Donkey Kong (series)

From the Super Mario Wiki, the Mario encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search

Template:Articleabout Template:Series-infobox The Donkey Kong series follows the adventures of Donkey Kong and his friends. The first game in the series, Donkey Kong, is also considered the first game of the Mario series, as it actually starred Mario (known as "Jumpman"), while Donkey Kong was the villain.

Like the Mario series, the Donkey Kong series is a media franchise made up of video games, comics and cartoons. After the initial series of arcade and Game & Watch titles (many of which included Mario), the series ended until Rare, Ltd. created Donkey Kong Country, which was drastically different than the earlier Donkey Kong games: it focused solely on Donkey Kong and his kin, and was set in and around their jungle home on Donkey Kong Island. This led to two more games in the Donkey Kong Country series, three similar Donkey Kong Land games, and various other installations and spin-offs.

Three spin-offs to the series, Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers, Diddy Kong Pilot and Donkey Kong Racing were canceled. The series faced a five year hiatus until Nintendo EAD released Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Since then, Paon and Retro Studios have taken Rare's place and kept the series alive.

List of Games in the Series

1981-1989

Title, original release and system Description
Donkey Kong

File:Donkey Kong NES Cover.PNG

Shigeru Miyamoto created Donkey Kong. In this game, Donkey Kong was the antagonist who kidnapped Mario's girlfriend (Pauline). It was later ported to the many home systems including the Atari 2600, the Collecovison and the Nintendo Entertainment System. This is a simple platformer, where the player must control Mario while jumping and avoiding obstacles and making it into Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong was Nintendo's first big success and influenced Nintendo to continue making successful games.
Template:ReleasedateArcade Machine
Donkey Kong Jr.

File:Donkey Kong Jr. NES Cover.PNG

The following year, another arcade game was created, Donkey Kong Jr.. This time, the roles were reversed. Mario was the villain, and DK was a damsel in distress. Here, Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong's son, had to save his kidnapped father from Mario. The gameplay is the same as the original Donkey Kong; Donkey Kong Jr. must avoid traps set off by Mario to save Donkey Kong by jumping and simply avoiding them.
Template:ReleasedateArcade Machine
Donkey Kong II

GaW DK2.png

Donkey Kong II was a Game & Watch game that was very similar to Donkey Kong Jr. It was based on the third and fourth levels of Donkey Kong Jr. and had the same plotline, but Mario was absent. Its gameplay involved Donkey Kong Jr. unlocking several chains to free Donkey Kong.
Template:Releasedate Game & Watch
Donkey Kong 3

File:DK3 Cover.jpg

Donkey Kong 3 was the third installment of the Donkey Kong series, where Stanley fought DK. This game differed from its predecessors in that it is a shooter/platformer hybrid and did not include Mario as a character.
Template:ReleasedateArcade Machine
Donkey Kong Jr. Math

Dk jr math box.jpg

Donkey Kong Jr. Math was Donkey Kong Jr.'s second game released in 1983 for the NES. Donkey Kong will hold up a sign, and Donkey Kong Jr. must find the numbers and math sign to get to that number to get a point.
Template:ReleasedateNES
Donkey Kong Circus

A screenshot of the product Donkey Kong Circus from the Game & Watch series

Donkey Kong Circus is a Game & Watch title released as part of the Panorama series. Donkey Kong has been captured by Mario from his home and forced to put on a circus show to entertain the masses.
Template:ReleasedateGame & Watch
Donkey Kong Hockey

File:DKHockey.png

Donkey Kong Hockey is one of the few two-player Game & Watch games ever manufactured. Donkey Kong and Mario must engage each other in a two-player game of Ice Hockey.
Template:ReleasedateGame & Watch

1990-2000

Title, original release and system Description
Donkey Kong (Game Boy)

File:Dmgdqa.jpg

Donkey Kong (also known as Game Boy Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong '94) is the first Donkey Kong Game Boy Game in the series. This game is based on the original Donkey Kong but is made longer.
Template:ReleasedateGame Boy
Donkey Kong Country

North American box art for Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country is a game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Released in 1994, it is known for being the first game to use pre-rendered sprites, creating a 3D effect throughout the game. It is the first game in the Donkey Kong Country series, with three sequels, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. It also has a similar semi-sequel, titled Donkey Kong Land. The game stars Donkey Kong, along with his buddy, Diddy Kong, in his debut, as the two travel across Donkey Kong Island in search for the Banana Hoard. The game was remade for the Game Boy Color in 2000, and was also remade again for the Game Boy Advance in 2003. The two remakes feature some new Bonus Games, the ability to save in the overworld, and several more new elements. Donkey Kong Country was also released on the Wii's Virtual Console in 2006, being the same as the original version.
Template:ReleasedateSNES
Donkey Kong Land

File:UnitedStatesDKL65.jpg

Donkey Kong Land was the first installment of the Donkey Kong Land series, where is was a completely new and original follow-up to the game Donkey Kong Country. This is Cranky Kong's only time being an antagonist, because he was so jealous of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong's success from the previous game, he told them he would never cut in on an 8-bit system (the system being the Game Boy (8-bit)), and told King K. Rool to steal bananas from the Banana Hoard.
Template:ReleasedateGame Boy
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

North American box art for Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest is the second Donkey Kong Country game for the Super Nintendo. It is the sequel of Donkey Kong Country and is also the predecessor to Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The game has a Game Boy pseudo-sequel, Donkey Kong Land 2, that was released one year after the original. It was released in 1995 and stars Diddy Kong, as he and his partner, Dixie Kong, make their way through Crocodile Isle to save Donkey Kong from the Kremling Krew. In 2004, a remake of the game was made for the Game Boy Advance. It features several differences, including the addition of photographs and extra DK Coins. Later in 2007, the game was remade on the Virtual Console to play on the Wii system.
Template:ReleasedateSNES
Donkey Kong Land 2

Donkey Kong Land 2 boxart

Donkey Kong Land 2 is a video game developed by Rareware and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. Released in September 1996, it is a sequel to Donkey Kong Land, a predecessor to Donkey Kong Land III, and the handheld follow-up of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. Like its predecessor, the game features a yellow cartridge and Super Game Boy special features, giving the game a special banana border when played on a Super Game Boy.
Template:ReleasedateGame Boy
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! is the third game in the popular Donkey Kong Country game series. It is the sequel to Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. It also has a semi-sequel for the Game Boy, Donkey Kong Land III, as well another sequel, Donkey Kong Country Returns, for the Wii. The game stars Dixie Kong and her little cousin, Kiddy Kong, as they travel through the numerous lands of the Northern Kremisphere in order to rescue Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong from the Kremling Krew and their new leader, KAOS.
Template:ReleasedateSNES
Donkey Kong Land III

The front box art for Donkey Kong Land III

Donkey Kong Land III (or Donkey Kong Land 3) is a video game for the Game Boy released by Nintendo in 1997. Loosely based on the Super Nintendo game, Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, it is the third and final entry in the Donkey Kong Land series. Like previous games in the series, it features enhancements for the Super Game Boy and is housed in a yellow cartridge. The original Game Boy game was never released in Japan, however, it was eventually ported to the Game Boy Color and released in Japan on January 28, 2000 as Donkey Kong GB: Dinky Kong & Dixie Kong.
Template:ReleasedateGame Boy
Diddy Kong Racing

North American boxart for Diddy Kong Racing

Diddy Kong Racing is a game for Nintendo 64. Like the Mario Kart series, Diddy Kong Racing is a racing game, but makes use of airplanes, hovercrafts, and cars; it is also the first game of the Donkey Kong Racing series. The game has a story mode, multiplayer modes, and a variety of characters (many from Rare series), such as Diddy Kong, Banjo, Tiptup, and Conker, but not Donkey Kong. The game was a success that earned it a Player's Choice title and a remake for the Nintendo DS.
Template:ReleasedateNintendo 64
Donkey Kong 64

File:DK64Europe65.png

Donkey Kong 64 was Donkey Kong's first debut into the 3D world. Here, he takes along other friends, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong. King K. Rool is trying to destroy the DK Isle. The 5 Kongs stop King K. Rool from doing so in this 3D platformer, and they also collect a ton of items to help them on their adventure. This game also features several minigames and even a multiplayer mode.

Template:ReleasedateNintendo 64

2001-present

Title, original release and system Description
Donkey Konga

Dkk.jpg

Donkey Konga is a Donkey Kong game for the Nintendo GameCube. It is the first game to feature the Bongos. The game spawned two sequels Donkey Konga 2 and Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku, the latter of which was released in Japan only.
Template:ReleasedateGameCube
Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Mvd.jpg

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a game for the Game Boy Advance. The game brings back Mario and Donkey Kong's rivalry from the Mario series' first game, Donkey Kong. The game's sequels are Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis for the Nintendo DS, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! for Nintendo DSiWare, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! for the Nintendo DS
Template:ReleasedateGame Boy Advance
Donkey Konga 2

Donkey Konga 2 game-cover.

Donkey Konga 2 is a Donkey Kong game for the Nintendo GameCube. This game is the follow-up of Donkey Konga, and has a japanese sequel called Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku.
Template:ReleasedateGameCube
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

Dkjunglb.jpg

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is the first successful GameCube title starring Donkey Kong. This game uses DK Bongos to play, an innovative way to control the characters in the game and also a very simple way to play. This game was developed shortly after Rare left Nintendo, as they were bought out by Microsoft. As a result, no old characters from the previous Donkey Kong games returned. This game was later released on the Wii under the New Play Control! series.
Template:ReleasedateGameCube
DK: King of Swing

File:KingofSwingEuropeBox65.png

DK: King of Swing was released, and it featured the return of King K. Rool and Cranky Kong. It is a puzzle game, similar to that of Clu Clu Land, but has a more "adventure" type feel. Donkey Kong and his friends must swing across boards of pegs, while accumulating items, to clear levels.
Template:ReleasedateGame Boy Advance
Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku

Game cover art of the Nintendo GameCube game, Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku

Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku is the third musical video game of the Donkey Konga series for the Nintendo GameCube. To play it, the Players have to use the Gamecube controller extension in the form of bongo drums. A bit related to the Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix, players are expected to hit the drums with the beat of a song. There are fifty-seven songs to play, and six playable characters. Players are also expected to clap at parts of the beat.
Template:ReleasedateGameCube
Donkey Kong: Jungle Fever

Game logo

Donkey Kong: Jungle Fever is a Japan-only Donkey Kong arcade game made in 2005 and sequel to Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat. The game received another Japan-only arcade sequel titled Donkey Kong: Banana Kingdom.
Template:ReleasedateArcade
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis

North American box art for Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is a puzzle game and the sequel to Mario vs. Donkey Kong. The game is for the Nintendo DS, and the prequel to Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!. It was released on September 25, 2006.
Template:ReleasedateNintendo DS
Donkey Kong: Banana Kingdom

The logo for Donkey Kong: Banana Kingdom.

Donkey Kong: Banana Kingdom is a Japan-only Donkey Kong game found in the arcade. It is a sequel to Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat and Donkey Kong: Jungle Fever. Not much information about this game is known, and its relation to the Banana Kingdom is unknown. It was developed by Capcom. It was released in Japan on November 16, 2006.
Template:ReleasedateArcade
Diddy Kong Racing DS

File:Cover DKRDS.png

Diddy Kong Racing DS the Nintendo DS version of Diddy Kong Racing. Diddy Kong Racing DS is Rare's first Nintendo DS game. It makes use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Template:ReleasedateNintendo DS
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast

Donkey Kong Barrel Blast

Donkey Kong Barrel Blast is a Donkey Kong racing game for the Wii. Instead of cars, players utilize rocket-powered bongos. The title was originally planned for the Nintendo GameCube for use with the DK Bongo Controller. The game incorporates Miis.
Template:ReleasedateWii
DK: Jungle Climber

DK: Jungle Climber boxart.

DK: Jungle Climber is the sequel to DK: King of Swing. Due to it being a direct sequel, it has many similarities regarding gamplay and controls: Donkey Kong and his friends swing in a board of pegs to clear a level. Players can also play with each other in wireless multiplayer.
Template:ReleasedateNintendo DS
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!

MvsDK3 Logo.png

In 2009 a third Mario vs. Donkey Kong game was released; Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! Unlike the previous two games, this game was released on DSiWare instead of a normal handheld console. In this game Mario and Pauline open the Super Mini Mario World Theme Park. Donkey Kong causes trouble when he kidnaps Pauline after becoming enraged because he missed out on a ticket. After Mario uses the Mini Mario (toy)s to rescue Pauline, it turns out the whole thing was a test for the Mini Marios. This game also used Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Template:Releasedate DSiWare
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! Boxart.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is a Nintendo DS game and the fourth in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. It is Wi-Fi compatible, using the same system as in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, plus, challenges where players submit their levels, and other players rate them, is available.
Template:ReleasedateNintendo DS
Donkey Kong Country Returns

Offical American boxart of Donkey Kong Country Returns.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a side-scrolling 2.5D platform game developed by Retro Studios for the Wii. It was released on November 21 in North America, and is scheduled to be released on December 2 in Australia, December 3 in Europe, and December 9, 2010 in Japan. It includes Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, who travel across the island to retrieve the Banana Hoard. It is the fourth game from the Super Nintendo game series, Donkey Kong Country.
Template:ReleasedateWii
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

DKCR3Dboxcover.png

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is a Nintendo 3DS remake of the aforementioned Donkey Kong Country Returns for Wii. This game features additional content, which includes a New Mode (which adds a third heart to the life meter, and new items in Cranky Kong's Shop), and a new area (known as Cloud), featuring new levels.
Template:ReleasedateNintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze beta boxart

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the fifth installment of the Donkey Kong Country series, and was developed by Retro Studios for Wii U. Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Cranky Kong are playable characters (with Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong both having a similar role to Diddy Kong in Donkey Kong Country Returns). The game's main antagonists; the Snowmads, are based off stereotypical Vikings.
Template:ReleasedateWii U

Other Series

Partner Series

Emblem Name Summary List of Main Games
The Super Mario franchise emblem, from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U.
Super Mario Series

File:Nsmbwii1 2.jpg

The Super Mario series is a long-running video game series published by the popular gaming company, Nintendo. The Mario series has been running for more than a quarter of a century, and in its lifespan has released more than two hundred video games. The Mario series has been released on a large array of systems, including home consoles, handheld game systems, and even personal and Macintosh computers. Originally starting out with an 8-bit game, the Mario series has gone through many graphical changes throughout the years. The series has spawned numerous sub-series, including the Mario Kart and Mario Party series; it has also taken a large part in the story line to its partner series, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Wario.

The Super Smash Bros. series emblem, from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U.
Super Smash Bros. Series

Key artwork (with Dark Blue background) for Super Smash Bros. Brawl

With the release of Super Smash Bros. in 1999, Nintendo started the Super Smash Bros. series. Though the series was more of a crossover series for all of Nintendo's major series, it has featured five different Mario characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Dr. Mario. Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Wario have also appeared as playable characters, however they are shown to represent their own series. In the games, players would select whichever character they wanted, and would then fight against each other on a specific stage. Each character had different move-sets, clearly defining them from one another. Characters could also use items to harm other characters or help themselves in some way. The game was an all-out fight between some of Nintendo's most popular video game characters.

The Game & Watch series emblem, from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U.
Game & Watch Series

SceneGW2.png

The Game & Watch series is one of the oldest series of games Nintendo has made. The series lasted for eleven years, from 1980 to 1991. The Game & Watch series has had five installments, each of which are a compilation of games; some of the games have extremely simple concepts, (such as Ball, where the player must simply juggle), while others have more detailed gameplay, (such as Donkey Kong Jr. and Super Mario Bros.). The Game & Watch series has had a total of thirteen games that revolve around the Mario series in some way.

Donkey Kong Sub-Series

Artwork Summary List of Games
Donkey Kong Country Series

Artwork of both Donkey Kong with Diddy Kong for Donkey Kong Country Returns

The Donkey Kong Country series is a video game sub-series of the Donkey Kong series. Although it usually stars Donkey Kong and his pal, Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong also ends up as a damsel in distress in some games. The series is a platformer-type; levels are shown in a sidescrolling perspective and the heroes must jump and avoid obstacles in order to clear levels. The series was started by Rare, Ltd., until they were bought by Microsoft. Remakes are included in the Game Boy Color and the Game Boy Advance. The series were later revived by Retro Studios and their game, Donkey Kong Country Returns. The Donkey Kong Country series also has well-received reviews and has greatly impacted future titles.

Donkey Kong Land Series

File:DKLTitleScreen.png

The Donkey Kong Land series is an 8-bit video-game sub-series in the Donkey Kong series, created by Rareware for the Game Boy systems. The series' three games star Donkey Kong, along with other members of the Kong clan, Diddy, Dixie, and Kiddy, who travel through numerous levels in order to defeat King K. Rool and his aliases.

Donkey Kong Racing Series

File:Normal donkeykong.jpg

Donkey Kong Racing games have been produced since 1997 with Diddy Kong Racing for the Nintendo 64. In the vein of other Donkey Kong/Diddy Kong sport games, it features Donkey Kong/Diddy Kong and his all-star cast competing in a racing game. Since its first generation on the Nintendo 64, a long hiatus was caused by Rare's buy-out by Microsoft, and two DKR games that had been in production had to be cancelled. In 2007, two games of the series were eventually released and brought the series back to life.

Canceled Games

Donkey Konga Series

File:DKonga DonkeyKong.jpg

Donkey Konga games have been being made since 2003 when Donkey Konga was released. All three installments include bongos which are also compatible with Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. It mostly features Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong but Dixie Kong and even Ellie the elephant have appeared in the series. All three installments are made only for the GameCube. The latest release was in 2005 with Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku, released only in Japan.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong Series

Donkey Kong

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a series of four games so far, consisting of modernized retailings of the original Donkey Kong game. They feature a comeback of Pauline, and Donkey Kong Vs. Mario rivalry.

DK Series

Donkey Kong

The DK series, consists of 4 games. Two of them are Japan-only games for the Arcade system. The first production in America is DK: King of Swing for the Game Boy Advance. The latest installment is DK: Jungle Climber.

Cancelled Games, Tech Demos and miscellany

Title Summary Planned system
Return of Donkey Kong Return of Donkey Kong was the name of a title announced in the 1987 Official Nintendo Player's Guide. It is thought to either be a working title for Donkey Kong Classics or was meant to be a sequel to the 1981 Donkey Kong.
Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong no Ongaku Asobi

Donkey Kong no Ongaku Asobi title screen

Donkey Kong no Ongaku Asobi was a scrapped game meant for release on the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was to be similar to Donkey Kong Jr. Math as an educational title meant to teach players music.
Nintendo Entertainment System
Diddy Kong Pilot

File:Diddypilot.png

Diddy Kong Pilot was the planned sequel to Diddy Kong Racing, but instead focusing only on flight. Due to Nintendo finding the game subpar and not wanting to publish it, and Rare being acquired by Microsoft shortly after, all Donkey Kong references were removed and the game was overhauled as Banjo-Pilot.
Game Boy Advance
Donkey Kong Racing

English logo for Donkey Kong Racing

Donkey Kong Racing is another cancelled racing game, this one focusing on Donkey Kong instead of Diddy Kong. It would feature new Animal Buddies such as a gigantic Rambi and a purple Enguarde. After the buyout of Rare, the game became vaporware.
Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers

Artwork featuring Donkey Kong for Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers

Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers was a puzzle game developed by Rare. The company was bought by Microsoft before completing it, leading to the game being reworked as It's Mr. Pants.
Game Boy Advance
Donkey Kong Advance

File:DK Advance.png

The Nintendo DS NTR Debug Cartridge includes two graphics with the name "Donkey Kong Advance". It is currently unknown what the name was used for.
Game Boy Advance
Donkey Kong Country 4 According to RareWare co-founder Tim Stamper, it was internally suggested at Rare to make a Donkey Kong Country sequel on the Nintendo DS, as porting the trilogy to the Game Boy Advance gave the developers experience and a good basis for making a sequel.[1][2]. However, the proposal was turned down in favor of making Diddy Kong Racing DS.
Nintendo DS

Main Features of the Donkey Kong Series

Items

Name Description First Appearance
Banana

Artwork of a Banana from Donkey Kong Country Returns

Bananas are a common fruits main items in the Donkey Kong series. Like coins, one hundred bananas earn the Kong an extra life. They have appeared in every Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Land game. In DK: King of Swing, bananas can make Donkey Kong invisible or revive him one life. They also appear in the Mario Kart series and in some games of the Yoshi series. After appearing in Donkey Kong Country, bananas continue to follow Donkey Kong in his various games.
Donkey Kong Country
Extra Life Balloon

Red Balloon

Extra Life Balloons, grant Donkey Kong a certain amount of lives. The red ones only grant one life, the green ones grant two lives, and the blue ones grant three lives. In Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong's face appeared on them, in Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy Kong's face appeared on them, and in Donkey Kong Country 3, Dixie Kong's face appeared on them. The different colored balloons didn't appear in Donkey Kong Country Returns, instead the player can buy them from Cranky Kong's shop.
Donkey Kong Country
DK Barrel

A DK Barrel

DK Barrels, are a type of barrel throughout the DK series. After being defeated, each Kong goes into this barrel and can be obtained by the remaining Kong. After appearing in Donkey Kong Country, they have appeared in every game in the Donkey Kong series.
Donkey Kong Country
K-O-N-G Letters

File:DKCletters.png

The K-O-N-G Letters, are letters that appear in the DK series. The letters spell KONG, which is the last name of each member of the Kong family. After obtaining all four letters in one level, the player will receive an extra life. These letters have followed Donkey Kong throughout the entire Donkey Kong Country series.
Donkey Kong Country
Star Barrel

Star Barrel

Star Barrels, appear in the Donkey Kong Country series. They mark the middle of each level. If both Kongs are defeated in one level and they restart that level, they will start at Star Barrel. These barrels have appeared in every game throughout the Donkey Kong Country series.
Donkey Kong Country

Major Characters

This article is under construction. Therefore, please excuse its informal appearance while it is being worked on. We hope to have it completed as soon as possible.

Protagonists

Character Brief Biography First Appearance
Donkey Kong

Artwork of Donkey Kong from Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong is usually the main character of the Donkey Kong series, and more recently the main protagonist. However, in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, Donkey Kong is the main antagonist. Donkey Kong, currently, is a powerful ape who lives in a carefree jungle, along with his primate friends, with Diddy Kong being the most prominent. He often stops the villain, King K. Rool, from wreaking havoc into his world. It is generally accepted that this Donkey Kong is a different "Donkey Kong" to the one seen in the three original Donkey Kong arcade games, who is believed to be Cranky Kong.
Donkey Kong
Diddy Kong

Diddy Kong artwork from Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Diddy Kong can usually be seen following Donkey Kong around. He is said to be Donkey Kong's nephew and best buddy. He is also said to be the boyfriend of Dixie Kong. Along with DK, Diddy helps keep DK Island safe from King K. Rool. He has mostly appeared in the Donkey Kong Country series, but he has appeared in Mario spin-off series. He has appeared in the Mario Kart and the Mario Baseball series. He has his own game, Diddy Kong Racing which has a remake and a scrapped sequel.
Donkey Kong Country
Cranky Kong

Artwork of Cranky Kong from Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Like Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong also first appeared (under the name "Cranky Kong") in the Donkey Kong Country series, but later appeared in many Donkey Kong games. He is Donkey Kong's grandfather, and is stated that he was the original Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong, though this is not very clear. He first appeared in the Donkey Kong series under the name "Cranky Kong" in Donkey Kong 64, where he makes potions for the Kongs so that they can learn new abilities. Later on, he helps the Kongs by teaching them how to perform moves and other similar actions. He became fully playable for the first time in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast.
Donkey Kong Country
Dixie Kong

Dixie Kong artwork from Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Dixie Kong is said to be Diddy Kong's girlfriend. She is also the sister of Tiny Kong and the cousin of Chunky Kong and Kiddy Kong. In Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, she made her first appearance and she earned a starring role in its sequel. Dixie is capable of flying in the air with her hair. She makes appearances in the Mario Baseball series as a playable character.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Funky Kong

Artwork of Funky Kong from Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Funky Kong is a Kong inhabitant of Donkey Kong Island and member of the Kong Family; one of the hero Donkey Kong's best friends and allies. He debuted in the game Donkey Kong Country and has made various subsequent appearances since, often selling or offering some service to his friends, but he occasionally appears as a playable character in spin-off games. He made his first Mario series appearance in Mario Kart Wii, where he is an unlockable playable character.
Donkey Kong Country
Tiny Kong

File:Tinymss.PNG

Tiny Kong is Dixie Kong’s younger sister and as such is the cousin of Kiddy Kong and Chunky Kong. She first appeared in Donkey Kong 64. She is known for being both nimble and fast, and using her two Ponytails to accomplish different tasks. She makes her first Mario series appearance in Mario Super Sluggers.
Donkey Kong 64
Candy Kong

Candy Kong from DK: Jungle Climber.

Candy Kong is a member of the Kong family and Donkey Kong's girlfriend. She has appeared in almost every game since her debut, yet she is non-playable and usually hosts minigames for the Kongs to play. She was going to be playable character in Diddy Kong Pilot, but that game became cancelled after Nintendo sold Rare to Microsoft. She has never appeared in any Mario spin-offs.
Donkey Kong Country
Wrinkly Kong

File:GrandmaDKJUNGLE.jpg

Wrinkly Kong is the wife of Cranky Kong and the Grandmother of Donkey Kong. In her original appearances she is alive, however in Donkey Kong 64 it's established that she died sometime before the events of the game. Despite this, she still appeared in the game as a ghost and continues to do so in the series. She usually assists the Kongs by saving the game and/or giving them hints. She is playable in DK: King of Swing and Donkey Kong Barrel Blast.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Kiddy Kong

File:KiddyKongImagereplace.jpg

Kiddy Kong is the cousin of Dixie Kong and younger brother of Chunky Kong. He is also the youngest Kong besides possibly Baby Donkey Kong, though he has never made an appearance in a Donkey Kong series game. He only appears in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! where he takes the place of Diddy Kong from the first game and Dixie Kong in the second game. Despite being young, he is quite strong, and his strength rivals even Donkey Kong himself.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
Lanky Kong

Artwork of Lanky Kong from Donkey Kong Barrel Blast

Lanky Kong is a close friend of Donkey Kong. He has no known relation with any other Kongs. He makes his first appearance in Donkey Kong 64 and didn't appear again until Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. He is an orangutan and currently the only one that has made multiple appearances in the Donkey Kong series.
Donkey Kong 64
Chunky Kong

File:Chunky Kong.jpg

Chunky Kong is Dixie Kong's cousin and the older brother of Kiddy Kong. He is a very minor Kong, making his only appearance in Donkey Kong 64, but is also known for his extreme strength that can best any Kong, even Donkey Kong himself. Despite this, he is also known for his extreme meekness.
Donkey Kong 64
Rambi the Rhinoceros

Rambi the Rhino

Rambi the Rhinoceros, is one of the main animal buddies in the Donkey Kong series. He is an inhabitant of DK Island. He has appeared in every Donkey Kong Country game except for Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, where he is replaced by Ellie the Elephant. Rambi has also appeared in Donkey Kong 64 and in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. He made a cameo appearance in Mario Kart DS as the Rambi Rider kart.
Donkey Kong Country
Squawks the Parrot

Squawks DKCTF.png

Squawks the Parrot is another one of the main animal buddies throughout the Donkey Kong series. As well as Rambi, he inhabits DK Island. Squawks is the only animal buddy that appeared in every Donkey Kong Country game. Though he wasn't playable in Donkey Kong Country, he did assist Donkey Kong by carrying a light to guide him through caves and other dark areas. As well as Rambi, Squawks appeared in Donkey Kong 64 and as an item in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast.
Donkey Kong Country
Enguarde the Swordfish

File:Enguarde DKBB.png

Enguarde the Swordfish is an Animal Buddy in the Donkey Kong series who first appeared in Donkey Kong Country; he shares the most number of appearances in the series with Squawks the Parrot (though Squawks only carries a flashlight and is not playable in the original Donkey Kong Country).
Donkey Kong Country
Winky the Frog

WinkyDKC.png

Winky the Frog is an Animal Buddy in the Donkey Kong series who first (and only) appeared in Donkey Kong Country. He is, surprisingly, the strongest Animal Buddy and can also jump quite high.
Donkey Kong Country
Expresso the Ostrich

Expresso.png

Expresso the Ostrich is an Animal Buddy, and one of the few who are birds. Due to being an ostrich, he can't fly, but can flap his wings to fall slower and can also run very fast. There is also Expresso II, who may or may not be the same as Expresso as he looks exactly the same but has a very different role.
Donkey Kong Country
Tutorial Pig

TutorialPig.png

Tutorial Pig is a character from Donkey Kong Country Returns who, as his name implies, gives Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong tutorials, and also allows them to use Super Kong. It is quite possible that he is in fact a she, and even more possible that he or she is actually a species, not one pig who randomly pops up. Cranky Kong seems to not be fond of him/her. He returns in Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D in the same role, since it is just a remake of his first appearance.
Donkey Kong Country Returns

Antagonists/Anti-heroes

Character Brief Biography First Appearance
King K. Rool

File:KROOLDKJUNLGE.jpg

King K. Rool is the main antagonist throughout the Donkey Kong series. Originally, his main goal was to steal the Banana Hoard, but has since turned his efforts to world domination as of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. King K. Rool also has two alter egos, Kaptain K. Rool and Baron K. Roolenstein. King K. Rool also has a reputation of kidnapping some Kongs. He has kidnapped Diddy Kong twice, and Donkey Kong twice, also. Making very few playable appearances, he has appeared as an unlockable playable character in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast and Mario Super Sluggers. He is also playable in DK: King of Swing, but only in Jungle Jam mode.
Donkey Kong Country
Tiki Tong

Tiki Tong.png

Tiki Tong is the main antagonist in Donkey Kong Country Returns. In this game, he and the Tiki Tak Tribe steal the Banana Hoard. Though he is the leader, his only appearance in the game is during the final boss battle. Though he made only one apperance, Tiki Tong made a great impact in Donkey Kong Country Returns.
Donkey Kong Country Returns

Species

Species Name Brief Biography First Appearance
Kong

The kongs.jpg

The Kongs are the main species from the Donkey Kong series, as shown by the fact that the main character, Donkey Kong, is in fact a Kong. All Kongs have a last name of "Kong", however it is unknown if they are all related since Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong are shown to have some romance, as well as Donkey Kong and Candy Kong. They are similar to monkeys, but are a bit smarter.
Donkey Kong
Helper Monkey

Helper Monkey

Helper Monkeys are a group of monkeys who assist the Kongs throughout Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. They are also known as Party Monkeys. It is unknown if they are Kongs or not, but it is unlikely.
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Kremling

File:Kritter1.PNG

Kremlings are the main enemies in most Donkey Kong games. Kremlings reside on Crocodile Isle. Some Kremlings include Kritters, Krushas, Klumps, etc. The Kremlings use many physical attacks, but many are seen with different weapons.
Donkey Kong Country
Tiki

File:TikiGoon.PNG

The Tikis made their debut in Donkey Kong Country Returns, where they are the main foes. Tikis have the appearance of wooden masks or musical instruments, and only use themselves to attack. The high-rank Tikis are shown to have hypnotizing powers.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Zinger

Zinger

Zingers are wasp enemies that appear in the DK series. They are probably the most main non-Kremling enemy. They are invincible to Kongs in the Donkey Kong Country series, but in DK: King of Swing and DK: Jungle Climber, they can be defeated by the Kongs when their stinger goes up. Zingers have also appeared in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast.
Donkey Kong Country
Necky

Artwork of a Necky from Donkey Kong Country

Neckies are common vulture enemies throughout the DK series. They can shoot nuts out of their mouths, which they do to attack the Kongs. Neckies make appearances in the Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong 64, and Donkey Kong Barrel Blast which is their latest appearance.
Donkey Kong Country
Snowmad

Viking Group Art - Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze.png

The Snowmads are a group of arctic animals, and the main antagonists of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. In the game, they freeze Donkey Kong Island; claiming it as their own. The Kongs, who got blown off the island during the invasion, venture back to reclaim it and defeat the Snowmads.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

References