Although Nintendo had few surprises lined up during giant games show, E3 this year, there was one title they clutched close to their chest in secrecy - and it's a pretty big one. A new instalment in the Donkey Kong Country series, called Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the game once again sees developers Retro Studios taking the helm, to create a new 2D platforming game with a traditionally barmy story. When Donkey Kong and friends are kicked off DK Isle after it's invaded by Vikings from the north sea - and when we say Vikings, we mean walruses, seals and penguins wearing pointy hats - it's up to Donkey and the rest of the Kong crew to take back what's rightfully theirs - by swinging from the trees, bouncing on their enemies' heads, and completing a number of platforming levels. Shiver me timbers!
They came in longboats and everything.
As you may have already spotted if you've been paying close attention to the screens Ninty have released, the Kong crew's been bolstered by another playable character for Tropical Freeze, giving the second player a bit of extra choice. While Diddy Kong returns in his second fiddle role, with the ability to ride on DK's back and use his jet pack to hover over gaps, the second player will also have the option as playing as new addition Dixie Kong, who made her name as Diddy's partner in DKC2 and star of her own game in DKC3 both on the Super Nintendo. With one more character yet to be revealed, Nintendo are being characteristically tight lipped about who it might be - but they did mention each character will grant Donkey Kong special abilities to allow him to reach secret areas.
Other new tweaks and upgrades for the game include a "dynamic camera angle system", which basically means the camera will change angle when you jump into one of the game's iconic barrels or minecarts and blast through the level, although we are a little bit disappointed to see that the difficulty's seemingly gone back to Donkey Kong Country Returns levels of hard-ness. As we mentioned in our review of the Wii game, one of game's few drawbacks was just how difficult it was - especially when playing in co-op. The recently released 3DS version of the game attempted to make things a bit simpler, by adding a new, easier mode, that gave you three hearts each, and let you buy all manner of extra items and goodies to help you get through the level - but seemingly, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze may be reverting back to the old days. As one final bit of brilliant news, the game does see the return of David Wise, the eclectic composer for the series back on the Super Nintendo, to compose the game's musical score. DKC's tunes are considered some of the best in video game history, so we're eagerly awaiting Mr Wise's comeback to the franchise and what he has to offer.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is set for release this Christmas on the Wii U. In the mean time, why not get yourself in the mood with the game's debut trailer below, and check out that amazing theme:
