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Key · 12-31-2022, 08:52 AM

1994

I've been looking forward to talking about this one because I have particularly fond memories of playing through this gem many times in my childhood. And I recently watched a Youtuber that I follow play through it with his brother and it was as great as I remember, to the point that I now want to play it again myself. I don't think this game in particular will ever leave my spot as being my favorite release of this year. I'm talking of course of Donkey Kong Country.

Donkey Kong Country to me nails everything it needs to nail to make a nearly perfect platformer. I say nearly perfect because the only thing holding it back is how short it is, despite having many levels to go through. What's nice about having watched somebody play through this somewhat recently is that I have a pretty fresh memory of what the game is like. And I'll tell you straight up, the feeling of nostalgia never ended. From when your selecting levels on the level select screen to the music that plays in the background of the levels, everything just feels good. And what's even crazier is that I have not played this game in many years, however watching somebody play through it, none of the game very forgotten or in other words, I remember how every level played out, and I could remember them as if I had played the game yesterday. That to me is a testament to the design of the game as a whole. Not only is it fun to play and progress through, it's also memorable and again, a true example of what a platformer should be. Plus, I've always loved playing as diddy kong because fast character + easier jumping + fun levels = great.

As far as level design goes, like I said, Donkey Kong Country absolutely nails it in every way. Some levels are notoriously difficult and will take you several attempts to go through them, and some levels are just fun to go through, and some even have weather patterns that you have to deal with. One in particular always stood out to me, and that is the levels involving snow. I always remember these levels because just the overall feel of the snow to the birds flying to the platforming, it all works together in a sublime way to make it a rich experience. Albeit difficult at times, in many ways.

The interesting thing to note about this game as well is despite the game being rather difficult at times, I'd say the game is certainly on the easier side, though I have heard that the sequels are a bit better as far as overall design goes. But, I have little to no experience with the sequels so I can't say much there. All I know, is that Donkey Kong Country will remain a favorite of mine for this year, and I don't see any way for that to change.

And thus breaks the streak of Mario games in this list. At least for now.

12-31-2022, 08:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Key . Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 13,153	1994 - Donkey Kong Country 1994 I've been looking forward to talking about this one because I have particularly fond memories of playing through this gem many times in my childhood. And I recently watched a Youtuber that I follow play through it with his brother and it was as great as I remember, to the point that I now want to play it again myself. I don't think this game in particular will ever leave my spot as being my favorite release of this year. I'm talking of course of Donkey Kong Country. Donkey Kong Country to me nails everything it needs to nail to make a nearly perfect platformer. I say nearly perfect because the only thing holding it back is how short it is, despite having many levels to go through. What's nice about having watched somebody play through this somewhat recently is that I have a pretty fresh memory of what the game is like. And I'll tell you straight up, the feeling of nostalgia never ended. From when your selecting levels on the level select screen to the music that plays in the background of the levels, everything just feels good. And what's even crazier is that I have not played this game in many years, however watching somebody play through it, none of the game very forgotten or in other words, I remember how every level played out, and I could remember them as if I had played the game yesterday. That to me is a testament to the design of the game as a whole. Not only is it fun to play and progress through, it's also memorable and again, a true example of what a platformer should be. Plus, I've always loved playing as diddy kong because fast character + easier jumping + fun levels = great. As far as level design goes, like I said, Donkey Kong Country absolutely nails it in every way. Some levels are notoriously difficult and will take you several attempts to go through them, and some levels are just fun to go through, and some even have weather patterns that you have to deal with. One in particular always stood out to me, and that is the levels involving snow. I always remember these levels because just the overall feel of the snow to the birds flying to the platforming, it all works together in a sublime way to make it a rich experience. Albeit difficult at times, in many ways. The interesting thing to note about this game as well is despite the game being rather difficult at times, I'd say the game is certainly on the easier side, though I have heard that the sequels are a bit better as far as overall design goes. But, I have little to no experience with the sequels so I can't say much there. All I know, is that Donkey Kong Country will remain a favorite of mine for this year, and I don't see any way for that to change. And thus breaks the streak of Mario games in this list. At least for now.