“Donkey Kong is back!”—that's the immediate impression of Donkey Kong Returns HD. This masterpiece, which was released on Wii in 2010 and reignited the series' popularity, has finally been remastered for Nintendo Switch. The HD upgrade makes the visuals sharper, and the intense gameplay experience of the past returns even more powerful. The action featuring the wild yet charming Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong feels fresh in the current era, making it a title that both newcomers and original fans can enthusiastically immerse themselves in.

The story's beginning is simple yet powerful. Donkey Kong, whose large stash of bananas is stolen by the mysterious “Tiki Tak Tribe,” stands up to reclaim them—this simple motivation leads players into a grand adventure spanning 80 courses. This includes stages added in the 3DS version, making the volume impressive. This excellent pacing, where a personal trigger—a stolen “favorite food”—eventually transforms into a continuous streak of grand adventure and exhilarating action, is one of the game's charms.

The true essence of this work lies in its wild, fast-paced action. Stomping on enemies to defeat them, rolling to charge forward, and even pounding the ground to reveal hidden gimmicks. Donkey Kong's unique actions provide a primal pleasure not found in other platformers. Furthermore, riding rocket barrels, mine carts, and the familiar rhino “Rambi” highlights the game's dynamic pace, bringing the exhilaration to a climax. Ingenuity to prevent monotony is scattered throughout, ensuring a new surprise awaits on every stage.

While Donkey Kong Returns HD can be enjoyed solo, the fun is doubled when played by two people. By sharing a Joy-Con, you can embark on an adventure with family or friends. The exquisite combination of Donkey Kong's powerful destructive force and Diddy Kong's nimble movements creates interactions unique to co-op play and a constantly joyful gaming experience. The warmth of this title is that the “time spent with people”—laughing over unexpected coordination mistakes or helping each other out of tight spots—leaves a deeper impression than the game itself.