2D platformer masterpiece by Retro Studios. Level design of exceptional richness and inventiveness, legendary David Wise music. Difficult but rewarding. One of the best WiiU games and best modern platformers across all consoles.
Your verdict
Category
Platformer1 player3+
Description
Donkey Kong and his friends reclaim their homeland from the invading Snowmad Vikings across side-scrolling levels set in beautifully detailed seasonal environments. Published by Nintendo, released in 2014 in the United States and Europe. Wii U exclusive developed by Retro Studios, featuring playable Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong, rhythmically themed music levels, local cooperative mode, and appreciated challenging difficulty.
Donkey Kong Country - Tropical Freeze review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Lush jungles, frozen beaches and backlit silhouettes: each level unfolds in layered planes of astonishing painterly richness. The camera plays with depth and colour to magnify the run. This visual generosity, teeming and polished, makes it one of the most beautiful platformers around.
A triumphant return of David Wise, the music revives the atmospheric magic of the series, from lush jungles to spellbinding ocean depths. Melancholy melodies and percussive rhythms elevate every level with a striking beauty. This sonic richness, sumptuous and inspired, ranks among the finest of the platformer.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾11,9 GB📅21/02/2014
Published by Nintendo
Donkey Kong Country - Tropical Freeze (Wii U) price, value & rarity
Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, a Retro Studios platformer praised for its formidable level design and sumptuous production, the direct sequel to the studio-orchestrated revival. Sought on a console with a small install base, its desirability rests on this status as a genre peak on the machine and a tenacious demand rather than scarcity, the Western run being harder to find. A prime piece for a platform set.
Memorable bosses
At the end of each world, a chief of the Snowmads — those invaders from the cold — sets up a multi-phase fight that blends snappy platforming with reading tight patterns. From the imposing owl to the final Viking walrus, these guardians demand impeccable reflexes and timing. Carried by David Wise's melodies, these clashes punctuate an adventure renowned for its challenge and generosity.
Is Donkey Kong Country - Tropical Freeze still worth playing in 2026?
A 2D platformer by Retro Studios, Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze offers a sublime 2D adventure where Donkey Kong and his friends face the Snomads in sumptuous levels. The sublime art direction, precise handling and progressive difficulty make it an absolute 2D platformer reference on Wii U. The David Wise soundtrack is absolutely cult. For anyone fond of Donkey Kong or seeking an unmissable modern 2D platformer, an absolutely essential recommendation today still without any hesitation truly here indeed.
