# Donkey Kong 64 - The Expansive 1999 3D Platformer
Donkey Kong 64, released on November 22, 1999, by Rare and Nintendo for the Nintendo 64, is the first 3D platformer in the *Donkey Kong* franchise, following the *Donkey Kong Country* trilogy. Directed by George Andreas, it follows Donkey Kong and four allies—Diddy, Lanky, Tiny, and Chunky Kong—as they explore DK Isle to rescue kidnapped Kongs and recover 200 Golden Bananas stolen by King K. Rool, who plans to destroy the island with his Blast-O-Matic weapon. Featuring eight expansive worlds (e.g., Jungle Japes, Fungi Forest), it requires the N64 Expansion Pak for enhanced memory. With vibrant visuals, a memorable soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope (including the infamous “DK Rap”), and 2-4 player multiplayer modes (Monkey Smash, Battle Arena), it sold 5.27 million copies and won the 1999 E3 Game Critics Award for Best Platform Game. Critics praised its scope (*IGN*: 9/10) but criticized camera issues and excessive collectibles (*GameSpot*: 8.6/10). Re-released on Wii U Virtual Console (2015).
## Why Play Donkey Kong 64?
*Donkey Kong 64* offers a massive 3D platforming adventure with five playable Kongs, each with unique abilities (e.g., Tiny’s Ponytail Twirl, Chunky’s Pineapple Launcher). Players explore open levels like Super Mario 64, collecting 200 Golden Bananas (5 per Kong per world), 40 blueprints, and other items (coins, fairies) to progress. Minigames (e.g., mine cart races, Beaver Bother) and puzzles add variety, though some are frustrating. The game includes two Animal Friends—Rambi (Donkey Kong) and Enguarde (Lanky)—for smashing or swimming challenges. Multiplayer supports 2-4 players in Monkey Smash (6 modes) and Battle Arena (4 modes), with a secret character, Krusha, unlockable via Banana Fairies. Gameplay lasts 20-30 hours for 100% completion, with high replayability for collectors. Its colorful worlds and charm shine, but backtracking, clunky camera, and collectathon tedium divide fans. X posts praise its nostalgia but note minigame frustration and aging controls.
## Key Features
- Play as 5 Kongs (Donkey, Diddy, Lanky, Tiny, Chunky) across 8 worlds and an overworld
- Collect 200 Golden Bananas, 40 blueprints, coins, and fairies; use Tag Barrels to switch Kongs
- Unique abilities (e.g., Diddy’s Jetpack, Lanky’s OrangStand) and weapons (e.g., Donkey’s Coconut Shooter)
- Multiplayer: Monkey Smash (6 modes), Battle Arena (4 modes); unlock Krusha
- Transform into Rambi (Donkey) or Enguarde (Lanky) for special tasks
- Experience authentic N64 gameplay on our retro ROM platform or Wii U Virtual Console
## Key Details and Differences
- **Gameplay**: 3D platformer with collectathon focus; each Kong collects color-coded bananas (e.g., Donkey: yellow, Chunky: green) and blueprints. Requires 100 Golden Bananas and 4 Battle Crowns to finish; 101% completion needs all 200 bananas, fairies, and coins (Nintendo, Rareware).
- **Worlds**: 8 levels (e.g., Frantic Factory, Creepy Castle) plus DK Isles overworld; Fungi Forest was originally for *Banjo-Kazooie*.
- **Expansion Pak**: First N64 game to require it (included with cartridge) for memory, not graphics enhancement; causes crashes after ~10 hours.
- **Regional Differences**: PAL version (titled *Donkey Kong Country 64* in development) has minor slowdown (50Hz vs. 60Hz); Japan’s manual omits K. Lumsy as K. Rool’s brother.
- **Compared to Banjo-Kazooie**: Similar engine, pads, and collectibles (Golden Bananas vs. Jiggies); DK64 adds character-switching, minigames, but has worse camera and more backtracking.
## Play Donkey Kong 64 Online
Adventure today! Play *Donkey Kong 64* instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using N64 emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on Wii U Virtual Console (2015) or sites like ArcadeSpot.com or EmulatorGames.net. Physical N64 copies cost $40-$80 (cart only) or $100-$200 (CIB) on eBay; Expansion Pak required. Ideal for 3D platformer fans! Note: Use Project64 or RetroArch (Mupen64Plus) for emulation; Wii U version offers better stability. For 101%, collect 15 Banana Medals to unlock *Jetpac* at Cranky’s Lab for the Rareware Coin; beat the original *Donkey Kong* arcade in Hideout Helm for the Nintendo Coin. Use Diddy’s Jetpack for easier navigation in open areas like Jungle Japes.
Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your quest now and stop K. Rool to forge the Kongs’ legacy!