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|image=[[File:Title.Donkey Kong 2018 wordmark.png|250px]] | |image=[[File:Title.Donkey Kong 2018 wordmark.png|250px]] | ||
|first=''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' ([[List of games by date#1981|1981]]) | |first=''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' ([[List of games by date#1981|1981]]) | ||
|latest=''[[Donkey Kong | |latest=''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]]) | ||
|number=30+ | |number=30+ | ||
|series=''[[Donkey Kong (series)|Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Land (series)|Donkey Kong Land]]'', ''[[Donkey Konga (series)|Donkey Konga]]'', ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[DK (series)|DK]]'' | |series=''[[Donkey Kong (series)|Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Land (series)|Donkey Kong Land]]'', ''[[Donkey Konga (series)|Donkey Konga]]'', ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[DK (series)|DK]]'' | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''''Donkey Kong''''' (ドンキーコング ''Donkī Kongu'') franchise is a video game franchise that follows the adventures of the apelike [[Donkey Kong]] and his various friends. Created in 1981 by famed [[Nintendo]] game designer [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], it mainly consists of {{wp|platform game}}s and {{wp|puzzle video game|action puzzle games}}, but it has branched out into other genres, including rhythm games, racing games, and edutainment. | |||
The games of the first generation are single-screen platform/action-puzzle games, where Donkey Kong features as the opponent in an industrial construction setting. The first game in the franchise, the 1981 arcade machine ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'', not only introduced the title character but also his rival [[Mario]]. After four years of success with game releases in arcades and the [[Game & Watch]] handheld line, the franchise entered a hiatus as Mario went on to star in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', for which he is much better known, and he became Nintendo's flagship character. ''Donkey Kong''{{'}}s hiatus ended in 1994, when [[Rare Ltd.]] revived the property with its side-scrolling platform game ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. This game and its follow-ups focus on the adventures of Donkey Kong and the various members of his clan as they work to defend [[Donkey Kong Island|their native jungle setting]] from a variety of other anthropomorphic animal characters who serve as villains. They are most frequently antagonized by the [[Kremling]]s, a race of crocodiles, and their leader [[King K. Rool]]. A hallmark of this franchise is the [[barrel]]s used by the [[Kong]]s as weapons, vehicles, furniture, and lodging. | |||
The games of the first generation are single-screen platform/action-puzzle games, where Donkey Kong features as the opponent in an industrial construction setting. The first game in the franchise, the 1981 arcade machine ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'', not only introduced the title character but also his rival [[Mario]]. After four years of success with game releases in arcades and the [[Game & Watch]] handheld line, the franchise entered a hiatus as Mario went on to star in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', for which he is much better known, and he became Nintendo's flagship character. ''Donkey Kong''{{'}}s hiatus ended in 1994, when [[Rare Ltd.]] revived the property with its side-scrolling platform game ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. This game and its follow-ups focus on the adventures of Donkey Kong and the various members of his clan as they work to defend [[Donkey Kong Island|their native jungle setting]] from a variety of other anthropomorphic animal characters who serve as villains. They are most frequently antagonized by the [[Kremling]]s, a race of crocodiles, and their leader [[King K. Rool]]. A hallmark of this franchise is the [[barrel]]s used by the | |||
The Donkey Kong character is highly recognizable and popular, and the games have sold over 65 million units worldwide as of March 2021.<ref>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2021/210928.html</ref> ''Donkey Kong'' media and merchandise is occasionally promoted as part of the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' brand, as is the case with the [[Nintendo Switch]] version of ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'', which is listed under the "Super Mario" banner on the European [[My Nintendo|My Nintendo Store]]<ref>{{cite|url=store.nintendo.co.uk/en/games/shop-by-franchise/super-mario-games|title=Super Mario Games|publisher=store.nintendo.co.uk|accessdate=November 4, 2023}} ({{media link|Nintendo co uk screenshot - MNS Super Mario.png|Screenshot}}.)</ref><ref>{{cite|url=store.nintendo.es/es/games/shop-by-franchise/super-mario-games|title=Juegos Super Mario|publisher=store.nintendo.es|accessdate=November 4, 2023}} ({{media link|Nintendo es screenshot - MNS Super Mario.png|Screenshot}}.)</ref> and has been discounted as part of [[Mario Day]] sales.<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/celebrate-mar10-day-with-two-waves-of-savings-on-select-digital-games/|title=Celebrate MAR10 Day with two waves of savings on select games|publisher=nintendo.com|language=en-us|accessdate=February 22, 2024|archive=web.archive.org/web/20240222220454/https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/celebrate-mar10-day-with-two-waves-of-savings-on-select-digital-games/}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=NintendoEurope|date=April 3, 2023|url=twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1642831833896288256|title=Jump into the adventures of Mario with the #SuperMario sale! The first wave of discounts – including #SuperMario3DWorld + #BowsersFury, #SuperMarioMaker2 and more – starts 05/04, with more to come from 20/04. Bookmark the sale now:|publisher=X|accessdate=November 4, 2023|archive=web.archive.org/web/20230521164414/https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1642831833896288256}}</ref> | |||
==Characters== | ==Characters== | ||
[[File:DKCR promo artwork.jpg|thumb|The main character Donkey Kong and his friend Diddy in promotional artwork for ''Donkey Kong Country Returns''.]] | [[File:DKCR promo artwork.jpg|thumb|The main character Donkey Kong and his friend Diddy in promotional artwork for ''Donkey Kong Country Returns''.]] | ||
The main character [[Donkey Kong]], a muscular and somewhat dim-witted | The main character [[Donkey Kong]], a muscular and somewhat dim-witted [[Kong]], first appeared in [[Donkey Kong (game)|the eponymous arcade game]] in 1981 as the antagonist. In the later generations of the franchise, he became the main protagonist, and the defender of his carefree jungle home and his various primate friends. In the arcade game ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'', he was given a son, also named [[Donkey Kong Jr.]], who had to save his father from [[Mario]] in that character's only appearance as a villain. | ||
When the ''Donkey Kong'' property was revived for ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', the original Donkey Kong character was reworked into a new character named [[Cranky Kong]], an elder who constantly rambles and berates the younger generation of heroes. Cranky has been called the modern DK's grandfather by some sources and his father by others.<ref>http://themushroomkingdom.net/kongtroversy.shtml</ref> In his debut appearances, Cranky gave out randomly selected advice to the heroes on items and locations found within the game. In later games, he appeared as a potion-making chemist who granted special abilities to the heroes, and eventually as a fully playable character. | When the ''Donkey Kong'' property was revived for ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', the original Donkey Kong character was reworked into a new character named [[Cranky Kong]], an elder who constantly rambles and berates the younger generation of heroes. Cranky has been called the modern DK's grandfather by some sources and his father by others.<ref>http://themushroomkingdom.net/kongtroversy.shtml</ref> In his debut appearances, Cranky gave out randomly selected advice to the heroes on items and locations found within the game. In later games, he appeared as a potion-making chemist who granted special abilities to the heroes, and eventually as a fully playable character. | ||
[[Diddy Kong]] is the modern DK's travel companion and best friend (though has been occasionally called a nephew or nephew | [[Diddy Kong]] is the modern DK's travel companion and best friend (though has been occasionally called a nephew or like a nephew in older sources), nicknamed by him as his "little buddy." At the time of his creation, Diddy Kong was intended to be a new design for Donkey Kong Jr., but Nintendo felt that the redesign was too drastic and wanted to either include Junior with his original design or make this redesign a new character. Diddy was first introduced in ''Donkey Kong Country'' and then reappeared in its sequel. In many of his appearances, Diddy helps DK keep his island safe from whatever villain threatens to destroy it. In the ''Donkey Kong Country'' sequels, he gained a girlfriend, [[Dixie Kong]], who is capable of flying in the air with her hair. ''Donkey Kong Country 3'' gave Dixie a sidekick, [[Kiddy Kong]], her cousin, who despite being a toddler has amazing strength that rivals even Donkey Kong himself. | ||
[[File:DKJC K.Rool.png|thumb|left|King K. Rool, the main antagonist of the ''Donkey Kong'' series]] | [[File:DKJC K.Rool.png|thumb|left|King K. Rool, the main antagonist of the ''Donkey Kong'' series]] | ||
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The game was successful enough to spawn a sequel, ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' In this game, Donkey Kong Jr. is trying to rescue his father, who has been imprisoned by Mario in the first of his few appearances as a villain. Donkey Kong Jr. has to touch a key to move it to the top screen, and he must then climb while avoiding hazards such as electrical wires. When he gets to the top screen, Junior will have to touch the key again and make it move to the keyhole of one of the chains by climbing up the rope below it while avoiding birds. When he gets to the top of the rope, one of the chains will unlock; after this is done four times, Donkey Kong is saved. Like the original ''Donkey Kong'', ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' was released as part of the Game & Watch "Multi Screen" series, featuring two LCD screens; this line also featured an indirect sequel to the game, known as ''[[Donkey Kong II]]''. | The game was successful enough to spawn a sequel, ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' In this game, Donkey Kong Jr. is trying to rescue his father, who has been imprisoned by Mario in the first of his few appearances as a villain. Donkey Kong Jr. has to touch a key to move it to the top screen, and he must then climb while avoiding hazards such as electrical wires. When he gets to the top screen, Junior will have to touch the key again and make it move to the keyhole of one of the chains by climbing up the rope below it while avoiding birds. When he gets to the top of the rope, one of the chains will unlock; after this is done four times, Donkey Kong is saved. Like the original ''Donkey Kong'', ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' was released as part of the Game & Watch "Multi Screen" series, featuring two LCD screens; this line also featured an indirect sequel to the game, known as ''[[Donkey Kong II]]''. | ||
''[[Donkey Kong 3]]'', released in 1983, featured a different protagonist than Mario: an exterminator named [[Stanley]]. Donkey Kong has taken refuge in his greenhouse, and now Stanley must stop the | ''[[Donkey Kong 3]]'', released in 1983, featured a different protagonist than Mario: an exterminator named [[Stanley]]. Donkey Kong has taken refuge in his greenhouse, and now Stanley must stop the Kong from stirring up any more insects that would destroy his flowers. Stanley saves the flowers by spraying bug spray on Donkey Kong. | ||
In 1994, a [[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|homonymous remake]] of the ''Donkey Kong'' arcade game was released on the [[Game Boy]]. It begins with the premise of a straight remake of the original, as it initially comprises the four classic stages, but beyond the first world, ''Donkey Kong '94'' also features ninety-seven additional levels, and Mario also gets several new moves that later carried over into his 3D games, such as ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. This was also the first Game Boy game to be released with special enhancements on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]'s [[Super Game Boy]] peripheral, such as colored palettes and a cartoon border modeled after the original game's arcade cabinet. The gameplay style in this release was later revamped into the ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' series. | In 1994, a [[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|homonymous remake]] of the ''Donkey Kong'' arcade game was released on the [[Game Boy]]. It begins with the premise of a straight remake of the original, as it initially comprises the four classic stages, but beyond the first world, ''Donkey Kong '94'' also features ninety-seven additional levels, and Mario also gets several new moves that later carried over into his 3D games, such as ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. This was also the first Game Boy game to be released with special enhancements on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]'s [[Super Game Boy]] peripheral, such as colored palettes and a cartoon border modeled after the original game's arcade cabinet. The gameplay style in this release was later revamped into the ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' series. | ||
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===''DK'' series=== | ===''DK'' series=== | ||
{{main|DK (series)}} | {{main|DK (series)}} | ||
Developed by [[Paon]], this spin-off series features gameplay similar to ''{{wp|Clu Clu Land}}''. The first entry in the series, ''[[DK: King of Swing|King of Swing]]'', requires players to navigate levels using only | Developed by [[Paon]], this spin-off series features gameplay similar to ''{{wp|Clu Clu Land}}''. The first entry in the series, ''[[DK: King of Swing|King of Swing]]'', requires players to navigate levels using only {{button|gba|L}} and {{button|gba|R}}. A sequel, ''[[DK: Jungle Climber|Jungle Climber]]'', was Donkey Kong's first title role on the Nintendo DS and featured improved visuals, better play control, and dual-screen gameplay. | ||
===Miscellaneous genres=== | ===Miscellaneous genres=== | ||
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Also in 1983, ''[[Donkey Kong no Ongaku Asobi]]'', a music-based edutainment game, was in development for the Family Computer but was canceled mainly due to copyright issues with the featured songs. A prototype cartridge was provided to Hudson Soft to help them develop the [[Family BASIC]] accessory. Only a handful of promotional photos published in Japanese game magazines showed what it looked like. | Also in 1983, ''[[Donkey Kong no Ongaku Asobi]]'', a music-based edutainment game, was in development for the Family Computer but was canceled mainly due to copyright issues with the featured songs. A prototype cartridge was provided to Hudson Soft to help them develop the [[Family BASIC]] accessory. Only a handful of promotional photos published in Japanese game magazines showed what it looked like. | ||
An NES game called ''[[Return of Donkey Kong]]'' was announced in the Official Nintendo Player's Guide in 1987. Nothing is known about this game; it was most likely canceled early in development. | An NES game called ''[[Return of Donkey Kong]]'' was announced in the Official Nintendo Player's Guide in 1987. Nothing is known about this game; it was most likely canceled early in development for unknown reasons. | ||
According to the {{wp|LinkedIn}} profile of a retired video game programmer, a ''Donkey Kong'' game for the [[Philips CD-i]] system was developed by RSP between 1992 and 1993.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190718105126/http://cdii.blogspot.com/2010/12/rsp-say-they-worked-on-donkey-kong-on.html RSP say they worked on Donkey Kong on CD-i]. Interactive Dreams (December 13, 2010). Archived from the original on July 18, 2019, 10:51:26 UTC via Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 9, 2011.</ref> Nothing else is known about it. | |||
Donkey Kong was planned to have his own puzzle game, ''[[Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers]]'', on the Game Boy Advance, as shown in E3 2001. However, due to Rare's sale to Microsoft on September 24, 2002 before the game was published, which caused the company to lose the rights to ''Donkey Kong'' characters, that game was canceled on August 13, 2002. ''Coconut Crackers'' was then reworked into ''{{wp|It's Mr. Pants}}'', which was first released in North America on December 7, 2004. | |||
A remake of the [[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Game Boy version of ''Donkey Kong'']], entitled ''Donkey Kong Plus'' was shown at E3 2002 as a proof-of-concept for connectivity between Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube systems (though its intended system is unclear), but that game ended up being canceled in favor of an original game based on the classic ''Donkey Kong'' gameplay, under the name of ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''. | |||
''Diddy Kong Racing'' was going to have a full-fledged series based on it; two sequels were planned before eventually being canceled. The first, ''[[Diddy Kong Pilot (2001)|Diddy Kong Pilot]]'' for Game Boy Advance, had flying as the only means of transport; however, Nintendo found the game substandard because its levels were too flat (the GBA can only generate flat effects similar to the SNES's {{wp|Mode 7}} technology, not "true" 3D graphics). Some Rare employees believed the company was prejudiced since it occurred in a time period just before Nintendo sold their share of Rare to Microsoft on September 24, 2002.<ref name="DK Vine">[http://www.dkvine.com/?p=1082 DK Vine]</ref> None of the Rare Ltd. games except ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox Adventures|Star Fox Adventures]]'' were showcased at E3 2002. Around the same time between 2002 and 2003, ''Diddy Kong Pilot'' was being redeveloped into an entirely [[Diddy Kong Pilot (2003)|different game]], which ended up being converted into the game ''[[jiggywikki:Banjo-Pilot|Banjo-Pilot]]'', which was first released in North America on January 11, 2005. Another sequel, called ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]'', was planned for the GameCube, but that game was canceled on August 13, 2002, a month before Microsoft bought Rare on September 24, 2002. ''Donkey Kong Racing'' was being reworked into ''{{wp|Sabreman|Sabreman Stampede}}'' for the {{wp|Xbox 360}}; this iteration of the title was canceled due to a lack of focus and Rare's unfamiliarity with the hardware, however.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200126075054/http://www.mundorare.com/features/stampedes-sorrowful-swan-song/ "Stampede's Sorrowful Swan Song" (Internet Archive)] (accessed July 19, 2012)</ref><ref>[http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/month_of_kong_whatever_happened_to_donkey_kong_racing Nintendo Life: Month Of Kong: Whatever Happened To Donkey Kong Racing?]</ref> Another potential sequel, ''[[Diddy Kong Racing Adventure]]'', was pitched to Nintendo by {{wp|Climax Group}}, but was rejected. | |||
===Spin-offs=== | ===Spin-offs=== | ||
''Donkey Kong'' was originally part of the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, as Mario debuted with Donkey Kong in his original arcade games. ''Super Mario'' became its own brand starting in 1983 with Game & Watch games like ''[[Mario's Cement Factory]]'' and ''[[Mario Bros. (Game & Watch)|Mario Bros.]]''; the [[Mario Bros. (game)|popular arcade title]] to which the latter handheld lent its name subsequently spawned the ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' series, which elevated the character to a new status as Nintendo's mascot. Mario gained widespread recognition and fame through his numerous platform games, and spin-offs like ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' and ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]''. | ''Donkey Kong'' was originally part of the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, as Mario debuted with Donkey Kong in his original arcade games. ''Super Mario'' became its own brand starting in 1983 with Game & Watch games like ''[[Mario's Cement Factory]]'' and ''[[Mario Bros. (Game & Watch)|Mario Bros.]]''; the [[Mario Bros. (game)|popular arcade title]] to which the latter handheld lent its name subsequently spawned the ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' series, which elevated the character to a new status as Nintendo's mascot. Mario gained widespread recognition and fame through his numerous platform games, and spin-offs like ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' and ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]''. | ||
===Crossovers=== | ===Crossovers=== | ||
In ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', Donkey Kong Jr. was featured as a playable character. The current Donkey Kong, however, has been playable in every game in the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series since ''[[Mario Kart 64]]''. He appears racing alongside characters from the ''Super Mario'', ''[[Wario (franchise)|Wario]]'', and ''[[Yoshi (franchise)|Yoshi]]'' franchises. Diddy Kong appears as a playable character in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Wii|Wii]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Tour|Tour]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|8 Deluxe]]'' through the [[Booster Course Pass]], with Funky Kong also appearing as a playable character in the later three titles, and Dixie Kong bring playable solely in ''Tour''. Additionally, the ''Mario Kart'' series features several DK-themed tracks, most notably [[DK Jungle (3DS)|DK Jungle]] from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', which is based on the world of ''Donkey Kong Country Returns''. | In ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', Donkey Kong Jr. was featured as a playable character. The current Donkey Kong, however, has been playable in every game in the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series since ''[[Mario Kart 64]]''. He appears racing alongside characters from the ''Super Mario'', ''[[Wario (franchise)|Wario]]'', and ''[[Yoshi (franchise)|Yoshi]]'' franchises. Diddy Kong appears as a playable character in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Wii|Wii]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Tour|Tour]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|8 Deluxe]]'' through the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'', with Funky Kong also appearing as a playable character in the later three titles, and Dixie Kong bring playable solely in ''Tour''. Additionally, the ''Mario Kart'' series features several DK-themed tracks, most notably [[DK Jungle (3DS)|DK Jungle]] from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', which is based on the world of ''Donkey Kong Country Returns''. | ||
Donkey Kong was a main playable character in the first four games in the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series. From the fifth game onward, he was given a [[DK Space|space]] on the board maps as a foil to [[Bowser]]; however, ''[[Mario Party 5]]'' would also feature him as a playable character in [[Super Duel Mode]]. However, he has since returned as a playable character in ''[[Mario Party 10]]'' for the Wii U, ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]'' for the Nintendo 3DS, and ''[[Super Mario Party]]'' for the Nintendo Switch. Diddy Kong appears as a secondary character in ''[[Mario Party DS]]'' and ''[[Mario Party 9]]'', and is playable himself in ''Star Rush'' and ''Super Mario Party''. | Donkey Kong was a main playable character in the first four games in the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series. From the fifth game onward, he was given a [[DK Space|space]] on the board maps as a foil to [[Bowser]]; however, ''[[Mario Party 5]]'' would also feature him as a playable character in [[Super Duel Mode]]. However, he has since returned as a playable character in ''[[Mario Party 10]]'' for the Wii U, ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]'' for the Nintendo 3DS, and ''[[Super Mario Party]]'' for the Nintendo Switch. Diddy Kong appears as a secondary character in ''[[Mario Party DS]]'' and ''[[Mario Party 9]]'', and is playable himself in ''Star Rush'' and ''Super Mario Party''. | ||
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The Donkey Kong character’s first role in a television series was in the animated anthology ''[[Saturday Supercade]]'', where his debut arcade game was one of the games adapted. In his segments, Donkey Kong (voiced by {{wp|Soupy Sales}}) escaped from the circus and Mario (voiced by {{wp|Peter Cullen}}) and Pauline (voiced by {{wp|Judy Strangis}}) had to chase him across the world, with Donkey Kong often also being chased or manipulated by crooks. Another segment starred Donkey Kong Jr. (voiced by {{wp|Frank Welker}}) and a clumsy biker named [[Bones (character)|Bones]] (voiced by {{wp|Bart Braverman}}) as they traveled in search of Junior's missing father. | The Donkey Kong character’s first role in a television series was in the animated anthology ''[[Saturday Supercade]]'', where his debut arcade game was one of the games adapted. In his segments, Donkey Kong (voiced by {{wp|Soupy Sales}}) escaped from the circus and Mario (voiced by {{wp|Peter Cullen}}) and Pauline (voiced by {{wp|Judy Strangis}}) had to chase him across the world, with Donkey Kong often also being chased or manipulated by crooks. Another segment starred Donkey Kong Jr. (voiced by {{wp|Frank Welker}}) and a clumsy biker named [[Bones (character)|Bones]] (voiced by {{wp|Bart Braverman}}) as they traveled in search of Junior's missing father. | ||
Donkey Kong's next television role would be as a recurring character in the first two seasons of [[DiC Entertainment]]'s ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]''. A crossover featuring many first-party and third-party franchises on the [[NES]], ''Captain N'' focused on the adventures of a teenage boy named Kevin Keene ( | Donkey Kong's next television role would be as a recurring character in the first two seasons of [[DiC Entertainment]]'s ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]''. A crossover featuring many first-party and third-party franchises on the [[NES]], ''Captain N'' focused on the adventures of a teenage boy named Kevin Keene ({{wp|Matt Hill}}), a princess named Lana, [[Simon Belmont]] from ''{{wp|Castlevania}}'', [[Mega Man]], and [[Pit (character)|Pit]] from ''{{wp|Kid Icarus}}'' as they formed a team to protect the video game dimension Videoland from the evil forces of ''{{wp|Metroid}}'' antagonist {{wp|Mother Brain}}. The show portrayed Donkey Kong as a giant who would attack anyone intruding his home of Kongo Land, with some episodes showing him starring in a TV show parodying ''{{wp|Indiana Jones}}''. Two episodes of the series also featured enemies from ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' | ||
The franchise’s first and only direct television adaptation was ''[[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'', based on the SNES game of the same name. The [[Nelvana]] and [[Medialab]]-produced show, which debuted in France in 1996 and in the USA in 1997, lasted two seasons with 40 total episodes. The stories had Donkey Kong and friends protecting the wish-granting [[Crystal Coconut]] from King K. Rool and his two idiotic henchmen, [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]] and [[General Klump]]. Several original characters were introduced there, such as Candy's overbearing boss [[Bluster Kong]], [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]], and a pirate named [[Kaptain Skurvy]]. Like the game it was based on, the ''Donkey Kong Country'' animated series was technologically groundbreaking: in addition to being one of the first computer-animated television series, it was the first full-length program to be animated using | The franchise’s first and only direct television adaptation was ''[[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'', based on the SNES game of the same name. The [[Nelvana]] and [[Medialab]]-produced show, which debuted in France in 1996 and in the USA in 1997, lasted two seasons with 40 total episodes. The stories had Donkey Kong and friends protecting the wish-granting [[Crystal Coconut]] from King K. Rool and his two idiotic henchmen, [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]] and [[General Klump]]. Several original characters were introduced there, such as Candy's overbearing boss [[Bluster Kong]], [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]], and a pirate named [[Kaptain Skurvy]]. Like the game it was based on, the ''Donkey Kong Country'' animated series was technologically groundbreaking: in addition to being one of the first computer-animated television series, it was the first full-length program to be animated using {{wp|motion capture}}. Parallel to this series, a programming block called ''[[Donkey Kong Planet]]'' aired on {{wp|France 2}} and was framed by segments starring Donkey, Diddy, Funky, and Candy Kong as the hosts of various musical and parodic skits, acclaimed for their irreverent postmodern humor. | ||
The original arcade iteration of Donkey Kong appears as the main antagonist in the 2015 film '' | The original arcade iteration of Donkey Kong appears as the main antagonist in the 2015 film ''{{wp|Pixels}}''. | ||
===Literature=== | ===Literature=== | ||
As a spin-off of the ''Super Mario'' franchise, ''Donkey Kong'' has featured many of its characters and scenarios in the various manga series based on that property, including the '' | As a spin-off of the ''Super Mario'' franchise, ''Donkey Kong'' has featured many of its characters and scenarios in the various manga series based on that property, including the ''{{wp|Comic BomBom}}'' stories published under {{wp|Kodansha}}'s [[KC Deluxe]] banner, and [[Shogakukan]]'s ''{{wp|CoroCoro Comic}}'' magazine, which featured ''Donkey Kong'' characters in both its ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'' series and [[Uho'uho Daishizen Gag: Donkey Kong|a short-lived 2000 manga]] based on the ''Donkey Kong Country'' animated show. ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'', Nintendo's official magazine in Germany, also published two comics directly centered around ''Donkey Kong'': one [[Donkey Kong Country (comic)|adapted]] from the ''Donkey Kong Country'' video game and another called [[Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24]]. In winter 2000, the children's entertainment magazine ''{{wp|Disney Adventures}}'' featured a four-page comic called ''[[Donkey Kong in When the Banana Splits]]'', loosely based on ''Donkey Kong 64''. Also in 2000, the German magazine Nintendo Fun Vision published the comic ''[[Bumm-Badabumm im Urwald]]'', which, despite being advertised as a tie-in to ''Donkey Kong 64'' actually adapted the plot of ''Donkey Kong Country 2''. | ||
[[Michael Teitelbaum]] wrote a trilogy of ''Donkey Kong Country'' chapter books for publisher Troll Communications. [[Donkey Kong Country (novel)|The first of these]] was a loose adaptation of the game, featuring Donkey, Diddy, and Cranky Kong exploring their island to destroy the Kremlings’ polluting factory and recover their stolen banana hoard, meeting various enemies and Animal Friends along the way. Later ''Donkey Kong'' chapter books included ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle|Rumble in the Jungle]]'' (based on ''Donkey Kong Land'') and ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rescue on Crocodile Isle|Rescue on Crocodile Isle]]'' (based on ''Donkey Kong Country 2''). A [[How to Draw Donkey Kong & Friends|''Donkey Kong'' entry]] was also published as part of the ''How to Draw'' series. | [[Michael Teitelbaum]] wrote a trilogy of ''Donkey Kong Country'' chapter books for publisher Troll Communications. [[Donkey Kong Country (novel)|The first of these]] was a loose adaptation of the game, featuring Donkey, Diddy, and Cranky Kong exploring their island to destroy the Kremlings’ polluting factory and recover their stolen banana hoard, meeting various enemies and Animal Friends along the way. Later ''Donkey Kong'' chapter books included ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle|Rumble in the Jungle]]'' (based on ''Donkey Kong Land'') and ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rescue on Crocodile Isle|Rescue on Crocodile Isle]]'' (based on ''Donkey Kong Country 2''). A [[How to Draw Donkey Kong & Friends|''Donkey Kong'' entry]] was also published as part of the ''How to Draw'' series. | ||
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===Merchandising=== | ===Merchandising=== | ||
''Donkey Kong'' has been merchandised into various products throughout its lifespan, including a [[Donkey Kong Card Game|tabletop card game]] produced by the | ''Donkey Kong'' has been merchandised into various products throughout its lifespan, including a [[Donkey Kong Card Game|tabletop card game]] produced by the {{wp|Milton Bradley Company}}, a series of [[Gallery:Donkey Kong Country (television series) trading cards|trading cards]] based on the ''Donkey Kong Country'' TV series (only released in Japan), and ''[[Donkey Kong Jenga]]'', a {{wp|Jenga}} game themed after the original arcade iteration. Additionally, various Donkey Kong pieces of merchandise have been released in ''Super Mario'' and ''Mario Kart''-related lines. | ||
During the seventh generation of video games, there were two arcade ''Donkey Kong'' titles released in Japan, loosely based on ''Donkey Kong Jungle Beat''. The first was ''[[Donkey Kong: Jungle Fever]]'', a | During the seventh generation of video games, there were two arcade ''Donkey Kong'' titles released in Japan, loosely based on ''Donkey Kong Jungle Beat''. The first was ''[[Donkey Kong: Jungle Fever]]'', a {{wp|medal game}} released in 2005, and the second was a sequel,<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080408012004/http://www.capcom.co.jp/arcade/m_donkey_2/ CAPCOM ARCADE GAME | カプコン アーケードゲーム<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ''[[Donkey Kong: Banana Kingdom]]'' (released on November 16, 2006). Both games were developed by [[Capcom]] and published by Nintendo on the [[Triforce]] arcade system board. Neither title has been released outside Japan. | ||
While the ''Donkey Kong'' series has not had a dedicated [[amiibo]] line, figures based on its characters have been released as part of other series. In the ''Super Smash Bros.'' line, Donkey Kong's figure was released as part of the first wave of figures in November 2014, while Diddy Kong was released in the second wave in December (in Japan, both figures were released in the first wave). Later, both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong would receive figures in the ''Super Mario'' line, released in November 2016 alongside ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]''. For the release of ''Skylanders: SuperChargers'', Donkey Kong would receive two "Turbo Charge Donkey Kong" figures based on his appearance in the game (a standard version and a "Dark" version), both of which can be used as amiibo by turning the base. | While the ''Donkey Kong'' series has not had a dedicated [[amiibo]] line, figures based on its characters have been released as part of other series. In the ''Super Smash Bros.'' line, Donkey Kong's figure was released as part of the first wave of figures in November 2014, while Diddy Kong was released in the second wave in December (in Japan, both figures were released in the first wave). Later, both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong would receive figures in the ''Super Mario'' line, released in November 2016 alongside ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]''. For the release of ''Skylanders: SuperChargers'', Donkey Kong would receive two "Turbo Charge Donkey Kong" figures based on his appearance in the game (a standard version and a "Dark" version), both of which can be used as amiibo by turning the base. | ||
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==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
===Critical response=== | ===Critical response=== | ||
Since his original arcade debut, Donkey Kong has been well received by various critics and has been described as one of the most iconic mascots for Nintendo.<ref>"[http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-12-greatest-arcade-machines-of-all-time/a-2009062914347329043 The 12 Greatest Arcade Machines of All Time]" at GamesRadar</ref> For his antagonistic role in his early appearances, | Since his original arcade debut, Donkey Kong has been well received by various critics and has been described as one of the most iconic mascots for Nintendo.<ref>"[http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-12-greatest-arcade-machines-of-all-time/a-2009062914347329043 The 12 Greatest Arcade Machines of All Time]" at GamesRadar</ref> For his antagonistic role in his early appearances, {{wp|IGN}} ranked him fifth in its list of the 100 best video game villains of all time.<ref>"[http://www.ign.com/videogame-villains/5.html Donkey Kong is Number 5]." IGN. December 5, 2010.</ref> On {{wp|GameRankings}}, individual games in the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise have received approval ratings ranging from to 90% (''Donkey Kong Country 2'') to 32% (''Donkey Kong Jr. Math''). | ||
===Impact and legacy=== | ===Impact and legacy=== | ||
The ''Donkey Kong'' franchise has culturally impacted many people in numerous entertainment media, and is the inspiration for the pop-culture expression, "It's on like Donkey Kong," for which Nintendo requested a trademark in November 2010.<ref>"[http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/11/10/on.like.donkey.kong/index.html?hpt=T2 Nintendo seeks to trademark 'On like Donkey Kong']." CNN. November 10, 2010.</ref> In 2007, a documentary film directed by Seth Gordon based on the original arcade game was released, titled '' | The ''Donkey Kong'' franchise has culturally impacted many people in numerous entertainment media, and is the inspiration for the pop-culture expression, "It's on like Donkey Kong," for which Nintendo requested a trademark in November 2010.<ref>"[http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/11/10/on.like.donkey.kong/index.html?hpt=T2 Nintendo seeks to trademark 'On like Donkey Kong']." CNN. November 10, 2010.</ref> In 2007, a documentary film directed by Seth Gordon based on the original arcade game was released, titled ''{{wp|The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters}}''. That same year, the {{wp|USHRA}} {{wp|Monster Jam}} racing series licensed Donkey Kong's image [[Donkey Kong (monster truck)|for use on a monster truck]], which debuted at the {{wp|Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome}} in {{wp|Minneapolis, Minnesota}} in December 2007, and was the fastest qualifier at {{wp|Monster Jam World Finals}} 10. The success of the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise has also been acknowledged by the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of World Records]]'', which awarded it with several records in its 2008 ''Gamers Edition'', including: "First Use of Visual Storytelling in a Video Game" for the rudimentary cutscenes featured in the original ''Donkey Kong'' arcade game, and "Most Collectible Items in a Platform Game" for ''Donkey Kong 64''. | ||
In 1982, around a year after the release of the first ''Donkey Kong'', | In 1982, around a year after the release of the first ''Donkey Kong'', {{wp|Universal Studios}} sued Nintendo, alleging that the video game was a {{wp|trademark infringement}} of the film ''{{wp|King Kong}}'', the plot and characters of which Universal claimed for its own. In the case, ''{{wp|Universal City Studios, Inc. v. Nintendo Co., Ltd.}}'', Howard Lincoln, Nintendo of America's future president, decided to fight and hired seasoned attorney John Kirby to represent Nintendo at the local {{wp|United States District Court}}. Kirby showed that not only was Nintendo not in violation of any copyrights, but also that Universal Studios itself had sued {{wp|RKO Pictures}} in 1975 to prove that the plot of ''King Kong'' was in fact in the public domain. Thus, Judge Robert W. Sweet ruled that Universal had acted in {{wp|bad faith}} and had no right over the ''King Kong'' name, characters, or story, and that there was no possibility for consumers to confuse Nintendo's game and characters with the ''King Kong'' film and its characters. Universal was promptly ordered to pay Nintendo $1.8 million in legal fees. In an ironic twist, Judge Sweet also ruled that {{wp|Tiger Electronics}}' ''King Kong'' video game, licensed by Universal, infringed on ''Donkey Kong''. The victory was enormous for Nintendo, which was still a newcomer to the U.S. market. The case established the company as a major player in the industry and arguably gave the company the confidence that it could compete with the giants of American media. After the victory, Nintendo awarded John Kirby with a $30,000 sailboat, christened the ''Donkey Kong'', and gave him "exclusive worldwide rights to use the name for sailboats."<ref>Sheff, David (1999). ''Game Over: Press Start to Continue: The Maturing of Mario''. Wilton, Connecticut: Gamepress. Page 126.</ref> | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Donkey kong logo.png| | Donkey Kong Arcade Logo.png|Original wordmark (1981 - 1994) | ||
Donkey kong logo.png|Previous wordmark (2010 - 2018) | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||