《大金剛：熱帶急凍》（Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze，日文名：ドンキーコング トロピカルフリーズ）是由Retro Studios開發，任天堂於2014年2月在Wii U平台發行的2D橫向卷軸動作平台遊戲。作為《Donkey Kong Country Returns》的續作，延續系列經典元素，並引入更多豐富的玩法與視覺效果，成為Wii U平台上最具代表性的動作遊戲之一。

故事敘述Donkey Kong與家人正慶祝生日時，突然遭到來自北方的冰雪侵略者「Snomads」襲擊。這些來自極地的海盜動物，使用巨大的號角將整座Donkey Kong Island吹成冰天雪地，甚至把Donkey Kong一行人吹飛到遙遠的島嶼。玩家的目標，就是從遙遠的起點開始，一步步跨越多個島嶼與關卡，穿越各種地形與危機，最終回到冰封的家園，與這群冰雪侵略者決一死戰，奪回失去的土地。

操作方面，Wii U版本支援多種控制器，包括Wii U GamePad、Wii U Pro Controller、Wii遙控器加Nunchuk等，使玩家可依偏好選擇操作方式。玩家主要控制Donkey Kong，而在遊戲過程中可以搭配三位夥伴─Diddy Kong、Dixie Kong與Cranky Kong─他們各自擁有不同的輔助能力。Diddy可利用背後的噴射背包進行短距離滑翔，Dixie則能利用馬尾旋轉上升增加跳躍高度，而Cranky則能用拐杖彈跳越過帶刺地面或陷阱。這些機制不只影響操作，也讓關卡設計更具變化與深度。

每個關卡都擁有明確的主題與視覺風格，從熱帶叢林、燃燒火山、海底洞穴，到最終的冰封世界，無不展現出Retro Studios對於場景藝術的講究。遊戲中的動畫細節極其豐富，像是隨風搖曳的植物、動態的背景、物理反應的地形，全都在Wii U的高畫質輸出下表現得相當出色。特別是在水中關卡的表現上，被認為是橫向卷軸遊戲中少數真正將「水中遊玩」做得有趣且不令人煩躁的代表作。

關卡設計方面，著重於節奏感與驚喜感的搭配，每關都會有新的機關或遊玩方式登場，使整體流程不斷推陳出新。例如某些關卡會隨著背景音樂節奏改變平台的位置，或是出現大型載具與突發事件轉換遊戲節奏。此外，設有多種收集要素，包括拼圖碎片與K-O-N-G字母，這些不僅讓喜歡挑戰的玩家有更多動力重玩，也增添關卡的探索深度。

在市場評價方面，儘管Wii U本身銷量不佳，導致遊戲的初期能見度與銷量受到影響，但《熱帶急凍》仍在專業媒體間獲得高度評價。評論者普遍稱讚其流暢的操作手感、創意豐富的關卡設計與令人驚艷的音樂表現。David Wise─曾參與製作經典SFC《Donkey Kong Country》系列音樂的作曲家回歸之作，為遊戲創作出極具氛圍且富有旋律性的配樂。音樂風格橫跨輕快爵士、神秘電子與史詩管絃，與每個關卡完美呼應，甚至成為許多玩家最為津津樂道的一部分。

然而，對某些玩家而言，挑戰難度偏高，特別是在後期關卡與想要完整收集要素時，需要極高的反應與技巧。這使得本作在硬核玩家間口碑極佳，但對一般休閒玩家而言，挑戰性則可能成為門檻。

總的來說，這是在Wii U上是技術成熟、創意豐富的橫向卷軸傑作。延續系列的高水準製作，並在細節與藝術風格上更上一層樓。雖然平台限制它的初期曝光，但它的設計深度與遊戲性，使其在後來於Switch重製後重新獲得廣大玩家的關注與讚譽，也讓這款原本容易被忽略的佳作，終於在歷史舞台上發光發熱。

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Japanese title: ドンキーコング トロピカルフリーズ) is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii U in February 2014. As the sequel to Donkey Kong Country Returns, it continues the series’ classic elements while introducing richer gameplay mechanics and visual effects, establishing itself as one of the most iconic action games on the Wii U platform.

The narrative unfolds with Donkey Kong and his family celebrating a birthday, only to be suddenly attacked by the “Snomads,” a group of arctic invaders from the north. These polar animal pirates use a massive horn to transform Donkey Kong Island into a frozen wasteland, even blowing Donkey Kong and his companions to distant islands. Players must journey from these remote starting points, traversing various terrains and overcoming numerous challenges, ultimately returning to their frozen homeland to confront the Snomads and reclaim their lost territory.

In terms of controls, the Wii U version supports multiple controller options, including the Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, and Wii Remote with Nunchuk, allowing players to choose their preferred method of play. Players primarily control Donkey Kong, who can team up with three partners—Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Cranky Kong—each offering unique abilities. Diddy utilizes a jetpack for short glides, Dixie can spin her ponytail to gain height, and Cranky uses his cane to bounce over spiked surfaces and traps. These mechanics not only affect gameplay but also add depth and variety to level design.

Each level boasts a distinct theme and visual style, ranging from tropical jungles and fiery volcanoes to underwater caves and the final frozen world, showcasing Retro Studios’ meticulous attention to environmental artistry. The game’s animation details are remarkably rich, featuring swaying plants, dynamic backgrounds, and responsive terrain, all rendered impressively in high definition on the Wii U. Notably, the underwater levels are praised for making aquatic gameplay engaging and enjoyable, a rare achievement in side-scrolling platformers.

Level design emphasizes rhythm and surprise, with each stage introducing new mechanisms or gameplay elements to keep the experience fresh. Some levels feature platforms that shift in sync with background music or sudden events that alter the game’s pace. Additionally, various collectibles, including puzzle pieces and K-O-N-G letters, encourage players to replay levels and explore thoroughly, adding depth to the game’s exploration aspect.

Despite the Wii U’s lackluster sales affecting the game’s initial visibility and sales figures, Tropical Freeze received high praise from professional media outlets. Critics lauded its smooth controls, creatively rich level design, and impressive musical performance. David Wise, the composer behind the classic Super Famicom Donkey Kong Country series, returned to create an atmospheric and melodious soundtrack for the game. The music spans various styles, including upbeat jazz, mysterious electronic, and epic orchestral pieces, perfectly complementing each level and becoming a highlight for many players.

However, some players found the game’s difficulty level to be high, especially in later stages and when attempting to collect all items, requiring quick reflexes and advanced skills. While this made the game highly regarded among hardcore players, it could pose a barrier for casual gamers.

In summary, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a technically polished and creatively rich side-scrolling masterpiece on the Wii U. It continues the series’ high production standards and elevates its detail and artistic style. Although initially limited by the platform’s reach, its design depth and gameplay quality garnered renewed attention and acclaim following its re-release on the Switch, allowing this once-overlooked gem to shine on the historical stage.