Platformer Update

Developer: Rare
Publisher: Nintendo
Year: 1999
Fun Fact: sold over 5 million copies worldwide

DK64 is a game that immediately invites several comparisons. First off, how does it compare to Super Mario 64, released three years earlier? Second, how does it compare to Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie, an N64 3D platformer released by Rare in 1998? And finally, and perhaps most importantly, how does it compare to Donkey Kong Country, DK64’s prequel on the Super NES? Unfortunately, DK64 falls short when compared to each and all of these games.

Read the rest of the Review:

The entire Donkey Kong Country series is obviously Rare’s take on Super Mario, and DK64 clearly uses a modified version of the Super Mario 64 engine. Perhaps by ‘modified’ I really mean ‘mangled’. For reasons I can’t fathom, almost any object that’s more than, say, 10 feet away is invisible. Take another step toward it and *pop* there it is. This was not an issue in SM64, a game that, unlike DK64, did not use the N64 expansion pak, let alone require it, as DK64 does. Second, the controls are very floaty. Mario controlled perfectly and he moved quickly in his 64 game. DK and his partners float slowly through the air when they jump. They take a long time to land, even though most of them can’t jump anywhere near as far or high as Mario.

Banjo-Kazooie was a very creative game, with manic enemies and cheesy, yet distinct humor. Its motifs were unique but something about the feel of the game invoked memories of Donkey Kong Country. No wonder, as the DKC creative team was largely responsible for its development. Unfortunately, DK64 was created by another team within Rare. Oops! It shows, too, as any consistencies between DKC and DK64 are merely forced, like the occasional mine cart race or the occasional Kremling.

So how does DK64 rate on its own merits? When not compared to anything, DK64 can be viewed as pretty good but only in small doses. DK64 is a ridiculous collectathon and this sort of gameplay wears away at enthusiasm and energy. You must alternate between five different apes/monkeys. On many occasions you will see an item but can’t pick it up because you’re NOT THE RIGHT MONKEY. So you have to travel far away and switch to the other ape and return to that area. This is ridiculous as most of these items have nothing to do with a unique skill related to each monkey.

The levels are huge and semi-interesting but fail to invoke the sense of wonder that SM64 accomplishes. And exploring these areas is basically a chore unless you happen to be controlling Diddy Kong. This game seems to have all the pieces available but put in the wrong place. If you’re obsessed with 3D platformers or Mario/Donkey Kong you should check it out but only in small doses. And only after you’ve played through SM64, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, Banjo-Kazooie and so on.

Grade: C+
Personal conclusion: Pretty disappointing!

-Matt