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Donkey Kong 64 Review

May 7, 2025 Games, Nintendo Game, Reviews

Donkey Kong 64: Donkey Kong 64 bursts onto the N64 with a massive 3D world, five playable Kongs, and a dizzying amount of collectibles. Despite its ambitious scope and memorable DK Rap, the game's overwhelming size and focus on collecting can feel tedious at times. – superuser

8.5

von 10

2025-05-07T13:53:01+0000

Donkey Kong 64, released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 (N64), is a 3D platformer developed by Rare. It expands upon the Donkey Kong Country series with a massive world, multiple playable characters, and a focus on collecting a vast array of items. This Donkey Kong 64 N64 review explores the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and lasting appeal.

Gameplay: A Kong-Sized Adventure

Donkey Kong 64 features a large, interconnected world filled with diverse environments to explore. Players control Donkey Kong and four other Kongs: Diddy, Tiny, Lanky, and Chunky. Each Kong has unique abilities and weapons, adding variety to the gameplay. The game emphasizes collecting a multitude of items, including Golden Bananas, regular Bananas, and other collectibles.

Expansive 3D world with varied environments
Five playable Kongs, each with unique abilities
Focus on collecting a large number of items
Puzzles and challenges that utilize each Kong’s abilities

Graphics and Sound: Rare’s N64 Mastery

Developed by Rare, Donkey Kong 64 showcases the studio’s mastery of the N64 hardware. The game features colorful and detailed graphics, impressive animations, and a vibrant world. The soundtrack, composed by Grant Kirkhope, is filled with catchy tunes and memorable themes, including the iconic “DK Rap.”

Story and Characters: Saving Kong Isle

Donkey Kong 64 tells the story of Donkey Kong and his friends as they attempt to save Kong Isle from the evil King K. Rool and his Kremling army. The game features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own distinct personalities and roles in the adventure.

Legacy and Influence: A Collect-a-Thon Classic

Donkey Kong 64 is a notable example of the “collect-a-thon” genre that was popular in the late 1990s. Its massive world, multiple playable characters, and emphasis on exploration and collecting set it apart from other platformers of the time. While some criticize the game for its overwhelming number of collectibles, it remains a beloved classic for fans of Rare’s N64 games. It is considered one of the best N64 games.

Why Donkey Kong 64 is Still Enjoyable

Donkey Kong 64 on the N64 offers a unique and expansive 3D platforming experience. Its colorful world, diverse characters, and challenging gameplay provide hours of entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of the Donkey Kong series or a retro gaming enthusiast, this game is worth revisiting.