Donkey Kong 64

"This game could have been the next Mario 64, but it's still a solid game."

When Donkey Kong 64 was released, there had never been a platform game of its size ever before. It was a massive game, with huge levels and lots to do. However, sometimes bigger isn't always better. While Donkey Kong 64 is in fact a solid game, it isn't perfect. You see, Donkey Kong has been around since the early 1980's. Back then, Donkey Kong was Mario's main enemy. However, over time Donkey Kong became a good guy, and began to star in several games of his own with members of his family, such as his nephew Diddy Kong. The game developer Rare, has tried to make a Donkey Kong game in the mold of Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, but they fall just short. Had this game been released when the N64 was released, you could be looking at the best game ever created. However, Mario 64 did that. Instead we have a solid game that should be played by all.

The gameplay for Donkey Kong 64 is pretty simple. Donkey Kong starts off alone, but after time he will unlock four members of his family from captivity. Each of the five Kongs has a different style, and each brings a different element to the game. Donkey Kong is your basic character and can be used in most situations. Diddy Kong can fly using an upgrade that can be found in the game. Tiny Kong can do just that, become tiny. Lanky Kong can use is long arms in special situations, and Chunky Kong can use his brute strength. The basic idea to the game is to use any character to collect regular bananas and golden bananas. Depending on the situation, different Kongs must be used to advance. Once you unlock a Kong from captivity, they are stored in a barrel. Jump into this barrel to switch to a different Kong. They are scattered around the levels. All of the Kong's can fight enemies by punching and jumping, although Donkey Kong and Chunky Kong are the best choices when going into a serious battle. You can also earn upgrades from Cranky Kong, Funky Kong, and Candy Kong. These upgrades are very important and each Kong must get them. The Kong's can also use oranges as bombs if needed. I must admit that this game is pretty hard at times, especially at the end.

The story is your basic Donkey Kong story. That is to say it's a story that we have seen in Donkey Kong games before. King K. Rool has once again stolen the Kong's supply of golden bananas. He has also kidnapped all of the Kong's except for Donkey Kong. It's up to Donkey Kong to save the day again.

The graphics are exceptional. The difference between this game and say Banjo-Kazooie is that the expansion pack is required for this game to be played. Don't worry, it's bundled with the game. Thanks to the expansion pack, this game has gotten a graphical boost. There is no fuzziness which is common with most N64 games. Instead we get clear graphics that are crisp and colorful. Also each environment is very detailed, except for the K. Rool fortress (Level 3). That level is just boring. The music is also well done. Each level has great music that fits in with that particular level. Even the over world theme is nice. I do however, hate that DK rap song at the beginning. It's a song that is just plain annoying, and has since popped up in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Donkey Konga. It's a really annoying song, and I don't understand why Nintendo keeps using it in their games. Oh well.

As I stated before, this game is pretty big. That said this adventure could take up to 15 hours to complete, and that's not even collecting everything. Collecting everything could take quite a long time. That alone adds a lot of replay value to this game. However there are also a couple of cool mini games to unlock as well. One of them is the original Donkey Kong arcade game, although controlling Mario in this game is pretty hard with the N64 controller. It is worth noting that the original Donkey Kong game can be played on the Game Boy Advance, or on Animal Crossing on the Gamecube. Those versions offer better control than the version in Donkey Kong 64.

In conclusion, I think that this game is a good platform game. If it was released only two years before, it could have been the best game ever. Instead people look at this game as just another platform game. However, it's more than that. This game is a fine addition to the already long list of Donkey Kong games and should be played by all. Unfortunately, I got this game in 2000, so my game came with the expansion pack. If you found this game used today, you're going to have to find an expansion pack as well. Still most N64 owners probably already have one. It's funny how this game is still bashed by a lot of people to this day. People do the same for the N64 Castlevania games. For some stupid reason, people think that these two franchises belong in 2D only. That could be the only reason why people bash this game so much, they can't accept it being in 3D. Still, I like the game, and so do millions of other gamers out there.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/01/05, Updated 02/22/05