All Purpose Donkey Kong Thread

[Quillion]

Maybe. But outside of Mario and Pokemon there is also Zelda. I feel Donkey Kong could and should climb up to Zelda in terms of popularity, relevance, priority and steady releases. And have a dedicated team working on DK titles.

I mean, as great as it is to be having Diddy in Mario Kart soon, it's the only true positive news in ages. Sure the Mario Movie suggests a huge revival soon but... they're taking their time!!

Zelda is undergoing some infrequent releases too, especially if you only count mainline titles.

I used to want more Zelda spin-offs, but I retract that now that it seems mid-level franchise spin-offs are becoming a lot more difficult to make.

 

[Lenidem]

After completing (more or less) the N. Sane Trilogy, I wanted to play a bit of good old Goldeneye 007... But then I realised I don't have the game. Oop. So I played a bit of Perfect Dark, and then I thought: why not give DK64 another try? Back when it came out, I was really disappointed by this game. My expectations where high, and it ended up being some kind of Banjo & Kazooie, but not nearly as good. And well, now that I know what to expect, it seems kinda OK. I mean, the switching characters mechanic is bad, and the game is not ground-breaking by any means, but so far it's still kinda fun. I'm only into two hours of gaming, because I erased my saves, but I'm planning to finish the game for the first time.

 

[BirthNote]

After completing (more or less) the N. Sane Trilogy, I wanted to play a bit of good old Goldeneye 007... But then I realised I don't have the game. Oop. So I played a bit of Perfect Dark, and then I thought: why not give DK64 another try? Back when it came out, I was really disappointed by this game. My expectations where high, and it ended up being some kind of Banjo & Kazooie, but not nearly as good. And well, now that I know what to expect, it seems kinda OK. I mean, the switching characters mechanic is bad, and the game is not ground-breaking by any means, but so far it's still kinda fun. I'm only into two hours of gaming, because I erased my saves, but I'm planning to finish the game for the first time.

Yeah, for me it's banjo-1.5-ee, and I don't really like it anymore, but I haven't played it in 23 years now that I think about it. I probably won't revisit it, but I'd like to hear your thoughts when you finish it.

I do like the concept of hideout helm even to this day though. That whole climactic race against the clock was nerve-wracking and I loved it lol

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

In some ways DK64's worst sin was being sandwiched between a much tighter collectathon in Banjo Kazooie and a much more interesting world connected collectathon in Banjo Tooie.

 

[RealLuigisWearPink]

After completing (more or less) the N. Sane Trilogy, I wanted to play a bit of good old Goldeneye 007... But then I realised I don't have the game. Oop. So I played a bit of Perfect Dark, and then I thought: why not give DK64 another try? Back when it came out, I was really disappointed by this game. My expectations where high, and it ended up being some kind of Banjo & Kazooie, but not nearly as good. And well, now that I know what to expect, it seems kinda OK. I mean, the switching characters mechanic is bad, and the game is not ground-breaking by any means, but so far it's still kinda fun. I'm only into two hours of gaming, because I erased my saves, but I'm planning to finish the game for the first time.

There's a romhack to let you switch characters on the fly (L button if I recall) but you need an everdrive if you wanna do that on real hardware.

DK64 exists in the same headspace as Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire to me, good but deeply flawed and could really use a remake.

I don't really mind the collectibles in that game-go back to the snes trilogy and you'll see that was just the series style at the time-it's moreso the levels are a little too empty and dark for my liking. Especially Gloomy Galleon.

 

[BirthNote]

There's a romhack to let you switch characters on the fly (L button if I recall) but you need an everdrive if you wanna do that on real hardware.

DK64 exists in the same headspace as Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire to me, good but deeply flawed and could really use a remake.

I don't really mind the collectibles in that game-go back to the snes trilogy and you'll see that was just the series style at the time-it's moreso the levels are a little too empty and dark for my liking. Especially Gloomy Galleon.

Ehh it's funny cuz I liked Gloomy Galleon, it didn't remind me of a Banjo-Kazooie level like most of the others did. That, plus the music was unique and I liked the atmosphere. It reminded me of DKC2 overall.

 

[fogbadge]

One of the levels was actually a cut world from banjo kazooie

 

[Lenidem]

There's a romhack to let you switch characters on the fly (L button if I recall) but you need an everdrive if you wanna do that on real hardware.

DK64 exists in the same headspace as Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire to me, good but deeply flawed and could really use a remake.

I don't really mind the collectibles in that game-go back to the snes trilogy and you'll see that was just the series style at the time-it's moreso the levels are a little too empty and dark for my liking. Especially Gloomy Galleon.

Thanks for the information about the romhack, but I'm playing on my good old N64 with the good old cartridge, so I will have the authentic experience, for good and for worse.

One thing that I always loved in DK64 is the humor and the characterization. I'm a fan of the DK rap, and I never want to leave the team-barrel because the Kongs are just so funny!

 

[RealLuigisWearPink]

Ehh it's funny cuz I liked Gloomy Galleon, it didn't remind me of a Banjo-Kazooie level like most of the others did. That, plus the music was unique and I liked the atmosphere. It reminded me of DKC2 overall.

Fair enough. It might just be the ****ty old CRT I played it on but that level felt like I turned the TV off and the Kongs were still running around (To be fair, that's a problem with a lot of N64 games. How ya doing, Doom 64?)

Thanks for the information about the romhack, but I'm playing on my good old N64 with the good old cartridge, so I will have the authentic experience, for good and for worse.

One thing that I always loved in DK64 is the humor and the characterization. I'm a fan of the DK rap, and I never want to leave the team-barrel because the Kongs are just so funny!

Haha I feel ya. Nothing beats playing these games like they were played on release, just too bad that's an increasingly expensive hobby these days.

The humor is a massive plus, it's a big reason why the game is still memorable IMO

 

[BirthNote]

One of the levels was actually a cut world from banjo kazooie

You mean Fungi Forest? I heard some back and forth about it but my memory is fuzzy on the whole thing.

 

[fogbadge]

You mean Fungi Forest? I heard some back and forth about it but my memory is fuzzy on the whole thing.

that’s the very one

 

[Aligo]

If people are talking about DK64, even though I have never played the game I very much appreciate the distinctive sound design.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

To take a more negative turn... is this the worst period of time to be a Donkey Kong fan? Sure the mid 2000s were rough, but there were several games released around that time. You'd probably find something you like, whether is be Jungle Beat, King of Swing or Barrel Blast.

After a brief resurgence with Returns and Tropical Freeze, there's been practically nothing. We got an enhanced port of Tropical Freeze and that's great but there's been almost a decade of no brand new DK content.

It's easier to access older DK games than ever before. Smash has given King K. Rool and lots of DK content. DK and Diddy still show up in Mario spinoffs. But it really does seem that the franchise is in a place of stagnation.

I don't really blame franchise sales and I don't think Nintendo dislikes the series. I just think DK is unfortunately the victim of not having a dedicated development studio. All of Nintendo's major development teams are busy making other things. Retro Studios, who had previously given DK new life, was stuck on some mystery project that ultimately got cancelled before moving to Prime 4 (which is taking forever) and the Metroid Prime remaster.

When DK had gone through similar lulls, it at least had Paon to keep the franchise moving. Now DK doesn't even have that.

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

Its certainly one of the most frustrating periods, not helped by the fact that DK's absence often doesn't seem to be felt outside the dedicated fandom. The gushing about the Switch and what its done for various IP's feels a bit bittersweet given that it still doesn't have a DKC game to call its own, with even something like a DKC Returns port not on the horizon. In general its one of those IP's most that's been most hurt by the slow disappearance of various spin-offs outside the big three (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon) or those with dedicated studios (Fire Emblem, Kirby).

I've tried to fill the gap with stuff like Impossible Lair and Kaze & the Wild Masks (and might even give Marsupilami a try some day), but even that's only doing so much. Its an overall similar to disappointment to what I have about the lack of Paper Mario titles similar to the first; both franchises can be so much more than what they are, and yet the potential goes unfulfilled as the years go on. Its get to the point where I don't think Nintendo dislikes the series at all... but its hard to escape a sense that they don't seem to fundamentally realize its value either.

 

[Lenidem]

Well... On the bright side, DK seems to be an important character of the up-coming movie. Initially, I thought he was just going to have a minor role, but it looks like he's going to team-up with Mario and "kick some tails". Fire DK is cool and new. Cranky is there, and some other Kongs.

I don't know, maybe I'm seeing too much in this, but to me it looks like they put a lot of care in this movie, and given the unexpected amount of DK stuff in it, I wouldn't be surprised to see some new Donkey Kong games in the not far future.

 

[BirthNote]

To take a more negative turn... is this the worst period of time to be a Donkey Kong fan? Sure the mid 2000s were rough, but there were several games released around that time. You'd probably find something you like, whether is be Jungle Beat, King of Swing or Barrel Blast.

After a brief resurgence with Returns and Tropical Freeze, there's been practically nothing. We got an enhanced port of Tropical Freeze and that's great but there's been almost a decade of no brand new DK content.

It's easier to access older DK games than ever before. Smash has given King K. Rool and lots of DK content. DK and Diddy still show up in Mario spinoffs. But it really does seem that the franchise is in a place of stagnation.

I don't really blame franchise sales and I don't think Nintendo dislikes the series. I just think DK is unfortunately the victim of not having a dedicated development studio. All of Nintendo's major development teams are busy making other things. Retro Studios, who had previously given DK new life, was stuck on some mystery project that ultimately got cancelled before moving to Prime 4 (which is taking forever) and the Metroid Prime remaster.

When DK had gone through similar lulls, it at least had Paon to keep the franchise moving. Now DK doesn't even have that.

Basically right now, the only thing keeping DK alive is the movie. Without that the DK franchise is as dead as Starfox, but I think there'll be a renewal of Donkey Kong in about a week when the movie drops. There'll be interest and I think Illumination will keep up the momentum with DK's spinoff movie, but right now there's nothing to latch onto without the Mario Movie.

 

[Ridley_Prime]

Having gone through Banjo Kazooie in full for the first time awhile ago on N64 NSO (had only played bits and pieces of it back in the day), I will say it retroactively lowered the quality of DK64 for me to a certain degree. Definitely won’t see it the same way again whenever it makes its way to NSO.

I’ll probably replay it when the time comes with that said, though not sure how much of it I’ll go through again. Relevant meme vid regarding DK64-

https://youtu.be/zTrxk11KAns

Certainly looking forward to whenever Banjo Tooie comes to the service, especially with what I saw of dragon Kazooie and such… And the potential DK game additions on GB/GBA NSO that I talked about the previous page.

Goldeneye was what initially sealed the deal on me getting NSO EP and what I first went through again before I had gotten around to Banjo. Goldeneye’s still got it; the magic it had back then, though the joycon controls took some getting used to but once I got accustomed, I felt the controls were better than they were originally on the 64 controller, and thus had a more reasonable time on 00 Agent difficulty. It wasn’t without its struggles though still which I could write paragraphs on my struggles with the last levels particularly. To put it simply, the aimbot on 00 Agent and endless enemies on certain levels made beating them all the more satisfying. Still one of the best FPS’s of all time in my book. Even if you prefer Perfect Dark, Goldeneye was still the late 90’s trendsetter of the genre that PD would not exist without.

Oh, I find myself re-listening to Goldeneye’s level soundtrack and remixes thereof as much as I do DKC music at this point. Rare just made some timeless music when it came to Goldeneye, and pretty much anything they did at the time. It’s saying something considering the iconic soundtrack 007 already had going for him.

 

[Ridley_Prime]

Thoughts on DK and the Kong representation as a whole in the film? Thought there would’ve been taking about it here with how long it’s been out. While the trailers showed most of it, there was still some new moments to enjoy like

Spoiler

Diddy having a good couple lines during his cameo

. DK himself was about what you’d expect as a rival turned supporting character and co-star. Loved it. While nothing is guaranteed, feels like a film surrounding this DK and his kingdom has to happen at some point.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Thoughts on DK and the Kong representation as a whole in the film? Thought there would’ve been taking about it here with how long it’s been out. While the trailers showed most of it, there was still some new moments to enjoy like

Spoiler

Diddy having a good couple lines during his cameo

. DK himself was about what you’d expect as a rival turned supporting character and co-star. Loved it. While nothing is guaranteed, feels like a film surrounding this DK and his kingdom has to happen at some point.

I loved the Mario Movie. It was a blast. A very fun experience and hit me right in my nostalgia. The characterization was done great! Also that Diddy model and redesign, amazing! Shame his role was so small, but I'll take it!

I am just not all too optimistic for a new DK game this year. Nothing really hints toward it, there's not even a Mario game to go with the Movie. I think we might even see a true Mario and DK crossover, which would be a warm welcome here. As long as DK doesn't lose it's own identity as a series.

 

[Laniv]

LEGO Donkey Kong is coming:

We can’t wait to show you the new additions to the world of LEGO Super Mario™! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/sa5XF0LdCo

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) April 26, 2023

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

Its a weird feeling as a DK fan these days. On on hand, the brand has a greater spotlight than ever, the 1 billion at the box office guarantees a likely DK spin-off film, and between merchandise/potentially appearances in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, the value of the IP is certainly being recognized.

And yet without an actual DK game... it feels a bit hollow. As incredible as it is knowing that Diddy and Dixie are in one of the most successful animated films of all time, I'd honestly think I'd trade all of that just for another DKC title. There's a subtle frustration to seeing the likes of Funky Kong get parodied on SNL, countless moviegoers being exposed to DKC elements for the first time, and yet still no new release or even re-release to really sink one's teeth into. Brand awareness is nice, seeing how center Donkey Kong will be to potential Nintendo CInematic Universe is cool, but none of that is a substitute for a Country sequel.

There's just something profoundly odd about the sense that we might very well get a Donkey Kong movie or TV show sooner than a new game at this rate.

 

[Diddy Kong]

All of the above, but am at least happy to get SOMETHING... It's a weird phase, but one am hoping to see significant changes in soon. I mean, it's inevitable right now we WILL GET SOMETHING. I had huge doubts about that before.

Also, somebody here having some high quality screenshots of the Diddy scenes of the movie? I'd like that for a new avatar.

 

[BirthNote]

All of the above, but am at least happy to get SOMETHING... It's a weird phase, but one am hoping to see significant changes in soon. I mean, it's inevitable right now we WILL GET SOMETHING. I had huge doubts about that before.

Also, somebody here having some high quality screenshots of the Diddy scenes of the movie? I'd like that for a new avatar.

Just screenshotted these off a YouTube Short.

Spoiler: Diddy and Dixie

 

[silenthunder]

Trying to get into the old donkey Kong games via watching let's plays. I'm watching all the games in order. Rn I'm on donkey Kong country 2. I also barrowed Diddy Kong racing from a co-worker. I'm having a good time with it.

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

Trying to get into the old donkey Kong games via watching let's plays. I'm watching all the games in order. Rn I'm on donkey Kong country 2. I also barrowed Diddy Kong racing from a co-worker. I'm having a good time with it.

Be sure to play DK 94 for Game Boy. While it lacks the gameplay and aesthetics of the DKC titles, its a wonderful puzzle platformer that pays tribute to the original DK arcade game while expanding on so many of its ideas; to the point where even some of the hallmarks of 3D Mario owe their roots to it.

 

[silenthunder]

Be sure to play DK 94 for Game Boy. While it lacks the gameplay and aesthetics of the DKC titles, its a wonderful puzzle platformer that pays tribute to the original DK arcade game while expanding on so many of its ideas; to the point where even some of the hallmarks of 3D Mario owe their roots to it.

I've already watched someone beat it

 

[BirthNote]

Hey everyone, I haven't been doing digital art in a while but I made something from the movie a few months back:

Mario vs Donkey Kong (Movie)

https://www.instagram.com/andrewjcay/#mario #nintendo #supermariobrosmovie #donkeykong #donkeykongcountry #art #videogames #vgmusic #retrostudios #illuminati...

youtube.com

 

[silenthunder]

Hey everyone, I haven't been doing digital art in a while but I made something from the movie a few months back:

Mario vs Donkey Kong (Movie)

https://www.instagram.com/andrewjcay/#mario #nintendo #supermariobrosmovie #donkeykong #donkeykongcountry #art #videogames #vgmusic #retrostudios #illuminati...

youtube.com

That's impressive.

 

[BirthNote]

That's impressive.

Thanks! I also just came across this animated short:

This guy made a musical not too long ago based on the DKC cartoon, so this is a great surprise.

 

[Laniv]

Finally beat Donkey Kong Country 2! Here are my thoughts on the game:

But in all seriousness, they weren't kidding when they said it was a marked improvement over Country 1. It was genuinely hard, but in a fun way that wasn't too unfair. (Disclaimer: I have not tried Animal Antics.)

 

[Diddy Kong]

Aninal Antics isn't even hard. It's fun for the most part.