Reviews from

in the past


This is a very memorable game, and the work Rare put in to build DK's image from basically scratch is astounding.

Unfortunately, a lot of things didn't age very well, first of all the graphics. And I'm not talking about aesthetics, that pre-renderer look can be quite charming, even though it is dated. The problem I personally have with the graphics is on the gameplay side. Sure, those sprites might be gorgeous by 1994 standards, but they take up a lot of screen real estate, and a lot of the times the hotboxes feel iffy, and you can't see obstacles just a few metres ahead of you. This makes some platforming sections a nightmare, and a lot of deaths feel really cheap, often coming from enemies that come at you from the edge of the screen in the blink of an eye.

I also found the bosses pretty uninteresting and repetitive, and the general movement mechanics could have used a bit more time in the oven. I like that donkey and diddy have some slight differences (dk can pound the earth and roll through tougher enemies, while diddy can chain cartwheels), but they are way too subtle, and the two characters feel too similar in my opinion. Not that it is a bad thing per se, but I would have appreciated it the devs explored those gameplay differences a bit more.

I have to give a shout-out to the music, which is probably the best you can find on the snes (it is currently a contender for the top spot in my favourites list, along chrono trigger).

An amazing game that still looks great today. The music really fits the locations that it's used in, and they really add to the overall atmosphere you get when traversing a level.

Até hoje me assusto com o quanto este jogo envelheceu bem para os dias de hoje.

Melhor que eu esperava, estava a muito tempo zerar esse jogo. Sempre adiei isso.
Mas agora se dedicando pra zerar, e fazendo o 101%, entendo agora a fama desse jogo kkkkk. É uma experiência curta, mas muito divertida, espero fazer o mesmo com DK 2 no futuro.

Starts super fan and awesome. Gets freakin' hard by the end and still keeps fun and awesome. This game is an absolute classic. MUST PLAY :)


One of the classics. OST is amazing in every song. Mechanically was a pioneer despite being so unfairly difficult.

Donkey Kong Country is a classic that remains a delightful romp through the jungle even decades after its initial release. With its revolutionary graphics for the time and engaging gameplay, it’s easy to see why this game has stayed in the hearts of many gamers.

The graphics, utilizing pre-rendered 3D sprites, were groundbreaking in 1994 and still hold a nostalgic charm today. The lush environments and detailed character animations contribute to a visually appealing experience that stands out even on the simple hardware of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

Gameplay is where Donkey Kong Country truly shines. The platforming mechanics are tight, and the level design is both challenging and inventive. From mine cart rides to underwater levels, the game constantly introduces new elements that keep the experience fresh. The tag-team dynamic between Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong adds a strategic layer, requiring players to utilize each character’s strengths to navigate obstacles and defeat enemies.

The soundtrack, composed by David Wise, is iconic. The music ranges from upbeat and energetic to serene and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the on-screen action and enhancing the overall immersion.

However, Donkey Kong Country isn’t without its flaws. Some levels can be frustratingly difficult, leading to repeated trial and error. The save system is also a bit dated, occasionally adding to the challenge in a way that feels more cumbersome than enjoyable.

Overall, Donkey Kong Country is a must-play for fans of platformers and retro games. Its beautiful visuals, excellent gameplay, and memorable soundtrack make it a standout title that has stood the test of time. While it may have some frustrating moments, the overall experience is rewarding and fun, earning it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

God I love this game. The artwork is incredible and the platforming is tight. Could play this game any day of the week.

Holy smokes this game was quick, but it was pretty fun overall! The level design is good, the game is charming, but most of all, the music is honestly ethereal, unreal how they did it on the SNES.