In Defense of Donkey Kong 64

In recent years I have seen many negative comments toward Donkey Kong 64, a game that I have loved my whole life. While I'm aware of the game's flaws, I would like to defend DK64 and compare it to Super Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie.
Freexax - Banjo Kazooie vs. Donkey Kong 64: • Video
snowmaN Gaming - Bad Game Design - Donkey Kong 64: • Bad Game Design - Donk...

[@BeagleFeatures]

It sucks how people like to rewrite history and say this was a bad game, when it's amazing and people loved it

[@superjoebros64]

PREACH

[@dominiclombardi5305]

This was one of the first video games I ever played as a kid, and I have very fond memories. This along with Conker's Bad Fur Day were some of my favorite N64 games. This was also when I got into Pokemon Yellow for the Gameboy Color.

[@subjectnivleis7572]

Exactly dk64 needs the Spyro treatment

[@roostergamerbubsy3d]

They should instead rewrite history to acknowledge Bubsy 3D and Earthworm Jim 3D as masterpieces. I played and finished both and they're unironically awesome games. You should try them.

[@Joe_Parmesan]

It's unfortunate to see, as it seems like people want to turn liking something (in this case, a video game) into a formula, when it has never been that way

[@LuigiRocks07]

I’m really happy to see someone love DK64 as much as I do. It’s honestly my favorite 3D platformer. You described everything exactly how I would discuss it. One of the most underrated and unappreciated games of all time. Multiplayer was awesome too. It just has something that pulls me back in unlike BK or Mario 64.

[@superjoebros64]

The love needs to be shared! It's criminally underrated. I agree with you. It feels easier for me to jump back into it than BK or SM64.

[@tremblence]

Ocarina of Time 9.8/10 Banjo Kazooie 7/10 DonkeyKong 64 9.3/10 Banjo Kazooie is boring and sucks DK64 is easily 10x better

[@paetonlaur3655]

@LuigiRocks07: I feel the same way, especially with the fact that it was one of my favourite N64 games growing up in the 2000's.

[@judebug1106]

I love DK64. In fact I'm replaying it in this moment I'm at crystal caves.

[@paetonlaur3655]

@@judebug1106 The music of that level is quite nostalgic for me. Donkey Kong 64 has some of my favourite levels in all of video game history. Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time also have some of my favourite video game levels.

[@JulianneStingray]

I feel like no one mentions the kick ass multiplayer DK64 had I think it's alot of fun

[@superjoebros64]

YES! Multiplayer in DK64 is incredible

[@maximus4765]

I always thought it was weird how you could play as Krusha, yet he never appeared in the main game.

[@superjoebros64]

WHAT?! I did NOT know this!

[@maximus4765]

@@superjoebros64 You unlock him after photographing 15 banana faries and enabling him in the cheats menu. I think he had an orange bazooka

[@superjoebros64]

Literally just now finding out about this. WOW. Creating a short video right now and crediting you for telling me about this lol.

[@theultimatepololo]

Finally someone that uses his mind to discover an incredible non-hidden truth: Donkey Kong 64 and Banjo-Kazooie are equally good 3D platform master pieces, same design, same engine, same controls, both collectathon platformers with awesome charm and longevity, both are master pieces

[@superjoebros64]

All wonderful games, even with their flaws!

[@christianvega646]

DK64 is my favorite game of all time!

[@paetonlaur3655]

Mine too! Even though I was born in the 2000's, I really enjoyed that game and still do to this very day. I play it nonstop when I give myself the chance.

[@christianvega646]

@@paetonlaur3655 same

[@klaushammer8687]

I also really enjoyed it. But I've tried to replay it many times, like ok this is it I'm gonna do it, I want this. But I can't get in to it. What about it captures your heart the most

[@thatkingk.roolmain842]

@@paetonlaur3655 Dude ypur just like me. I was born in 2002 and I played n64.

[@blacktrainer7829]

My too and smash 64 and majora

[@sergperez5484]

I find it really impressive on how on the same console in just 3 year they managed to jump so much in graphics, character models, cutscenes and map sizes from Mario 64

[@superjoebros64]

Fully agree! Hard to believe they're on the same console haha

[@PestoPitaa44]

it's definetly not like it requires an accessory that makes your console jump a quarter generation (i still like the model artstyle)

[@darkseidmcdonald2125]

Underrated video, DK64 has the Sonic Adventure 2 complex, when both games 1st released they recived universal critical praise, but over recent years both games are heavily divisive and over scrutinized. You have a sect of people who think both sa2 and dk64 are the best in there series, but then a large sect who think both games are overrated and sometimes say there the worst in the series. I love DK64, it and DKC2 are my favorite DK titles of all time. And I played DKC 2 years before 64. DK64 has an almost non exsistent community to defend itself unlike Sonic adventure 2 which relativly has one. I wish there was some sorta community for this game, underrated imo. (Sorry for the long post lol)

[@superjoebros64]

Completely agree. I get warm inside when I meet someone who loves DK64 as well. Haven't played SA2, but it's interesting to see other series go through the same thing!

[@darkseidmcdonald2125]

@@superjoebros64 same here! Its always great to discuss this game in general! And after the remake of DK isle im Mario + Rabbids Kingdom battle, it makes me just want a remake/sequel ever more so

[@Z3RO5286]

@@superjoebros64 SA2 is hands down the greatest sonic game. It's still amazing till this day. It's easily 10/10 game.

[@MoundN]

There is a community that defends dk64 with their soul. You'll see a comment of mine completely obliterating the "critique points" made by people who upload a video against dk64 and people commenting badly against dk64 EVERYWHERE. People have no fucking idea how hard it was to find a solution for this game. Rare did absolutely great hence why the game received so much praise back then. Its bc the game industry changed so much that now dk64s design stands out as being bad but that's literally an unfair comparison. You can't judge a game that literally hasn't changed for 20 years bc the game industry changed during the 20 years to accommodate people with less brain functionality than they had 20 years ago when games still required a brain.

[@AntEnjoyer]

This is a legitimately great, well made video. You definitely deserve a lot more attention.

[@superjoebros64]

Well thank you! I really appreciate it! What other content/ games would you like to see? I'm brainstorming lots of other ideas.

[@hmshood9212]

Personally I think it’s the absolute peak of the collectathon

[@superjoebros64]

A worthy challenge for completionists!

[@AAAGamesMaster]

to be honest I think the controls in Banjo and DK64 are a million times better than Mario 64

[@superjoebros64]

I'd have to agree. Probably just from having the time to get better at designing the controls!

[@AAAGamesMaster]

The camera is more fluid too

[@superjoebros64]

freshly squeezed in the morning.

[@michaelwilson4289]

disagree, enjoyed mario 64 more than either of those

[@Darachu]

I enjoy dk64 and banjo kazooie more than sk64

[@8-bit918]

I just finished this game 101 percent today. Took me 4 days to finish it. It really isnt as hard as people make it out to be. Beaver Bother really isnt that hard after a couple tries.

[@superjoebros64]

I truly don't know how you managed to complete all the Beaver Bother games so easily, but I applaud you! Other than those golden bananas, I would agree that the majority of the game isn't *that* difficult to 101% complete!

[@ironinquisitor3656]

HOW?! How the hell did you beat that minigame?!

[@ironinquisitor3656]

@Energytainment okay.

[@legrandliseurtri7495]

1.If you played the game for the first time and it only took you four days, all I have to say is:go outside please. 2.Beaver bother has a lot of luck involved. You got lucky.

[@MrJohnlennon007]

That Rabbit and Beetle race though...

[@sithlordmikeyp]

Generally speaking, I very much enjoy backtracking in video games. DK64 and Tooie are the best collectathons

[@DoctorMario606]

Automatically subbed, you're a DK64 fan

[@superjoebros64]

My people! ❤

[@SlothSG]

I just recently 101%ed this game. I never made it past Frantic Factory as a child so I wanted to experience the game in full. Took me 33 hours of in game time and absolutely loved it even with all it's flaws.

[@jsj0520]

DK64 is my favorite collectathon all time. I honestly don’t care that there are tons of different collectibles, it honestly encourages me to explore each level with each Kong. And of course ever since I was VERY young I’ve had the DK64 guide book. And the art style itself is honestly my favorite of any old 3D game, it’s so colorful and cartoony. And sure banjo has a similar one but it still feels slightly different and I prefer DK64.

[@Y-two-K]

DK64 is one of my favorite n64 games. As a kid it always felt like a massive game, and I found the levels quite interesting. Maybe it's nostalgic, but it's always had this magical charm to me.

[@superjoebros64]

heck yes!

[@Z3RO5286]

@@superjoebros64 it still has that magic and charm.

[@c0sm1c-d0ll]

The atmosphere of DK64 always pulls me back in. The worlds and characters are just so charming. Sure, I think it struggles in a lot of areas, but the game as a whole makes me feel good and that's all that matters to me.

[@superjoebros64]

I miss Tiny, Lanky and Chunky :(

[@SeisoYabai]

I dont think anyone thinks DK64 is an unenjoyabke game, just that it has some brutally bad structural problems. I've always loved DK64 and I've played it more than any other playformer (except maybe Sunshine), but from an objective point of view this game's design is pretty bad. It just does everything else so well that it didn't matter so much!

[@truepatriot3768]

Sometimes I feel if DK 64 & Banjo kazooie were on GameCube they would have become Immortal, ya both are still great but I think n64 games aged badly but GameCube graphics will never feel dated even in 2100 ad

[@superjoebros64]

Agreed! Even the best N64 games don't hold up as well anymore. GC games are still great and play fairly well.

[@DanielCenciD]

Tenho que descordar, acho os visuais do 64 charmosos, não acho que o console interfere negativamente, são proutos do seu tempo assim como pixel art

[@BolleBoi]

3:38 mad prediction

[@superjoebros64]

But actually. That's what makes Odyssey so great, they fixed it!

[@robertlauncher]

As someone who also likes DK64 but has their own points to make, here they are. Mario 64 and Banjo have their moments of bad camera, but going back to DK64 after years, I was surprised how much the game wanted me to work the camera. The other games mentioned had moments where the camera would be at an ideal angle with no input from the player, and I found that far less the case in DK64. The point people are actually making when comparing DK64 to Banjo is that Banjo is way more straightforward with its collectibles and other gameplay elements. Saying bananas are better than notes and jiggies with no elaboration is an odd statement to make. The point is I don’t have to collect a certain amount of coins to get new moves, I just find bottles. I don’t have to switch out characters to get every note in banjo like you have to do with the colored bananas. I’m not saying the multiple characters are always a bad thing, but I feel like them having their own specific Golden Bananas and abilities that open up the worlds more is more than enough justification to play as them at different points. The colored bananas feel like an unnecessary step. Again I like DK64 and I like what you’re doing. But the video could’ve been a little stronger at points is all.

[@superjoebros64]

Appreciate the feedback! I'd have to agree with a lot of what you've said here. Looking back at this 2.5 year video, there's definitely things I'd want to change. That's a great point with the cameras. Something I dislike about SM64 is the forced camera angles. I want the freedom to place the camera however I want to.

[@Z3RO5286]

@@superjoebros64 there still great games. I personally love mario 64 and i don't like bc of nostaliga. Don't get me wrong that game was ahead of it's time but it's one the greatest mario games in the franchise.

[@codyr.48]

The Rareware logo is actually a golden toilet paper roll. You're welcome.

[@superjoebros64]

LOL

[@dukemon6163]

You don't need to throw Super Mario 64 and Banjo into the garbage just to elevate Donkey Kong 64. Super Mario 64's controls are fine.... when you play on the N64 controller. That's the thing. The analog control was optimized for the N64 stick, so playing it on any emulator like the Wii U VC will cause Mario to walk more than intended because new sticks are too sensitive compared to before. The same happens with DK64 and Banjo Kazooie controlling weird on emulators or VC (Except the Xbox version of Banjo, they tweaked the controls there). And then you have people that can do wonders on Mario 64, do the controls actually suck? Or are people used to how games control now? Because I completed Mario 64, 120 stars, and I went to Odyssey and that game felt weird and slow until I got used to it. It can also go backwards. They main critique of DK64 is not the camera, the controls or story. It's the fact that people don't have patience anymore. People want to complete and rush the game as soon as possible so they go to play other games and also rush them. I personally played this game (Not 101%, just the K. Rool fight) and it was fine, I think it's the weakest of the Rare games, but not because of having to backtrack to change characters. It's because some levels are too basic and without the creative imagination of... for example... Grunty Industries of Banjo Tooie. A GameCube sequel would have fixed all those issues, well, it would have....*sigh*...

[@superjoebros64]

Can't say I quite agree about the emulator part. I've played SM64 and DK64 on an emulator with a PS4 control. Both games were still tricky to play. But you make some great points, especially people rushing through games today. I respect your opinion! Man, don't get me started on GameCube sequels... One of my favorite consoles. I would LOVE to see how all 3 games could run on that system.

[@dukemon6163]

@@superjoebros64 About the emulator. That was the point. They are tricky to play without the N64 controller. Because I can totally feel the freedom of movement for Mario 64 in my original N64 (I won't defend the camera tho) but on Wii U's VC... it becomes so finicky and hard to control. It's a thing people get used to. I got used to DK64's controls very quickly after the first world. I don't think it controls bad. It's that the analog sticks of current consoles aren't made for these games.

[@TheMovieDoctorful]

Donkey Kong 64 is my favorite video game of all time, so I really appreciate this video. I absolutely love all the creativity that Rare put into Kong Isle. There are so many visually unique areas in the game and the diversity of locations helps collecting feel less tedious and more rewarding. I actually enjoy the grinding process.

[@superjoebros64]

Fully agree! This is one of those games that feels rewarding when you look behind every single corner and collect everything

[@metamaster5469]

I mean... I don't think Arin 'willfully ignores the directions the games clearly give you and proceeds to act like it's all the game's fault' Hanson is the best example to go off of. He just generally kinda sucks at video games.

[@LOLC2k]

I like this game as well. I do not think it is as well made as the donkey kong country games, but... those games are absolute masterpieces (especially the 2nd one). A game doesn't have to be an absolute masterpiece to be good.

[@superjoebros64]

Very true! DKC games play pretty differently too, but I love seeing the characters play in a different 3D world. Wish we could get more like this one day.

[@PestoPitaa44]

@@superjoebros64 actually, because the development was restarted around a year and a half in, there's a very good chance dk64 was originally something of 3d evolution of dkc,so think crash bandicoot with the dkl character switching because 2 characters at once would clog up the screen

[@giancarlodaponte6349]

DK64 is my favourite game. I love it. I think its main flaw with the backtracking is how everything is so fragmented. I mean, the coloured bananas, banana coins, and even golden bananas that are open to every kong are just able to pick by one. Maybe unifying all these collectables and the ability to switch kongs wherever you want would be a nice change and addition.

[@superjoebros64]

I think it would interest more people! Curious to how long it would take to complete the game this way haha

[@PestoPitaa44]

@@superjoebros64there's a mod that lets you tag anywhere, but with how the game is structured you're just playing simon says

[@ddave6419]

DK64 was simply an amazing game. Perfect atmosphere. Great art. Great music. Play mechanics are great once you get used to them. Creative level design. The 5 characters allowed for some great and unique puzzles too. I think DK64 is a far superior game to Banjo Kazooie.

[@superjoebros64]

It's tough to convince people otherwise. But this game deserves to be in the spotlight more often!

[@PestoPitaa44]

i think people prefer banjo kazooie because nearly all of the collectibles lead directly to more jiggies or used as ammo, and also because the levels just have.... density? like, every single area in the level has something important, while with dk64, you barely even need half of the collectibles (although the minimum 94 jiggy path block is stupid, but i just like to get everything in that game anyway)

[@GoldenNorway1]

Me and the other kids at school never found this game bad at all. In fact, it wa one of the most popular games at the time. I never heard about all the negative critique until I was much older... And I certainly don't see this game as bad at all.

[@superjoebros64]

That's awesome! I don't think I knew a single kid at school that played this

[@The1upBlock]

I'm currently playing through DK 64 100% for the first time. My only complaints, honestly, are how brutal some of the mini games and time limits can be and having to swap to the Kongs a bit more often than I'd like to. The collecting in the world and MOST of the activities are solid.. But If I'm being honest, the thought of having to do the Fly Swatter Mini Game or Beaver Bother again makes my stomach churn.

[@chris-zilla2113]

In super Mario 64s defence It was one of the first Ever 3d platformers and basically created 3d platforming. The people behind it were one of the first to make it and they weren't as skilled. Donkey kong 64 came out over 3 years after super Mario 64 so they had a better idea on 3d controls and camera angles. And also the controller made both games controls worse which was neither of their faults.

[@superjoebros64]

Completely fair! Even after 3 years from SM64, there wasn't a huge upgrade for 3D games. This was a generation of trying out new ideas. Some worked better than others!

[@Z3RO5286]

@@superjoebros64 d64 is a classic.

[@bpomatto]

the fact people are hating this game kinda confuses me here. i mean granted it has it flaws but it's still a fantastic game that i grew up with.

[@WastelandArmorer]

Its probably my favorite n64 game.

[@Pearcinator]

All these games have flaws but they culminated into the best 3D platformer ever made...Banjo Tooie!

[@CaptainGameSlayer]

Loved this game. My only complaint was that the texture detail wasn’t quite up to the same level as banjo kazooie, which made the levels seem of lower texture quality overall. Outside of that, the music and art style were right up their with their best work.

[@caturiges]

My main criticisms of this game: while it has many kongs to play, they all share too many similar features, which gives a recycling impression. All Kongs have musical instruments and guns, can smash buttons on the ground, have a barrel with their face and a panel with their face on the ground, associated with timed abilities. The banana collection is also very tedious, because it requires exploring the same level multiple times, only to find a button that requires the gun of another kong, thus making it a very backtracking intensive game. It also has the problem that you can't skip the cutscene that plays when you give the pieces of the project, and you have to watch the same thing for every kong. Other than that, it is a solid platformmer with camera problems, nice visuals and music and great bosses. I give it a 3/5.

[@superjoebros64]

More specific movesets per Kong would have been great. I can agree with you there; why make them all have an instrument, gun, face panel? I love that Diddy has his headbash, Lanky has his Handstand walk, Tiny has her flying. It just WORKS! I think it would be cool if 1 Kong had the gun (maybe Chunky?) and 1 Kong had face panel (maybe DK?) just to give them more specific jobs (while somehow also keeping the game from backtracking even more than it already is.)

[@SuperDavidBrothers]

I absolutely loved all these games growing up and frankly it is hard to decide which one is really my favorite. Also, Banjo grabbed ledges in Tooie when they thankfully fixed that mistake (which was great in my opinion).

[@mikeytime564]

I love the way Mario 64 controls.

[@superjoebros64]

Gotta love that back flip!

[@doctoradventure413]

I just finished getting 101% on dk64 and easily the most frustrating part of the game was trying to all the bananas for each kong with Gloomy Galleon being the most frustrating with several banana balloons being out of view from a platform and requiring you to swim out to nowhere to get them to spawn then swim back to shoot them

[@superjoebros64]

Completely feel that pain. Gloomy Galleon isn't the best world in that game. But it feels super satisfying to complete the game.

[@pileofsand8756]

Correction: Super Mario Galaxy boots you out because you reached the end of an (amazing) obstacle course, so it's no big deal. There are no other power stars to collect in the same level, with a couple of exceptions.

[@DigimontamerB]

I don't think Arin Hanson is what you'd call a reliable example for a 3d games faults. The man's inability in that regard, and bias is legendary at this point.

[@superjoebros64]

yeah. If I were making this video today, I wouldn't include the GG clip anymore

[@vicariousmonarch]

I imagine if there was ever a future where DK64 was ever remastered to a more modern adaptation, the controls and collectables would be made miles better now. Just a shame we wont ever see that happen.

[@superjoebros64]

For real. Or even adding a tag anywhere option. I wish Nintendo would give this game more love today.

[@brn2579]

You should play Banjo Tooie, it has ledge grabs and a giant laser thing.

[@diegog1853]

I'm glad to see someone defending a game that sold well but doesn't have a stellar reputation. But still I would say that, ultimately comparing each preceived flaw to other similar games is not the good aproach. A lot of those things ARE criticized in those other games but that doesn't necesarily mean those games are bad, or if those games are good then that doesn't mean this one is also good. You can pretty much defend the majority of games with the same mentality, naming the things wrong with bubsy and how other beloved games in the same genre also have them.

[@Ultimatesadventures]

I also grew up with that game. The world we visited were so inspiring to me. I didnt speak English back then so I wasnt able to know what to do except by purely exploring this fantastic world.

[@superjoebros64]

Wow that's really cool! I can only imagine what that experience was like, just exploring on your own with no guide. Very cool. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@leesydreamy]

I love both games. Neither are perfect. They have flaws like any other game.

[@superjoebros64]

Agreed!

[@justcuz8202]

I think we danced around the biggest issue the entire time while attacking its contemporaries to bring them down to this game's level. The problem with this game is that there are five characters and every single level is required to be ran through five different times for every single one of them. That is the issue and the difference between Banjo and Mario 64 and this game, plain and simple. Nobody complains about Banjo's movement like you mentioned because the moveset is not split between FIVE characters. The five characters are the problem, here. Seriously. I LOVE all of these characters and the way they move and everything else about it, but the REQUIREMENT to travel to and from the tag barrel every time you see another faded minty green banana at the end of a hallway you needed to open with a peanut gun button was a mistake, simple as.

[@superjoebros64]

Yes! I completely agree with ya. I love all 5 Kongs, but not the timesuck that is the tag barrel.

[@kristimartin6526]

We live in a society where people hate DK64. DK64 FANS RISE UP!

[@superjoebros64]

APES TOGETHER STRONG

[@markcobuzzi826]

I sometimes wonder if minute changes like these below could have helped Donkey Kong 64’s reception, without altering the game too much: *1.) Give players an option they can toggle, whether bananas of a different color from their current Kong can be collected.* That way, if a player wants to leave certain colored bananas/balloons behind, as a reminder/hint to revisit that area with another Kong, that function can easily remain intact. But if someone wants to focus on collecting all the bananas as efficiently as possibly and minimize backtracking, they can do that as well. *2.) Let each Kong collect coins of any color, and give the color-coding a different purpose for coins.* For example, any Kong could grab yellow coins, but yellow coins can only be cashed in to buy abilities/upgrades specifically for Donkey Kong. As for buying abilities/upgrades that apply to all Kongs, rainbow coins could have been used to specifically serve that purpose instead. *3.) Allow any Kong to transform into Rambi or Enguarde with those boxes, rather than respectively requiring Donkey Kong and Lanky Kong (plus let the animal transformations pick up collectibles too).* I found it arbitrary to not just allow any Kong to use those transformation boxes. I also remember not even being able to pick up blue collectibles as Enguarde, despite being specifically required to have Lanky Kong present to become Enguarde. *4.) Make the RareWare and Nintendo Coins unlock special bonuses/cheats, rather than being a final out-of-left-field requirement for reaching King K. Rool.* I think that might have improved the game’s pacing without completely stripping away the incentive to clear those challenges with the Jetpack and original Donkey Kong games. *5.) Replace the shoot-able switches with animal face statues that are “hungry” for the specific ammo each Kong fires from their gun (and perhaps make Tiny Kong’s crossbow shoot bamboo arrows).* It would at least give a reason why certain switches have to be activated by a specific Kong’s ammo, even if it is a fantastically contrived reason. *6.) Have DK64’s Golden Bananas act more like Jiggies in Banjo-Tooie or the Stars in Super Mario 64 DS, which can be picked up by any character you reach them as.* I feel that if you have reached a Golden Banana, it should not matter which Kong you are controlling to get it. If the developers want certain Golden Bananas to only be acquired by certain Kongs, they can still make that happen organically by making certain one’s only accessible through a certain Kong’s abilities. That is, also like certain Jiggies and Stars in BT or SM64 DS.

[@superjoebros64]

These are all awesome changes! I absolutely agree with ya. I recently played the DK64 Randomizer and it fixes sooooo many basic problems. Truly a game changer.

[@HaveButOneLife]

THANK YOU!! This game is underrated and underappreciated. One of my favorite games of all-time.

[@superjoebros64]

Heck yeah! This is one of my favorites and it needs more love!

[@Ckoz2829]

I got a love/hate relationship with this game. On the one hand, I love the music, the characters, the worlds, it’s just an all around fun game, even if there’s countless collectibles to grab. On the other hand, my experience is bogged down by BS like beaver bother, the racing, the awful jet pack controls, the mine cart levels, and the Donkey Kong and Jet Pack arcade games. I’ve beaten the game once with 101% completion and again recently with only 99% because beaver bother is a broken mess of a mini game. Even then, it was all on the Wii U with save states and let me tell you, I abused the hell out of those. The games got some serious difficulty spikes and that’s what keeps me from coming back more often. I think if I ever decide to play it again, I’m just gonna forget about 101% and just play the parts I like.

[@jtimko2196]

People cry tpo much bout camera angles in N64 games. That's part of the challenge and game play. You need to actively use your c buttons to rotate the camera. The camera only sucks if you suck at playing the game.

[@superjoebros64]

Right. There's games out today for the Switch with meh camera controls. At least for older games it's kind of part of the challenge (and vibe)

[@jakedematteo2172]

What’s the music at the beginning? I swear I hear it all the time but I can’t point it to a name.

[@generatednoise3464]

It’s the main theme of the game

[@simonthomas5113]

I just played a Beaver Bother barrel tonight and just declined the "play again?" after failing. Move on, I'm not a completionist!

[@superjoebros64]

LOL I respect this. I get this way too, you gotta know when to call it and save your sanity

[@Aeoncalcos91]

As a fan of all three games, especially DK 64, thank you. Though I feel I should point out something. Banjo does learn the ability to grab ledges in the sequel. (Banjo Tooie) Why they waited until the second game to let us do that, I will never understand. One last thing regarding negatives for DK 64. My biggest problem is getting the Nintendo and Rareware coins. It's cool that both the Donkey Kong Arcade and Jetpac are available to play as little Easter Eggs to Nintendo and Rare's origins, but in my opinion, making them mandatory to even unlock the final boss was a bad idea.

[@superjoebros64]

Legit didn't know about grabbing edges in Tooie! I need to play it... Fully agree with the 2 coins. That was just cruel haha. Or should I say K.Rool?...

[@andresvega8412]

I didn’t know Donkey Kong 64 is getting tons of hate from a lot of people but I’m glad you love this game a lot just like me. I never got to the final battle with King K Rool and beat the game tbh. I just hope that Nintendo will make a remake for this game for the switch because I really really REALLY love this game since childhood

[@mariowario5945]

And Odessy did break the trend.

[@superjoebros64]

It did! I was very happy to see that when first playing.

[@Stratilex]

I subscribed. Your content is solid and it’s always good to support a small creator! :)

[@superjoebros64]

Thank you! Much appreciated

[@dannydanny6442]

If Banjo-Kazooie ever gets remade Banjo NEEDS to grab the ledge & get rid of the air meter that only gets restored by bubbles appearing like in Sonic 1's most infamous levels; Labyrith Zone.

[@superjoebros64]

Legitimately surprised BK can't grab onto ledges. Just seems unreal to me!

[@Aeoncalcos91]

@@superjoebros64 In Banjo Tooie, Bottles' brother Jam-Jars gives you the ability to ledge grab. I have no idea why they waited until the sequel for that.

[@Tom-jw7ii]

If you take away the air meter, then where’s the challenge? But more importantly, what reason would there be for Gloop? We can’t just get rid of Gloop like that.

[@TheSBWproductions]

if you have the time I highly recommend the 2 part DK64 review & analysis by Veegie

[@superjoebros64]

Adding it to my watch later! Thanks for the rec

[@Frowny_Fox1027]

I love this game, but the only thing I didn't liked about it, it was the camera problem it had sometimes, but along with super mario 64, ocarina of time and banjo kazooie, it's fun to play

[@callumsparrow4379]

I reckon DK64 will get a lot more appreciation in a few years time from now, especially from younger retro gaming enthusiasts, considering the sheer number of 20+ hour-long open-world sandbox titles from the 7th console generation to the current day.

[@0secondsago297]

Although I do agree that donkey Kong 64 is not as bad as everyone says it is, I feel like collectables and backtracking in banjo kazooie is much more fun than DK because each area has its own feel like a pirate ship, the beach, a big mountain and a giant crab all in a medium sized area where DK you can pretty much get lost in its Giant levels with the overall same feel.

[@superjoebros64]

that's a good point!

[@xXSpongeBroBrownPantzXx]

Only 11 subscribers!!!??? I’m making that change!

[@superjoebros64]

You're too kind!

[@thatkingk.roolmain842]

I swear Frantic Factory and Grunty Industries is exactly alike almost. Same with Angry Aztec and Mayhem Temple, Jolly Rogers Lagoon and Gloomy Galleon, Mad Monster Mansion and Creepy Castle. ALSO Hideout Helm and Cauldron Keep

[@superjoebros64]

It would explain a lot!

[@hectord.garcia2794]

I don't know why you don't have more subs. I like the way you explain your points.

[@garethbeaton8414]

Man haw do i get to dk first level i dont know wher im going did first bit jumps n that open world i dont know what or wher to go

[@thejedisonic67]

To be fair, Arin struggles with games require more than one button to push so

[@CaBobProductions]

I will say, I do love DK64, but the comparisons to all the other games just reminded me of all the things that annoys me about those games, rather than a case in favor of DK 😂 I do agree that all these games are more or less equally flawed, though!

[@shamwowser6449]

DK64 is my favorite video game of all time. The fact that it gets so much hate nowadays pains my soul. Thanks for appreciating it.

[@superjoebros64]

I am with you! I felt it was needed to be defended

[@WalkerSunriseChannel]

I’d like to defend people expecting the game to be like Donkey Kong Country, who I feel did so because the developers at Rare set that expectation. In multiple interviews before release, they said things like “It’s the same as DKC, but in 3D” and seem to emphasize repeatedly that it would be the same type of game. That’s why people expected as much. That said, I do think DK64 gets a lot of flak. I like the game, but I do have two main complaints. Each of these exacerbates the other, so even if one of them were addressed, it would make the game even more fantastic. The tag barrel, and the nonsensical layouts of the game’s many, many collectibles. These are massive levels, and all 5 Kongs have stuff scattered all over them to collect, mixing where there’s no reason. Either make switching Kongs a menu you can open anytime, or group each Kong’s collectibles together, and the game’s biggest issues are essentially solved.

[@polycube868]

Rare should have never marketed it like that, it's not DKC 64, it was meant as a companion game to Banjo Kazooie.

[@superjoebros64]

Fully agree! That was not a great call from Rare. It really messed up the players' expectations. After playing the DK64 Randomizer and being able to simply swap Kongs with the d pad was a game changer. Can never go back now.

[@WalkerSunriseChannel]

@@superjoebros64 It was definitely a super bad call on their part. I'm not surprised you can't go back! It's such a simple feature that really enhances the game.

[@Gruntilda-Winkybunion]

i love DK64! thank you for this video!

[@superjoebros64]

I love DK64 too! Thank you for watching!

[@nils920]

I know I'm about to be hanged, drawn, quartered and burned at the stake after saying this: While I love Banjo-Kazooie and DK64, I don't like Mario 64. I know, I know, B-K and DK64 wouldn't exist without Mario 64. But I feel the camera is much more difficult to control in Mario 64. Mainly because you can't center the camera behind Mario with the press of a button. I know you can make the camera stay behind Mario all the time, but doing so made me queasy after just running around for two minutes. This is one of the many reasons why I prefer the DS remake of Mario 64. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying B-K and DK64 are flawless by no means. I can't tell you how many times I've been frustrated by the mr. Vile minigame and Boggy's sled races in B-K, not to mention the engine room in Rusty Bucket Bay, AND getting almost 100 music notes in a level only to die and HAVING TO GET ALL THE NOTES ALL OVER AGAIN!. And don't even get me started on DK64's Beaver Bother! So while neither Mario 64, B-K and DK64 have aged flawlessly, I feel the latter two are more polished than their granddaddy.

[@Kaplisis]

Nice video , i think mario 64 is very fun and has great replay value , but the visuals and the music , even back then , felt dated to me , and it is a short 1 player adventure with no extra modes ... Meanwhile DK64 felt like this huge game with much bigger worlds , better character models , textures and light effects , good music , it had tons of extras and a fun 4 player mode and i think it has one of the best presentations of any n64 game. For me , SM64 is the easier game to pick up and play again , but i disagree with the hate against DK64 , it just feels so complete.

[@superjoebros64]

That's a great point! DK64 is great for those that want something bigger. Never realized how small SM64 is until now.

[@benstrahan5323]

WHY TH FUCK DO PEOPLE TAKE GAMES FROM 20 YEARS AG O AND HOLD THEM TO THE STANDARD S OF MODERN GAMES LIKE THIS SHIT WAS BUSSIN AS FUUUUUCK BAKC IN 1999 YALL KRITICS NEED CHILLL TF OUT

[@WaffleStomple]

Jingo?

[@ryanobeirne1372]

The music and vast worlds make it a beautiful universe all in itself

[@asslicker6455]

People just thrive on negativity. I've always loved DK64 as a kid and is my favorite DK game to this day. The DK Rap still slaps as well and was really thrilled to see it used in the Super Mario Bros. Movie.

[@superjoebros64]

The DK Rap being in that movie was such a huge moment to me! It gives me hope that we'll see DK64 again

[@mitchellbarton7915]

I'm a writer and aspiring game developer, and I'm trying to do research on what titles did well and flopped on. I even searched "What did DK64 do well" and got slammed with so much slander. Glad to find one video that I was trying to find! Edit: I think the backtracking in Zelda is typically for different items, whereas DK64's complaint I've heard is too many 'colored items specific to the characters.' but at least let off that it had plenty of barrels to switch as you needed. Not only for items, but also for more novice players who may have missed some in their first run, only to see it tucked away in the third pass. I'd be frustrated to have to play Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, what's her face Kong only to realize I needed to go back through somewhere as Donkey Kong. (Only DK game I played was DK Country. So idk the characters that well.)

[@superjoebros64]

Love to see an aspiring game dev in my comments! You make a great point about Zelda backtracking vs DK64 backtracking.

[@bradleyrenfroe2776]

This game felt like a Bond Movie with Apes and Crocodiles

[@thatkingk.roolmain842]

Banjo Tooie = DK64 > Banjo Kazooie I cant say one is better than the other Tooie and Dk64 because those are my childhood games. The reason I say dk 64 is better than Banjo kazooie is because. Banjo Kazooie doesnt have a multiplayer. It lacks bosses and I just prefer Dk 64.

[@toongirl007]

I never understood why people say collect a tons are "bad", they offer alot to do & I personally don't mind if a game wants me to explore more. I still love DK64 & have hopes that the DK series has another go for 3D platforming similar to it.

[@Chamomile369]

Thank you! Donkey kong 64 was an amazing game! The music was my favorite. Im sick of people trying to go back and criticize old games, theyre just mad they didnt have an awesome childhood.

[@GreatRaijin]

Honestly i feel like theres way too much bias for mario 64, ive never played banjo, but ive always preferred DK64 to mario, the levels, music and characters were all better imo, the collectibles never bothered me, it was just more things for me to do as a completionist, i really wish they would bring this back on the switch

[@superjoebros64]

It makes me nervous that we're probably nearing the end of the Switch, and onto the next. Like, are we adding DK64 ooooorrr?

[@legendofsonic3979]

I have a bit of an issue with you using Arin of all people to display Mario 64's flaws, let's not forget this is the same guy who couldn't finish Majoras Mask and...god don't get me started on his Ocarina of Time video. I do agree that Mario 64's controls are iffy at times but Arin is just bad at 3D games. I don't like collectathons. At all. So it may be my bias speaking, but the entirety of DK64 just felt like it was unpolished and that it was wasting a lot of time because of this lack of polish. Most of its issues could've been fixed with the ability to switch between kongs on the go Imo.

[@superjoebros64]

lol that's a fair point on Game Grumps. Looking back on this video, I used clips of Arin to show what my frustration was also like. Slowly progressing into anger. I don't think I can play that game anymore (after 100% collecting it 2 years ago.)

[@SuffocateMe]

you said/showed the same thing twice at 6:00 and 9:30 i’m not sure if you meant to do this or it was a error.

[@superjoebros64]

not an error. Simply recapping since we're comparing DK64 to SM64 and then again with BK.

[@meadowatlast]

i agree. super mario 64, donkey kong 64, and banjo kazooie are bad games

[@superjoebros64]

WAIT A MINUTE lol

[@speedy_brennan]

I had DK64 and thought the game was way better then Mario 64. I only rented Mario 64 one time and the part about being kick out of the stage was literally what drove me away from the mainline Mario games after that. Literally my next mainline Mario game I would buy next was Mario Odyssey. Where as DK64 was the opposite for me. I remember renting the Donkey Kong Country games and did not like them at all and never rented them again. I actually bought the N64 Jungle Green DK64 edition only because my favorite colour is green and ended up loving DK64 and wish they made more DK64 games in that style. The N64 is also what made me move towards Zelda more then Mario. It's Crazy the effect the N64 had on me for my Nintendo characters preference. Alot of my friends are still shocked I hated Mario 64. DK64 and OOT handled the collecting way better then Mario on the Nintendo 64.

[@superjoebros64]

That's so interesting! Thanks for sharing mate. DKC are fun, but entirely different from DK64. I wish they made more DK64 style games.

[@speedy_brennan]

@@superjoebros64 Thanks for the reply. Actually just recently got the Super Mario 3D All Stars. Only played Mario 64 so far on it. It's not as bad as I remember it being. Maybe actually owning it makes me want to give it a fair chance compared to renting it when I was a kid. Still hate having to re-enter the level for ever Star or death. Also I don't really like the camera angle, but I've heard people complain about that aspect of the game before. I have died so much thanks to the camera angles in combination to the controls.

[@superjoebros64]

@@speedy_brennan haha we're in the same boat. 3D All Stars has been fun, but I'm still losing lives left and right because of the camera (and among other reasons >_> ) Sunshine in HD is just beautiful

[@tali6844]

I mean I like DK64 but most of this video was just "stop being mean to this game that aged like shit guys other games have aged poorly too!!! :( look at the haha internet funnyman he gets mad too :(" Like just acknowledge the flaws and say you like it anyway lol its not hard

[@khalfangames945]

I like donkey Kong 64 I didn’t have nostalgia first time i played in 2021

[@kaseygoss8995]

Great video, man! I hope this gets a lot more views in the near future! You're earned another subscriber!

[@superjoebros64]

Thank you! Much appreciated. Looking forward to releasing more videos for you guys.

[@UltimateFeudEnterprise]

I don't care how old the video is, I love this game, so much variety to it. Great video

[@_MrVick]

My favorite N64 game!

[@joel8750]

I always liked the game. Don't understand the videos on KZbin boasting its flaws. The music and worlds have their own charm; it is probably underrated.

[@mr.wilbur7590]

THANK YOU!!!!!! I love seeing someone who appreciates this game. 101 percenting it was one of the best decisions in my life and I will never forget the fun memories I had playing this game

[@rog4532]

when i was playing through it recently, the only real gripes i have are the way you get the golden bananas. I didn't care about the bad camera, jank controls or framerate cuz thats just old hardware. like my least favorite has got to be the jetpac arcade banana

[@mattjcwig]

In defense?! It doesn't need defending this god tier game :) childhood and now adulthood memories of a great game 😁

[@superjoebros64]

Shoot, you're right. Delete the video? 😅

[@mattjcwig]

@@superjoebros64 nah just incase some fools need reminding of it's holyness 😁

[@paetonlaur3655]

I absolutely loved Donkey Kong 64 growing up as a kid in the 2000's and still do to this day. Even though the controls are bound to turn off most gamers today, I grew up with them and consider them to be my favourite despite how poorly they have aged.

[@superjoebros64]

Sadly I agree that this will probably turn away new gamers. I think at this point it's one of those games you revisit because you remember everything about it/ for nostalgia

[@paetonlaur3655]

@@superjoebros64 Exactly. Nostalgia is one of the biggest reasons why this game is still being talked about and I honestly hope that Nintendo can someday revisit the idea of a fully 3-D Donkey Kong. The 2-D games are great, but I like 3-D collect-a-thons more because they give you more freedom than just traveling right or left on the screen. A mixture of both 3-D and 2-D environments is even better. Look at Super Mario Odyssey for instance: Nintendo did an amazing job with that game.

[@superjoebros64]

@@paetonlaur3655 Oh man, I'd drop money immediately for a new 3D DK game haha. Fully agree, Mario Odyssey is gorgeous and plays really well. I just want the same for our Kongs ;_;

[@user-zo5jo3ox5g]

This is a very well done video, and clearly underrated!

[@superjoebros64]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it.

[@jjc1102]

What happened to the Freexax videos?

[@superjoebros64]

No idea what happened to his video, but it looks like the channel is pretty dead now. How unfortunate!