Leaping flame

Leaping flames are fiery, serpent-like monsters from Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. They appear after the fireball bombard in Hot Rocket.

As they emerge from lava, these flames begin chasing the Rocket Barrel-riding Kongs by revolving around them on a short distance. This way, the enemies attempt to cage the Kongs and limit their movement. If the characters crash their vehicle into the flame, they lose a life. The flames cannot be destroyed, and as they crowd around the Kongs, they become more difficult to avoid. After revolving several times, they move behind the Kongs.