Having just lived and breathed Tropical Freeze for the last two weeks, conquering every stage and acquiring every last K-O-N-G letter and puzzle piece, I can say without reservation that this is one of the greatest 2D platformers I've ever played post 16-bit era -- and unequivocally the most joy-inducing, purely 'gaming' experiences I've had the pleasure to partake in some time.

I had my issues with Donkey Kong Country Returns, and while the 3DS port took steps toward alleviating some of those issues, the sequel takes all that was excellent (terrifically designed levels that's chockful of secrets), eliminating most of what was iffy (no more silly blowing mechanic or having to shake your controller to ground pound or roll), and refining everything else. (Better enemy types, a more streamlined challenge, and an infinitely superior soundtrack.)  The analogy that Tropical Freeze is DKC2 to Returns' DKC1 in terms of evolutionary step up sounds about right.

Stages, lush and lavish in their high-def 60 fps presentation. Their designs, variety-filled and downright exhilarating with ever changing "Uncharted"-like blockbuster set pieces. The addition of Dixie and Cranky, allowing more flexibility in tackling levels. The aforementioned streamlined challenge, tough but fair - and mercifully never reaching the near-bullshit levels of frustration derived from, say, Returns' Mole Train or K-Levels. The musical jamboree that is David Wise's soundtrack, a charismatic blend of catchy new compositions and well-placed nostalgic throwbacks -- and nearly all individually tailored to each of the game's 63 stages.

I've only just begun to dabble in the unlockable Hard mode, which consists of..... being able to play single-player as either Diddy, Dixie or Cranky, completely independent from Donkey Kong - with the trade-off being that you're only allowed one hit, no Kong buddy, and no checkpoints.  From what I can tell, controlling the other members of the Kong clan is a radical change of pace from DK. The heavier feel of DK is dropped in favor of physics as nimble and quick as the SNES trilogy -- which is pretty freaking awesome, actually. And while I don't see myself coming anywhere close to cracking the Time Attack high scores seen via the online leaderboards, I'm in awe that a game this carefully designed for intricate platforming can be so thoroughly circumvented to bend to the whims of would-be speed demons.

Nitpicks are far and few in between. There's a learning curve involved with the new swimming controls; it eventually clicks, but when you have an entire world devoted to underwater sections (and the fact that they've added a countdown air meter to your troubles), you'll have to learn quick. Traversing the bevy of in-game menus is as cumbersome as the first game, where changing up something as simple as controller configuration becomes a chore and half. The unlockable sound test is a joke; with each world boasting up to ten different music tracks, it's a crime that they would only choose four to unlock per world.

All of this is to say that I'm wholly satisfied with Retro's latest offering. If there's a Wii U killer app that currently exists, I'd say this is it.

I want to play it so bad but alas, I don't have a Wii U. I'll have to settle for listening to the game rip and watching videos.

I've played the demo. It's on my (very) short list of games to pick up for the system.

Hell, I still need to play the copy of Returns on the 3DS I picked up last year.

I can't emphasize enough how incredible Wise's work is here.  TF is such a rousing return to form for the music series, besting even DKC1 and DKC2 in several areas.  The tunes have such a presence, that sometimes it feels like it's the music that's dictating the game, and not the other way around.  It makes playing the game that much more enjoyable. :)

Check out Polygon's excellent feature article on Wise if you haven't already. The score apparently took 21 months to complete, but that quality and passion shows through and through.

I'm currently working with a few other people in creating a revised, more complete game rip -- but damned if there isn't a VGM score more deserving of an official release.

I don't think the music is as consistent as DKC2's but there's also a great deal more of it (like five times more) and I haven't heard it in context either.

It took me a few weeks of staunch - and arguably unhealthy - persistence, but I finally managed to beat Hard mode in its entirety. (All levels, bosses, and blue K-O-N-G letter acquired.)  Those underwater levels were my biggest bottlenecks; getting nicked by an enemy or obstacle on said difficulty is just too damned easy to do.  I'll be happy if I never have to do those again for the rest of my life.

What a ride, though. Now that I'm putting aside the game, I find it nigh-impossible going back to any other platformers the Wii U has to offer. The likes of Super Mario 3D World and New Super Mario Bros. feel rudimentarily dull by comparison. =/

I don't really get the love for DKC1's soundtrack to a certain extent. Personally I thought there were way too many ambient pieces in that one. Don't get me wrong... I have no problem blaring "Fear Factory" from my car on the way to work but overall I don't have that much love for that score compared to DKC2 or even DKC3.