In a lot of ways, Tropical Freeze is the best DKC game. The over-the-top set pieces are a feast for the eyes and the cohesion between some of the level themes and mechanics is genius. Yet, when I reflect on this game, I remember two things: spectacle and exhaustion. While the set pieces are gorgeous, they are utilized so often that the levels blur together. Maybe that’s unfair considering the ideas on display, but I couldn’t help but feel burned out by the time I got to Donkey Kong Island. The bosses were also a huge step backwards from Returns. Too much waiting before you can damage most of them. The final boss in particular stretches this design beyond reason. It disrespects the player’s time so much I’m confident in saying it’s the worst boss in the series.