The most underrated of the trilogy, this one is still very fun if you liked the first two DKC's.
Graphics:
There's not much improvement over the second game in the graphics department, but that doesn't mean this game looks bad. The silicon graphics and 3D pre-rendered environments that these games used still appear beautifully to me even after 15 years. It sort of depends on the person, because I know many people who preferred the normal 2D graphics of games like Super Mario World at the time, but the pre-rendered environments are just breath taking in how detailed they can look. Just compare an image of Super Mario World and DKC 3 side by side and you can tell the world is much more lively and vivid in Donkey Kong.
9.5/10
Gameplay:
Even though almost identical to the last two games in gameplay, this game is still fun. I find this game a bit shorter than DKC 2 but maybe I just run through too quickly. This game certainly does have a few changes from the last game in a couple of levels. For instance, one of the boss battles is completely different from anything in any other DKC. In the boss fight instead of the traditional either jumping on them or throwing barrels, you actually have a snowball fight with a snowman. It's actually quite fun for a simple little boss fight. Many people complain about things like this saying it's too "gimmicky", but if they never added just a little variation, it would be the same exact thing all the time. Which people would just complain about too. You never can please everyone. Another relatively large change is the transition from two quick and nimble characters in DKC 2 (Diddy and Dixie), back to the old DKC 1 style of one brawny, slower character (Kiddie Kong) and one quick character (Dixie). I personally like this way because that makes each character useful in different kinds of situations. For large enemies, you have brawn, and for quick getaways you have an agile character.
8.5/10
Sound:
The soundtrack isn't groundbreaking in this one, and just couldn't live up to the amazing soundtrack of DKC 2. While still varied and very nice to listen to while playing, it doesn't capture you like in DKC 2. Sound effects on the other hand, are very good in this game. The lighting on one of the levels sounds very realistic and just all sounds are very good all around. Barrels bursting sound good as do the many noises the animals and enemies make.
7.5/10
Overall:
This game wasn't revolutionary at all, but it was still a great game, that I actually just beat another time today. This is the worst in the series I would say. But worst doesn't always mean it's bad. If you have a SNES try to pick up a cartridge and have a blast from the past. If you have a Wii instead, the Virtual console is your friend. Try it out, trust me. I give this overall an:
8.5/10