Beyond the extra vitality, you can purchase a handful of special items that take the edge off of the more unforgiving elements of Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, namely its instant death hazards. A new green balloon will save DK from a single fall, and the Crash Guard potion will prevent you from immediately losing a level if you smash a mine cart or rocket barrel into certain enemies or traps. Another item lets DK immediately summon Diddy Kong at any time. Furthermore, you can now equip three items before each level, instead of one. Bottomless pit got you down? Three green balloons make an excellent pick-me-up.
