Skip to content

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

Monster Games, Inc. · May 24, 2013

3DS

Everyone

About

A tribe of mysterious marauders has put some sort of musical spell on the creatures of Donkey Kong Island, and now they’re stealing every banana in sight! Naturally, this doesn't sit too well with Donkey Kong, whose personal banana hoard has been ransacked.

With his pint-sized pal Diddy Kong on his shoulders, Donkey Kong sets out to get to the bottom of this bewildering banana burglary.

Trailers & screenshots

Scores by platform

Nintendo 3DS

Critic 8.4 (22 critics) · Gamer 8.8

8.4

Critic reviews

  • Arcade Sushi

    John Llewellyn Martin · May 31, 2013

    6.5
    If you've already played through the Wii version, then the new additions to the 3DS port aren't worth it. But if you're just someone looking for a must-have game for your 3DS, DKCR3D just won't fit the bill. It's fun, sure, but its problems have me waiting for the time when the true Donkey Kong Country returns.
    Read review
  • COGconnected

    Kirby Yablonski · May 27, 2013

    8.1
    With solid visuals and sound, some new levels, a new control scheme, and a new mode to help manage the original game’s difficulty, there is not much to go wrong; however, it can be hard to see things on the smaller 3DS screen (as opposed to a TV) and you will hit a few framerate issues now and then too. In the end this 3DS port is a solid game and both fans of the original and those new to the game will enjoy all that this portable version has to offer.
    Read review
  • Hardcore Gamer

    Bradly Hale · May 27, 2013

    9.0
    The game has a few occasional issues with its framerate, but these problems are so minor in comparison to the bevvy of sophisticated elements present everywhere else, that they hardly matter in the end. On the whole, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D offers up one of the most challenging and rewarding platforming adventures in recent memory. Take note, developers, this is how a port should be done.
    Read review
  • Modojo

    Chris Buffa · May 20, 2013

    8.0
    The game looks noticeably muddier on the 3DS screen, and occasional slowdown often appears at the worst moments. To be fair, though, neither of these complaints ruin the experience, and Nintendo fans would be wise to pick up Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D even if they own the console edition, as it's equally fun to play on the go.
    Read review
  • GameSpot

    Tom Mc Shea · May 20, 2013

    7.0
    The core elements that made the original so thrilling are still here, but visual problems turn the satisfying challenge into something that often feels unfair. Multi-card cooperative play doesn't help matters. Throwing anothing player into the mix makes it even harder to see what's going on. However, this is still a good game with tons of levels to explore and collectibles to uncover. Just don't expect to be awed by this aging gorilla.
    Read review
  • Destructoid

    Chris Carter · May 17, 2013

    10
    If you missed out on Donkey Kong Country Returns the first time around, or you disliked the motion-heavy controls of the original, pick up this version. With solid tactile feedback, the 3DS edition of the game has cemented itself as one of my favorite platformers of all time without question.
    Read review

See all critic reviews

Rate this game

Contains spoiler

to rate this game.