Nintendo and Retro Studios clarify why they omitted underwater stages and the status of the other Kongs.
Retro Studios' new entry into the Donkey Kong Country series won't feature the series staple underwater levels, according to Kensuke Tanabe, the Nintendo manager who has worked with Retro for quite some time.
Tanabe also commented on the possibility of appearances from other Kongs. "There was a direction from Mr. Miyamoto as to what to up point in the series' legacy to draw from," Tanabe said. "But I think it will be the most fun for people to play it themselves and see who pops up along the way."
Tanabe also commented that they are considering as to whether or not to add in any animal buddies into the game, such
as Rambi the Rhino. He also revealed that water stages are nowhere to be found in Donkey Kong's new adventure, stating that they felt too slow, and it wasn't the gameplay they were looking for.
Donkey Kong Country Returns is due out this holiday season.