Hi guys

I got DKCTF as a Christmas gift after avoiding it since launch. I avoided it because I didn't feel like Returns was all that great. It was only decent at best. I also haven't cared for any of the Prime games, causing me to believe that Retro games, while quality, just weren't for me.

So, my brother and I started playing Tropical Freeze together a couple of weeks ago. Put the game in, started it up and heard "Donkey Kong" bringing back memories of the good times when some games would say the name of the game you were playing at the start screen. We both smiled and went "hell yeah!" Then we started a level, the art style, colorful and awesome, and that music. Damn the music in this game is amazing from beginning to end. Best music of the gen so far, if not one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard in gaming. 

Ok, so the graphics & music are both top quality but what about the gameplay? The levels were challenging, various, and above all fun. Especially under co-op settings. I had a blast playing the game even during the harder sections. Instead of being frustrated when death occurred, I laughed. Overall, the art style and awesome music complicated the game, it didn't make it. These elements came together, blended, to create what is quite possibly the Wii U's very best.

It's safe to say, I expected very little from this game but within the first 10 seconds, it took me by the balls and never let go.

Hmmmm... I kind of felt the opposite. I really loved Returns, but Tropical Freeze just didn't grab me. I did give it a second playthrough which I enjoyed a lot more, but still wasn't too thrilled.

Basically, that nostalgia feeling got me during Returns, and so Tropical Freeze, while technically fine, sort of just felt like more of the same.

I can see that I guess. I never played the original trilogy so have no nostalgia for them. Starting with Returns, I can say Tropical Freeze is the much better game for me

Yeah, it puts 'Returns' to shame big time. Also, they seem to have improved being able to achieve a high bounce off of enemies; it's not nearly as tricky now.

Great game, outstanding soundtrack, beautiful visuals, and the best 2D platforming this gen on any console in my opinion.

Glad to see more love for Dong Freeze. Anyway, I loved it. I would not recommend 100% completion, though. Takes too much time and energy, not worth collecting all those Jiggy wannabes, as there's barely a reward to speak of. Will destroy your future with the game.

I tried the game I didn't enjoy it, then again I've never been a fan of the DK games

Tropical Freeze is one of the few games where I can die over and over and not feel frustrated.

That said, I actually think DKCR is a great game in its own right, and that Tropical Freeze just narrowly edges it out thanks to improved graphics and music.

This may sway me in getting it because Returns for me was extremely fun.

Boss battles aside, it's a fantastic title. Glad you're enjoying it!

I rarely 100% a game. I doubt I'll do so this time

Agreed. For whatever reason, I never minded

I would definitely recommend it but maybe if nostalgia played a role in your enjoyment for Returns, maybe you won't like it as much.