Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country is a Platformer 2D video game published by Nintendo released on November 21, 1994 for the Super Nintendo.

Donkey Kong Country isn't as mind-blowing as it was in '94, but it's still a great platformer. Its unique atmosphere, its buddy-tag system, and its excellent soundtrack all add up to an SNES experience

Graphically the levels were (and still are) stunning – look at how detailed, varied and colorful the opening level is for a start, listen to the ambient effects on the soundtrack like the buzzing of crickets or monkey wails, and how they integrate with the music.

The level designs of this game are just fantastic, it feels like the developers put a lot of thought into the creation of each level so no two felt the same. 

Most of the time you will be platforming across various environments like the jungle, a temple, or factory environments. Occasionally you will do a swimming level where you will loose the ability to attack and you have to navigate around obstacles as best you can. 

Then there are the mine cart stages where you ride on rails and have to use specific timing for jumps to successfully reach the end. These for me where the hardest areas, but once again you felt such a sense of accomplishment when you finally finished it.  

The game is separated into levels like Mario World. You can save the game at various intervals thanks to Candy Kong and you will need to save often as this won’t be a game you’ll breeze through on the first try. 

The most unique element of the gameplay is the barrels scattered about the game. These will act as items you can pick up and throw at enemies, some will contain your fallen Kong comrade, others act as checkpoints, and occasionally you will find a crate that will contain an animal you can ride. 

These animal buddies are also a fun highlight of the game. There’s a Rhino that can charge attack enemies as well as move quite fast through the level, there’s a frog that can jump extra high to reach difficult to reach areas, and a swordfish that helps you swim faster and also attacks under water.  

There are also various hidden levels to find, so if you’re a completionist you can replay levels to gain that milestone 100% at the end of your save file. As well as Candy Kong you also have some other Kongs you can stop at for assistance. 

Cranky, the old bugger who is believed to be the original arcade Donkey Kong, will give you advice on the world. He also has some of the most hilarious insults you’ll ever hear in gaming, regularly mocking you about how crap at the game you are and how awesome he would be if he were to play. You just don’t get these nineties insults in gaming today.