Enguarde almost returned for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong has made a lot of friends (and enemies!) in the Donkey Kong Country series, and one of those pals is Enguarde the Swordfish. Enguarde was a big part of earlier games in the Donkey Kong Country franchise, but it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen the fishy friend.

A recent issue of Retro Gamer magazine features an interview with Vince Joly, creative director on Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. In the interview, we learn that Enguarde was seriously considered for a return in Tropical Freeze, but unfortunately, he didn’t make the cut.

“We were thinking that bringing back the familiarity that players experienced in Donkey Kong Country Returns would be a good way for us to further strengthen their love for these characters. We felt this was the right choice over adding different buddies in their stead, and we believed the introduction of the other Kongs filled the need for expanding the character lineup and adding new player mechanics. However, we would have loved to have introduced some new animal buddies. Like Enguarde, for instance, who did come close to being added.”

[Vince Joly, creative director on Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]