SNES Classic Edition

It's happening
It’s happening

Yesterday news broke that Nintendo would indeed be releasing their SNES Classic Edition starting on September 29, 2017. Last year they released their NES Classic Edition for $60 and it was a smash hit. Rumors began swirling immediately that the SNES Classic Edition wouldn’t be far behind and sure enough, it’s almost here. For the low price of $80 here’s what you get:

  • HDMI support
  • SNES (super) mini
  • Two classic SNES controllers
  • 21 classic SNES games preloaded into the system

SNESClassic

Let’s take a closer look at all 21 games, in alphabetical order.

1. CONTRA III: THE ALIEN WARS

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One of the most intense action-packed 2 player SNES games ever made. Contra III is classic run and gun mayhem. Best experienced with a friend in tow, there’s nothing like blasting alien scum to Kingdom Come as you navigate your way through some of the most memorable moments in 16-bit gaming.

2. DONKEY KONG COUNTRY

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There were three DKC games released on the SNES, with many citing the second (Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest) as their favorite. I actually prefer the first one. Call it nostalgia but it was fresh, mind blowing for its time and the difficulty was just right. A little on the easy side at times, but it cranked it up when it needed to. Mainly, I enjoyed using Donkey Kong in all his glory. Don’t forget those amazing tunes, either!

3. EARTHBOUND

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Take The Wonder Years, Peanuts, Doug, The Goonies, Dragon Quest and put them all in a blender. You’d probably get something like EarthBound. Whimsical, unique and different, EarthBound is charming and captivating as hell. But there also lies some sneaky mature themes throughout, such as the loss of innocence in a corrupt world. A classic RPG any SNES fan should play through before all is said and done.

4. FINAL FANTASY III

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Arguably the greatest 16-bit RPG ever made, Final Fantasy III is an epic adventure. It took me nearly 50 hours to beat back in 2008 when I experienced it for the first time, and I loved every second of it. Memorable characters, plot twists, haunting music… it has it all. It’s too bad the almost-just-as-good Final Fantasy II isn’t also included, though. But if you had to pick just one, they made the right choice here.

5. F-ZERO

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It may seem a little outdated today, especially to F-Zero virgins, but this blew our minds back in 1991. It still holds up well, although it is a bit bare bones. Still a good choice. The music is awesome. You could say that for most of these games, quite frankly.

6. KIRBY’S DREAM COURSE

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Of all the games featured on the SNES Classic Edition, this is the most surprising. I don’t say that disparagingly! Kirby’s Dream Course combines the best of Kirby and golf. It’s a blast to play and addicting as hell. Glad this made the cut. It doesn’t get the props it deserves. Now a larger audience will get to experience this for the first time. As well as SNES fans from the ’90s who somehow missed out on this back in the day. A definite dark horse candidate for “Game I Didn’t Expect To Sink So Many Hours On.”

7. KIRBY SUPER STAR

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Rather than one grand adventure, Kirby Super Star is a compendium of nine standalone games. It’s vintage Kirby, and it’s loads of fun.

8. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST

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A no-brainer. One of the best SNES games ever, nay, one of the best video games of all time. A masterpiece in every sense, this adventure will forever remain timeless and quintessential. Who could ever forget the first time they saw that rain come whipping down?

9. MEGA MAN X

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The best Mega Man game on the SNES. Never before could the Blue Bomber move around like he does here. The ability to scale walls, ride armored machines and even throw a Hadoken made Mega Man X one unforgettable journey.

10. SECRET OF MANA

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The first ever 3-player action RPG, Secret of Mana was a marvel for its time. It’s a great game but one that I do feel is slightly overrated. Still, the ability to play it with two friends made it something special. It’ll be interesting to see if Nintendo releases a multitap for the SNES Classic Edition. 2-player Secret of Mana is still awesome but it’d be a shame not to be able to experience it as a 3-player affair. On a side note, I much prefer the Super Famicom-only sequel, Secret of Mana 2 AKA Seiken Densetsu 3.

11. STAR FOX

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Star Fox was pretty amazing back in 1993. It’s a little rough around the edges today in 2017, but hopefully people will be able to overlook the dated visuals which were considered fairly groundbreaking for its time.

12. STAR FOX 2

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The biggest news of this SNES Classic Edition is the inclusion of never before officially released Star Fox 2. This game was programmed back in the mid ’90s but never saw the light of day as the N64 was looming over the horizon. Of course the repro of this game has been available for many years now, but it’ll be nice to have an official release (especially HDMI-supported).

13. STREET FIGHTER II TURBO

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Some people argue Super Street Fighter II is better, but I’ll take Street Fighter II Turbo. Street Fighter II created a revolution, but it was Turbo that refined it. For my money this is hands down the best fighting game on the SNES. So many sore thumbs and even more sore egos courtesy of this game back in 1993. Good times.

14. SUPER CASTLEVANIA IV

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It’s a little slow and the visuals are a bit outdated by today’s standards, but this was the definitive Castlevania game for many folks prior to Symphony of the Night. Being able to swing Simon’s whip in all directions made controlling him a breeze and loads of fun. There’s a beautiful simplicity to this game. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy taking down Count Dracula?

15. SUPER GHOULS ‘N GHOSTS

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Probably the hardest game of this list, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts suffers from some slowdown but still provides one hell, pardon the pun, of a romp through some ghastly levels. I’m glad this game made the list. It’s a classic but often slightly overlooked in lieu of some bigger names such as Super Metroid and Contra III. Well deserved, Sir Arthur. Well deserved. You’ll terrorize a whole new generation of gamers. Congrats, good sir.

16. SUPER MARIO KART

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The Mario Kart franchise is one of the most beloved of all time. It’s so good that it attracts even the most casual of gamers. There’s something very likable about the characters from the Mario universe, the various weapons and imaginative course designs that constantly bring people back for more and more. This is where it all started — it’s the granddaddy of all Mario Kart games. Still playable after all these years!

17. SUPER MARIO RPG: LEGEND OF THE SEVEN STARS

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Mario in an RPG? Nuts. Bowser as a playable good guy? Even more nuts. Yet it all works, to no one’s surprise. Super Mario RPG brings timing to the RPG party as well as some wacky, lovable characters. A good time for sure.

18. SUPER MARIO WORLD

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Released on the Super Famicom’s Launch Day of November 21, 1990, Super Mario World is still as playable today as it was nearly 30 years ago. Shigeru Miyamoto knows how to make a damn good video game, and his fingerprints are all over this one. Great visuals, amazing music and smooth gameplay. Can’t ask for much more.

19. SUPER METROID

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If there were a Super Nintendo Mount Rushmore, anyone who doesn’t include Super Metroid automatically has their list disqualified. You just can’t talk about the very best SNES games without mentioning this 24 MEG GEM. Adventure, atmosphere, gun slinging, exploration, Super Metroid has it all. And that is all.

20. SUPER PUNCH-OUT!!

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Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! was one of the best NES games ever made. Its sequel, Super Punch-Out!!, is also an excellent arcade-like take on the sport of boxing. It’s all about patterns, timing, memorization and execution. While the new boxers here may lack the personality of the NES game, it’s still one of my favorites and I’m happy to see it made the list.

21. YOSHI’S ISLAND

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Aside from baby Mario’s incredibly annoying crying whenever he’s dismounted, Yoshi’s Island is a daring and brilliant deviation from the standard Mario game formula. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I find it equally as splendid as Super Mario World — just in slightly different ways.

TOP NINE SNUBS

The NES Classic Edition had 30 games, but the SNES Classic Edition only carries 21. However, the 21 games here are obviously much lengthier than the ones found on the NES edition. While the 21 games represented are great choices, there are a few glaring omissions. Whether due to licensing or whatever, here are nine great SNES games (in alphabetical order) that are conspicuous by their absence.

Oh, and before we begin, I will refrain from including the following two titles due to the simple fact that it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting any sort of multitap with the SNES Classic Edition. While both these games are still great as 2-player games, the real magic comes with a room of 4.

NBA Jam T.E.
NBA Jam T.E.
Super Bomberman
Super Bomberman

1. ACTRAISER

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An early first generation title and a classic one at that. ActRaiser switches seamlessly between side-scrolling levels of good old hack and slash platforming and a simulation mode where you must help build the land and protect the people. It’s a little simplistic but it didn’t need to be complex.

2. CHRONO TRIGGER

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Perhaps the most glaring omission of all, some believe Chrono Trigger to be the best SNES game ever created. Quite a loss, then, not to have one of the very best titles ever made in 16-bit history. Although I do understand at least a little bit since Nintendo already packed in three RPGs. Still, it’s tough losing out on this one.

3. DONKEY KONG COUNTRY 2: DIDDY’S KONG QUEST

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Although I prefer the original Donkey Kong Country, I’ll concede that this does play slightly better. If you had Yoshi’s Island to go along with Super Mario World, you probably should have added this as well. Alas, poor Diddy and newcomer Dixie Kong are left hanging… [HAR HAR -Ed.]

4. THE LEGEND OF THE MYSTICAL NINJA

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Another classic 2-player SNES game from the system’s early days. Perhaps this was a little too offbeat for Nintendo to include for the mainstream, however. If that is the case, that’s a shame because the gameplay shines through and speaks for itself. Note: This game is included in the Super Famicom Classic Edition as Ganbare Goemon.

5. POCKY & ROCKY

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Hard as nails, but also super fun with a friend right alongside ya! It’s too bad this got snuffed… it would have exposed Pocky & Rocky to a brand new generation of gamers.

6. SUNSET RIDERS

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Vintage glorious 2-player gun slinging action. ‘Nuff said.

7. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES IV: TURTLES IN TIME

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Next to Chrono Trigger, this is the biggest glaring omission. Not to mention it would have been the only beat ‘em up on the SNES Classic Edition. That makes its absence all the more egregious. No beat ‘em ups represented?! That’s a crime! But I totally understand it might have been a licensing issue and Nintendo simply not wanting to pay the extra cost for the Ninja Turtles brand. Whatever the case may be, it’s a shame. This defined many of our 16-bit childhoods and is arguably the finest beat ‘em up on the SNES.

8. TETRIS ATTACK

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No puzzle games are represented either, and Tetris Attack is the best as far as I’m concerned. This inclusion would have provided endless hours of cutthroat competitive play, and it saddens me that it didn’t make the cut. Well, at least for the American release. The Super Famicom Classic Edition does include this game but under its Japanese title of Panel de Pon.

9. ZOMBIES ATE MY NEIGHBORS

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Come on, Nintendo. This is another classic childhood game for many of us who grew up in the early ’90s. Every kid played this game to death that holiday season of 1993. Sure, it may be a little overrated but it’s freaking ZOMBIES ATE MY NEIGHBORS! Nintendo, you could have even tweaked it to make it better. Think about an easier difficulty setting, a strafe button, etc. A missed opportunity any way you slice it.

10. KEN GRIFFEY JR. PRESENTS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

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This is my honorable mention. I love this game and it was also published by Nintendo. I see why it wasn’t included, though. Fake player names, outdated rosters and so forth. But damn is this game fun. Many people, even non baseball fans, still play it to this very day. It would also have been the only sports title featured in the package.

SUPER FAMICOM CLASSIC EDITION

I THINK I AM TURNING JAPANESE...
“I THINK I AM TURNING JAPANESE…”

In Japan, the system will include Panel de Pon (Tetris Attack)Fire Emblem: Mystery of the EmblemGanbare Goemon: The Legend of the Mystical NinjaSuper Soccer, and Super Street Fighter II. These titles replace EarthBoundKirby’s Dream CourseStreet Fighter II Turbo, Super Castlevania IV, and Super Punch-Out!! from the US model.

Super Punch-Out!! was never released in Japan. Strange but true. I guess they’re keeping true to form 20+ years later…

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Welcome back, dear old friend
Welcome back, dear old friend

For $80 this is an insane bargain. Having 21 classic SNES titles, with HDMI support, in one tiny system is greatly appealing particularly to those who don’t already own these classics. You’re talking less than $4 a game, and that’s not including the system. Sadly, the NES Classic Edition suffered from lack of production and over demand, causing scalpers to swoop in and take advantage. Preorders for the SNES Classic Edition are going fast and resellers are everywhere posed to capitalize. $300 markups would be a safe bet. Of course, when you consider some of these games sell TODAY for close to $300 individually, $300 might still seem like a good deal for 21 games. And it is, at less than $15 a game. But it would be a shame to pay $300 for something that is retailing for just $80. As always, it’s a call only the individual can make. I already own all these games so I’d pass if the asking price is $300, but at $80 I would probably bite. But what are the odds I’ll be able to find one for $80? Probably not high.

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But on a more happy note, I’m just ecstatic that my favorite console, the Super Nintendo, is back in the mainstream spotlight. I expect a ton of nostalgia to overcome young adults in their 30s who see this package and go “Oh wow, I haven’t played these games in 20, 25 years!” It just makes me happy knowing the SNES will once again bask in the glow of the spotlight. Nintendo plans to stop production of these Classic Editions at the end of 2017, so the spotlight will be short-lived, but it’s nice knowing come September a lot of casual people will be buying a Super Nintendo in 20-freaking-17. And who knows, it may lead to something bigger. At the very least, exposure never hurts and it thrills me that younger generations of gamers will have a chance to play and appreciate these classics. That’s a definite win in my book!

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EXTRA EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Speaking of SNES comebacks...
Speaking of SNES comebacks…

By the way, it recently came to my attention that BS Shockman is getting an official Super Famicom release June of 2017! Wow! The SNES scene is booming right now in a way we haven’t seen in a long time. BS Shockman is also known as BS Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman Zero. Check out my review for more info.

Fun 2-player game worth checking out
Fun 2-player game worth checking out

Rock on, SNES. Rock the f*ck on.

Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

Pub: Nintendo | Dev: Rare | November 1994 | 32 MEGS
Pub: Nintendo | Dev: Rare | November 1994 | 32 MEGS

Released on November 21, 1994 — the four year anniversary of the Super Famicom — Donkey Kong Country ushered in a new era of SNES gaming. Using pre-rendered 3D graphics and a technique known as ACM (Advanced Computer Modeling), Nintendo pushed DKC as an answer to the 32-bit war machines looming over the horizon. Nintendo’s message was loud and clear: 16-bit ain’t dead yet. No, as a matter of fact, 16-bit has a lot left in the tank. Donkey Kong Country is arguably the most hyped game to ever come out on the SNES. One thing is for sure: it’s the second best selling game on the system. Moving NINE MILLION copies, it’s second in sales only to Super Mario World. So whether you love DKC or find it overrated, there’s no denying the game was a commercial smash hit in every respect of the word. Let us return to the jungle…

HOW RARE REINVENTED 16-BITS

Hard to believe this was running on our SNES!
Hard to believe this was running on our SNES!

In the fall of 1994, Donkey Kong Country dominated the gaming press. You couldn’t pick up a video game magazine without seeing DKC on the front cover. It was a revolutionary effort set to redefine 16-bit gaming as we knew it. Magazines like EGM and GameFan hyped it beyond the moon. The screenshots looked absolutely amazing. We never thought such visuals were possible on the SNES and nearly crapped our pants the first time we saw it live in the flesh. It’s one of those moments in your gaming fandom that you never forget.

Here's to 10 more years! :D
DKC was simply breathtaking

One of my favorite memories with this game came over 20 years ago. My old best friend Nelson was in love with Donkey Kong Country. I vividly remember one frosty Friday morning Nelson and I were chatting on the playground before school. Nelly said, “I’m buying Donkey Kong Country after school. I’ve been dying to play a good adventure game!” For some reason that always stuck with me. When I think about Donkey Kong Country, the very first word that comes to mind is adventure. From snowy mountains to lush treetops to shark-infested waters, this game exudes ADVENTURE. Whether you control Donkey or Diddy Kong, one thing is for sure… it’s going to be one hell of an adventure. At the end of the day, isn’t that what video games are all about?

And what an adventure it was
And what an adventure it was  :)

IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT…

Looks like EGM got wasted on the "waisted" part there...
Looks like EGM got wasted on the waisted part there
Thankfully, you rescue and play as Diddy Kong early on
Thankfully, you rescue and play as Diddy early on

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The dynamic duo!
The dynamic duo!

OTHER KONGS IN THE JUNGLE

Funky cornered the market. That's a dude I'd trust...
Funky cornered the market. That’s a dude I’d trust…
Candy, a sweetie, will save your game free of charge
Candy, a sweetie, will save your game free of charge
Cranky is the original Donkey Kong now aged
Cranky is the original Donkey Kong now aged
He's Cranky all right. Pal, try nearly 10 MILLION sold!
He’s Cranky all right. Pal, try nearly 10 million sold!
"Yo Cranky, UP YOURS!" I'd say these guys did alright
“Yo Cranky, UP YOURS!”  I’d say these guys did alright

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LEVEL 1: JUNGLE HI-JINXS

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I love having multiple ways to kill an enemy
I love having multiple ways to kill an enemy
A sight for sore eyes!
A sight for sore eyes!

Barrels featuring the letters DK unlocks your partner (if necessary). These barrels somehow always seem to be positioned just right on most stages. A job well done by Rare who clearly thought out each centimeter of their game with meticulous care.

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Break the barrel to free a young and vibrant sidekick by the name of Diddy Kong. Now you can switch off to play as either Diddy or Donkey. Diddy is faster and can jump a bit farther than Donkey, but Donkey has the power advantage. Donkey can kill certain enemies that Diddy can’t. The differences in the two add to the fun and strategy of the game.

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Rescue animal friends throughout the levels to assist you in your quest. The first being Rambi the raging Rhino! These animal friends each have their own pros and cons. Rambi is one of my favorites. It’s tough to beat riding a rhino and goring the hell out of anything that gets in your way.

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Hidden bonus rooms are scattered throughout. Try to find them all.

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Cranky Kong interjects with his classic “back in MY day” spiel. I love how he breaks the fourth wall. Back in 1994 this blew my 11-year-old mind.

LEVEL 2: ROPEY RAMPAGE

A tropical thunderstorm has turned into a downpour
A tropical thunderstorm made this level atmospheric
The sound effect upon impact is just the best
The sound effect upon impact is just the best

LEVEL 3: REPTILE RUMBLE

Slippas are satisfying to kill due to the sound effect
Slippas are satisfying to kill due to the sound effect
Break the barrel to free Diddy AND kill a bad guy
Break the barrel to free Diddy AND kill a bad guy
Being a sidekick isn't always great, as seen here...
Being a sidekick isn’t always great, as seen here…

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Barrels can be used to find hidden bonus rooms. Be experimental!

LEVEL 4: CORAL CAPERS

Thanks, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES! (NES)
Thanks, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (NES)

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Where's Cranky Kong when you need him?
Where’s Cranky Kong when you need him?
Not to mention the soundtrack as well. Ahhh
Not to mention the soundtrack as well. Ahhhh
No wonder he's such a fan favorite
No wonder he’s such a fan favorite
This level restores my faith in water-based stages
This level restores my faith in water-based stages

STAGE 5: BARREL CANNON CANYON

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Barrel Cannon Canyon (try saying that fast five times) is, as one might expect, littered with a classic Donkey Kong Country staple: barrel cannons. Some spit you out instantly while others rotate continuously, forcing you to manually leap out. Timing is everything!

You get a bonus life if you clear eight in a row
You get a bonus life if you clear eight in a row
Barrel cannons were to DKC á la shells and Mario
Barrel cannons were to DKC á la shells to Mario

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Zingers made going from one barrel to the next a bit more difficult. Laugh it up while you still can. Because later on you won’t be laughing so much…

LEVEL 6: VERY GNAWTY’S LAIR

Oh, Rare. You witty little chaps, you!
Oh, Rare. You witty little chaps, you!
You almost feel bad hurting the poor guy. Almost
You almost feel bad hurting the poor guy. Almost

LEVEL 7: WINKY’S WALKWAY

It's a small detail but it sticks in my mind 20+ years later
It’s a small detail but I remember it 20+ years later

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LEVEL 8: MINE CART CARNAGE

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It claimed many lives, and even some controllers...
It claimed many lives, and even some controllers…

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LEVEL 9: BOUNCY BONANZA

Diddy is just loaded with charm and personality
Diddy is just loaded with charm and personality
I like how he holds the barrel out instead of over
I like how he holds the barrel out instead of over
[Hey, I'm just returning the favor from earlier! -Diddy]
[Hey, I’m just returning the favor from earlier! -Diddy]
He's loaded with charm, but not so much brains...
He’s loaded with charm, but not so much brains…
Small gimmick here and there helps keep DKC fresh
Small gimmicks here and there helps keep DKC fresh
[Only reason I've kept you around all these years -Ed.]
[Only reason I’ve kept you around all these years -Ed.]

LEVEL 10: STOP & GO STATION

[On second thought, perhaps longevity IS overrated! -Ed.]
[On second thought, perhaps longevity is overrated -Ed.]
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Interesting gimmick here. The rock-like monsters with red glowing eyes cannot be killed. You have no choice but to skillfully avoid them. Do this by touching the various barrels carefully positioned throughout. When you touch a barrel to stop, Rockkrocs assume the fetal position, allowing you just enough time to safely pass by. It’s a nice change of pace.

DKC has a decent deal of variety to spice things up
DKC has a decent deal of variety to spice things up

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LEVEL 11: MILLSTONE MAYHEM

Diddy is too weak to kill Krusha. But TNT barrels will
Diddy is too weak to kill Krusha. But TNT barrels will

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[Diddy's facial expression there matches mine -Ed.]
[Diddy’s facial expression there matches mine -Ed.]

LEVEL 12: NECKY’S NUTS

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LEVEL 13: VULTURE CULTURE

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[The Tammy twins beg to differ... -Ed.]
[The Tammy twins beg to differ… -Ed.]
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LEVEL 14: TREE TOP TOWN

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Someone at Rare was a huge fan of Ewok Village...
Someone at Rare was a huge fan of Ewok Village…

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Barrel cannons galore — only the boldest of adventurers will pass.

LEVEL 15: FOREST FRENZY

The screen scrolls automatically here
The screen scrolls automatically here
Collision detection is fairly generous
Collision detection is fairly generous

LEVEL 16: TEMPLE TEMPEST

Some break dance but only one can do it with a millstone
Only Diddy can break dance with a millstone
Some clichés never get old
Some clichés never get old

LEVEL 17: ORANG-UTAN GANG

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At five, this level has the most hidden bonus rooms
At five, this level has the most hidden bonus rooms
Such a gorgeous level!
Such a gorgeous level — love it!

LEVEL 18: CLAM CITY

Who could forget the music for these underwater levels?
The underwater levels had such soothing music

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The sound effect is perfect, too. It's the little things!
The sound effect is perfect, too. It’s the little things!

LEVEL 19: BUMBLE B. RUMBLE

B stands for Bee? [I was thinking something else... -Ed.]
B stands for bee [I was thinking something else… -Ed.]
[Like my ex-wife -Ed.] Which one? [You got jokes -Ed.]
[Like my ex-wife -Ed.]  Which one?  [You got jokes -Ed.]

More bosses await...
More bosses await…

LEVEL 20: SNOW BARREL BLAST

Particularly if you try to beat it without the shortcut
Particularly if you try to beat it without the shortcut

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... and then SHIT JUST GOT REAL. Bless that shortcut...
… and then SHIT JUST GOT REAL. Bless that shortcut…

EXTRA EXTRA — READ ALL ABOUT IT!

33 levels + 67 bonus rooms + one final boss = 101%
33 levels + 67 bonus rooms + one final boss = 101%
Can you find all 67 bonus rooms?
Can you find all 67 bonus rooms?

“B-B-BUT IT’S TOO EASY!”

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Many found Donkey Kong Country to be too easy. Rare probably knew that as well, because they weren’t afraid to poke fun at themselves. While I do agree it was easy on the whole, there are a few levels sure to kick your ass.

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Cranky breaks the fourth wall, AGAIN. What an endearing character!

Amazingly prophetic, I now understand how he feels
Amazingly prophetic, I now understand how he feels

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID

Donkey Kong Country quickly developed a mystique
Donkey Kong Country quickly developed a mystique

Donkey Kong Country was a critical and commercial success. Prior to its release, the hype surrounding it was off the charts. It graced endless gaming magazine covers. And not surprisingly, Donkey Kong Country was met with rave reviews. EGM awarded it Game of the Month with scores of 10, 9, 9 and 9. GameFan gave it a perfect trifecta. It scored 100, 100 and 100%. Super Play was a bit less than overly impressed, but still gave it a robust 90%. The hype for Donkey Kong Country stirred much gaming discourse, lifting the game to nearly mythic proportions even before it could reach gaming stores worldwide.

Yup, the hype was MASSSIVE. King Kong proportions!
Yup, the hype was MASSIVE. King Kong proportions!
EGM didn't hand out 10s too often...
EGM was stingy with their 10s…
But not so much GameFan. Still, impressive
Not so much GameFan. Impressive, nevertheless

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American magazines loved it. Let's see if Super Play did
DKC was EVERYWHERE in late 1994. What a time…
Classic Super Play: praising while pumping the brakes
Vintage Super Play: praise while pumping the brakes
EGM and GameFan were easier to please than SPLAY
EGM and GameFan were easier to please than SPLAY
Nintendo Power rated it #39 in its Top 100
Nintendo Power rated it #39 in its Top 100

WHAT *YOU* SAID

Whichever your favorite, you can't go wrong with any
Really can’t go wrong with any of them

Curious as to see what my readers consider to be their favorite DKC game, I put it to the test with a survey years ago. The results of the poll were pretty much what I expected, and matched overall online consensus. Donkey Kong Country received the most votes at 39.3%. Diddy’s Kong Quest finished just a hair behind with 37.5%. And Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble came in last, with a respectable 23.2%. From my online travels over the years across various retro gaming forums, when discussion of the DKC trilogy pops up, it seems to be a dead even tie between the first and second games as people’s favorite. Those who prefer the first game find it to be most “pure” of all, plus the nostalgia never hurts.

OK I like the first DKC best
OK so I like the first DKC best

Folks who prefer Donkey Kong Country 2 love it for its refined and more difficult gameplay. They tend to also prefer controlling Dixie (with her smooth hair spinning ways) over the bigger and more cumbersome Donkey Kong. Last but not least, there’s even a small pocket of fans who claim Donkey Kong Country 3 to be the best of the trilogy. They often cite it as having the best graphics and the most satisfying level design.

This game is on fire [You're fired -Ed]
DKC is on fire… [You’re fired -Ed]
I can see the argument for all three games — it’s just a matter of personal taste. There’s no right or wrong answer. Myself, I agree with the majority. The first game is my favorite in the series. I concede that perhaps Donkey Kong Country 2 does play a bit better overall, but for pure fun and enjoyment there’s nothing like the original. The first one has a special spot in my heart and that will never change.

None of them however can touch Super Mario World
None of them however can touch Super Mario World

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Donkey Kong Country ended 1994 with a bang
Donkey Kong Country ended 1994 with a bang

Donkey Kong Country isn’t the mega epic adventure it was hyped up to be back in ’94, but it’s definitely a great overall package. I love the sense of adventure that it exudes — lush jungles, snow-capped mountains, mining caverns and more bring the action to vibrant life. The game’s adventurous atmosphere resonates deeply with me. The journey that Donkey and Diddy Kong embarked on left an indelible mark on countless gaming hearts. Rare did wonders on the Super Nintendo that few thought was even possible. By the end of 1994, with the 32-bit era looming, Donkey Kong Country stood as a proud testament to the power and potential still remaining in Nintendo’s trusty old 16-bit wonder. Do not go gentle into that good night. Your time is no doubt coming soon, 32-bit, but DAMNIT — NOT TODAY!!

You had to be there back in '94 to fully appreciate it
You had to be there back in 1994 to fully appreciate it

Some complain that the game is too easy. I’ve always cared more about how fun a game is rather than its difficulty. Whether it’s easy or hard, if it’s fun then I’m sure to play it. And do so with a big fat grin on my face. I love romping through the diverse world of Donkey Kong Country. It’s one of those games where you can race straight to the exit or you can take your sweet time carefully uncovering all of the secrets. It’s as basic or complex as you want it to be. The game has a lot more depth than one might initially think. DKC has layers of substance behind the style and to me that’s the mark of a great game. The visuals were revolutionary for its time (hell, I still think it looks awesome today) but more importantly the gameplay holds up to this very day. It may not be one of the top 10 greatest Super Nintendo games but it’s certainly a bonafide SNES classic.

A thumping adventure!
It’s worth beating your chest for

The additions of Diddy Kong and a fun diverse group of animal allies round out a remarkable adventure. Diddy was an instant star. Switching between Donkey or Diddy was seamless and smooth, helping to make Donkey Kong Country feel different from other platformers of its era. And of course, that soundtrack. Some of the most memorable tunes in all of SNES lore. While not a flawless masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, Donkey Kong Country is a fantastic game that has stood the test of time. Even more than 20 years later it’s still as fun to play today as it was back in the fall of 1994. Well done, Rare. Well done.

Graphics: 10
Sound: 9
Gameplay: 9
Longevity: 8

Overall: 9.0

Gold Award
Gold Award

 

 

A shining example of greatness
A shining example of greatness

DKC107

DKC108

DKC 2: Diddy's Kong Quest review coming soon(-ish)...
DKC 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest review coming soon(-ish)…
DKC has a track that reminds me of Field of Dreams
DKC has a track that reminds me of Field of Dreams

Give both a listen for yourself…

Listen to the first 10 seconds in particular…

Pretty similar, right? I love both tracks. They’re so whimsical and fun ^_^

See you in the sequel!
The tree stooges strikes again  ;)