Donkey Kong Country title screen Donkey Kong Country Cover

Platform: SNES
Developer: Rareware
Publisher: Nintendo
Release date: November 25, 1994
Genre: Platformer
Media: 32mb cartridge

History:

After Nintendo acquired 25% of Rareware, Nintendo decided to use new SGI technology to produce a new title based on the popular Donkey Kong character. The SGI technology allowed pre-framed 3D graphics for the Super Nintendo, which was largely 2D console. This was to be the first Donkey Kong game not produDonkey Kong Country gameplayced or directed by Shigeru Miyamoto known for some of Nintendo’s best games and characters. Donkey Kong Country was released in North America on November 25, 1994.

Gameplay:

In Donkey Kong Country, it is up to Donkey Kong to recover all of his stolen bananas from King R. Rool and his gang of Kremlings. Throughout the game, Donkey Kong’s friend and nephew Diddy Kong, help him on his quest. Each character can take one hit before a life is lost. The characters are controlled through a tag feature that is controlled by the player. Donkey Kong is slower and stronger and Diddy Kong is faster and not quite as strong. Each character has strengths that should be used more throughout certain levels.

There are six worlds, each with a different look and feel. As the player passes through the levels and worlds they will need to collect bananas which act as health. After 100 bananas are collected, the player gains an extra Donkey Kong COuntry maplife. Usually Diddy and Donkey can kill enemies simply from jumping on them. They can also pick up barrels and crates and use them as weapons to destroy enemies. In addition, there are five animals, each with special abilities, that will help Donkey and Diddy destroy enemies along their way.

Review:

Donkey Kong Country has some gorgeous graphics for Super Nintendo. The use of 3D rendered elements works beautifully for a system mostly designed to be 2D. The control feels accurate and not sluggish at all. The levels can get a bit repetitive throughout the game but overall there is a decent mix of variety and fun mixed in. The music in Donkey Kong Country is very good. There are also nice sound effects which add a sense of realism to the game. It went on to sell 8.5 million copies, making it the second best selling title on SNES, right behind Super Mario World.

The six worlds:Donkey Kong Country 3D

  • Kongo Jungle
  • Monkey Mines
  • Vine Valley
  • Gorilla Glacier
  • Kremkroc Industries Inc.
  • Chimp Caverns

The six animal helpers:

  • Rambi the Rhino
  • Expresso the Ostrich
  • Winky the Frog
  • Enguarde the Swordfish
  • Squawks the Parro
Bookmark and Share

No comments »