[HTML1]

It's no surprise that 2014 kicked off as a difficult year for Nintendo after news of their decreased sales forecast became public. For many companies, this could very well have marked them for dead, but Nintendo's recognizable and universally-loved properties are the factor that most companies lack. One such character is everyone's favorite antagonist-turned-protagonist, Donkey Kong, whose Wii U platforming debut is just on the horizon.

Released as part of Nintendo's recently-announced Nintendo DirectDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze received its official launch trailer, found above. Harkening back to his Super Nintendo glory days, Donkey Kong's latest will see the macho primate flexing his side-scrolling muscles with new partners and a whole host of new obstacles.

As has come to be expected of the trailers for Tropical Freeze, the sense of style and music is absolutely top-notch. Not only do classic gameplay elements like causing mayhem as Rambi the Rhinoceros look to be as fun as always, but the simultaneously loved and loathed mine cart sequences look to be in top form with additional ride-able implements like a makeshift boat seemingly coming into play mid-level.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze Launch Trailer

It's this level of kinetic energy that has always made the Donkey Kong series stand out. Even in the series' slower-paced levels, the sheer number of moving parts that comprise each stage can be staggering. There's always a sense of movement whether it's at the hands of the characters themselves or the stages themselves. It's a constant bid for adrenaline that keeps the player wanting more, and Tropical Freeze unsurprisingly has this in spades.

Also returning from a past installment of the series are Donkey Kong Country Returns' beautiful silhouette moments. While gameplay is king in the Donkey Kong series, there's no denying that the visuals have always been eye-popping. Tropical Freeze looks to continue this trend, rivaling the Wii U's other offerings as a truly stunning visual experience. With chaos following DK around every corner from a raging twister to what looks like a juice factory gone awry, it's a safe bet that Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze won't be lacking in memorable set piece moments.

Between the debut of Cranky Kong as a playable character and Funky Kong taking his place in the shopTropical Freeze's blend of new and old is sure to impress fans of all generations. Combined with the recently-announced release date of Mario Kart 8, this could be year that Nintendo has been waiting for to kick the Wii U into high gear.

Would Tropical Freeze be enough to convince you to buy a Wii U? Would you rather the next installation in the series focus more on the classic elements or new features?

___

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze charges onto the Wii U at retail and on the Nintendo eShop on February 21, 2014.

Follow Ryan on Twitter @ThatRyanB.

Source: Nintendo