Donkey Kong Contry still is fun at its own right, but feels rather dated nowadays
GRAPHICS:
DKC's graphics were underniably groundbreaking for the time, since they were digitized cartoons, but everything was in a 2D background. It tried its hardest to ensure that you were looking in a 3D game, and the results became effective, since this is a quite nice looking game with some lush enviroments. Despite that, the technology for the time was still young, and such there are many flaws in this departament, such as not much variety in the looks of the levels, and some bad texturing. It still looks nice altogether. 4/5
SOUND:
The soundtrack for this game is absolutely fantastic. Just about every track feels right at home here, specially the main theme and the final boss song, which is just incredible. It is all very catchy, and pleasant to listen to. The sound effects are also very apropriate. 5/5
GAMEPLAY:
The game is a 2D plataformer. As Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, you have to run across several levels, from left to right, avoiding enemies and other hazzards, so you can reach the end of it.
Like mentioned, you can play as two character: Donkey or Diddy. Unlike in future games of the series, where there is a huge difference in characters, this game both characters have very slight differences. Diddy is a bit faster, and jumps higher, but Donkey is stronger, and can destroy enemies Diddy cannot. It adds some variety to the game, as choosing which monkey to use in a certain situation can be what separated life from death.
The gameplay in this game is actually quite simple. You just go from one side of the screen to the other, jumping on enemies and avoiting traps. It is simple, and most importantly, fun. Both characters can roll into enemies, but jumping on them is usually more effective. Either way, enemies are normaly a breeze, and at times are just fun to bash around.
One thing this game is known for is its challenge, and it definitely is hard. This game has really some tricky level design and enemy placement, which range from "oh, I see what you did there" to "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?!". The earlier levels are the easiest, and the game adds the challenge nicely, but at times it is just too much. One of the things that makes the game so hard is that save points are scarce, so you may have to play many levels before finding a save point, and losing without saving means restarting the game from your last save point, which sucks. There are also some animals that you can ride in the game, and they are fun on their own, and add some variety.
The level design itself is a mixed bag, but a good mixed bag. In the sense that the levels are quite varied, but at times that leads to some stupid situations (but not to the degree of its sequels). Junge levels? Lovely. Barrel blasting ones? A blast. Levels without light? Annoying. A fuel controled conveyor belt that kills you if it runs out of fuel? Cruel. But the good thing is that quality level design outshines the questionable ones. Top that with many secret rooms and you have a game that really has some replayable-worthy levels. 4.5/5
PERSONAL NOTE:
Considering nowadays, and what we have seen, I have to say that I think Donkey Kong Country has already showed its age to us. In the sense that its scarse save points, date graphics and simple level design is outshined by latter games of the franchise. It still is really fun to play, but one may be left with the idea " what was everyone so excited about"
OVERALL:
Donkey Kong Country may not be that impressive nowadays, but it still is a sublime plataformer nonetheless, and one fans of simple but challenging gameplay sure have to look at.
The good:
-Nice amount of levels, and with many secrets
-Revolutionary graphics for the time
-Amazing sountrack
-Some really cool levels
-Animal buddies add some variety
The bad:
-Graphics now look kind of date, as do the whole game
-Can be really frustrating