I've been collecting thousands of bananas in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for the Wii U. Here are some thoughts on the game.

"Tropical Freeze" plays pretty similarly to the 2010 Wii title "Donkey Kong Country Returns." Players control Donkey Kong to smack, roll into and hop on enemies, and have partners to help the title character out. Besides Diddy Kong with his classic jetpack, Dixie Kong returns to use her ponytail to float upward and fan favorite Cranky Kong's special ability let's you hop along spikes and pointed enemies. However, it's hard not to choose Diddy Kong who is the best partner to have.

Retro Studios did an amazing job in the graphics department, making each level feel alive. Composer David Wise, who worked on the SNES versions of the series, returns to create some of the best music you'll probably hear this year from a video game.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.