prettier.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for the game, but it's gonna have to offer a buttload more than just the basics of the original games. I imagine it will probably launch at $69.95 like NSMB Wii did.

Early days still.

[FrozenSoul80]

Well if it turns out to be a downloadable game I am out. I want nothing to do with the Wii's virtual console and its inability to transfer the games I have purchased.

[Natrak]

NSMB Wii launched at 99.95.

[fishonthecarpet]

Well if it turns out to be a downloadable game I am out. I want nothing to do with the Wii's virtual console and its inability to transfer the games I have purchased.

I wouldn't worry, it's very unlikely! My hope is that I'm wrong - that the game will have alot of substance to it (which is quite possible given the developers) and that it will be worth forking out money for. If not, I'll wait around till it's cheap on the 2nd hand market :)

NSMB Wii launched at 99.95.

Ah, right. I do remember it being cheap at JB's and EB though, but I guess they do that with alot of games these days.

[RunningMild]

DK Land 2 and 3 are pretty similar to their snes counter parts. DK Land 1 however is substantially different, it's even got a world entirely devoted to the original 1981 game based around construction work in Skyscrappers.

*The more you know*:D

Yeah, DKL was a great standalone game, but DKL3 sucked. I remember playing it and thinking 'This is like DKC3 with all the good bits taken out' and gave up because it got way too monotonous.

(never played DKL2 btw)

Also, flying pigs ftw. :p

[Stevorooni]

I wish my DS Lite could play original gameboy games.

If I wanted to play DKL2 I'd have to use my original gameboy or non-backlit gba :(

[Slippery]

Think it will be full price?

. I imagine it will probably launch at $69.95 like NSMB Wii did.

Yeah I though NSMB Wii was priced more like that

NSMB Wii launched at 99.95.

Rather than that.

Shame, I like it when stuff costs me less money :p

[Zeph101]

I wish my DS Lite could play original gameboy games.

If I wanted to play DKL2 I'd have to use my original gameboy or non-backlit gba :(

Lets just say you could get some help from a little magic box, heh heh heh.
http://deadhomersociety.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/homer-goes-to-college21.png?w=512&h=384

[fishonthecarpet]

I wish my DS Lite could play original gameboy games.

If I wanted to play DKL2 I'd have to use my original gameboy or non-backlit gba :(

mmm backlit gameboy games on gba sp :)

[KickyFunkFresh]

I hate to admit it but watching that video gave me goosebumps. Looks like it will be a lot of fun :)

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

http://www.davethejanitor.com/images/mario%20donkey%20kong%20country.jpg

[Zeph101]

Does anyone know if that Wii-Remote banana-themed slipcase is available with pre-order from any games store here in Australia?

[Starscream]

EU release date is 3-12-10 (as per GAME UK website listing), AU release date is 31-12-10 (as per GAME AU website listing)

EU RRP is £45, AU RRP is $100. Using the GAME UK website as a guide, the best import price at release is around $75 AU mark -including shipping (like Punch Out on Wii).

If retailers here in AU sell at $70, no point in importing (unless Nintendo AU have some sort of exclusivity deal with a retailer e.g. Punch Out).

[Spudzilla]

Donky Kong's Country Returns

[Natrak]

AU release date is 31-12-10 (as per GAME AU website listing)

I'm pretty sure that means they haven't got an actual date for the game.

[AranchineD]

No no Natrak it actually is coming out on New Year's Eve when absolutely everyone will be sitting at home or work ready to play and sell games respectively.

[Stevorooni]

No no Natrak it actually is coming out on New Year's Eve when absolutely everyone will be sitting at home or work ready to play and sell games respectively.

Awesome, that's my New Years planned!

[Cicada]

So there's a rumour going around backed up by some very poor quality/fake looking concept art that K. Rool is in the game, despite the claim of no Kremlings by Retro.

The best part? People on gamespot and similar bastions of gaming culture getting incredibly riled up about spoilers. In a Donkey Kong game.

[Natrak]

I can understand to some extent. I mean, say you went into DKC Returns completely fresh. As far as you knew Kremlings weren't going to be in the game. There is no sign of K. Rool in the game at all. And then, suddenly. K. ROOL! It'd be a pretty awesome suprise.

It's not something worth bitching over, though.

[Cicada]

It'd be an alright surprise, I agree with that, but it's like Andross in Star Fox Adventures. A game with a weak to non existent story has a classic villain revealed as the big bad at the very end, without any real ramifications for your prior actions or character development. You play through one more level/fight another boss. The end. Certainly not a shock warranting gems such as these:

You're not sorry.

You know you should really think befor you post. You could've at least put the pic in spoiler tags so even if you mentioned him we wouldn't have to see the pic unless we wanted to click on SPOILER.

You know how much I've been looking forward to this game, I'm a huge Donkey Kong Country fan. This is something we probly would've found out towards the end of the game, and as much I wanted him to be in it I didn't really want to know until I found out for myself. You pretty much just ruined the entire game for me...

It's one thing to guess that he'd be back...It's completly different to have that confirmed and therefore ruined for you though. Sooo NO don't give the TC a break. And yeah that is a HUGE SPOILER I don't know what you're talking about, anything that gives anything away about the end or nearly end of the game is a HUGE SPOILER. You don't read the end of a book before the begining do you??? Why would anyone wanna know the end of a game before they play it then??? Or maybe it's just that you're not a true gamer, so yeah why should you care. And it's not like it's the TC's first post either...He knew better yet he simply chose to ruin it for others.

Not to mention that this was one of the only games that I even really cared about...

Genius stuff.

[AranchineD]

You don't read the end of a book before the begining do you???

Man I love this argument so much. Because people only ever read a book or watch a movie once.

[Cicada]

It even more applicable for GAMES. I personally never touch them again after finding out how they end. What's the point? The only reason you would do that is because you don't care and you're not a true gamer.

[McChimp]

Oh c'mon! I check out the endings of games all the time and it hardly spoils it for me.
Honestly, how many game endings DON'T SUCK......very few, which to me proves that, like good books and movies, it's more about the 'journey' than it is the 'getting there'.

[Lex]

Man I love this argument so much. Because people only ever read a book or watch a movie once.

Twist endings are a little different. You can't exactly go back and watch 6th sense the same way you did the first time. It changes the experience.

Not that any of that applies to this, bunch of whiny kids.

[Stevorooni]

This game needs Bongo Controller support.


As for spoilers, um... Donkey Kong Country games aren't known for their epic plots.

DKC1: Bananas stoken, get them back
DKC2: Donkey Kong kidnapped, get him back
DKC3: Donkey and Diddy kidnapped, get them back
DK64: More ridiculous relatives kidnapped, bananas stolen, get them back

[Jay]

There's an interesting preview piece by Stephen Totilo up on Kotaku. He reckons it's nice and hard, though he was playing the later levels.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/10/50-deaths-in-donkey-kong-country-returns-in-one-sitting/#more-421227

[Stevorooni]

This looks really good.

I can't wait for Nintendo Australia to shaft us on the release date!

[Jay]

Haha, yeah. We might be playing it sometime in 2012!

Although my local JB already has coming soon boxes on shelves, fwiw...

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/10/dk1.jpg

heh.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Haha, yeah. We might be playing it sometime in 2012!

Release date set just after the Mayan apocalypse.

[Stevorooni]

"Hooray I finally get to play it!" * Humanity dies *

[Gunblade89]

I need to finally get a Wii, this and Kirbys Epic Yarn look awesome.

[Johnny360]

Does this have an "Official" Release date yet? I read somewhere it was December-ish, but is this confirmed?

[Nic Xtreme]

Does this have an "Official" Release date yet? I read somewhere it was December-ish, but is this confirmed?

It's allegedly been confirmed as being out "before the end of the year" in Australia. I can't remember where I heard this, but as yet no "official" release date.

I'd guess the 2nd or 9th of December?

[ireadtabloids]

"Hooray I finally get to play it!" * Humanity dies *

At least it'll save you the fanboy rage when it doesn't live up to your expectations.

[AyatollaofRocknRolla]

At least it'll save you the fanboy rage when it doesn't live up to your expectations.

I heard on this weeks episode of Rebel FM that its really good. They got to play the first few levels, said they were really creative, which is promising. All we need now is a release date prior to the world ending.

[Johnny360]

It's allegedly been confirmed as being out "before the end of the year" in Australia. I can't remember where I heard this, but as yet no "official" release date.

I'd guess the 2nd or 9th of December?

Cheers. I thought so.

It's coming out in a few days in the U.S.

[9warbane]

ZMSRo2cNnyE

Soooo good.

[borgster101]

Sooo good indeed

[Natrak]

Music kinda sucks...

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Want it more than GoldenEye.

[fishonthecarpet]

That looks amazing! Unlike New SMB they're actually adding in some new content!

[Super Mario]

z_vjj4-CnTU

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

It's going to suck in 3 games time when Retro hands this series off to another dev.

[Stevorooni]

They should have made it a first person shooter.

[Starscream]

All we need now is an Australian release date. :/

[Stevorooni]

Australian release date is December 2nd.

Hooray!

[fishonthecarpet]

hundred bucks for a 2d platformer is ridiculous

[Jay]

hundred bucks for a 2d platformer is ridiculous

I do not understand this comment at all, even disregarding the fact that you'll no doubt be able to get it for $79 on launch day at JB. What makes a 2D platformer any less worthy of a certain price than any other genre? Makes no sense.

Just watched the trailers. Looks great. And quite tough.

[fishonthecarpet]

Because there is a high chance it will have the gameplay and content of a high-grade XBLA title. Of course, could be wrong with what we know at this stage, but so far we've just seen it's a 2D platformer with the gameplay of the almost 20-year old SNES games, a slight bit prettier.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for the game, but it's gonna have to offer a buttload more than just the basics of the original games. I imagine it will probably launch at $69.95 like NSMB Wii did.

Early days still.

Opinion hasn't changed. It's certainly offering some very quality gameplay and a new experience, but it is a 2D game, which in this day and age is an old mechanic. It is a retro game (no pun intended).

[Jay]

By that rationale tennis games should be cheap as, seeing as Pong has been around since forever. And those FPS games are getting a little long in the tooth now, too.

[Stevorooni]

3D games have been around for over 20 years, they're so retro.

[AranchineD]

By that rationale tennis games should be cheap as, seeing as Pong has been around since forever. And those FPS games are getting a little long in the tooth now, too.

That's not his rationale at all, tennis games and FPS games have advanced and moved on, while he is stating that this game appears to just contain the gameplay of 2D platformers however many years ago.

[fishonthecarpet]

^that.

Rather than comparing it to other $100 games; why is it worth more than Braid or other quality, original 2D titles released? It isn't - but they can get away with it.

[Jay]

I'd suggest the 2d platformer has made advances too, but I see your point. I still had no problem paying $80 for NSMBWii - that felt like a deserved full-price game. Hopefully DKCR can bring as much innovation to the table.

[fishonthecarpet]

Yeah it has, I'm just not sure this will be one of those titles.

But those latest trailers have shown that it's definitely going to be a whole lotta fun. In the end, I'm happy to wait it out for second hand copies to pop up on eBay.

[Jay]

Apparently the guy from Kotaku (Stephen Totilo I think) complained that they were always given early levels of games to preview and that things were always too easy, so they gave him some levels from later in the game. He cried like a baby.

[AranchineD]

But that's probably 'difficult' by game journalist standards i.e. not difficult at all.

[Jay]

But that's probably 'difficult' by game journalist standards i.e. not difficult at all.

You are so hardcore. You're my hero.

[Ad-Rock]

Game's looking great. I hope it's all done as well as New Super Mario Bros..

[Australian Ninja]

hundred bucks for a 2d platformer is ridiculous

What else do you expect from Nintendo? You're lucky with them that you don't have to pay twice the price and give over your first born to play it.

[fishonthecarpet]

What else do you expect from Nintendo? You're lucky with them that you don't have to pay twice the price and give over your first born to play it.

I'm not sure about the first born; that's probably more of a financial liability to them, so they wouldn't be interested.

[Stevorooni]

Unless the Wii is somehow powered by first borns...

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

It's not, btw.

[Rambo]

But it could be.

[Starscream]

At least, Nintendo Australia are actually releasing the game by this Christmas.

If it's not $79 from JB on release day here in Australia, import it for around $75 or lower because of the exchange rate (including shipping) from GAME UK.

Now..about that Kirby game...

[Natrak]

At least, Nintendo Australia are actually releasing the game by this Christmas.

Are they? What's the date?

[AranchineD]

Here's the final boss of the game

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4706/1289626037507.png

[Cicada]

What is it with Nintendo games and that character design for bosses? They probably have the highest presence of disembodied heads and hands on the planet outside of abandoned Cambodian rice fields.

[9warbane]

Looks like Andross.

[Nic Xtreme]

Are they? What's the date?

December 2 :D

[Gunblade89]

The boss reminds me of Super Smash Bros.

[Natrak]

December 2 :D

Hooray!

Epic Mickey is the week before, possibly the first time there have been Wii games released in consecutive weeks that I've actually wanted to purchase. Been a pretty decent year for the Wii, really, would have been better if Kirby had have made it.

[McChimp]

Disappointed that Kirby won't be making the cut in 2010, but Kong'll do! So buzzed that Returns will be out soon!

[Natrak]

Oh, it also would have been a better year for the Wii if Other M hadn't been complete tripe. :cool: That one was for you, WhyMe >_______>

[Nic Xtreme]

This year for the Wii has been pretty damn good. I've enjoyed Sakura Wars, Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid: Other M, Wii Party and Monster Hunter Tri, and I know I'll enjoy Sin & Punishment 2 and Donkey Kong Country Returns. Epic Mickey and Sonic Colours are also looking good.

But nothing as yet, for me, has beaten Muramasa: The Demon Blade as my top Wii game. Skyward Sword and Rhythm Tengoku Wii next year could change that...

EDIT: First DKCR review is in; Game Informer magazine has given it 95/100:

I've been looking forward to this game for months, but the final product blew me away. It's gorgeous visuals, awesome boss battles, varied stages, and cleverly hidden secrets guarantee gamers will have a great time revisiting this classic franchise... One of the best platformers I've ever played. [Dec 2010, p.124]

[Knuckle Children]

Here's the final boss of the game

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4706/1289626037507.png

Can't wait to play this game, I was a DKC 1 & 2 tragic, but that boss looks shit. Hopefully his body emerges from the shadows towards the middle/end of the battle.

[Nic Xtreme]

Here's the final boss of the game

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4706/1289626037507.png

That's a massive spoiler. If you look at him upside down you can see his other face and he's clearly Ganondorf.

[9warbane]

I'm not seeing the 'other face'.

[mrblippy]

I'm not seeing the 'other face'.

Yea, can't say I can see the face either.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Hopefully his body emerges from the shadows towards the middle/end of the battle.

Yes that would make it ok.

[fishonthecarpet]

At least, Nintendo Australia are actually releasing the game by this Christmas.

If it's not $79 from JB on release day here in Australia, import it for around $75 or lower because of the exchange rate (including shipping) from GAME UK.

Now..about that Kirby game...

I swear I saw someone mentioning it somewhere that you could practically pre-order it for $59?

Getting closer to reasonable but with Epic Mickey the week before it'd have to be alot cheaper for me :)

edit: maybe this (http://www.zavvi.com/games/platforms/nintendo-wii/donkey-kong-country-returns-includes-donkey-kong-poster/10215557.html) was it

[Starscream]

^ Including shipping it's around $63 (using 0.60 GBP conversion rate).

[Starscream]

I swear I saw someone mentioning it somewhere that you could practically pre-order it for $59?

Getting closer to reasonable but with Epic Mickey the week before it'd have to be alot cheaper for me :)

edit: maybe this (http://www.zavvi.com/games/platforms/nintendo-wii/donkey-kong-country-returns-includes-donkey-kong-poster/10215557.html) was it

It's $56 from ozgameshop including shipping.

*cancels order from GAME UK*

[AranchineD]

Hmm, seems this game is going to have that Super Guide feature in it too.

There's goes any point to putting a (apparent) challenge in the later parts of the game.

[Jay]

Dude, we get it. You are amazing. You are hardcore. You are also clearly unable to NOT ENGAGE THE GUIDE MODE WHEN PROMPTED. This feature has not been included for the brilliant likes of you. You may safely ignore it. Just do the rest of us a favour and stop telling us how ****ing brilliant you are at everything for ****'s sake.

[AranchineD]

Watch a bunch of people take the easy way out because, god forbid, they have to actually put some effort in to get past a section.

Watch the standard of gaming skill levels go down even more.

Watch gaming in general slip further into decline.

[Natrak]

It's cute that you care.

[Jay]

YOU DON'T HAVE TO ENGAGE THE OPTION!!! I occasionally got offered it in NSMBWii. I chose NOT TO ENGAGE IT. Your argument is bunk.

@ Natrak

Was that to me or him?

[fishonthecarpet]

On the flipside, perhaps Nintendo will be more inclined to simply let things be difficult if they know that people can always default to kiddy mode if they need to.

[AranchineD]

That's not a counter to my argument at all. There is a significant amount of players who would instantly take the option if offered and not go back to do it properly, but if the option did not exist, they would actually persevere to overcome the challenge.

And even if they do want to go back and do it themselves, they've still screwed things up by being shown a method to get through. Much of the magic, not only in platformers, but in gaming in general, is about discovering things for yourself and finding your own way. Once you've seen a way to do it, you'll find it extremely hard to put your own touch on the game, and as such, find it extremely hard to get some of that fun back. This Super Guide is in fact ruining the game experience in part of those people who take the option, even if they don't realise it.

[AranchineD]

It can also ruin some of the 'magic' of the game for players who do play the game without using the Super Guide, as I've no doubt for many of them there's that little voice at the back of their head, telling them "Why are you suffering on this when there's so many other people who probably just skipped ahead?" It demeans their achievements in the game as well.


And FTR I still have no idea who this feature is aimed at, given that we were all (well, most of us) playing through and finishing the original Mario (and now Donkey Kong games) when we were still in the single digits of age. If we could do it back then, why can't kids and adults do it now?

[fishonthecarpet]

Not attempting to counter-argue. Pointing out the possible existence of a positive to take from it. I agree with you, it's shit, but I just do not care that much.

edit: oh wait, you might not have meant me. apologies

[AranchineD]

Sorry, that bit was directed at Jay re: "You don't have to turn Super Guide on"

[fishonthecarpet]

yeah soz. i am going to stop posting this late at night, it is not good for post quality

[Nic Xtreme]

YOU DON'T HAVE TO ENGAGE THE OPTION!!! I occasionally got offered it in NSMBWii. I chose NOT TO ENGAGE IT. Your argument is bunk.

@ Natrak

Was that to me or him?

Yeah, this is pretty much it. Nintendo can now no longer be self-conscious about making the game difficult, because they just say "oh if it's hard our new audience can turn this on!" and it becomes difficult. They better include in it the next Zelda game, so they make it difficult, because Twilight Princess and Wind Waker have been way too easy.

Aran is just wrong, which is very hard for him to accept. Observe.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

That's not a counter to my argument at all. There is a significant amount of players who would instantly take the option if offered and not go back to do it properly, but if the option did not exist, they would actually persevere to overcome the challenge.

And even if they do want to go back and do it themselves, they've still screwed things up by being shown a method to get through. Much of the magic, not only in platformers, but in gaming in general, is about discovering things for yourself and finding your own way. Once you've seen a way to do it, you'll find it extremely hard to put your own touch on the game, and as such, find it extremely hard to get some of that fun back. This Super Guide is in fact ruining the game experience in part of those people who take the option, even if they don't realise it.

Not everybody would do that, though. If the Super Guide didn't exist, some people would just stop playing the game and never go back to it. Is it better that they use the SG for that one section and keep playing or give up completely? I'm in the latter boat. I find if I've been trying something for half an hour and not getting it I'll put the game down, play something else and never go back to the first game. Not saying that I'll use it with this game (I never used it with New SMB Wii or SMG2), but I can understand having it there. I don't want to spend a huge amount of time on a single section when I've already got a limited amount of time to actually play video games anyway.

[Stevorooni]

I used it a couple of times on NSMBWii, some of those levels were a real pain, and I never bothered going back to find all the coins because the game frustrated me so much, and I've completed every other Mario game 100%.


And FTR I still have no idea who this feature is aimed at, given that we were all (well, most of us) playing through and finishing the original Mario (and now Donkey Kong games) when we were still in the single digits of age. If we could do it back then, why can't kids and adults do it now?

Modern games have softened me so much with their in game tutorials, automatic checkpoints and lack of a 'lives' system, if I go back to a Snes game now I'm hopeless.
I've been playing through Donkey Kong Country 2 on Wii VC recently and I'm stuck on that stupid ghost bird boss, I know I beat the bastard as a kid but I'm struggling with it now. Games weren't as forgiving back then and we hardened up for it.

[AranchineD]

Yeah, this is pretty much it. Nintendo can now no longer be self-conscious about making the game difficult, because they just say "oh if it's hard our new audience can turn this on!" and it becomes difficult. They better include in it the next Zelda game, so they make it difficult, because Twilight Princess and Wind Waker have been way too easy.

Aran is just wrong, which is very hard for him to accept. Observe.

Well sure WhyMe, you can just say I'm wrong without proving any of my points wrong if you want, but I'll just laugh at you.

Not everybody would do that, though. If the Super Guide didn't exist, some people would just stop playing the game and never go back to it. Is it better that they use the SG for that one section and keep playing or give up completely? I'm in the latter boat. I find if I've been trying something for half an hour and not getting it I'll put the game down, play something else and never go back to the first game. Not saying that I'll use it with this game (I never used it with New SMB Wii or SMG2), but I can understand having it there. I don't want to spend a huge amount of time on a single section when I've already got a limited amount of time to actually play video games anyway.

So we'll put that in the pro column.

Pro:
-Saves a little time

Cons:
-Ruins the overall game experience for people who do and don't use Super Guide alike

I...don't think that really makes up for it.

[Hyperblau]

How does it ruin it for people that dont use it?

[AranchineD]

^^^^^

It can also ruin some of the 'magic' of the game for players who do play the game without using the Super Guide, as I've no doubt for many of them there's that little voice at the back of their head, telling them "Why are you suffering on this when there's so many other people who probably just skipped ahead?" It demeans their achievements in the game as well.

[fishonthecarpet]

You're overdramaticizing. That really will not bother the greater proportion of people, in particular the ones that play games for their own fun and own sense of achievement rather than comparison to others.

Don't assume the thought processes that go on in other people's heads.

[AranchineD]

Oh but they DO and WILL all think of that, if not consciously then most definitely subconsciously. Somewhere in the mind of any person who plays the game and doesn't use the Super Guide option, is a thought going that 'Someone, somewhere, got through this part without much trouble at all, and not because they're a skilled gamer.' Perhaps the player won't even realise it while they're playing the game right there and then, but perhaps afterwards too, which is just as bad in the end.

This isn't like difficulty levels where someone can have an easier experience but they're not playing the exact game as you if you're playing on a harder setting (whether it be because of different enemy placement, or you take more damage, or whatever). It's making a mockery of difficulty in games itself, as if a 'hard game' is desired only by no-life neckbeards who want such a game just so they can show their dick off.

Make an easy, or make a hard game. Stop trying to make both.

[AranchineD]

Also I know people better than they know themselves, they think what I tell them to think.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

So we'll put that in the pro column.

Pro:
-Saves a little time

Cons:
-Ruins the overall game experience for people who do and don't use Super Guide alike

I...don't think that really makes up for it.

Still not getting you're point. You're saying that the temptation of the feature may be too much for people to avoid and that they would ruin it for themselves? I think I have to tap the sign again that says "If you don't want to use it you don't have to".

I think you're getting a bit too dramatic about this. It's a feature that doesn't have to be used and you clearly don't want to use it. Nintendo don't have achievements or trophies for their games so there's nothing to be gained by using Super Guide, only getting you past a section that you're struggling with. If it's implemented the same way as it was in New SMB Wii then you can use it to get you past a particularly troubling spot and turn it off again. I'm not seeing how this is such the big issue you're making it out to be.

Edit: You might as well say that the existence of cheats (like invincibility and unlimited ammo) ruins games as well. They've been around since day dot. The temptation's there already and has been for years. There's also the temptation of looking up a FAQ as well, but people seem to have survived without relying on them too much.

[fishonthecarpet]

Also I know people better than they know themselves, they think what I tell them to think.

I know you're kidding there, but you really do seem to have your head up your own arse that far. You're so sure of your own perception, and how important this is, but you really have no way of knowing. It's all overdramatic fearmongering and doomsaying and it's a waste of time.

[Hyperblau]

Only time i've even considered using these modes is just out of curiosity at how well they work.

[Nic Xtreme]

LOL @ saying super guide ruins the 'magic' of games. What a joke. Also, on fishonthecarpet's comment, assuming what other people think, it's dead on. What you see as magic and what I see as magic are two very different things, especially as observed in a comparison of taste. If not using the super guide cheapens the experience for you, then that's 100% in your head because it's your own issue based on your own perceptions.

Also, for people like you with small (15 inch) dicks who feel the need to feel special finishing a game without super guide, NSMB Wii does separate between those who finished it without using super guide, and those who were never even given option.

Modern games have softened me so much with their in game tutorials, automatic checkpoints and lack of a 'lives' system, if I go back to a Snes game now I'm hopeless.
I've been playing through Donkey Kong Country 2 on Wii VC recently and I'm stuck on that stupid ghost bird boss, I know I beat the bastard as a kid but I'm struggling with it now. Games weren't as forgiving back then and we hardened up for it.

That's really interesting, because I'm the opposite. Those games that I found difficult as a child are much easier.

[AranchineD]

The thing is, that my idea of 'magic' in video games is the most correct and valid one.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Guys he's trollin' and you all gettin' trolled!

[Lex]

Oh but they DO and WILL all think of that, if not consciously then most definitely subconsciously. Somewhere in the mind of any person who plays the game and doesn't use the Super Guide option, is a thought going that 'Someone, somewhere, got through this part without much trouble at all, and not because they're a skilled gamer.'


Sure, and then they'll realise how trivial that is and move on.

[Stevorooni]

Guys he's trollin' and you all gettin' trolled!

Well I wanted to figure that out for myself, but now the Forum Super Guide has ruined the experience for me.


That's really interesting, because I'm the opposite. Those games that I found difficult as a child are much easier.

It's probably also got to do with the amount of time I get to put into gaming now. When you're a kid with nothing much else to do and you only get 1 or 2 new games a year, you play whatever you have TO DEATH because it's all you have.

Now I can buy games whenever and with work and life getting in the way of precious gaming time, if something is too frustrating I'll just put it down and play something else.

[Nic Xtreme]

It's probably also got to do with the amount of time I get to put into gaming now. When you're a kid with nothing much else to do and you only get 1 or 2 new games a year, you play whatever you have TO DEATH because it's all you have.

That said, and this is really linked to the amount of time I put into the game, I am worse at Killer Instinct. That game used to be my life and I had the blisters from the Super Advantage to show for it. I used to be able to finish it on the hardest difficulty when I was a youngin'. Not anymore (; _ ;)

[banjoeskimo]

I was worried about the super guide having a negative impact upon Nintendo's game design, but to be honest, I was proven completely wrong. NSMB Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are some of the most difficult Nintendo first-party titles I've played in a long time, and especially where Galaxy 2 is concerned, I feel Nintendo used the super guide as an excuse to say "Okay, now we have the freedom to make the game really challenging."

If including a super guide is what it takes to get Nintendo to drop the Wii philosophy of "Grandma can play too, so this needs to not require any skill," then I'm all for it. Seriously, have you seen Galaxy 2's 242nd star? That thing was crazy hard.

As an aside, I find it hilarious that you're going after DKCR and the super-guide for ruining the challenge of gaming as opposed to other, easier Nintendo titles that truly are challenge free (Zelda, Kirby's Epic Yarn.)

[AranchineD]

My point isn't about it ruining the challenge of gaming at all.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

I'm glad you've come over to the side of reason, Aran.

[Cerebral]

Just aside, next person who uses the term 'magic' to quantify the quality of a game gets the 'gay dude of the year' award.

[AranchineD]

I'm day

[Ad-Rock]

I think that the Super Guide feature is there for this type of gamer:
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_rBjxMMj3MeEU9dQZjuMoESV4CYNLa ykNOJ3FnDZBUyt1BnZb

I know a couple that play the Wii to some extent but a utterly incapable of seeing all that a game has to offer.

[tau]

SPOILER 9.0 from ign

yeyyyyy (http://au.wii.ign.com/articles/113/1135734p1.html)

[Natrak]

Looks soooooooo good. That video review put some of my fears about the music to rest, too.

[FrozenSoul80]

Waggle and no classic controller support scares me :(

[Stevorooni]

I don't like using the Wii Remote sideways, the dpad is too small and pokey.

Looks like it'll be Nunchuck for me although I'd prefer the classic controller.

[borgster101]

Looks great, reminds me a lot of NSMB, i.e. classic gameplay reborn ... that game was Wiimote sideways as well, which I found worked well .. at least this one comes out soon unlike Kirby, DK seems like the better game though if you're after some challenge!

[Rambo]

Ugh, I preferred Dixie Kong. If they are gonna reboot a series, the least they could do is reboot the good sequel.

[Knuckle Children]

They couldn't release a game called Donkey Kong Country Returns without it having Donkey Kong.

[Zeph101]

Ugh, I preferred Dixie Kong. If they are gonna reboot a series, the least they could do is reboot the good sequel.

Why not throw all his other monkey friends into a heap of cut-scenes, worked well for Sonic.

[FrozenSoul80]

Ugh, I preferred Dixie Kong. If they are gonna reboot a series, the least they could do is reboot the good sequel.

Save it for the next game.

[ireadtabloids]

Looking good so far.
I'm intrigued.

[AyatollaofRocknRolla]

Watched the game trailers review today http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-donkey-kong/707720. They also gave it a 9. Looks the goods. Thumbs down for the lack of classic controller support though.

[banjoeskimo]

Got this two days ago, absolutely loving it so far. It's not Ikaruga levels of hard or anything, but the reviews are certainly accurate; if you're looking for a challenge, this game is tough.

Getting through levels is easy enough, but finding all the KONG letters and hidden puzzle pieces? Not so much. Luckily, you can rent Squawks to help you find stuff you missed if you have enough banana coins. He'll perch in the bottom left corner of your screen and let out a helpful screech whenever you're in the vicinity of a secret. Once you've mastered a level it also allows you to do speed runs in time trial mode, allowing you to unlock bronze, silver or gold medals depending on your completion time. Don't think you'll breeze through time trial mode either; gold medal runs are especially hard, and even if you snag one it'll only be with a mere second or two left on the clock. I'm yet to get a gold medal on the first level of the game. That should give you some idea of the kind of challenge we're talking about here. Should you be lucky enough to grab enough medals, KONG letters and puzzle pieces you'll be rewarded with unlockable concept art (which is gorgeous), a sound test gallery and even some nifty dioramas (think Metroid Prime or Smash Bros.) Finally, if you manage to get enough bonuses in a single world, you'll also unlock a full hidden level that represents the pinnacle of a world's challenges; no checkpoints, no extra life balloons, no extra DK barrels, and they're usually "no turning back" affairs that involve DK running for his life for a solid 2-3 minutes through incredibly tough jumping sections.

Gameplay wise it's pretty close to the original, though there are a few significant tweaks. Donkey and Diddy now come as a combined unit (when Diddy is unlocked with his trusty DK barrel) which allows Diddy to use his jetpack, enabling slightly longer jumps and a short hover ability. When DK's by himself he can pretty much just jump and roll, but add Diddy to the mix and you'll soon notice that DK's roll can go on indefinitely as Diddy spins DK by running on his back. Rolls are now executed by shaking the Wii remote (sorry dudes, no button option for this) but the mechanic feels satisfying, and in over 6 hours of play I'm yet to have a death or other control mishap due to the motion controls. DK can also blow air at tall tufts of grass to reveal hidden secrets (hold down and shake the remote), and of course, he can still pound the ground to break into hidden areas (simply shake the nunchuck / remote). Overall the controls feel solid, and I'm happy to report that the motion controls are used well.

Another change you'll notice is the way bonus levels are handled. Whereas in the original DKC you'd add to your completion statistic by simply finding the bonus area, now you actually have to complete the bonus level to get a puzzle piece. Usually this involves collecting everything on screen with a timer going in the background, sometimes jumping, sometimes deftly using your reflexes to blast DK out of barrels at just the right moment. It adds a nice layer of difficulty to the whole affair, and yes, if you complete the level you'll get the classic "bonus level success" jingle.

Speaking of music, all the tunes so far have been remixes of classic themes from the original DKC, all lovingly presented to bring back those fond childhood memories. Visually the game's a standout too, with bright, detailed backgrounds and a silky smooth frame-rate. Special attention should be paid to some of the level design Retro have managed to pull off with layered platforming, with DK blasting back and forth between foreground and background at a moment's notice.

I'm only 3 worlds in at the moment, but this is certainly shaping up to be one of my favourite games of 2010. It's basically the design sensibilities of NSMB Wii and DKC combined into a a fresh, modern platformer that's polished to all high hell and plays like a dream. As an absolute die-hard fan of the original series (DKC is literally the reason I got in to gaming 15 years ago) I can say with confidence that Retro have delivered a standout in the series, and I absolutely trust them with the franchise should there ever need to be a sequel.

[SOX]

Can two people play at the same time? I haven't read anything about it so I'm just curious.

[Natrak]

Yup, two player co-op with both players playing at the same time as opposed to tagging in and out in the original series.

[Rambo]

But obviously when you get Diddy out? Or is it one person dies they both die?

[Natrak]

Levels start with both players on screen, if one dies the other can continue, the person who died can press a button to respawn in a floating barrel. It's a bit like NSMBWii's system, I think, but without the ability to 'bubble' (or in this case barrel?) whenever you want.

[banjoeskimo]

That sounds about right.

I honestly haven't tried co-op yet, and I'm a bit reluctant too. It seems as though adding a second player to the mix would just make things harder, and having to coordinate every time you want to hover jump would be a pain, because you hover-jump all the godamn time.

Just broke in to world 4, got my second mine cart level. To answer your inevitable questions: yes, they're still awesome, yes, they still use the classic DKC mine-cart music, and yes, they're some of the most fun to be had in the game.

[FrozenSoul80]

The talk of waggle is starting to scare me. It's what made me stop playing NSMBWii, and even then there was only very small amounts of waggle.

[Jay]

The talk of waggle is starting to scare me. It's what made me stop playing NSMBWii, and even then there was only very small amounts of waggle.

But you've always been fond of a waggle FS!

[FrozenSoul80]

Only when someone else is doing the waggling.

[Jay]

It has co-op!

[banjoeskimo]

Good god. Just made it through world 4, a world mainly comprised of vehicle missions (mine carts and barrel rockets.) This game is hard as balls. I literally died over 40 times retrying one section of a rocket barrel mission, and the last mine cart level I played was completely off the hook.

12p97byRYuo

[Johnny360]

Holy shit that is awesome...2nd of December can't come soon enough.

[Gunblade89]

Good thing i'll be picking up a Wii soon, can't wait :)

[McChimp]

Pre-ordered this on Monday, had the last two days of work off, and what arrives in the delivery at work today? Freakin' DK Country Returns!! Now for the wait......oh, the temptation.

[Knuckle Children]

So what, you guys have to hold the stock for a week before you can put it on the shelves? Damn.

I'm hanging to have a big session of this game; it really looks the goods. I can forsee tens of hours being pissed away.

[McChimp]

Yeah, either for the next week, or until we get the go-ahead to start selling (usually only if another retailer breaks street-date).

[Knuckle Children]

Good god. Just made it through world 4, a world mainly comprised of vehicle missions (mine carts and barrel rockets.) This game is hard as balls. I literally died over 40 times retrying one section of a rocket barrel mission, and the last mine cart level I played was completely off the hook.

12p97byRYuo
I started a new game of DKC last night, in anticipation of DKCR, and I echo your sentiments totally. I got 46% deep, and Christ, some parts of the game are just a lifesink. Levels that I remembered being elementary, like Mine Cart Carnage and Barrel Cannon Canyon, handed my arse to me. I was clearly a much better gamer in 1994-5.

It got me pumped for the new version though; it may have taken me to the cleaners, but I ****ing loved every second of it.

[Starscream]

$64 at JB and Big W, $70 at Dick Smith

[Stevorooni]

With $64 worth of original content!

[Natrak]

What the **** are you talking about it? It's sidescrolling, there's only 1200 microsoft points worth of content there.

[BB2K]

Good troll, or goodest troll?

[9warbane]

Oh thank god. I raged a little.

[Natrak]

Forgot the safety smiley. My bad.

[Stevorooni]

It's out today!

I'll be heading to Big W after work.

[sausage]

Do the minecarts have a damage model and premium carts?

[Jay]

No. Apparently minecart companies weren't too keen to have a damage model included.

[Knuckle Children]

The minecart levels have been removed from the NZ version of the game, anyway.

[Natrak]

Already I'm impressed with the spin Retro have put on the DKC gameplay with the roll being a way to increase your speed and the length of your jump, when you get into a rhythm with it it feels really nice.

[Knuckle Children]

Does the waggle feel intuitive? It needs to be precise with a brutal game like DKC.

Are you using the Nunchuk, or just the Wiimote?

[Natrak]

I've been playing with the nunchuk and wii remote. The waggle generally feels intuitive for rolling (it just takes a quick flick of the wrist), it just takes some time to get used to the timing and it feels right for the ground pound. However often when I stop to blow on a flower I'll forget that I need to be crouching and that causes something of a disconnect. I don't know how important that part of the gameplay is, though (so far it's not important at all).

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Already I'm impressed with the spin Retro have put on the DKC gameplay with the roll being a way to increase your speed and the length of your jump, when you get into a rhythm with it it feels really nice.

Rolling increased your jumping distance in the original as well.

[sausage]

Madness

[Knuckle Children]

http://www.clashmusic.com/files/imagecache/big_node_view/files/images/madness_7.jpg

[Natrak]

Rolling increased your jumping distance in the original as well.

Yes, thanks for that.

The difference being that increasing your jump distance in the original DKC was a matter of holding the roll button to roll and then run, often you would simply hold the Y button for long stretches as you platformed for consistent speed and jump. In Donkey Kong Country Returns the default speed for Donkey Kong is somewhere between DKC's walking and running speeds with a quick roll providing a short burst of speed. You can also perform a longer roll by continuing to shake the wii remote, but that's mostly useful for taking out a line of enemies quickly - unless you've got Diddy along for the ride, then the roll is just insane. Basically it gives Donkey Kong Country Returns its own unique feel that I really like.

[AranchineD]

Uh, dude, he's right, rolling (especially as Diddy) in the originals made you go faster than normal sprinting, plus rolling off the side of a platform for effectively a double long jump.

[Natrak]

I should have worded that better. Here:

The mechanics behave differently in Donkey Kong Country Returns.

Goddamn. Seriously. I was just playing DKC 2 yesterday, the two features are conceptually the same but behave differently.

[AranchineD]

What you described is exactly how it works in the original games. Maybe you were playing them wrong.

[Natrak]

Sigh. I'm saying the games feel different. I've played both. I've done similar things in both games and those things, while similar feel different. Donkey Kong Country Returns feels different to Donkey Kong Country. Donkey Kong Country feels different to Donkey Kong Country Returns. Retro Studios have taken the classic mechanics of Donkey Kong Country and given them their own feel.

In Donky Kong Country you typically hold the run button, tapping it as needed for the roll as needed, whether that be in order to take down enemies or to extend your jump (or more often to move at a slightly faster pace if using Diddy). In DKCR you use quick rolls for shorts burst of speed between jumps and also to extend your jumps, but you can't just constantly hold a button to keep your speed up. The timing and use of the roll feels different to the way it was implemented in Donkey Kong Country. Again. I've played both the SNES games and Returns. They feel different.

[Stevorooni]

Yeah yeah Natrak we heard you, they're both exactly the same, there's no need to repeat yourself.

[AranchineD]

I still don't understand what you're trying to say. You roll to keep your speed up in this game? But that's what you do in DKC!

[sausage]

Natrak is obviously high right now; cut him some slack.

[Natrak]

I still don't understand what you're trying to say. You roll to keep your speed up in this game? But that's what you do in DKC!

I'm obviously doing a terrible job explaining the new nuances (admittedly so in that first post).

Yes, you roll to keep your speed up, just as you would in DKC. But I would say quick, short rolls (more often followed by a jump because it seems you're more likely to get bogged down in the roll animation) are more important to moving quickly because there is no button to hold down to run (as I said, holding the analogue stick at full tilt produces a movement speed somewhere between DKC's default speed and its running speed). Throw in the fact Diddy enhances your roll and extends your jump even further and you have a game that is a unique spin on Rare's SNES classics. I don't know what purists will think of it, but I really like the new feel.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

So does rolling help your jump distance at all like it did in the original?

[Stevorooni]

From all reports so far it seems that it actually shortens your jump distance because Donkey Kong uses all his energy to perform the roll so has less available for the following jump.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Can anyone confirm this?

[Natrak]

Yes. And each consecutive roll uses more of Donkey Kong's stamina so his rolls become slower and his jumps become shorter. It's totally all risk reward and stuff.

[Stevorooni]

Thankfully each level has a midway point where Donkey Kong can take a 3 hour unskippable nap in real time to replenish his energy. It's the future of gaming!

[Natrak]

So it's exactly like Donkey Kong Country, then.

[Nic Xtreme]

Natrak explained himself perfectly the first time.

DKC123: Hold roll button to run, the speed in maintained as you hold the button

DKCR: Hold roll button to run, but the speed goes back to normal even while you hold it.

[AranchineD]

See, I understand that he was talking about the run mechanic now, not the roll mechanic as such.

But any Donkey Kong Country player worth anything at all would constantly be rolling through levels anyway, so I got confused.

[Nic Xtreme]

Now I've reread the post I can see how you thought that.

[Jickle]

Forums see Natrak rollin'. They hatin'.

[Stevorooni]

Holy shit, I got home with the game at 5:30 and fired it up, next thing I know it's 10 to 9 and I'm hungry.

Almost through the first 3 worlds, I've collected all the K-O-N-G letters so far but am missing heaps of puzzle pieces.

[Natrak]

See, I understand that he was talking about the run mechanic now, not the roll mechanic as such.

But any Donkey Kong Country player worth anything at all would constantly be rolling through levels anyway, so I got confused.

Yup, it took me forever but I finally got there. My previous attempts at explaining the difference were admittedly horrendous, I blame your trolling.

Anyway, got in some co-op this evening, it feels like it makes the game harder in some instances, but it's a lot of fun. Sunk about 60 lives into level 1-K in co-op. >_<

[Stevorooni]

40% through apparently, almost through the 4th world, just stuck on that damn rocket barrel level with the giant pink bat chasing you.

[McChimp]

Watched the wife playing this last night (she's the Nintendo fanboi.......or girl, in this case). She seemed pretty impressed, which bodes-well, cos if she can stick to a game, then it's usually REALLY good.
Got to give this a spin myself.......if I can pry the controls away from my wife tonight! lol.

[Stevorooni]

I think it's a far better update to an older game than New Super Mario Bros Wii was.

[Lex]

My only problem with this game so far is that donkey kongs voice sounds retarded. It sounds like Mario doing a dk impression. Dk should sound like a pissed off wild animal.

[Jay]

Does Martinet provide the 'voice acting'?

[FrozenSoul80]

Spent most of the night playing this. It's actually really good, my only gripe being that I am struggling with the roll mechanics. I wish there was a button for it :(

[banjoeskimo]

Oh good lord. Just got up to the boss of world 8, presumably the "final boss," unless there's a secret level / world after this. This shit is hard.

Unlike the rest of the boss battles, there's actually a whole level you have to make it through (a rocket blasting one, too) before you fight him. And if you die? The game lets you restart from the beginning of the fight, sans Diddy. The only shot I've got at beating this appears to be the banana invincibility juice, however in order to use that I need to make it through the rocket section without dying. And if I bugger up? Start the whole thing again.

Gaaaaaaaaah!

Also; final boss is a massive tribute to the Ocarina of Time Shadow Temple boss, and Master Hand from Smash.

[Nic Xtreme]

Oh my god this game is amazing. It's like I'm back in my childhood. Retro Studios are just amazing.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Missed getting this today. Might have to boot up the original to tide me over.

[Stevorooni]

Up to world 5.

It hadn't even occurred to me to use the banana juice previously but I ended up using it in the temple level of world 4 and made it through easily.

[Natrak]

Retro Studios are just amazing.

So much this.

[Watchers]

Anyone with the Homebrew channel started playing this? Pretty sure I'll have to update my firmware, but can't remember if I need to do anything to stop the HBC being deleted, and Google isn't helping much.

Edit: nvm, took the gamble, it wiped the HBC stuff. There are other workarounds now, so it shouldn't take much to get it back on there when I need it again.

[Stevorooni]

I love how you can be surprised by some unique levels, even later in the game

Like the one with SPOILER
the swarms of bugs filling up the screen, the first time that happened it scared the shit out of me just because I wasn't expecting it

Partway through world 7 now, 74% done.

[Watchers]

Man, not mapping roll to the trigger is ****ing retarded. Hope I get used to it.

[Natrak]

It shouldn't take long, I find I don't even think about it now.

[Nic Xtreme]

I found it really hard at first. As in: I died three times on the first level thanks to the controls.

As Natrak said, eventually you don't even think about it.

[Watchers]

Using nunchuck or wiimote sideways? I'm liking nunchuck. Wish I could use a GCN controller though...

[Natrak]

I started with the nunchuk, spent a little while with the wii remote (where there actually is a run button) and have played the last couple of worlds with the nunchuk again. I'm not sure which I prefer, to be honest.

[Nic Xtreme]

Oh there's a run button on the Wii remote? I have to try it.

[Stevorooni]

nunchuck here. The Wii Remote dpad is just too tiny for constant use.

[Jay]

All the reports said this game was hard, and they weren't kidding. I'm only up to the 3rd world but geez, it gets tough.

Absolutely loving it. Love how you can get to the end of a level feeling as though you have explored it pretty thoroughly only to find you have 2 of 7 puzzle pieces. Where the heck are they? :)

[Natrak]

Oh there's a run button on the Wii remote? I have to try it.

Yeah, 1, whereas the the Nunchuck combo doesn't have one because full tilt on the analogue stick serves that purpose.

[Knuckle Children]

All the reports said this game was hard, and they weren't kidding. I'm only up to the 3rd world but geez, it gets tough.

Absolutely loving it. Love how you can get to the end of a level feeling as though you have explored it pretty thoroughly only to find you have 2 of 7 puzzle pieces. Where the heck are they? :)

How does the difficulty compare to the SNES DKCs? On par? Harder? They got pretty tough in parts, but always made you feel like you were only one life away from passing the level/section that was giving you grief.