# Donkey Kong Country - The Iconic 1994 Platformer *Donkey Kong Country*, released on November 21, 1994, by Rare and Nintendo for the SNES, revitalized the *Donkey Kong* franchise as a 2D platformer. Developed using pre-rendered 3D graphics from Silicon Graphics workstations, it follows Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they traverse 40 levels across six worlds (e.g., Kongo Jungle, Vine Valley) to recover their stolen banana hoard from King K. Rool and his Kremlings. Featuring tag-team gameplay, players switch between Donkey (strong, heavy) and Diddy (agile, cartwheeling) to navigate platforming challenges, ride Animal Friends (e.g., Rambi the Rhino, Enguarde the Swordfish), and collect bananas, KONG letters, and balloons. With vibrant 16-bit visuals, a legendary soundtrack by David Wise, and two-player modes (co-op or competitive), it sold 9.3 million copies, becoming the SNES’s third best-selling game. Critics lauded its graphics and gameplay (*IGN*: 8.8/10), though some noted its difficulty spikes. Re-released on GBC (2000), GBA (2003), Virtual Console (Wii, Wii U, 3DS), and Nintendo Switch Online (2020). ## Why Play Donkey Kong Country? *Donkey Kong Country* offers polished 2D platforming with tag-team mechanics, letting players swap Kongs (Donkey for breaking barrels, Diddy for tighter jumps) to tackle enemies like Klumps and bosses like Very Gnawty. Its 40 levels include diverse settings (jungles, mines, temples) with secrets like bonus rooms (67 total) and hidden exits. Animal Friends add variety (e.g., Winky the Frog for high jumps), while collecting KONG letters grants extra lives. Gameplay lasts 3-5 hours (8-12 for 101% completion, requiring all bonus rooms). Two-player modes include co-op (one controls, one waits) and competitive (alternate levels). Its groundbreaking pre-rendered graphics, fluid controls, and iconic music (e.g., “Aquatic Ambiance”) make it a must-play for retro fans, though some levels (e.g., mine cart stages) frustrate with precise timing. X posts praise its visual legacy and speedrunning community. ## Key Features - Play as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong across 40 levels in 6 worlds - Tag-team gameplay: switch Kongs; ride Animal Friends (Rambi, Enguarde, Winky, Expresso, Squawks) - Collect bananas, KONG letters, balloons; find 67 bonus rooms for 101% completion - Two-player modes: co-op (swap control) or competitive (alternate levels) - Fight 7 bosses (e.g., Queen B., King K. Rool); use barrels for attacks or secrets - Experience authentic SNES gameplay on our retro ROM platform, Switch Online, or Virtual Console ## Key Differences: SNES vs. GBC/GBA Ports - **SNES (1994)**: Original with 16-bit pre-rendered graphics, full soundtrack, 40 levels; no save system (passwords only). - **Game Boy Color (2000)**: Downgraded 8-bit visuals, compressed audio, smaller screen; adds Funky’s Fishing minigame, saves via battery. - **Game Boy Advance (2003)**: Enhanced sprites, brighter colors, save system (3 slots); adds Funky’s Fishing, Candy’s Dance Studio minigames; tweaked difficulty (e.g., easier Stop & Go Station). - **Regional Notes**: Europe’s *Probotector* branding not used; identical across regions except Japan’s earlier release (November 1994). - **Virtual Console/Switch Online**: SNES version with save states; Switch Online adds online leaderboards. ## Play Donkey Kong Country Online Swing into action today! Play *Donkey Kong Country* instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using SNES emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on Nintendo Switch Online, SNES Classic Edition, Virtual Console (Wii, Wii U, 3DS), GBA, or sites like RetroGames.cc or EmulatorGames.net. Physical SNES copies cost $20-$60 (cart only) or $80-$150 (CIB); GBA $20-$50 on eBay/Amazon. Ideal for retro platformer fans! Note: Use Snes9x or BSNES for SNES emulation, mGBA for GBA; GBA version recommended for saves, SNES for original visuals. For 101%, find bonus rooms using Diddy’s cartwheel or Rambi to break hidden walls (e.g., Oil Drum Alley). Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your adventure now and reclaim the banana hoard to forge the Kongs’ legacy!