When it comes to Donkey Kong..

[Veknoid_Outcast]

I haven't yet played Tropical Freeze, but this is how I'd rank the rest (at the risk of making everyone think I'm a lunatic).

Donkey Kong Country 3
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Donkey Kong Country 2
Donkey Kong Country

So I think Retro's work is right there near the top. I'm really looking forward to Tropical Freeze.