As part of today’s Nintendo Direct press conference new information was provided concerning the upcoming 3DS title, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D.

The portable version of Retro Studios’ critically acclaimed Wii platformer will feature eight new stages in the form of an additional world, which can be explored after completing the main game.

A New Mode has also been added, optimising the game for handheld play. If players choose this option the severe difficultly level of the original will be curbed in a couple of different ways.

Firstly players will receive two additional health slots, allowing them to take more hits from enemies without having to restart a stage or checkpoint. Secondly several new helpful items have been introduced:

• The Portable DK Barrel – Diddy Kong can be released no-matter where a player is in a stage.

• The Green Balloon – Players can float back up to safety if they fall into an abyss.

• The Crash Guard – Two extra collisions afforded whilst riding a rocket barrel or mine kart.

Purists needn’t worry though as Original Mode is also part of the package, allowing players to experience the game as it was originally intended.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is available in stores as well as the Nintendo eShop onMay 25th exclusively for Nintendo 3DS.

For the original article please vist Analog Addiction.

Rob Gisbey is a games journalist and music production graduate from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. To listen to his acoustic demo, read his articles and listen to the VxM Videogames Podcast head to his blog.