Donkey Kong 64 swung onto the Nintendo 64 in 1999, bringing Rare’s signature charm and ambition to the Kong family’s first 3D outing. It’s a game that’s bursting at the seams with collectibles, characters, and content, but revisiting it today, does it hold up as a classic, or is it weighed down by its own ambitions?
The Hook:
Donkey Kong 64 wasn’t just about going bananas—it was about redefining collect-a-thons in 3D. With a sprawling world, five playable Kongs, and more items to gather than you can shake a coconut gun at, DK64 is a platforming powerhouse that’s as divisive as it is ambitious.
The Good:
Massive Worlds:
Rare didn’t hold back when designing DK64’s levels. Each world is huge, filled with secrets, puzzles, and challenges that reward exploration. From the tropical jungle of DK Isles to the creepy corridors of Creepy Castle, every area feels distinct and packed with personality.
Five Playable Kongs:
Switching between Donkey, Diddy, Tiny, Lanky, and Chunky keeps gameplay fresh. Each Kong has unique abilities and weapons, like Diddy’s jetpack or Chunky’s massive punches, that are essential for solving puzzles and reaching new areas.
Tons of Content:
If you love collectibles, DK64 is your dream game. Golden Bananas, regular bananas, blueprints, coins, and more keep you hunting for hours. Completionists will find a lot to sink their teeth into here.
Multiplayer Madness:
The game includes a surprisingly fun multiplayer mode where you and friends can duke it out using the Kongs’ special abilities. While not as refined as Rare’s GoldenEye 007, it’s a neat bonus that adds replayability.
Nostalgic Soundtrack:
Grant Kirkhope’s score is as catchy as it is atmospheric, with tracks like "Jungle Japes" and "Frantic Factory" perfectly complementing the game’s tone. And, of course, who could forget the DK Rap? It’s so bad, it’s good.
Colorful Graphics:
For 1999, DK64 looked incredible. The detailed environments and expressive Kong animations brought Rare’s charming art style to life, pushing the Nintendo 64 hardware to its limits.
The Mixed:
Collect-a-Thon Overload:
The sheer number of collectibles is both a blessing and a curse. While it’s satisfying to find everything, having to switch Kongs constantly to collect color-coded bananas and items can feel tedious. It’s padding that not everyone will appreciate.
Camera Issues:
The camera in DK64, like many early 3D games, can be finicky. It’s not uncommon to wrestle with awkward angles, especially during precise platforming sections.
The Bad:
Repetitive Gameplay:
Despite the variety in playable characters, many objectives boil down to collecting items or hitting switches. After a while, the gameplay loop can feel repetitive, especially for those not invested in 100% completion.
Performance Problems:
Even with the N64 Expansion Pak, the game occasionally suffers from frame rate drops in large areas. It’s a minor gripe, but noticeable during intense sections.
Final Thoughts:
Donkey Kong 64 is a polarizing game. Its massive worlds, playful charm, and abundance of content make it a nostalgic gem for fans of the N64 era. However, its overwhelming number of collectibles and occasional clunkiness hold it back from being a universally beloved classic. For those who love exploration and Rare’s signature humor, it’s worth revisiting. Just be prepared for a lot of backtracking and some DK Rap earworms.
Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
What are your thoughts on Donkey Kong 64? Do you love it for its ambitious scale, or does the endless collecting drive you bananas? Let’s talk about whether this Kong-sized adventure deserves its spot in the N64 Hall of Fame!