Support NeoGAF

[Neiteio]

“It’s fucking Donkey Kong,” they cried.

“It’s fucking ART,” says I.

...although I imagine even the most vocal haters of another DKC by Retro Studios were humbled, once they saw the magnificent artistry on display in Tropical Freeze. This is one handsomely crafted game. :-D

The detail per capita, so to speak, reminds me of Uncharted 4 (a game I’ve been replaying lately), where each scene is practically bursting at the seams with one-of-a-kind art assets. Literally every level has environmental props that are unique unto itself — imagery that makes each stage fun and memorable.

Also like Uncharted 4, the attention to detail is accompanied by bombastic spectacle, in the form of scripted moments that trigger as you progress through each course. The levels IMPLODE and EXPLODE all around you, reconfiguring their perils and pathways in dynamic fashion. Every other thing that DK sets foot on seems to crumble and collapse… I suppose he has the excuse of being an 800-pound gorilla, while Nathan Drake has ancient architecture to blame!

But seriously, some of these stages look delicious enough to eat:

I’d also like to appreciate the stellar soundtrack by music god David Wise. The following are some of my favorite tracks in the game… but there’s enough here to fill several car CDs (they see me rollin’… dongs expandin’):


Amiss Abyss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA2WjP6sgrc
Seashore War (EPIC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Boqy0Q-4c_M
Busted Bayou: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95HuSMQSUVo
Forest Folly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di6VFegOMfk
Mangrove Cove: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsQq3IDOpbs
Mangrove Cove (Water): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE1HftNpDAw
Grassland Groove: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss421nbCAJE
Windmill Hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1vsBsCoK_I
Horn Top Hop (Bavaria!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAfo6YI4KGs
Sawmill Thrill:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcnMB0vLhzI
Rodent Ruckus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op5wrzdT3oo
Wing Ding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEId-ERa0M0
Classic theme #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMudHClToL0
Classic theme #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atEVNyWqXjo
Scorch 'N Torch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFP4wn0dejc
Harvest Hazards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwDeXSLQC2k
Big Top Bop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=301s-GDML5w
Punch Bowl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkxrXWokYqQ

The above list is hardly comprehensive… What are your favorite themes in the game?


Back to the art: Below is my collection of screens I took while playing Tropical Freeze, taken in 720p using the WiiU’s browser upload to abload.de (and then hosted at one of my myriad Flickr accounts). This collection was originally compiled for my own enjoyment, years ago, but recent talk of Tropical Freeze got me thinking people might like it if I shared.

Each screen has something that caught my eye, whether it’s the composition of elements in the background — stands of pine cresting the hills; a tangle of vines framing the sky — or individual touches like crumbling brickwork in a dilapidated factory, ice-glazed plants in a snowy forest, and so on.

Disclaimer: There is at least one screen that I’m not sure I took myself. Reason being it features Diddy by himself, and I generally don’t play that way. I wonder if I just liked the shot and saved it at the time? I ran an image search and I saw that GAF member Nocturnowl posted it at one point, so maybe it’s his?

(Also think there might be a couple screens by Chadboban in here: The shot in Amiss Abyss with the glowing fish, and/or the cheese shot?)

The others should be mine, though. I still remember painstakingly taking them with the WiiU’s browser. *shudders* Speaking of image capture, the Switch’s capture button would’ve come in handy… And speaking of the Switch, can you imagine this game displayed on its vibrantly colorful screen? Similar to SNES Rainbow Road in MK8D, I think it’d melt minds.

At any rate, check out the screens below, and let’s appreciate the artistry of this fine game — one of the best-playing, best-looking, and best-sounding 2D platformers ever made:

Oh, and shoutout to the enemy design in this game. The Snowmads were top-notch additions to the DKC canon, more than making up for the lack of Kremlings.

I especially like Harold:

 

[Twookie]

damn these enemy designs and general art direction is 10/10 holy shit

wish I had a WIIu for this game :/ A port for switch would be perfecto

 

[NotLiquid]

There's almost a rainbow-like pattern of colors transitioning into each other when you align all the worlds/levels like that.

 

[fhqwhgads]

Level 6-6 is by far the best looking level to me. Not just in the silhouettes, but in the entire setting. Always big on unique locations and what better place for a level than moving up an avalanche.

Only downside of the art in Tropical Freeze? I thought Returns concept art is better. Still great concept art in game, but some of the stuff in Returns was a lot more interesting to me.

 

[TheJoRu]

I was actually a bit worried beforehand when it was revealed David Wise was making the music, and people starting hyping it up like crazy. I always liked his scores for the Rare games, but was anxious that it wouldn't live up to expectations and that his music wouldn't be as good or work as well in this modern game.

Turns out he made his best and most inspired soundtrack ever, and some of the best game music we've had in recent years. Grassland Groove in particular, in my opinion, is a masterpiece (not just music-wise, should be mentioned).

 

[TheMoon]

Why not go all out and show off World 7 too

 

[Dark Cloud]

David Wise is God Tier in music. Just so amazing all across the board.

 

[BocoDragon]

You people and your DKC: Tropical Freeze gush threads....

You might have got me. I'm jonesing to play some of this today.

 

[SpiceMelange]

Can you believe this game was not even nominated for best soundtrack for the game awards?

 

[Lord_Byron28]

Best level in the game, imo.
https://youtu.be/UJcuLj8s7Mg

Never thought I'd describe a 2d platforming level as epic but I felt that was. Tropical Freeze is one of the best 2d platformers I've ever played.

 

[Lathentar]

Great post!

 

[TheMoon]

I also love this backdrop in particular.

 

[javac]

Bopopolis is so good.

 

[Magic Mushroom]

Neiteio with another winning thread. Loved Tropical Freeze.

 

[CopperPuppy]

Bless you for this thread, OP. Subbed.

 

[Dark Cloud]

Can you believe this game was not even nominated for best soundtrack for the game awards?

I can believe it with the media drinking their haterade.

 

[jwhit28]

Tropical Freeze is probably my favorite 2D platformer ever. It's only glaring flaw is the boring recycled bonus stages.

 

[theangrypirate]

Beautiful game, fantastic music. I personally got bored of it pretty quick. I'm just not into side-scroller platforming collection games any more I guess. Glad people enjoy it and it is artistically speaking, a great looking game, but I prefer different genres nowadays. Also, Retro made it and people were pissed about them not using their talents on something more mature.

 

[Kindekuma]

Tropical Freeze is my JAM. Hard as shit, but incredible. One of the most rewarding platforms. I love the level with the silhouette style in the last world.

 

[metsallica]

I'd be shocked if we didn't get a Switch remaster with how poorly this game did. Maybe 1+2 combined, some new easier difficulty options, Amibo support. Stuff like that. Easy money.

 

[Kouriozan]

I approve this thread! This game really was amazing and beautiful <3

 

[Yonafunu]

I love how every level in World 6 of Tropical Freeze references back to a specific world from Returns, in order, complete with visual callbacks and recurring landmarks. So awesome.

 

[Neiteio]

I love how every level in World 6 of Tropical Freeze references back to a specific world from Returns, in order, complete with visual callbacks and recurring landmarks. So awesome.

Yeah, the callbacks in World 6 were great. My favorite touch was what they did with the giant bat — once a terrifying threat in DKCR's cave world, now helplessly encased in ice, lol.

 

[Nanashrew]

Can you believe this game was not even nominated for best soundtrack for the game awards?

I can, because the game awards always forget about everything from the first half of the year which is stupid.

 

[jon bones]

such a treat, loved it but never beat it

if it dropped on switch i'd like to try my hand at it again

 

[Neiteio]

Can someone take the first screenshot in the OP (the one in the jungle with the fruits) and photoshop it onto a Switch?

I just... I just want to imagine what heaven looks like.

 

[wild wild rice]

Solid tribute, Neiteo.

This game is basically perfection on every level as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Wamb0wneD]

I need this on the go so so much.

 

[Aeana]

Is this like haters owned: the thread

Also does the op contain every single frame of the game in screenshot form

 

[dampflokfreund]

Amazing game. Hope it gets some love someday.

 

[deleted]

I bought the game when it came out and I like it. I don't love it, but I like it very much.

It took a while for me to warm up to the controls. Somehow the DKC 1-3 are muscle memory for me and this is such a huge departure that it was very, very difficult to adjust. Analog is definitely the way to go for this one - digital just doesn't feel right somehow. I would have also loved to play with a team constellation of my liking without having to use DK at all.

While the art is fine, it's still a far cry from Rares original concept - even if it was a lot more original than DKCR1. This one pursued a much goofier tone and somehow I never warmed up to DKs modern voice over. I loved his more animal like screams during the SNES and N64 era. He was more of a clever gorilla then the dumb muscle he's depicted as now. The Art is also way too 'happy' - the old games had a moody atmosphere and even if it wasn't a story driven game, you felt the stakes. You still have the epic soundtrack, but that moody feeling while playing is gone.
I also still miss the Kremlings a lot! King K. Rool was a fantastic enemy and his underlings had great and imaginative designs. But Retro did very well with their own creation of villains in Tropical Freeze.


All that said: This is an amazing game! The level design is some of the best in the entire genre - better than DKC1-3 I'd say! The OST is definitely among the best last generation. David Wise did so well! The jump from DKCR to Tropical Freeze was immense! The difficulty is fair, but hard. This isn't a cake walk, you have to work for your level endings and your Kong Letters.

I hope we see a DKCR3 by Retro sometime - with King K. Rool back for one last time!
And hopefully this gets ported to the Switch - the situation is entirely different now and it would be a perfect fit. Not many 2D Jump'n'Runs around so far - especially not this high profile. And the 3DS didn't have that many besides Kirby as well. Might as well bring DK back for another round.

 

[Kamek Koopa]

Great thread Neiteio! And another great ocassion to share these I made:

 

[oracrest]

Best level in the game, imo.
https://youtu.be/UJcuLj8s7Mg

Never thought I'd describe a 2d platforming level as epic but I felt that was. Tropical Freeze is one of the best 2d platformers I've ever played.

<3

 

[Neiteio]

Is this like haters owned: the thread

Also does the op contain every single frame of the game in screenshot form

There are a few screenshots from almost every level (but not every level &#8212; nothing from World 7, several boss levels are missing, etc).

It's meant to showcase the visual variety. It's pretty bonkers that each level has something new worth seeing!

And no ownage here! Just a tribute.

Another great ocassion to share these I made

These are amazing! How'd you get those detail shots of the different background props?

 

[Buddy Mcpuddy]

I wish Retro would inject some personality into NSMB, DKCTF was such a charming polished experience.

 

[AjNimajwalHansel]

This game is a top-tier delight and I love it to 200%. Love seeing those vibrant colors.

 

[ghibli99]

It took me like two years of on and off play to finally 100% this, but I did it. Loved it even more than DKCR, which was already top-tier stuff.

Also does the op contain every single frame of the game in screenshot form

Nope. Definitely needs more.

 

[Neiteio]

Nope. Definitely needs more.

I'd add more screens but that's everything I took!

I'd probably have 10x as much if this was on Switch. Capture button too strong. <3

 

[TheJoRu]

I can, because the game awards always forget about everything from the first half of the year which is stupid.

I mean, you're not wrong. But I also think games such as DKC: TP became victims of Wii U's failures. 2014 in particular got extremely skewed I feel, because people (including the press) were very excited about the new gen, and so despite 2014 being notoriously bad in general for all consoles except the Wii U games such as Tropical Freeze were forgotten in the hype for next-gen games.

Then again, I also think some of the press are not as enthusiastic about the game as a lot of us are. But under better circumstances I imagine it would've gotten a nomination, at least.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

I know port-begging is looked down upon, but it's gonna be seriously criminal if this (along with most 1st party, stellar WiiU games) doesn't get a Switch port. :/

 

[wild wild rice]

Is this like haters owned: the thread

Also does the op contain every single frame of the game in screenshot form

I appreciate how all those screenshots put in perspective how elegant the overall linear arc of the visual design of the game is.

 

[Kamek Koopa]

These are amazing! How'd you get those detail shots of the different background props?

Even though it doesn't look like that, all the pictures were taken uploading captures to Miiverse and doing some montage in order to remove DK and the hud from them.

 

[Neiteio]

Even though it doesn't look like that, all the pictures were taken uploading captures to Miiverse and doing some montage in order to remove DK and the hud from them.

Ah, so they're cropped from regular screens then, right? They look amazing! I especially like the Juicy Jungle collection (and in particular the stack of colored gelatin blocks).

Probably because that's my favorite world, but also because the colors are scrumptious.

 

[Kamek Koopa]

Ah, so they're cropped from regular screens then, right? They look amazing! I especially like the Juicy Jungle collection (and in particular the stack of colored gelatin blocks).

Probably because that's my favorite world, but also because the colors are scrumptious.

I personally can't pick a favourite. All the levels in this game look so different and aesthetically exciting it doesn't look real. Each one would be a whole world in any other game.

I'll never understand how Retro managed to build 60+ of this and still nail the level design in terms of gameplay. Too bad we are not seeing another entry in the near future. If there was one 2D Nintendo platformer series that earned the right to survive, it was this.

 

[OmegaFax]

56k warning much, OP?! Jeez!

Seriously though, I need to replay this game. David Wise music, excellent gameplay, diverse environments.

 

[Neiteio]

I personally can't pick a favourite. All the levels in this game look so different and aesthetically exciting it doesn't look real. Each one would be a whole world in any other game.

I'll never understand how Retro managed to build 60+ of this and still nail the level design in terms of gameplay. Too bad we are not seeing another entry in the near future. If there was one 2D Nintendo platformer series that earned the right to survive, it was this.

I'd be 100% satisfied with a third installment rounding out a Retro DKC trilogy... especially if they made it DARK, with the return of the Kremlings (pirate Kremlings) and Crocodile Isle.

Spoiler

Yes, I know Crocodile Isle sank... but they can dredge it up. Magic!

My dream game would have Kaptain K. Rool imprisoning the Animal Buddies to entertain his pirate minions in a circus on Crocodile Isle (including the kraken from DKCR and TF, who you free at the end so he can wreak havoc on the pirates). This would be a great excuse to make levels around Enguarde, Squitter, and other Animal Buddies who have yet to appear in the Retro DKC games. :-O

 

[WillAble]

The soundtrack by David Wise is one of the best in the last decade of games music. It is a shame that he composes for games so seldomly these days.

Really hope this game sees a re-release on Switch.

 

[Neiteio]

The soundtrack by David Wise is one of the best in the last decade of games music. It is a shame that he composes for games so seldomly these days.

Really hope this game sees a re-release on Switch.

DKCR3D had eight new levels (developed by Monster, but just as good as the Retro ones!). I'd also love to see a Switch version of that game, running at 1080p 60fps &#8212; especially as it supported button-only controls, and had a smart new game balance (the original balance is still available as well). Really enjoyed it on my 3DS.

A collection with an HD version of DKCR3D, and an HD-ier version of Tropical Freeze on Switch would be amazing. :-O

 

[El Odio]

My head only focused on the "Art of Tropical Freeze" part of the thread title and I nearly lost it at the thought of getting an official art book of sorts for the game. Curse you Neiteio!

Spoiler

Great thread and lovely pics as usual.

 

[playingwithfire]

It looks really good, but not amazing. They should've gone for a simpler, more striking art style for these games. And perhaps that way it wouldn't take Retro so long to make them, and we'd be playing their new Metroid game by now