Donkey Kong Country - Any% All Stages Speedrun World Record History

Donkey Kong Country has evolved into an incredibly difficult run. But it didn't start out this way.... This is a deep dive into speedrunning history of DKC.
Special thanks to: Pichi, V0oid, Tompa, SilentWolf, Eazinn, and Fathlo23, and the rest of the DKC community!
Edits/Corrections:
We made a few factual errors in this video, but the overall story is still the same. Below is a list of known mistakes. Sorry for the confusion!
@6:29 - there are 4* bends in world 1 and 3* of them take you to Orangutan Gang
@7:54 - This was a misunderstanding on our part. Around 2004, the original jumproll tricks were found, the ones that were NOT useful for speedrunning. The netplay session where the USEFUL jumprolls were found happened around 2007-2008. This still pre-dates the first official run, so this date misunderstanding doesn't really affect the story.
@10:27 - As noted above, TJP's segmented run doesn't use Jumprolls because useful jumprolls hadn't been discovered by this time.
@11:30 - It has come to my attention that I misunderstood the version differences a bit. Mapwarp doesn't work on either of the japanese versions (1.0 or 1.1) but it DOES work on PAL 1.0 and 1.1. I was under the impression that mapwarp was patched out, but instead, it was a few other bug fixes.
@21:03 - Apparently, this discussion took place sometime in 2013, not 2014. the exact date/time is lost.
@33:12 - This SJR was found almost a year later, which is why the WRs in 2016 didn't have a single 4-6 SJR in them
@40:40 - as noted on screen, I said he rolled through "3 enemies instead of 4 ", but its actually "1 enemy instead of 3"
All of our interviews are uploaded HERE: • Speed Docs Interviews
Speed Docs Crew:
CCNeverender, CJitsallGewd, Jmans600, SquidBird
Credits:
Narration: CCNeverender
Script: CCNeverender & CJitsallGewd
Editing: CCNeverender & CJitsallGewd
Interview Transcription: Jmans600
Intro Credits Music: Squid_Bird
/ squidbird
Follow Speed Docs on Twitter! @SpeedDocsYT / speeddocsyt
Follow The Gold Split Podcast on Twitter! @TheGoldSplitPod
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Follow CCNeverender
Twitch: / ccneverender
Twitter: / ccneverender
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CJitsallGewd:
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SquidBird:
Twitch: / squid_bird
Twitter: / yougotmad
KZbin: / @squidbird
Music from AudioBlocks
Friday Night Downtown
Swing That Jazz Stick
Sunday Service
Death In The City
Upbeat Funky Good Times
Virgo
Jazzy Dance Adventure
Jazzy Hip Hop
Ireland Rugby Anthem Jazzy Hip Hop
Blues In The Hood
Huzzabuzza
Dixie Land
Rainbow Illusion
Aqua Lounge

[@ultraspinalki11]

Everyone tends to forget that Cranky Kong was the first speed runner of DKC1. He beat the game using 1 life in less than an hour.

[@roydhefley]

Under rated comment

[@alaeriia01]

The Cranky Kong Challenge is a category in this game

[@charlessegale6493]

Here, take my 200th like! XD

[@StrongKickMan]

His controller also only had a single button.

[@Cleverconveyence]

Came here to say this, delighted someone thought of it 3 years ago

[@SpeedDocs]

Sorry for the delay, everyone. This video took so long because it was essentially made, scrapped, and remade. When v0oid took the record back just before Agdq, we had to make the adjustment, but we just weren't happy with the video as it was. We went back to the drawing board, did more interviews, more research. I think it shows. Enjoy the video :) - CC

[@mathprodigy]

That's the same thing that happened to the game Ocarina of Time and look how that turned out

[@treybarber7650]

I know you're probably working on plenty of other topics, but is ratchet and clank still on the to do list?

[@SpeedDocs]

@@treybarber7650 havent forgotten about it! It's still on the shortlist

[@xenonmaster6668]

Speed Docs what’s your favorite soundtrack in this awesome game? Mine is Life In The Mines.

[@SpeedDocs]

@@xenonmaster6668 personally, I'm a big fan of Fear Factory

[@Scorpion122178]

I really do get the "black hole of effort" comment. I can't imagine how much anxiety so many frame perfect tricks causes. But none the less, I feel like this encapsulates the spirit of speed running. Its not about holding a record for some arbitrary amount of days its about doing it as fast as possible for the sake of it.

[@thejamiebodyssey9496]

You + Summoningsalt are making phenomenal video content on speedrunning which is bound to get people into the concept who would have never bothered had these videos not been made so well; myself included. Keep it up :)

[@Purpleturtlehurtler]

Videos like these inspired me to do a

[@Flabby555]

+ Connor01

[@anymoose]

"Hey you know that time-saving glitch that we said was off limits before, well actually you can use it now, so basically every run you've did up until now was for nothing" Thanks Kanye, very cool.

[@sportsjefe]

@@PichiRTA Right. Nobody gives Terry Bradshaw crap for only throwing at a 52% rate for 166 yards a game for his career, because football was *very* different then. You judge things by their own standard.

[@Koroar]

I love how speed running is such a collaborative effort. Sure there can only be one record holder, but so many people contribute over the years. Finding new tricks and optimizations, slowly perfecting the game, it's really cool.

[@Gwynhyvr]

'The two Kongs do not play the same. Diddy Kong is-' *_incredibly broken_*

[@lightbrand_]

Essentially yes

[@ThaRixer]

Amazing video, the interviews added a lot

[@SpeedDocs]

We went all in on the interviews for this episode. I think it helps give perspective and credit to our theme/script * we also release the full unedited interviews in a playlist linked in the description of each video

[@ThaRixer]

@@SpeedDocs Solid work

[@zachmcdowell2634]

Between you and Summoning Salt, you guys have given me great insight and a new way to look at these wizards beating some of my favorite games, making me look like a 5 year old in comparison lol but this is awesome as I'm sick and all I can is watch videos. I guess consider me a speedrunner of your content. Keep up the awesome work, you definitely earned a huge fan......p.s. the interviews and insight from the speedrunners make it that much cooler to hear their perspective and how they did things

[@BenPaddock]

In order to reach peak speed and mastery over their world, these chimps need to go even further beyond, rolling outside the very boundaries of reality as they once knew it. This is Donkey Kong Speedrunning History: When Apes Learn How to Fly.

[@MDSF90]

I absolutely love how every time a speedrun WR gets close to falling below another sub X minute timeframe, almost _EVERY TIME,_ you get a runner that lowers it into that sub X minute timeframe by less than one second. For example, this run dropping to 32:59.11. The runs become so optimized that people absolutely _LOSE THEIR SHIT_ over lowering a WR time by a tenth, even a *hundredth,* of a second. Love it! Keep up the great work. Love the channel!

[@ThatPuzzledJoker]

I think this channel has the potential to be one of the best speedrun channels on youtube. Great presentation and I feel like I really learned a lot about what made the game what it is today.

[@kujo5998]

Here’s a subtle compliment i GUARANTEE you’ve never been given.. Thank you SO MUCH for passing on the obvious, ear-murdering, AOL dial-up audio tone most would have felt compelled to insert at 5:30! Thank you for overcoming that temptation.. Much appreciated!

[@captainnintendo]

very well edited and entertaining video These speedrun history/progression/documentaries are always a treat to watch

[@amandawashington4239]

So, just found this channel. And trust me when I say, I search for "speed docs" constantly. Malleo, Summoning Salt, and others have always popped up on my search queries, but the YT algorithm refuses to "work" properly. It really is unfair, and frustrating to see just how low the Website has gone from a few years back. Anyhoo, Subbed and liked. Plan on watching all your vids, and thank you for your hard work. PEACE

[@BAIGAMING]

Really love your videos, even moreso than the big speedrun history guys like Summoning Salt! Your channel will blow up soon if you keep making great-quality videos like this!

[@Glenno1982]

Garrison is a former world record holder in Super Metroid (SNES). On 6 June 2012, Garrison did any% run in 49:25 (RTA), tying Hotarubi's RTA record at the time. A week later, Garrison got a 49:22.

[@lifeonmars4088]

You can clearly hear the total lack of any joy in their voices as the runs progress further and further.

[@jjfilmsarchive]

So glad this was recommended to me. DKC is one of my favourite games of all time. I play vanilla but I love watching speed runs of it, so this is fascinating for all the depth and context given. You’ve earned a subscriber!

[@hectors7270]

"So buck up, its going to be a wild ride... welcome to Speed Docs" Paused video* Made popcorn Hit play

[@TeflonBTM]

This channel reminds me of Summoning Salt; just amazing content. You should do Mega Man X next!!

[@BlountForce]

This video deserves more views - I’m a new subscriber and I look forward to checking out more of your stuff. Very well done

[@The_Mole_47]

best new content ive found on youtube in a whole year. Subbed with notifications!

[@ausbigdaddy1]

I love these videos because its clear you put so much love and effort into them.

[@theumes]

I love these speedrun history docs!! Great job at making this one! Keep doing what you do :)

[@fifoffjfufs]

great doc! i've watched eazinn's stream a lot over the years, it's good to see him get recognition here.

[@ShapeyFiend]

Delighted to find this channel (while I await another Summoning Salt progression ) this video is really well put together.

[@TripleBuffered]

That Aquatic Ambiance remix during the intro credits is so good! I was hooked :). Great video!

[@Mister_Clean]

Pichi sounds dead inside after attempting thousands of runs and failures to hit frame perfect tricks Poor guy sounds like he's been devoured by the void that is DKC

[@EdenElectorate]

Nice video. DKC seems completely brutal.

[@ACasualSolo]

a really fascinating doc on this. i dont even watch DKC speed runs but that was super interesting. well done!

[@2TU74]

one of the very few videos that has captivated me for a whole 40+ minutes. im subscribed and eagerly awaiting your next video, awesome work. hope to see a sonic doc one day

[@jeremywilliams9470]

DKC has, in my opinion, one of the best soundtracks of all time.

[@crumpetsack3909]

I agree with you but I personally think the 2nd is superior

[@jeremywilliams9470]

Flopmaster blasphemy!

[@bernhardsrb9777]

Wow man. I think you can get pretty big on youtube. Really like your documentary style.

[@twilman420]

Incredibly entertaining video, interviews from the top runners is a nice add!

[@chibbothy]

wonderful video! always a joy to sit down with a meal and a fresh documentary to marvel at. such a treat :)

[@epiccownerdfighter]

I'm so glad KZbin recommended me this video. You guys put in amazing work, I think the whole thing came out really well, and I'm honestly surprised you don't have more subscribers. Keep up the great work, this vid was great!!

[@SpeedDocs]

Thanks! We started less than a year ago, so we're slowly building up momentum.

[@sumerhays]

I watched this a while back and kept thinking about how great of a video this was, wanted to come back and show my appreciation. I was really blown away

[@stephenmoran5855]

The interviews really take this to a whole. Nother. Level.

[@pedroangelsaezhernandez5347]

Is that a jojo reference?

[@MrNightmarekill]

The quality of these videos is nuts! It must take a lot of time to make these videos, big respect! You deserve so many more subs/views! Quickest sub I have ever done.

[@philipg6432]

That opening into a remixed Aquatic Ambience... You have my attention!

[@jmans6006]

This was an interesting speedgame to look at. Excellent video CC and CJ

[@Ocarino_]

Very good work here. Good videos, informations & presentation ! You definitly deserve more than 3,8K subs ;)

[@TrapMusicNow]

Looking forward to more from you mate!

[@Glenno1982]

This game and Diddy Kong Racing have their timing start changed from console reset to file select. Some games have switched from SDA timing (time start on first input after initial cut-scene) to modern timing (time start on file select). Examples: Super Mario Sunshine; The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Zelda OoT); The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Zelda MM). Some games that have in-game time (IGT) have since switched to RTA timing for speedruns. Examples: Super Metroid; Pokemon video games. (Both games start timing from file select.) Sonic Adventure 2 Battle is one of few games to switch from RTA to IGT. In that game (as in some other games in the Sonic series), there's an in-game timer in each level, and you add them up to give the total IGT for the run. Super Mario 64 starts timing from console power turning on.

[@Steve-hb8ct]

This is incredibly quality content. Thank you for this

[@jayr9x]

Really great video. Would love to see DKC2 and ALTTP soon.

[@Glenno1982]

DKC2 any% kzbin.info/www/bejne/enPWaqmlidqEabc

[@guhh]

No waaaaay Kirby Air Ride next!? Can't wait! Another fantastic video

[@Belle_Excentrique]

as a melee player was really surprised to see silentwolf here xD

[@SpeedDocs]

Theres a surprisingly high crossover between speedrunning and melee. Though, while most of the TOP players of melee aren't usually speedrunners, a lot of big speedrunners play melee

[@frostyliciousmayne]

"Game F-A-Qs" cmon man you know its GameFACKS

[@SpeedDocs]

Dude, I say that too! I thought people would make fun of the video if I said that lol. I had to force myself to say F A Qs

[@MomoKunDaYo]

Lmao. Been calling it "facks" since middlr school

[@NikateeN]

This is my favorite game to watch speed runs of, it’s just so satisfying.

[@Ravenesque]

Awesome!! I'm going to really REALLY enjoy this! Thank you!

[@young_heart]

33:22 diddy: what the fuck is happeninggggggggggggggggggggg

[@brucedlx]

love these speedrun documentaries and this one does a fabulous job. Subbed!

[@versutus2699]

Really enjoyable and informative video. One suggestion I have is during the interviews with the runners, if they are explaining a trick, some text on screen of their main points would be very helpful in understanding what they are saying for plebs like me who are not knowledgeable of any DKC tricks :)

[@SpeedDocs]

Not a bad idea. I'll remember it for next time

[@thejjolli]

Great video. Continue the great effort. Subscribed.

[@ImVeryBrad]

very well made video. i enjoyed this. thanks!

[@xXBlueSheepXx]

Awesome video and nice interviews with the speedrunners.

[@lLostGems]

awesome stuff man, your channel will blow up soon

[@SmeagolTheBeagle]

Didi looks so cute in a jump roll lol, endlessly rolling through the air ahaha. Awesome video mate i had no idea of the intresting history this game has.

[@BeserkFaded]

These videos are great and i wish there were more to binge watch. Thank you for the content

[@soythenesmaster]

Amazing video. Flawless. Lot of congratulations and thanks. Really enjoy it.

[@KarlMarkyMarxx]

You and Summoning Salt are doing the Lord's work.

[@Theoreticallyyou1234]

Awesome video!! Commented on your previous world record history and this one got double the views!!! Great work!! All the best ❤️

[@tizza963]

Love your channel!! Much love ❤️

[@grandmastermario3695]

Void at 1 point had a WR in all 3 of the DKC games which i remember being very impressed about.

[@Vector_U]

That was such an interesting vid! Thanks for putting it together, it looks like a lot of effort was put into this. What a brutal run man. Can't wait for Kirby Air Ride! (If you need any music for it I do have a City Trial Remix you could use :D)

[@SpeedDocs]

We just might take you up on that!

[@ilirianbardhi7901]

Keep yoir good work. Geeetinga from Albania. Very good video

[@arctower9037]

im 2 and a half minutes in and i can already tell that this guy is gonna revolutionize speedrunning content creation

[@thomas18823]

Have you watched Summoning Salt though?

[@notputtingmynamehere]

@@thomas18823 the synth soundtrack in video just makes this summoning salt 2, and im perfectly fine with that.

[@thomas18823]

@@notputtingmynamehere It's not quite there yet. Summoning Salt has built his own brand and you can't just copy that and get away with it. Besides, this guy could work on his vocal narration, which falls flat after a while.

[@thomas18823]

That being said, I appreciate the effort and am eager to see the channel develop.

[@arctower9037]

the intro got me too hyped up and the vid was p damn good but not like THAT good

[@martyshwaartz971]

Really hit me in the nostalgia with that aquatic ambience remix off the top

[@teddylark2357]

Great content bro! I enjoyed that..keep it up 👍

[@Bainesy]

Great episode as always!

[@andrew_cunningham]

I'm glad you realized that Synthwave music was required in a true world record progression video. I really felt its absence in that Minish Cap one.

[@SpeedDocs]

We do love us some Synthwave

[@clovr3430]

Amazingly enjoyable and interesting video! I hope to see more like this!

[@linomota8055]

I absolutely love this kind of video, please keep up doing

[@WillieCorley]

I loved watching this video and would love seeing an episode for DKC2.

[@HobbesandCalvinFan]

I love the super jump rolls of Diddy. It's such an amusing sight.

[@ZappasMudshark]

I need more videos you bastard. Keep it up. Love it man.

[@SpeedDocs]

Working on it :) check out our other videos on the mean time

[@CrowFGC]

Speedrunners: “as fast as possible.” Speedrunners: “but not that way!” *tries to ban glitches*

[@oohehoohahahtingtang1232]

God I love speedrunning.. When I was a kid, I fell hard on videogames, and I mean it It got so bad that, my parents only allowed me 1h of gaming every evening (but I was waking up at like 4h in the morning to play before school.. go figure) Since I was playing so much in the mornings, I usually completed the games rather quickly. So, in the mornings I was exploring the game, trying to find the secrets, the items, remember the stages, and so on.. And on the evening, I was trying to beat the games as fast as I could... Let's just say, I didnt get to King K Rool, or Bowser, or Mother Brain, or Ganon, very often during the 1h play session lmao I wish I was this gud tho... I usually don't do well with frame perfect tricks, I wish those were not a thing lmao My old thumbs can't keep up

[@vincedjeez4628]

For the record, the idea was never to ban the SJRs outright when it was discovered, but to rename All Stages to All Stages (No SJRs), and then have All Stages keep trucking on with the new glitch. The idea was to preserve a storied leaderboards' integrity and have the game keep its natural progression, while also allowing future players to play a non-SJR category and be able to compare their time to an intact leaderboard. An unconventional and arbitrary move for sure, especially in speedrunning where the attention span tends to be quite low and only focused on current world records and current strategies. Pretty disappointing that Eazinn clearly doesn't remember the nuances of the situation. But then again, not very surprising that revisionism has facts become twisted, considering how that situation unfolded. Including Garrison using his massive twitter following to mock and undermine people in favor of LB separation, dragging people that weren't part of the community at all to follow suit. Great video and great presentation though! Was wondering when someone would get this one done. Signed by: the guy that made the WR progression document that was used as the basis for this video.

[@SpeedDocs]

I'm assuming you're referring to the World Record Progression section of the DKC speedruns wiki, in which case, thank you, that section was very useful in the making of this video People's memories are a funny thing. Forking the category makes more sense than banning SJRs outright. Thanks for setting things straight

[@vincedjeez4628]

@@SpeedDocs Yea that one! You certainly did the extra research and legwork to flesh the whole thing out however. The jumprolls make for such an interesting story to tell, and I'm glad you did it justice.

[@Lh0000]

Now I want to see someone make a TAS that makes use of everything known so far, just to show the best possible run, even if it’s likely never going to happen.

[@mork6668]

Damn, only found this channel today, great stuff!!

[@cold_chili3356]

At 19:23 how does Diddy keep rolling and jumping in the air?

[@beepot2764]

Have never speed run a game or really been into it. But, I stumbled on this channel and realized shit! This community is great! Awesome information presented in a way that even a complete newb can understand.

[@Alamyst2011]

Start with SmB1. Easy and fun. Several variants to run.

[@doncheeto3706]

Great video as always CC 🔥

[@Jo-jg3cn]

Great video, looking forward to more!

[@SpeedDocs]

Hopefully the wait won't be as long for the next one :) dont forget to check out our previous episodes as well

[@Jo-jg3cn]

@@SpeedDocs Sure thing!

[@BMB]

WAAAY better than my DKC Progression video.

[@SpeedDocs]

Hey, we all start somewhere :)

[@Wattywattybangbang]

You are such an underrated youtuber

[@alfredosalazar526]

i thought you were going to play the game, bro ! i was waiting for that soothing sound of game play music!!!!!

[@thegeneral19]

I found out about that 1 kong warp after the first stage when i was 7, my brother and I were fighting over the controller on who plays next level and next thing you know we are in the 3rd world lol

[@Rustoization]

Possibly the best video on speedrunning ive ever seen

[@edwardevans5759]

Not to knock this guy's content, but you obviously haven't seen Summoning Salt's videos then. He popularized this sort of video and you should really check him out if you haven't.

[@millionshadesofdarkness2165]

thx for all the work you put into this. amazing upload.

[@johnnycutterr]

I've been running DKC 1 and 2 for a couple years now and eventually just said fuck it and came to terms with the fact that being a top player at them is nigh impossible. I still love running them, but I don't even fuck with half the SJR's, Krem-Tut or Omega Snake Jumps in DKC 2. Guys like V0oid and Pichi are absolute madmen and are the true Chads of speedrunning

[@georgewilliams2627]

Been waiting for a doc on this game great job 👍👍

[@Alamyst2011]

Seeing DK for the first time in 20 plus years. Almost made me cry.

[@LeatherIceCream]

So uhh, does anyone know what the song is called that starts at around 17:40

[@SpeedDocs]

that song is Pride of a King by our boy Squidbird soundcloud.com/squidbird/pride-of-a-king

[@LeatherIceCream]

@@SpeedDocsthanks, that is a very donkey kong country song

[@edhc44]

Showing my support here in the hopes of seeing new videos like this. Your content is great, I wasn't amused by any videos to this degree in ages. If I may leave a suggestion, could you try to do Rockman 2 next?

[@SpeedDocs]

We're gonna keep making content, for sure. No guarantees, but we can look into it

[@kayuzo4753]

Not even done with the video and it already seems like dkc is the hardest game to speedrun. Before I only was into Mario speedruns but DKC is awesome

[@rawr51919]

These speedruns are just as godtier as the game (and it's sequels) are