What is the best game similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns?

The closest game to Donkey Kong Country Returns is LittleBigPlanet, scoring 92/100 on our similarity scale. They share 5 gameplay attributes, including precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Donkey Kong Country Returns?

The three closest games to Donkey Kong Country Returns are: 1. LittleBigPlanet (92/100, 5 shared attributes) 2. New Super Mario Bros. (92/100, 5 shared attributes) 3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (92/100, 5 shared attributes). All share Donkey Kong Country Returns's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 5 dimensions.

Is New Super Mario Bros. similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns?

Yes, very much so — New Super Mario Bros. scores 92/100 similarity to Donkey Kong Country Returns. They share 5 attributes, including precision platforming and single-player focus. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Platformer games are similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns?

The best Platformer games similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns are LittleBigPlanet, New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. All share the Platformer genre alongside other key Donkey Kong Country Returns attributes like precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay.

How is similarity to Donkey Kong Country Returns calculated?

We compare Donkey Kong Country Returns against every game in our catalog using 5 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Donkey Kong Country Returns experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Donkey Kong Country Returns that you should try

Games like Donkey Kong Country Returns · Find similar →

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If Donkey Kong Country Returns left you wanting more, this list of 50 similar games is for you. Each one shares part of its essence — precision platforming and single-player focus — and is ranked by a similarity score computed across 5 attributes. LittleBigPlanet comes closest (92/100).

iRank84/ 100

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GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

Top games similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns

50 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Donkey Kong Country Returns. Each one has been evaluated across 5 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1LittleBigPlanet

iRank96

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DSandbox World

IGDB96· 9

Year 2008Dev Media Molecule · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with sandbox freedom, sandbox world and fantasy world

Details →

#2New Super Mario Bros.

iRank95

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DMelee

IGDB95· 2

Year 2006Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat

Details →

Nintendo

#3Super Mario Bros. Wonder

iRank93

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DCasual

IGDB95· 7OC91· 150

Year 2023Dev Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 10 · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual and fantasy world

Details →

Nintendo

#4Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB86· 12OC84· 138

Year 2014Dev Retro Studios · Nintendo

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay.

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB85· 4

Year 2010Dev Good-Feel · Nintendo

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

MultiplayerCo-opSolo2DOffline

Steam👍 89%· 1.4K

Year 1998Dev DotEmu · SNK PlaymoreOn PlayStation 3 · Android · PC

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, multiplayer gameplay and co op

≠ Its own twist: shooter, adventure storytelling and first-person shooting

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DMelee

IGDB82· 6

Year 2000Dev SNK · D4 EnterpriseOn Xbox

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Where it differs: brings shooter, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat

Details →

Xbox

#8New Super Mario Bros. Wii

iRank81

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB81· 4

Year 2009Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling

Details →

#9New Super Mario Bros. U

iRank80

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB80· 9

Year 2012Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling

Details →

Nintendo

#10Donkey Kong Country

iRank80

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB80· 1

Year 1994Dev Rare · Nintendo

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay.

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DOffline

Steam👍 94%· 5.9KIGDB89· 8

Year 2011Dev Ubisoft Montpellier · Ubisoft EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3 · PC · Mac

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, melee combat and fantasy world

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#12Sonic Mania

iRank90

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DOffline

Steam👍 94%· 28KIGDB85· 16OC87· 126

Year 2017Dev Headcannon · SegaOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, vibe casual and melee combat

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DSandbox World

IGDB78· 10OC79· 57

Year 2014Dev Sumo Digital · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3 · PS4

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

Details →

#14Yoshi's Woolly World

iRank79

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DFantasy

IGDB79· 10OC80· 71

Year 2015Dev Good-Feel · Nintendo

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Where it differs: brings fantasy world and visual third person

Details →

Nintendo

#15Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

iRank100

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayer2DFantasy

IGDB100· 1

Year 1995Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, while skipping co op

Details →

Nintendo

Complete list of Donkey Kong Country Returns alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Donkey Kong Country Returns, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Super Mario World

Platformer · Adventure

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Platformer · Adventure

Gunstar Heroes

Platformer · Shooter

Spiritfarer

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic Rush

Platformer

Spelunky 2

Platformer · Adventure

Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Platformer · Adventure

Ghosts 'n Goblins

Platformer · Shooter

Super Mario Maker 2

Platformer

TowerFall Ascension

Platformer · Fighting

Yoshi's Crafted World

Platformer

Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Platformer · Adventure

King Arthur's Gold

Platformer · Sandbox

Trials Rising

Platformer · Racing

Kirby: Planet Robobot

Platformer · Adventure

Super Contra

Platformer · Shooter

Sonic Forces

Platformer · Adventure

Kirby Super Star Ultra

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic & Knuckles

Platformer

Jazz Jackrabbit 2

Platformer · Shooter

Contra: Hard Corps

Platformer · Shooter

Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers

Platformer · Adventure

Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2

Platformer · Adventure

Mario Bros.

Platformer

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!

Platformer

Claw

Platformer

Metal Slug 5

Platformer · Shooter

Wannabe Galgame God!!!

Platformer · Adventure

Ice Climber

Platformer

Kirby's Dream Land 3

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Platformer · Adventure

Doodle Jump

Platformer · Survival

Super Mario Bros. 3

Platformer

Super Mario Bros.

Platformer

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns?: The closest game to Donkey Kong Country Returns is LittleBigPlanet, scoring 92/100 on our similarity scale. They share 5 gameplay attributes, including precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Donkey Kong Country Returns?: The three closest games to Donkey Kong Country Returns are: 1. LittleBigPlanet (92/100, 5 shared attributes) 2. New Super Mario Bros. (92/100, 5 shared attributes) 3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (92/100, 5 shared attributes). All share Donkey Kong Country Returns's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 5 dimensions.
Is New Super Mario Bros. similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns?: Yes, very much so — New Super Mario Bros. scores 92/100 similarity to Donkey Kong Country Returns. They share 5 attributes, including precision platforming and single-player focus. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Platformer games are similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns?: The best Platformer games similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns are LittleBigPlanet, New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. All share the Platformer genre alongside other key Donkey Kong Country Returns attributes like precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay.
How is similarity to Donkey Kong Country Returns calculated?: We compare Donkey Kong Country Returns against every game in our catalog using 5 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Donkey Kong Country Returns experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.