I’m so immersed in DK, I don’t know where to start with this review… I treasure the experience of playing this game co-op with my bro on the Wii, but playing the port was strictly solo. Perhaps this helped me focus on the game itself more, and appreciate it. Or perhaps time has allowed the criticisms and expectations I observed in the fan community to settle, so that I can look at it calmly.

Either way, this is a great port of a great game. The 3DS can’t do all the Wii can, so it doesn’t look quite as good; aliasing and a lower frame rate are noticeable compromises. Having the option to play the game with traditional button controls is appreciated though, as the Wii required waggling for common actions. Playing it portably is also a novel convenience. The biggest advantage of this version though is the new extra levels, which stack up well with the rest of the game and reflect favourably on Monster Games (please commission them to make more games Nintendo, and don’t waste them on ports!).

I found myself missing features from Tropical Freeze while playing this, such as extra health by default on minecarts and rocket barrels, or David fricking Wise (or not having the stupid Miyamoto-mandated blowing mechanic). But while Tropical Freeze is an amazing game, it was built squarely on this very solid foundation. This does mean that they share common awkwardnesses like the inventory system, but they also share the fantastic design of top-tier, modern, 2D platforming experiences. This game is really good! It should have had a Nintendo Selects re-release in PAL territories by now!! I’m still not sure this port was really necessary but if it has to exist, then it’s worth playing!!!