Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D was first announced in a February Nintendo Direct and during the most recent Nintendo Direct from last week we find out a few more details about the game.

The 3D version of the original Wii version of Donkey Kong Country Returns features depth to the levels were players will not only side scroll through levels left and right but also move between the foreground and background.  There are 8 new levels within an entirely new world included in the 3DS remake but these levels can only be accessed after completing the original levels from the game first.

The game can be played using one of two game modes, ‘Original Mode’ and ‘New Mode’.  Original Mode will allow players to play the game just as it was on the Wii.  For those who found the Wii version a little too difficult, New Mode provides a few useful items and features to help players during their time playing Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D.  These new items are a portable barrel, green balloons, and ‘crash guard’.

A portable barrel is used to bring Diddy Kong into the game at anytime.  Green balloons will pull you out of a pit after falling in for the first time.  Crash guard protects players from up to two hits from an enemy while riding a mine cart or rocket.  While these items and features will be a tremendous help to those who struggle through Donkey Kong games or for first time players, the most help comes from a more generous life bar.

New Mode gives a larger life bar to players than what was seen in the Wii version of Donkey Kong Country Returns.  Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong will each have three hearts each rather than two.  This ups the hits they can take before dying from three to five!  This will surely be a help to many during their journey through the game.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D launches on the 3DS on May 24 in both retail stores and the Nintendo eShop.  Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D also includes 2 player local multiplayer.