The beloved side-scroller Donkey Kong Country Returns is making its way to the Nintendo Switch, bringing with it a fresh coat of paint and some welcome tweaks to make the game more enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Dubbed Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, this new port promises to deliver the same thrilling experience as its Wii and 3DS predecessors, but with some key changes to make it more approachable.

For those unfamiliar, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a game that's equal parts inventive and challenging. The original 2010 release on the Wii was praised for its creative level design, which often featured intense and thrilling sequences. However, it was also notorious for its high level of difficulty, which could be frustrating for some players. The new Switch port aims to strike a better balance between challenge and accessibility.

One of the most significant changes in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the addition of a "Modern Mode." This new mode doesn't alter the game's difficulty, but instead offers players more tools to help them overcome tricky sections. These include a greater selection of helpful boosts, the ability to carry nine of these items at once, and an extra heart by default. Additionally, the "Super Guide" feature returns, allowing players to watch a playthrough of a level to see where they're going wrong, or even bypass troublesome stages altogether.

These changes are significant because, make no mistake, Donkey Kong Country Returns is still a very challenging game. The levels are full of precarious jumps, precise timing requirements, and multistage boss battles that will test even the most skilled players. However, with the new features in Modern Mode, players will have more options to deal with frustration and make progress.

Despite the changes, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remains a delightful game that showcases the series' unique sense of tension and scale. The game's cinematic feel is still present, with levels that feel like high-stakes action movies. The addition of new stages from the 3DS version of the game is also a welcome bonus.

As the Switch nears the end of its lifespan, it's heartening to see classic games like Donkey Kong Country Returns getting a new lease on life. The port's launch on January 16th is a great opportunity for new players to experience this beloved game, and for veterans to revisit it with fresh eyes.

In conclusion, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great example of how to update a classic game without losing its essence. By adding new features to make the game more accessible, Nintendo has made it possible for more players to enjoy this thrilling side-scroller. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is definitely worth checking out.