During this past Saturday nights VGX awards, Nintendo of North American President, Reggie Fil-aime, was on hand to announce Cranky Kong as the forth playable character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

The bearded Cranky Kong is very spry for his age, using his cane to bounce on dangerous objects like spikes. This ability helps him access areas other characters can’t reach.

cranky kong

Reggie also announced a February 21st release for the Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze in North America.

[expand title=”Click for full press release”] REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– During this weekend’s VGX event, a live demonstration of the upcoming Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze game for Wii U revealed some exciting details about the addition of Cranky Kong as a playable character. For the first time in the Donkey Kong Country series, players will be able to assume control of the fan-favorite Cranky Kong. Cranky joins Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong as one of Donkey Kong’s partners in the game. At VGX, an event celebrating video games, Nintendo also revealed that the game will launch in North America on Feb. 21 in stores and on the Nintendo eShop.

REDMOND, Wash., December 9, 2013 — For the first time in the Donkey Kong Country series, fan-favorite Cranky Kong will be a playable character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze when the game launches for Wii U on Feb. 21. Cranky joins fellow Kongs Diddy and Dixie as one of Donkey Kong’s partners in the game. (Photo: Business Wire)
The bearded Cranky Kong is very spry for his age, using his cane to bounce on dangerous objects like spikes. This ability helps him access areas other characters can’t reach. During single-player mode, Cranky rides on Donkey Kong’s back. In co-op multiplayer, a second player can control Cranky, Diddy or Dixie directly (an additional controller is required for multiplayer play, and is sold separately).
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the next installment in the smash-hit Donkey Kong Country series. The new game lets players embark on an original adventure with Donkey Kong and partners Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong as they battle The Snowmads, who have invaded and frozen their home, Donkey Kong Island. Players will jump from island to island as they explore a huge variety of new environments, from lush mangroves to burning savannahs and Donkey Kong’s frozen island. The game introduces a number of new features, such as the ability to swim, a dynamic camera that adds dimension and depth to the gorgeous on-screen action, and the ability to play the full game on the Wii U GamePad controller in off-TV play.
For more information about Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, visit http://donkeykong.nintendo.com/tropical-freeze/.
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