I think you're the first person to ever criticize Tropical Freeze for being too easy.

I have to disagree on your complaint against the in-game shop and Dixie Kong. Nintendo simply has a young target demographic, so they made sure that the game is accessible to all age groups. In this regard, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze allows the player to choose his own preferred difficulty. If a rather unskilled player is frustrated by a level, the in-game shop can help him through his journey, though if a platforming expert plays the game, he still has the opportunity to completely ignore the shop and play with the intended difficulty, which is something that's (at least in my view) completely absent from the Mario games.

@jonmahashintina

5 жыл бұрын

it's interesting for how the Wii picked up so many casuals it had more hardcore platformers on it. I'm replaying NSMBW and seeing quite a number of deaths.

@Summer_Tea

5 жыл бұрын

They had a young demographic in the 90's too, but us 90's kids handled their games just fine.

@Yoknuckles2

5 жыл бұрын

Natsu this isn’t the 90’s though, returns was criticised harshly for it’s difficulty hence why tropical freeze has several options to gauge the difficulty to a players preference to balance out difficulty among a variety of players whether casual or veteran. That’s not to say retro didn’t want to disrespect the difficulty of the dkc games they wanted to find a middle ground to give the new age of gamers a chance aswell as providing a satisfying experience for hardcore fans.

@jonmahashintina

5 жыл бұрын

I had a ridiculous amount of trouble with DKC2 tbf. Was stuck on the rising water level with the deadly fish for a good year or so. It wasn't until the early 00's that I began progressing into the ghost forest world and eventually beat it. Meanwhile I was doing really well with DKC1 and 3.

@WaddleDee105

5 жыл бұрын

Actually most kids didn't beat the majority of their games in the 90's, including me.

I do have to agree with most people here. I'm also the hardcore type hanger that will purposely make the game as hard as I can for myself but having options is welcome, especially for the younger audiences.

While I liked the video, I totally disagree with your conclusion. You spend more than half of you video talking about how TF improves over the older games, especially Returns only to conclude that Returns is better because you can abuse Dixie and the shop? I understand that this is your opinion, I just think your reasoning really didn't satisfy me here. Sure Dixie is very strong, but the game is still plenty difficult even with her. The shop is clearly intended for those who are stuck and need the help, not for those who can already beat the game and abuse it anyway. It's almost like saying Mario 3D World is "unbalananced" because you can use the Invincibility Leaf to beat any challange (which is the point). In your Returns video and even in this one you complained how unfair the game felt at times, especially the minecart and rocketbarrel levels. In this video you praise how good the difficulty curve is and how small the amount of unfair situations is. And only because there is an OPTION to make TF easier you still say the game is badly "balanced" compared to Returns, where it is actually one of the worst aspects.

@NoxideActive

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed, this videos conclusion was a huge let down. I wasn't aware implantgames had such an elitist attitude towards these games.

@therealseanw.stewart2071

5 жыл бұрын

Even still, I very much appreciate Kris Genthe's honesty as a reviewer, always looking at these games with purely an objective eye, and I've heard him mention numerous times that he went into this series with no nostalgic bias whatsoever, unlike many of us who grew up playing the SNES classics (myself included)! And want to defend the Rare originals as much as possible. These games are flawed, but damn do they still look fun!

@zacharyporier2040

5 жыл бұрын

KawaiiAzusa Agree 100%

@Whatthetrash

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly! I agree, mate. Well said. *thumbs up* :)

@jonmahashintina

5 жыл бұрын

Funky's barrel items can be ignored and you will get levels that only have the 1 Kong available, so levels very likely were made with the additional Kong's in mind. Returns is still more fun though.

Yikes. If Dixie Kong's power is bad enough to effect your opinion of the game THAT much then it's a good thing you didn't do the Switch version. Funky Kong may have made you go full AVGN on it.

@billcipher2604

5 жыл бұрын

guybrush20X6 The "people should play the game THIS WAY and nothing else" sounds oddly elitist.

@enzinobombolini5369

5 жыл бұрын

I think guybrush was slightly critic of the critique contained in the review. I agree with you: you can also chose to skip the barrels already if this is your thing. I don't get why having more options would result in a less good game. That was a very odd critique. I don't get the other one too: those are additional contents, it's obvious that you have to replay the levels a few times to unlock everything. That does not take anything from the game. Very weird conclusion for an otherwise balanced review.

@guybrush20X6

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I can see where he's coming from but the idea that the game having an exploitable mechanic making it worse than a game where a major mechanic doesn't work half the time is baffling to me.

@wschippr1

5 жыл бұрын

BILL CIPHER He didn't really say that though did he? He said that the amazing level design was diminished by a particular mechanic and one can only get a true grasp of it by not using said mechanic. That seems like a fairly obvious point to make and say, "well it's optional" is more inline with your statement, aka the games fun as long as you are playing it right (not using the "optional" mechanics).

@greeneye2037

4 жыл бұрын

@@wschippr1 thank you

First 28 minutes: "This game is perfect in every way" Last two minutes: "Sucks"

@greeneye2037

4 жыл бұрын

He didn't say that but ok.

@BRAVO2I4

4 жыл бұрын

@@greeneye2037 It was hyperbole, cool your britches sport.

@greeneye2037

4 жыл бұрын

@@BRAVO2I4 Stop making excuses.

Nothing wrong with items and Dixie making the game easier man. The way I see it is 1 of two things will happen from it: the player will get slightly better even as the game hand holds them (and will have to after it stops) and maybe attempt to go back and play those levels again w/o the power ups or at least as they get better might stop using them and 2 at least everyone will be able to enjoy the game. I got some people to enjoy Ultimate Ghosts n Goblins in the past on the PSP by giving them a save file where I unlocked unlimited lives for them on normal mode and they got to enjoy it and were able to beat it with the training wheels I gave them. Which helped them start to like gaming a bit more IMO. Chances are they would have quit the game w/o those unlimited lives IMO

Kind of a weird conclusion you had at the end. Returns can also be broken in two if you purposefully died over and over on a stage and then used the "Super Kong" mode that beats a level for you. I beat all of Returns and Tropical Freeze without using any items and I had an amazing time. I agree that the helpful items in Returns and Freeze are detrimental to the player's experience but they're so easily avoidable that it really doesn't matter, imo. I'd say DKC2, Returns, and Tropical Freeze are my favorite DKC games. I can't really pick a favorite.

@francisthompson3772

5 жыл бұрын

Same:)

@AmineSamus

4 жыл бұрын

Super Kong has a penalty though where banana coins and puzzle pieces aren't retained, and dying over and over and over to activate it makes you lose lives. Plus it takes away control from the player entirely. I don't mind being able to buy the barrels themselves, but having 3 slots is a bit too much, and yes dixie kong does break the game, which i try not to pick her for most of the levels unless she's required for some of secret exits.

@autumn_breeze616

4 жыл бұрын

From my experience with platformers, stuff like that is almost always intended to make sure the player can experience the entire game. I dont subscribe to the idea that you have to "git gud," at least not for every game out there. Some games are meant to be tough as hell though and that's also fine. But with the shop, it always seemed like an optional thing that the player could use if they ever got stuck. In that sense, it's way better than the previous game that would just beat the level for you after you if you lost a certain number of lives and decided you were done. Here, a less skilled player can still move on and experience more of the game WITHOUT completely feeling like their hand is being held. I think it's a great system tbh.

It is imo. Its actually one of the best platformers of all time period

@novicenoobtube450

3 жыл бұрын

Rayman origins and legends for me

@jess648

3 жыл бұрын

You could really argue that’s the case with any of the DKC games

"Rereleased in 2018 on the Switch, for those who prefer succesful consoles" Brutal. True, but brutal.

@therealseanw.stewart2071

5 жыл бұрын

I was so triggered when I heard him say that. No offense to anyone, but I still have a Wii U and I'm never getting a Switch. Like, ever.

@djheroxt

5 жыл бұрын

Damn bro my heart

@JMDurden

5 жыл бұрын

Well, that seems dumb and short sighted. I love the Wii U, but the Wii U was a failure. The Switch is a success by all measures and accomplishes one of the Wii U's greatest gimmick much more successfully. Outside of a handful of niche games, there's no reason for someone who didn't own a Wii U to get one. And I say that with one of my favorite games of all time - The Wonderful 101 - being one of those niche games.

@captainyasopp154

5 жыл бұрын

My fav costume in mario is the diddy kong one its so creepy but so dope lol

@papermario6856

5 жыл бұрын

@@therealseanw.stewart2071 the minority crew is here

I have to heavily disagree with that conclusion. Sure you can cheese levels with those optional items, but they're just that, optional. That doesn't detract from the fact that the level design, the controls and the level variety and parts with different gameplay are a lot better than in Returns. And complaining about retrying levels in subsequent playthroughs is especially nonsensical considering how if you replayed Returns you'd have to deal with all those annoying barrel levels all over again.

@wschippr1

5 жыл бұрын

Jade Knight How is pointing out that a mechanic in a game that very clearly diminishes level design a problem? Saying a mechanic is optional in response to someone saying it ruins the games difficult curve is basically saying you are playing the game wrong, and that's why it's too easy...

@TheJadeknight7

5 жыл бұрын

@@wschippr1 Because it's not a mechanic, it's a difficulty setting. You're choosing to play the game on easy mode and then complain that the game is too easy.

@wschippr1

5 жыл бұрын

Jade Knight No, it's not a mode, it's a mechanic of the game you are choosing not to use. Any game can be difficult if you choose not make use of certain mechanics. Mario too easy? Just don't jump lol, it's the hard mode after all.

@TheJadeknight7

5 жыл бұрын

@@wschippr1 It's not any self imposed challenge like that, you literally have to choose things from a menu to have access to the easy mode. It's a difficulty setting.

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

There are Dixie barrels in nearly every level, sometimes multiple barrels, no shop needed. I suspect if I did the opposite, and chose not to grab the sword in Zelda 1, and then complained about the difficulty being too high and the game unfair, people would be up in arms. Should I respond, "well hey, the Sword is optional." I think not. Games will be explored inside and out. It isn't my fault Dixie Kong is overpowered, I didn't program her. They could have made her hover like the old games, rather than Flutter Jump. Again, I didn't design the game. Ignoring design choices by the developers for the sake of pandering to a fanbase is simply something I won't do. They could have BALANCED out the shop by not allowing a 100% completion with their use (like the super guide in Returns). But they didn't. They could have made coins harder to earn, rather than shower the player with hundreds of them, but they didn't. As a player, it isn't my job to balance out their game. The fact fans are saying they had to modify their approach to the game and ignore certain aspects is admitting the items and power-ups are unbalanced. I don't see why this rational conclusion is so controversial.

I don't know, the conclusion sounds oddly elitist to me. It feels like you are saying "This option makes the game easier and i hate it because how dare they give options for players instead of forcing them to git gud"

@greeneye2037

4 жыл бұрын

git gud

@greeneye2037

4 жыл бұрын

git gud

Another great review. I think you were a little bit harsh on your conclusion, I mean, buying items is optional to the player, so it depends on what he/she expects from the game to do so or not. Even with this, I respect your point of view and have to tell you that you are slowly becoming a top tier youtuber for me. Keep the good job!

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words man, I appreciate it!!

@josiahferrell5022

5 жыл бұрын

I intentionally did NOT buy any barrels for that exact reason. If I am playing a game like this to have a good time by challenging myself, it isn't even a criticism worth bringing up, because I will just not be doing anything that seriously makes the game easier. The only things I bought were the Capsule Toys and Red Balloons.

I adore Tropical Freeze with its excellent level design music and art style. It’s a huge Improvement over Returns and I love that game

Even with Dixie, I found this the most punishingly challenging platformer I'd ever played. I'd stock up on items before entering the K levels and still have to play them dozens upon dozens of times to actually beat them. If I hadn't been able to use those items, I probably wouldn't have ever beat the game at all, which would have been awful considering that this wound up being my favourite platformer in years.

@powersurge_beast

Жыл бұрын

I spent literally multiple nights dusk to dawn beating K levels lmaoo

So wait. You mean to tell me that an optional mechanic for newer players who aren’t up to the difficulty ruins the entire experience? I usually love your reviews but I have to admit that’s a pretty dumb reason to consider all the previous points you made moot.

@KevinCow

5 жыл бұрын

Moot.

@Summer_Tea

5 жыл бұрын

A lot of people hate having to gimp themselves to create difficulty. You should be able to have an engaging and challenging experience without having to make up stupid house rules like "no exp share" or "no dixie kong."

@papermario6856

5 жыл бұрын

@@Summer_Tea I forgot. The shop is optional. Dixie is only required for a few levels which are far between as well

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

There are Dixie barrels in nearly every level, no shop required.

@papermario6856

5 жыл бұрын

@@implantgames your right. But she is completely optional to use expect for a handful of sections

One of the best 2D platformers ever

@papermario6856

5 жыл бұрын

I agree man! My favorite level is that rocket barrel level in world 6. That level gave me such and adrenaline rush no rare game could ever do.

@RetroLiminal99444

3 жыл бұрын

@@papermario6856 my favorite being Sawmill Thrill

I have to say that I don't entirely agree with your final assessment, but I understand where you're coming from. I'm a huge fan of Donkey Kong Country. Nostalgically, I place DKC2 as my favorite video game ever made and enjoyed Retro's duo revival. I'm a fan of challenge and believe that overcoming a challenge by discovering nuances is a hugely rewarding part of playing video games. From that standpoint, I can agree that there are flaws with how character balance is handled in Tropical Freeze. No bones about it, Dixie is objectively the best Kong to partner with (not accounting for speedrunning) and I doubt that anyone will dispute you on that. I also doubt that most people will dispute you on the fact that Dixie's Kong-Pow ability is also broken and, if anything, she should only have been given regular hearts and not golden ones. However, I think that lowering a game's overall worth because it allows for easier play as an option feels a bit iffy to me. Do I think that some of the options are too strong? Absolutely - but those options are really made for a very specific type of audience: Casual players. DKC has never been especially casual friendly - especially if you're not accustomed to the nuances of old-school 2D platformers. I tend to attribute them to Mario's 2D games where DKC's challenge tends to start you on World 4's difficulty in a Mario title. One of the main concerns with Returns is that a ton of people found the game to be far too difficult. As someone whose a fan of "suck it up and git gud" personally, this wouldn't have affected me - but I know it affects a lot of other people. I get it, though. Trust me. Having a game that's hard and doesn't compromise on being hard is actually much more rewarding. It's why I championed Cuphead for not catering to its detractors for being hard because that's what it wanted to be. Tropical Freeze decided to address a lot of its detractors by giving less skilled players a means of getting through the game much easier. Do I think they went overboard? Yes. There really should only be one inventory slot and barrel purchases are kind of trash, but that's at the expense of the player to decide that. I'm reminded of a statement made by PlatinumGames where they make their games able to be beaten by anyone, but allow more under the hood for people interested in actually mastering their games and not just cheesing things. At the end of the day, it's all just options that you can choose to exploit if you want. I don't like it and I agree with a lot of the changes you requested, but I don't think that it's worth docking the game for. Except for the final Kong stages. That's legitimately trash.

Hold up, so an entirely optional, and quite frankly, forgettable option, is why you say this game is imbalanced and flawed? Super Kong was in Returns, it's not much different, not to mention other Nintendo platformers like the NSMB series, Galaxy 2, 3DLand/World and the new Yoshi games also contain options to completely cheese your way or even skip entire courses. But these are for novice players, for beginners, just to experience the full adventure. And for the more experienced player, well, just don't use those options. And the challenging and brilliant gameplay that you want is given to you. You don't need to use these options just because they're there, they aren't for you. But for the cheaters and the novice players, it's there for them, they can enjoy the adventure however they please.

@tauratrihon1467

4 жыл бұрын

The thing is, Returns Super Long helped with the first run but was completely useless for completion as none of the collectables would be accounted for. Even the secret orbs weren't obtained using Super Kong. Imo the whole debate over which game is better is kinda lame: I have a much stronger emotional bond to Returns and it is probably the most /2nd most difficult game of the franchise. However I must admit that for what concerns memorable levels, the vast majority of TF is incredible and totally puts Returns to shame. In the end, both have their upsides and downsides. So they should be considered equally valid games while everyone has a preference.

@mattdog1000000

4 жыл бұрын

@@tauratrihon1467 I'm just using those as examples to lessen the difficulty of a game, but the point is that they're optional, and are there for skill level differences. Like if you said you beat every level and got every collectible, but did it all with Dixie, you'd have less bragging rights than the guy who said they did it all with Diddy, or even less than the guy that did it all DK solo. The game gives you those options, and you decide what challenge you want, as the game is perfectly beatable under any option. It's just a weird complaint when it's entirely dependent on the difficulty setting you choose as a player... Just don't use Dixie if you want a greater challenge 🤷

Man, I played this game 200%. It was a pain in the ass, and the only thing you win is a text box saying "You've achieved 200%! Hard mode? That wasn't so hard!"(naaaah it was the easiest thing I've ever done) and some new images. But man, it was worthy every single second. It was so good to finally complete this task I've gave to myself, and I that was the game that made me want to be a completionist.

I guess I'll have to agree with most of the commenters here and say the conclusion here is perplexing. I mean, I don't think of Tropical Freeze as the best in the series, but that's because I simply find DKC2 to be better. You're way too harsh on Tropical Freeze having the option to make the game easier; that's an instance where you're blaming the game, but it's really the fault of the player if levels get cheesed with item abuse. Personally, I almost exclusively used the shop to purchase lives (and I bought a single Kong a few times when trying to beat some K levels that didn't have a DK barrel at the start), and I had an amazing time with the game, since I played it the so-called "right away." I'd say the screen-clearing attack is a more problematic game imbalance, since it's in the player's face and hard not to use. The make-the-game-easy options are more out of the way, and the cost of constantly buying items for players that really need the help will limit the extent to which they can actually abuse it, since, do not forget, this game can still be punishingly difficult even with items and Dixie Kong. Obviously, players who are good enough to beat the game without items (which I believe is the case with Kris here) will have a lot more banana coins on hand than those who need the items. Sure, banana coins can be farmed, but players are obviously going out of their way to make the game less fun if they need to resort to that, and I don't think that should affect an overall evaluation of the game. Kris basically criticizes all of the original trilogy games for not having options or features that make the game easier, and then criticizes the one game that has the most options for helping out players. Anyway, I would definitely not call Returns the best in the series. Tropical Freeze has better level design, visuals, music, and, most importantly and this cannot be stressed enough for a platforming game, better controls. Don't like the bad motion controls in Returns for Wii? Too bad, because there is no option to play the original game with functional controls that work 100% of the time. That alone is enough for Returns to be one of my two least-favourite games in the series (and, yeah, my main issue is fixed in the 3DS version, although that one has a new framerate problem). As for Dixie, I would say she's primarily unbalanced in the sense that she's flat-out better than the other two Kongs. Cranky does have an advantage over her for those who want to speedrun the game, but Dixie is simply the best of the three at the whole platforming thing. I wouldn't say this is really a flaw in the game, however. Even with Dixie, the game is still really hard, and there are some rare moments or levels, like Bopopolis, where I found it easier to play without Dixie since her boost messed with my timing for jumps and bounces. Dixie's float can be used when walking off surfaces without jumping, but eh. There were plenty of failed or ill-advised jumps I made where her ability could simply not save me. Again, this game is hard, even using all of the best options available. Ultimately, I found that Dixie meant that I rarely picked any other Kong as the partner. But hey, the others existed as options (although, unlike with items, this is a case where the option to play the game harder, i.e., with other Kongs, will rarely be exercised by most players). Lastly, similar to one of my complaints with Returns, I still think most of the bosses in Tropical Freeze are too long. A marathon is good for later bosses, especially the last one, but all of them in this game take forever to die.

@lightbrand_

3 жыл бұрын

Agree with most of the stuff, here, I played the game twice now, and most of it was with cranky sooo can’t say much about Dixie, just wanted to add that Diddy is also very good for speedruns on underwater stages, as he easily has the fastest and most fluid movement, it’s actually funny when you think of it because I’m pretty sure that Dixie is the least used kong on time attack levels ( don’t have it all in memory, i got the shiny gold medals two years ago )

Last year I bought DKC Returns 3D and I wasn't able to get into it, this year I played Tropical Freeze and after getting used to, it got me hooked until I completed it 100%, and I think I used some items on the K levels. After that, I decided to retry to get into DKC Returns 3D and then I enjoyed it much more than before, I also completed it and I felt it more challenging than TP, I don't know if it was because of the restrictions of the store, if it was the uncomfortable 3DS controller when compared with the Switch or the fact that there are more levels. I found DKC Returns completely fair, except on the last boss. Overall I prefer Tropical Freeze, mainly because of the variety, the music and the learning curve, it's weird how TF taught me how to enjoy Returns.

@jonmahashintina

5 жыл бұрын

"uncomfortable 3DS controller" play the Wii version with Dolphin if possible. It's hard to recommend an actual wiimote since it likes to desync and not register things like holding the down button for long periods..

@francisthompson3772

5 жыл бұрын

The wii control are fine. I play TF like that.

@dfgccgggff7963

4 жыл бұрын

Same thing kinda happened with me to

I feel like if you're gonna use optional mechanics that make the game easier as a strike against it, the Super Kong option in Returns that literally lets the game play itself and beat the level for you is a far bigger offender than Tropical Freeze's store. For one, not having to play the game at all is obviously far easier than playing the game with things that make it easier. And for two, you have to go out of your way to visit Funky's shop, but Returns taunts you with the Super Guide every time you die more than 8 times on a level.

I love how all the games "major, game-breaking flaws" are optional additions no one is forced to use.

Perfect timing! I can’t sleep and your videos relax the hell outta me! Can’t wait to watch this bad boy! :D

This game still looks pretty cool, though. I'm shallow in the way that I just love creative stuff like the ideas they used for platforming and whatnot, the dynamic elements like the factory slicing up fruit in the background, and the giant rolling cheese wheel! Fun stuff, very much Mario Galaxy or Dynamite Headdy levels of brilliant ideas here. But at the end of the day, all the fancy visual spectacle has to be backed up with polish. Even still, for my money, I think TF looks awesome! And it's *GORGEOUS!*

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Oh man the level themes in this game are just off the charts! I too absolutely adored the oversized cheese themes and bouncing off giant fruit and the square melons. I'm a sucker for stuff like that :) Or maybe I just really like food themes... hmmm.

I've always preferred Returns over TF but I'm not sure I completely agree with why. It's pretty easy to forget the items and buddy attack exist, (I certainly forgot I didn't even know Dixies buddy attack did that), probably why the Switch version had Funky mode. My reasoning was I just prefer the game with no swimming.

I don't like when games add items that would make it easier and are obviously there to help beginners. I wouldn't knock it for it though. I just pretend it's not there and play like usual. I don't use the White Tanooki in SM3DW and I won't use those gear things they added to Mega Man 11 when I play it, letting you slow down time. It felt so good to 100% this game. It was more forgiving when using Dixie most of the time, but I look at like she is a kind of easy mode, and someday I will replay the game limiting myself to another character. Some games, like certain shooting games, do this on purpose meaning to under power some character making them essentially the hard mode. Do you think this game edges out even the recent Rayman Games? What's the next series of games? Splatterhouse Trilogy for October? They are fairly short. Awesome stuff, man. Keep it up.

implantgames your are without a doubt my favorite reviewer, but your complaints about Dixie and Item are pretty shallow, there only optional, you don't have to use any of those things if you want a challenge.

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sir and I'm sorry the review disappointed. As a competitive person (before this channel I played Pokemon TCG competitively and also raced Go Karts) it is in my nature to explore all aspect of a game and find the most efficient path to victory. If I start handicapping myself and not exploring everything a game has to provide, then the reviews would be incomplete, biased, and inaccurate. I suspect fans of the show would prefer me to explore games inside and out, even if the outcome doesn't always match their expectations.

@tailsic

5 жыл бұрын

i do prefer you to explore a game inside and out and be unbiased, that the reason your my favorite reviewer, but to view an optional feature that make a game easier to play draws the game back, same pity to me, that like say Sonic3 & Knuckles it being held back because Tails can fly and make the game easier to play then Sonic .

@lightninja4795

Жыл бұрын

@@implantgames you can explore a games mechanics and still not use them nothing is making you use dixie its your choice.

I myself used the items often and I found it extremely helpful and without it I dont think I'd like the game as much so in saying this I find your critique on optional items to be flawed as if you don't like items it is fine not to use them at all but if you do like to use them like myself it's helpful and a welcomed addition

I really liked the video until the conclusion, you spent the entire video explaining why tropical freeze was better than returns and improovments it made just to cop-out at the end becuase you like returns better (Which I have nothing wrong with on paper), but you failed to provide a good reason as to why. The reason you gave was bad, really bad, allow me to explain: 1. Dixie does NOT break the game. all she does is provide a little help for people who suck at platformers and it still doesn't mean instant success, you have to have at least a basic knowladge and mastery of the mechanics in order to beat the level becuase of bottemless pits and enemies 2. The items do not beat the level for you. If you use the items you must at least have a basic understanding of the games movment and the levels mechanics to beat it and yes, spamming is annoying but in that example you preesented you have to get to that part of the level first, showing they should know how to beat it at this point 3. The shop is a difficulty slider. the shop is there to provide inexpeirienced players an oppertunity to play the levels, I couldn't get past the second world my first time through so I used items and through them I was able to get better and not need them anymore becuase, as you said, they hinder the fun of the game so you don't use them, which is the biggest flaw of the argument

Disliked. You give the game a glowing review, singing praises and accolades for 95% of the video, then end up calling it flawed because „you can use optional content to make things easy if you are not good at the game.“ For someone generally as thorough and unbiased as yourself, you sure go to some stereotypical nerd-levels of elitism every once in a blue moon.

Great review! I wont lie, Tropical Freeze is my second favourite Returns game. The levels were very fun, it has a lot of variety and it felt as though the game was polished so well. Personally I loved Dixie because she helped me but I never used the shop. I wanted to get through the game and use what was in the levels and I saw the shop as a way to help if you wanted it. My main complaints about this game were the same I had for the last one though, some levels are just too long and I wanted to see some more animals, even if they were cameos! I am also very proud to say I beat this game on Hard mode and Irate Eight can go screw itself Hardest level and waaaaay to long!

Another great episode bro. I love the Donkey Kong series. My buddy and I have been playing through the Super Donkey Kong series on the Super Famicom. We beat the first two and are working on completing the 3rd game. We want to go back and 100% those 3. We're going to be moving on to Donkey Kong Country Returns and continue our work on Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze. Donkey Kong Country 2 is my favorite in the series but I love having all 5 of them in my collection. I really hope that they release a 6th one to round out a second trilogy of Donkey Kong Country games. It would be awesome to see the Kremlings return for another adventure. They should also bring the Kongs back from Donkey Kong 64 to help Donkey Kong out. Would be amazing to have 8 playable Kongs to choose from.

DKC2: DKQ is still my favorite

So... what if you didn’t get the optional power-ups I know it’s still the game’s fault if you have to consciously not use its power ups to make it not too easy, but does an optional part of the game really ruin it? Many of the issue brought up in the first DKCR game were fixed, so does one optional element really ruin it that much? Don’t get me wrong, he review overall was really enjoyable l, I just thought the conclusion at the end did not make too much sense

I love this game soo much, it is probably my favorite DKC. I still play it after already having completed it. Also, Dixie for Smash!!

Wow, this review was going great but the last few minutes just completely missed the mark on so many levels

Another superb analysis video. DK:TF on WiiU is the only DK platformer I own and it's pretty much everything I'd want from a 2D platforming title.

Phenomenal review. Your attention to detail and nuance in every game is super impressive. I would love to see you do some reviews of newer games, your opinions would really help me with my regretful purchase decisions.

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man :) At this point I'm aware I need to review more modern and relevant titles, we'll get there, slowly but surely.

I just streamed a full play-through of this game. It was the most fun I've had with a classic platform game since Super Mario World. Excellent review as always mate!

Yes a new review! 💙 Awesome to see you continue the DK series!

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate!

Awesome! I love this game. Always enjoy your indepth reviews.

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks!

Not to be a Cranky Kong, but I feel the challenge in modern games coddles us a little bit more now. Like, you're allowed to cheat a little more now. And that's no fun, right? But hey, at least this one's a looker! And the bosses are outstanding!! Besides, presentation-wise, you just can't beat this. The SNES games were beautiful for their time, and these modern ones only do them justice in THIS time! Plus, *David Wise* returns. And a remix of *Stickerbush Symphony.* Your argument is invalid! XD (Although the remix still has absolutely NOTHING on the original.) That being said, for me, it will ALWAYS be the SNES trilogy, and especially DKC2 ALL the way!! May Diddy's Kong Quest ALWAYS reign supreme!! ^^

@ItsRetroPlanet

5 жыл бұрын

Aye, but if only, if ONLY stickerbush Symphony was in an actual level, not just the beginning of one.

@jonmahashintina

5 жыл бұрын

Stickerbush Symphony was only impressive because it came out of SNES music chip, as a song with proper instruments its not as amazing.

@ClintonKE

5 жыл бұрын

I like TF the most and DKC3 is next for me. Granted it's not like any of these games are bad. Plus Yoshi's Island is better anyway if we wanna talk platformers lol

@papermario6856

5 жыл бұрын

@MultiTarded bad art direction. Explain please

@billcipher2604

5 жыл бұрын

The Real Sean W. Stewart What's so bad about having an easier option? His conclusion reminded me of the people who says that the games were better in "the older days" because they were very hard and that's how they should be experienced.

Underrated channel, superb analysis

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sir!

David Wise is the reason i love this game.

I never bought barrels, and almost always played with Cranky. Even though I started with Dixie, I found Cranky a lot more fun to use, and after playing Returns and going back, I even used Diddy a bit for extra challenge. I didn't even know Items could stack because I think I only ever used items once besides Squwaks.

You deserve more subs dude.

Was looking forward to this review. You didn't disappoint. :)

@antshield

5 жыл бұрын

God... I'm gonna have to do a no Dixie run, don't I?

I do have to say I disagree on your conclusion. TF was my first DKC game and on my first playthrough I used things like Dixie and the items to cheese through a lot of the areas I was stuck on. But on subsequent playthroughs I've made an effort to avoid that. Experimenting with the other kongs, avoiding using the shop power ups outside of sometimes buying lives, etc. and in a way I found that in and of itself rewarding.I can understand criticizing Dixie for being a pretty over powered power up that the game is rarely designed around, which she is. It's something worth criticizing the game over as she's outright better than the other kongs like you said, especially Diddy. But knocking the whole experience on optional items in the shop I don't think is fair. Just because easy options are there does not mean you have to use them. They're tools for new/younger players to get an easier first experience without giving them an instant "beat the level for you" button like returns or NSMBU, but also still not mandatory. Honestly if anything I find it to be a good way of providing easier options for a first time player. It's not an instant win button and they still experience the same stages, but it gives some options for tools to make managing said stages easier, while being completely ignorable for veteran players. Again I understand the criticisms of balance when it comes to Dixie herself, but the barrels and other shop items are entirely optional and can be completely ignored.

That line " re-released in 2018 on the Switch for those who like successful consoles" You are savage Kris!

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Haha. As someone who owns a lot of failed consoles (Super Grafx, 32x, 3DO, etc) I'm comfortable with my Wii U purchase, and it's failure :)

Buying the the barrels is optional, and it's done so that everyone is able to finish the game, and if you found it to be game breaking, then just don't use it, this is an accessibility option, not a requirement

My opinion falls somewhere in the middle of most comments and yours, I think. I do agree that the items and Dixie's flutter jump are a bit unbalanced. The argument that it gives "more options" simply isn't accurate, it would give the player more options if Dixie's flutter jump wasn't so good that it breaks the game and makes most sections extremely easy, because now each partner would have their own ups and downs. Items don't give more options either, they allow the player to bypass having to actually play through the level as intended. Part of the fun of most games is overcoming challenges set for you, being able to brunt force your way through huge chunks of levels with the combo of an extra heart and dixie's gold hearts for a whopping 10 hit points isn't an "option", it means you don't actually have to play the level because there's no punishment for making several mistakes in a row. However, I don't think that's enough to make the game worse. Diddy and Cranky are still useful in their own right, with Diddy's jetpack allowing for further horizontal movement and Cranky's cane allowing for alternative ways to platform through levels and deal with enemies. The items aren't necessary either, so long as you don't abuse them and experience the levels as they were intended their design shines through as cream of the crop. The graphics and music are also significantly better, especially the music. Most tracks in DKC Returns that aren't simply remasters of classic songs from the original trilogy are just okay, but almost every track in DKC Tropical Freeze ranges from good to excellent in no small part thanks to David Wise. The boss battles in Tropical Freeze are also by far the best in the series. I think if Dixie and the items were less abusable Tropical Freeze would be a masterpiece, but even with its few flaws it's still the best game in the series, and the items and Dixie don't ruin the game, they're just a minor flaw that mean some players will end up cheesing the game and not being able to enjoy and appreciate the level design to the fullest.

Honestly twilight terror is worth playing three times and feels fun anyways

I totally forgot about the combo super power moves after the first few stages in Island 1 and never used items so I always had a fair challenge. I did not know how broken Dixie Kong really was o.o

Well this was an amazing marathon and this was an awesome review! I hope you do the rest of the DK series as well!

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, I needed that :)

@SpaceyMcSpacer

5 жыл бұрын

implantgames your welcome

Hey Kris, I loved your Dounkey Kong Country reviews and am really looking forward to your next reviews. Keep up the great work.

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter, glad to hear it!

I actually appreciate how newer or less skilled players can choose to make their game experience easier. It's totally optional and you don't have to use any of these things. Whether or not you "exploit" the mechanics the game has is your choice and you have to earn them by collecting coins. It's a nice feature for all players because Noone _has_ to have a difficult or super easy gaming experience.

Having played all DKC games, I didn't even bother finishing this one. Once I realized you could cheese with Dixie, I realized they were basically insulting me

@pelucheCR7

4 жыл бұрын

I like the best challenge, so playing with DK and once in a whille with cranky made this game a great experience for me

To answer the title’s question: NOT EVEN CLOSE.

That secret exit is entirely reachable with Dixie, too. You just have to roll off the edge and jump out of the roll to get a little extra distance

The team screen nuke could also be attributed to MegaMan X8. It came out a year after Sonic Heroes but seems more in line with this. You have 2 characters you can swap between and a meter that fills up. A screen nuke team up attack can be used when the meter is full and both characters are alive. The attributes and side scrolling nature of the game seems closer to this than what Heroes did.

Was wondering what the negatives would be. Then realized yeah, I did agree, which is why I never went into funkys. Ithink deciding very early on not use funky shop, mad me totally forget it even existed.

I love that you are playing the Wii U version!

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Can't beat $18 used :D

I love your vids on DKC and I'm not saying this maliciously at all; I'd rather hear that you straight up don't like TF as much overall- with basically no reasoning required- than centering the largest demerit on something optional. It doesn't play well as a viewer, honestly. That's all. I loved this vid and I hope to see more from you!

I dont know. I dont think the optional shop and dixie kong is as big as a problem as the super kong from returns. The reason why its bad there is because it constantly shoves it down your throat to use it. It shows a lack of confidence in the player when they are constantly asked to use a level skip button. I think Tropical Freeze is a much better alternative. It lets players play the way they want to without forcing anything onto them. In the whole time ive played tropical freeze since release, I have never even touched the shop, sometimes I forget its even there. There is a big difference between the choice to make it easier and constantly suggesting to make it easier.

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your perspective, but Tropical Freeze is loaded with Dixie Kong barrels and Banana Coins. They appear far more frequently than the Super Guide (which requires five deaths, and doesn't allow for 100%).

@DestroyerTriple

5 жыл бұрын

implantgames that is a good point, but I argue there is various situations where the biggest amount of banana coins you get is mostly from the level end barrels, which gives you the choice for lives or bananas instead. It does make the banana coins more of a useless currency for players who dont want to get items, but there are still plenty of bananas and extra live balloons where the problem is midigated. As for Dixie Kong, while there are a few instances where she is the only kong you can get, its a rarity. The problem with her for me isnt so much that she makes the game too easy, its that she makes diddy kong completely useless. Id argue cranky has a lot of utility for experienced players. But even with this problem, its usually a choice still, id say its a problem if there are more dixie barrels than multi kong barrels.

Great video Kris, very well edited and narrated. Funny to see more people disagreeing with you, as your sub-base grows.. comes with the popularity I guess ;-)

Now I'd disagree on that last part, the option to cheese is actually a step in the right direction (sort of). When I first played DKR when I was 8 I found the game far too challenging with the level Tidal Terror being a major roadblock for young me. The thing is I could have completed Tidal Terror easily with the game's super kong mode but I chose not to because I felt like it cheated out the point of even playing a video game. Nintendo does this thing nowadays where they have some sort of ''guide'' mode that essentially completes the level for you with no effort. What I mean is, Nintendo's newer games don't integrate easier play into the gameplay and instead offer nothing in the way of gameplay for unskilled players who have legitimate trouble with the game. I'd rather have a broken shop system instead of a ''complete game'' button.

For the switch no way I want to get this game but not before I get mario kart 8 and splatoon 2 and smash lol but I will cop this I swear implant games and great video always a treat believe it! 👍

So... When will you get to the Impossible Lair? 🤔

I actually agree with you that dixie kong utterly breaks this game. I also want to add that the bosses in this game are kind of a chore; there are some good ones like the polar bear boss but overall i found them to be overly tedious and lame. If you die at any point in these bosses you have to do them ALL over again. I think i preferred the quick yet fun bosses of the first four games over TF's. Also while the minecart levels are good, there's barely any in the game, whereas returns brought some of the best minecart stages in the series. Despite all that though, this game is fucking amazing and either my second or third favorite dkc game.

@pelucheCR7

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah dixie definitely broke the game for me too. But i only noticed when i became very good at these types of games which is why i only played as donkey and sometimes with cranky as a companion. The game is so much better when doing that in my opinion. I did it with returns and returns ended up being probably the hardest game in the series but an absolutely great one too.

your right, because its not like the original trilogy didn't have barrels you could find and "cheat" your way through a level. this seems more like an opinion then an actual criticism.

Great video, but I agree with everyone else about your comments to the ingame shop and Dixie Kong. Nothing at all is wrong for having options to suit your playstyle, its accessibility. If you find it too easy then you don't have to play with those additions. I often use Diddy Kong in a lot of levels because I like the challenge over Dixie. But some players might feel Dixie caters to their playstyle.

20:43 This is to teach the player how this mechanic works

@AAAGamesMaster

5 жыл бұрын

i don't know if that was a complaint or not

I forget, did Super Kong in Returns count towards percentage?

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

No, the level icon remains red (instead of turning blue) and any collected KONG letters are lost.

I wasn't too impressed that you spent the first 25 minutes praising the game for all the improvements and then spent the last 5 minutes bashing it like you were taking all the positives back. Anyway, I've happily played all the DKC games numerous times. Here is my list from favorite to least favorite. 1. DKC 3 2. DKC 2 3. Tropical Freeze 4. Returns 5. DKC 1 Yes. I think DKC 3 is the best in the entire series. Best graphics, best overworld map screen, best side quests, etc. The only thing from DKC 3 I would say is not as good is the soundtrack. DKC 2 and TF have the best soundtracks in my opinion.

I’m hella late to the party so I expect that nobody will read me, even still I have to disagree with your point at the end, first I’ll talk about the shop since that’s what I have the most issues with. I do not think the shop is a bad thing, let me explain, you’ve seen plenty people saying it’s optional, but it’s not just that, to buy extra barrels, extra hearts, various balloons and such you have to *go out of your way*, going to the shop takes an awful lot of time, and equipping items before a level also takes extra time, it’s not like the game just lets you press select at the beginning of a level to enter god mode, you have to waste so much time ( especially with the long ass loading screens ) to make it that easy, so it’s not like you’re "putting restrictions on yourself" when you don’t use them, you’re just playing the game normally with no interruption, whereas if you were to go easy mode and buy all the extra stuff that’s when you interrupt the flow, moreover if I’m following your logic Returns literally lets you skip entire levels and watch a video of super kong playing it for you, why is that not an issue?! To me that actually seems way less forgivable ( following your logic, because I don’t mind myself, I just ignore it ). Regarding Dixie Kong, when I play TF i use cranky most of the time, because I love him and he’s super fun to play, but unless you’re bringing Dixie with you with the shop she’s not in every level, and even when she is I just don’t think she breaks the game, she’s more forgiving sure but I just don’t think she’s as OP as you make it out to be.

This game and the remaster of Virtua Racing are why I want a Switch.

I feel the same way about Tropical Freeze tbh. I still think to me, DKC2 is the best DKC game with Returns not too far behind it. The balance of characters really irked me on my first time through, since there was really no reason to use any other character than Dixie. I like the idea of the other Kongs acting as power ups, but I think that the levels could have utilized their abilities more in interesting ways. Dixie is really broken to the point where, like you said things become a bit too easy. It would have been fun if they updated Diddy's moveset as sort of a charged jet pack attack that can break through obstacles- providing you horizontal movement, while Dixie would retain vertical movement in the form of a nerfed version of her DKC2 ability. Cranky can remain the same but again- maybe utilize the pogo feature a bit moreso. I think what would have helped too would be more Kong specific levels. Like maybe one level tests Dixie's abilities, Diddy's and Cranky's to get the most out of them. I do like Tropical Freeze a lot, don't get me wrong. But to me, these mechanics detract me from concluding that it's a masterpiece.

Everything you dislike is optional so aparently this is a perfect game after all.

I hope you realize the shop is for people who are less skilled at the game and doesn’t break the game in anyway, also if the secret exits were always after getting all the kong letters then it wouldn’t be a SECRET. Also: That level is called sawmill thrill and there is another level called alpine INCLINE (not include)

Tropical Freeze is indeed impressive, but I will always love Donkey Kong Country 2 and 3 because they are almost perfect with few to no flaws. I can imagine that the ability to only play as DK until the game is finished and having to complete the game before playing the other Kongs individually is what I feel would be Tropical Freeze's flaw in what is a really outstanding game. If there is a 3rd game in the Returns series, I would love to see the return of the Kremlings as those Krocs including King K.Rool are always what I remember from any DK Country game and it is just a shame that they have not returned since Donkey Kong 64. Hopefully with King K Rool in Smash Bros Ultimate, I would hope to see them return in the last game in the DKC Returns series.

@papermario6856

5 жыл бұрын

Donkey kong country 3 "no flaws" i died

Thanks for your thoughts on Irate Eight. I thought it was just my abilities, I am glad you also see a flaw in it.

@pelucheCR7

4 жыл бұрын

Plus the level is a combination of fast and slow swimming

This and DKC Returns are fantastic great looking fairly challenging platformers. With both being truly great games where do they go from here? Try something new or have the series end up like Mario games regurgitating the same thing?

Niiiiceee. I wish this game would be ported to the 3Ds. Doubtful, but I can hope. Still a little time until 3ds goes dead.

@metalbrainmextrememetalent6810

5 жыл бұрын

Klartext gebliebener Staatsanwalt for videogames67 it’s getting a port of Luigi’s Mansion. That’s a triple a title.

The shop is optional its not a main game mechanic like jumping jn mario. You dont have to use the shop to beat the game because its not a main game mechanuc while jumping is which is why you have to do it.

This game is amazing. Best platform game ever made imo.

22:40 I mean, the game goes to 200%, so technically you only have 50% Trust me, going for 200% is awesome, try it

Those "infrequent" moments are not bad, they add to the dificulty

For me Tropical Freeze is the best platform game ever made... Second only to Yoshi's Island ( and equal to Wario Land 4 ? )... But i found your criticism about optional dev exits quite fair. Good job about that ! .... Like other comments i don't relly understand your grip with abusable power-ups... Did you know reviews actually found the game too hard AGAIN despite that ? Imagine if Retro Studio didn't made those mechanics ? We can't make a AAA games without trying to please a bit more people than hardcore plateform gamers so those option are nice to have to cheese a level without having the game doing it for you. You never talked about the Golden DK that pass a level for you if you die too much on it but that's the same idea in my opinion. Also, DIxie were OP even in DKC 2 so... Yeah... It doesn't make a difference on "What's the best DKC game". At least, it's a good thing you didn't played with Funky Kong ! Ah !

After playing the game, it's clear that Dixie is kind of OP, but I never really realized how she could be used to exploit the game until watching this video. I mean, with this knowledge in mind, Tropical Freeze is still one of my all time favorite games solely for the amount of fun I had with the creative levels. I mean, she's not as bad as say the P Wing from Super Mario Bros. 3 and that is my favorite game of all time. But even the most highly revered games just aren't perfect, and it's perfectly fine for others to not like it as much as everyone else. Now, some people are evidently frustrated with the conclusion, but stay strong. Calling out flaws of perceived perfection is not morally wrong. Just because it's an optional exploit doesn't make it any less of a design flaw. Great video as always, Kris :D

@implantgames

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man :)

Well you could just ignore Dixie and the shop all together if it ruins the game overall that much for you. It's not like you are 100% forced to use these things.

You have to waggle the Wii remote to roll in DKC Returns. It's not reliable compared to a button press, resulting in needless deaths when the roll won't register and ruins the otherwise good controls. In TF you can roll by pressing a button which feels heavenly after Returns, and Tropical Freeze also has got better music, graphics and visual design.

Since when can we see mountains in the Netherlands ?

I hope to see the Kremlins back in a new game

Tropical Freeze improves on every possible mechanic in the DKC series, gives better level design, more expressive enemies (similar to those of the original trilogy), the best boss fights in the series by far (I’m talking about the overall spread), the tightest control, and the best underwater swimming I’ve ever experienced in a game. The game is brutal if you play without the shop, which keep in mind is something completely optional. Nintendo had to include something like the store so all those young kids or inexperienced players who bought the game wouldn’t feel the need to quit or return the game like they did with DKCR. I personally cannot see how DKCR is the better of the two. Hell I’d argue that DKCTF is the best even beating the original trilogy. I’m open to more discussion if you please to

Maybe a difficulty setting before you select a save file would be better overall, rather than being able to help yourself to extra power-ups in game

I feel the same way to your opinion on Dixie as I felt when that “Fromsoftware games shouldn’t have an easy mode” discourse was going around. I can understand how Dixie / an easy mode may be detrimental to the experience of more seasoned gamers but... it’s optional. You could play every level after the introduction in DKCTF with Diddy or Cranky, you can’t blame Nintendo for your choice not to. DKCR had the Super Guide that literally played levels for you. I don’t understand how you didn’t even mention that in your Returns video, yet Dixie is enough to drastically change your opinion of DKCTF.

If you ever get a chance to play through Octopath Traveler (seems you don’t have a Switch yet), I’d like you to compare Dixie Kong in this game to Tressa with Rune Transfer + Sidestep there.

I think DKC Returns is the better game, too. Not only in terms of balancing but also in terms of level design. TF is colorful and everything is moving on screen but when it comes down to pure platforming Returns has more interesting levels. That's because while TF had cool mechanics in some levels, it never felt like they were used to the max. In Returns every mechanic progresses with the level and is used to the full potential.

@implantgames

4 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the very small Returns > TF club :)

@pelucheCR7

4 жыл бұрын

I think both games use their mechanics too the max . Both have equally great design as well that evolves the more you through a stage. I think thats truly a false statement right there. I know because i played these games plenty of times and analyzed them throughly.

@pelucheCR7

4 жыл бұрын

The biggest flaw in freeze is how when playing as DK only from my experience is how the difficulty curve drops from world 5 to world 6. World 6 still offer a good challenge and its the second most challenging world but it definitely should have been the more harder one. Returns on the other hand has a better progression and its peaks are some of the best in platforming IMO even besting freeze too i think. Jagged Jewels for example is in my opinion on greatest levels in any platformer, its a level for the veterans of this genre.

@pelucheCR7

4 жыл бұрын

I think the same can be said with origins and legends. Though the case is far worse there. As in legends, there is not any other way to make the game harder by the options it provides you as the game is designed to be easy. Which is a shame because origins is great. Freeze at least has a more natural progression even if the final two worlds vary in difficulty.