The Donkey Kong KONGPILATION - Critiquing Every (modern) DK Game!

[@GeekCritique]

NAVIGATION! 0:00 - DKC1 15:38 - DKC2 28:43 - DKC3 42:58 - Donkey Kong Land 47:35 - Diddy Kong Racing 53:33 - DK64 1:03:26 - DK Rap-Up 1:27:36 - DKC Returns 2:03:41 - DKC Tropical Freeze 2:33:13 - DKC3 Redux

[@MerelyAFan]

Pretty cool to see the evolution of modern Donkey Kong while also seeing the growing sophistication, editing, and writing of the channel in the same video.

[@BringMayFlowers]

This video is almost specifically targetted at me as someone who sleeps to old TGC videos.

[@sportsgambler6]

same, just added it to my sleep therapy playlist

[@ParmMannREBORN]

Love an excuse to rewatch one of my favorite youtubers videos

[@captaincanada3541]

The old DKC critiques were comfort videos for me while I was in high school, can't imagine how many times I must have fallen asleep to them. Hope all is well with you Josh!

[@RikkiGibson]

"back before sudden flashing lights were considered a problem" *proceeds to suddenly flash a light a bunch of times without warning*

[@shadedzeal8482]

THIS is a video game.

[@GeekCritique]

A hallmark of early TGC!

[@Alienrun]

Its surprisingly a good way to start a video game retrospective. Like its not something you can argue against and puts you in the right mood to really take in the rest of the video. -He should keep doing it but maybe that's just me! lol :P-

[@DisasterSquad]

Somehow I caught this at fourteen seconds l o l

[@cookiestar3069]

Perfect timing! I was just getting hyped about the upcoming Switch port of DKC Returns! Thanks for compiling these. Happy Halloween 🎃

[@btherr]

I cannot express just how happy it makes me that I don't have to search all of these out individually anymore. I'm such a huge Donkey Kong nerd and I come back and watch this entire series of yours every few months.

[@izzyj.1079]

This will make listening to these old videos at work so much easier!

[@Alienrun]

When I saw the word modern in the title I got confused, even more so when I saw you have every one of your DK reviews on here. As when I think modern DK I think of Returns or Tropical Freeze...maybe the stuff after the Rare buyout if I'm being generous. Then I thought about it a bit more...and then I was like "OH! THAT'S WHAT HE MEANS!" Like my mind doesn't even consciously register anything that came before DK1 to be a part of the same series due to the newer games presenting themselves completely differently and being made by developers that aren't even in the same country (Ha!) as the old games! It probably doesn't help that I don't really consider the "classic" DK games to really be much of a series but rather just a collection of what's essentially the same game with slight tweaks/updates to keep the original game's spirit intact. It would be like if you referred to the game "Mario Bros." as "Classic Mario". Like sure your not wrong, but is that really the best way to categorize "Modern Mario" from "Classic Mario"? Oh gosh! We're having the "Is this considered a retro game?" discussion all over again! -Don't you see now what happens when you try to use words to categorize/describe things?!- Anyways...yeah...cool DK retrospectives and all! lol :P

[@jclkaytwo]

nah, classic DK was definitely a series. donkey kong, DK jr, DK jr math, DK3, and DK for game boy were all very different games.

[@Alienrun]

@@jclkaytwo I can't believe I skipped out on DK jr Math! I should get on that ASAP! :O

[@jclkaytwo]

@@Alienrun if DK jr math is that distracting to you, just remove it from my comment and my point still stands. I know you're joking around but I'm serious. classic DK was an actual series with _very_ different (maybe a little too different) games, not "the same game with slight tweaks/updates". that is just wrong lol and I honestly don't know where you got that idea from.

[@Alienrun]

@@jclkaytwo I should clarify that I already knew what you said before you told me. Yeah I know its not literately the exact same game, as the Game Boy game specifically has its own story mode after the you beat what's a similar recreation of the original game. I suppose that I was overgeneralizing, as I never went out of my way to play them myself. I do know though that back during the 80s and early 90s it was very common to port games over to other consoles/handhelds. Like yeah...I know the megaman games for the game boy aren't exactly the same as the NES counterparts, but the core idea isn't too different either. That's sort of what I was getting at with the classic DK thing. Hopefully that makes sense! :D

[@jclkaytwo]

@@Alienrun I understand what you are getting at but it's just wildly inaccurate. even going by your example of DK for game boy, that game has nearly 100 original levels compared to the arcade game's 4, and it has a puzzle game twist. and aside from that one example, which by itself is a stretch, that's the only time the arcade DK game's concept was ever revisited. DK jr is a sequel with a new gameplay hook, and DK3 is just a different genre entirely. there is nothing that supports your claim here, and that comparison to mega man is just insane lol. if anything, classic DK was the exact _opposite_ of mega man.

[@deadtheories4170]

Donkey Kongpilation would be such a good title for an anniversary/all-stars style compilation. I would prefer full-blown remakes of the trilogy, but it'll never happen 😭

[@GriffintheBased]

10 mins ago?? Glad I was up so late! Gonna use this for background sound, thanks Josh!

[@GeekCritique]

No prob! And yeah, it's almost 4am here, but hey, that's what a lot of people use these compilations for, right? Have a good evening, or wherever it is where you are! :D

[@chazl4061]

Your assessment and script were such a joy to listen to! Great essay love this channel

[@SpaceyMcSpacer]

You know looking at the DK buyout era videos and DKC3 Redux review in the same video really makes it clear that DK Vine's DKC3 propaganda (Which is 1000% true btw DKC3 is extremely underrated) worked on Josh and now he is enlightened. Hyle and Chad might have lost the battle in 2016 but they won the war.

[@jptheberge3016]

Ive always been exposed to Nintendo and their classic platformers due to my older brother and random brazilian youtubers, so ive known Donkey Kong Country was cool, but i only became a FAN of the series after stumbling upon these videos of yours, they really helped me develop a strong admiration for this series and ever since i gave them another shot based on your analysis i fell in love with the games and characters

[@ShinoSarna]

15:14 it's funny that you used Myst as example of "graphics over gameplay" where pretty much every modern walking sim - and a bunch of adventure and puzzle games - take great inspiration from Myst.

[@GeekCritique]

I had a bad habit of being overly-dismissive of games/genres that didn't appeal to me in the early days.

[@ShinoSarna]

@@GeekCritique Oh yeah, haha, its ok. I am definitely impressed in the improvement your channel took in recent years. You definitely went from a Typical KZbin Review Man to one of the better serious critics on the platform.

[@CrisAlexOn]

I just watched this series yesterday, well let's do it again

[@TVsMrNeil]

"The capacitors went bad in my Trinitron. RIP." Literally, the easiest and most inexpensive components to repliace.

[@locobrown]

Sounding like KingK! 🎉

[@thecloud23]

For some reason I reeeeeally love DK64... :D :D

[@Dev_Astral]

Hey man, I’m ashamed to say all this, because it feels like pity bait but… My dad passed away yesterday and me and my family are devastated. I have a day of travel tomorrow, and I was wondering if there’s a way I could download this video in good quality to watch it in the airplane to keep my mind off of the stuff that still makes me break apart. It’s the perfect length (my flight is about 4hrs long) and it would help me a lot. I don’t know how to download it and I don’t want to do it if you’d prefer I don’t.

[@GeekCritique]

First things first, I'm very sorry for your loss. Second things second, of course you can! What are you going to watch it on? Is an mp4 file okay?

[@Dev_Astral]

@ Hey man, thanks so much for the reply and the kind words Ill just watch it on my phone I reckon so I think mp4 should work no problem :)

[@GeekCritique]

Okay, sorry if you got a reply a few minutes ago, I checked the download and it didn't have sound! But this one should work! Please let me know if you run into any issues with it, and thanks for reaching out! I hope it helps a little. :) mega.nz/file/NVxD3DYR#1pEyeEskjCkFsf3VpHQkV0zRnUltLm1whcEh5t7u9r8

[@Dev_Astral]

@@GeekCritique Oh man thank you so much, I know it’s dumb, it’s just a video, but right now unless I’m doing something I instantly get into a bad place and I was dreading the flight so much! You have no idea how much this means to me, thank you infinitely much for you kindness!

[@Dev_Astral]

@@GeekCritique Hey man, it’s me again! Just wanted to thank you again. Your video made the trip bearable. Now the worst has come to pass, and it’s just a matter of learning to live with the loss, but I just wanted to say that it really moved me that you went above and beyond for a random internet stranger. Thanks again man. I’ll never forget it.

[@Alienrun]

Only by rewatching the first episode here did I realize that you...intentionally or otherwise...kept the motif of saying "Nintendo/Sega were winning" at the end of your first Sonic and DK retrospectives. Actually...given that they both start the same way...this had to be intentional! I'm surprised I haven't picked up on this until now! But really trying to immerse the audience into the console wars seems like it was probably a good idea back then! lol :P

[@Sebberboi]

Wow that was unexpected! Time for a rewatch lmao

[@wolfsk1n]

This is now basically "I finished a Videogame", but for Donkey Kong! (And I'm here for it :D Good sleep ahead)

[@NoName-oy2tk]

At least DK64 gets talked about. People say the game has not aged well and I think people also say gives collectathon a bad name, but I still wish it was on The Switch.

[@doolenny9458]

Funny af to see the tropical freeze vids no man sky comment now with context that no man’s sky actually did the impossible(massive respect to the devs)

[@SixFeather96]

Man I need Miyamotos job. You got a promising game in development? Why not use one of our established characters instead? Groundbreaking, innovative, genius!

[@malakaithedemigod]

This was a treat to watch at 3am 😂

[@GeekCritique]

Man, you must've had it at 100x speed if you're already done!

[@izzyj.1079]

Was a nice surprise tho

[@malakaithedemigod]

@@GeekCritique nah lol, but I did skip the smaller sections since I didn’t really care for it, but I stuck through 80% of it lol

[@ShinoSarna]

1:32:00 I wonder if Tiki Tribe was a jab at the "Bongo era" of Donkey Kong. They're literally musical instruments who take over DK Island.

[@hatwearinggamer]

An excellent compilation of excellent videos of an excellent series

[@uninhibition31]

DKC2 is pure magic

[@Tutajkk50]

Diddy Kong Racing was so much better than MK64

[@absolutelynothing7452]

Oh boy 3 AM!

[@skibot9974]

This should be good to listen to during work Though I am curious are there any more re-reviews you plan to do? I think I like them more than normal reviews

[@DrBeef216]

I feel like Nintendo is missing the boat with DKC. They should be releasing titles alongside the "Returns" games with the 16-bit graphics. You can throw in modern touches that the SNES couldn't do, ala Sonic Mania. These would clean up as digital only titles

[@ClarkKentai]

Today I learned why it's called "Donkey punching"

[@firepuppies4086]

6:02 I like the cartoon look funny enough, feels more 90s

[@Artista_Frustrado]

maybe not made by Retro but i still want a Dual Screen Metroid that uses the 3D Gameplay of Other M with the Visors on the GamePad also is funny that you appreciated Kaos' design more in the original review where you "missed the point in favor of confirming your own bias"

[@Dylnn17]

J-jon tron. My childhood....is it you. Are you young and peak again?

[@desamatt0]

That's a DK Vine approved title right there

[@Weimuuu]

first

[@KalaAltheaBalik]

Nintendo has always competed with quality games rather than with superior hardware. Not to say that hardware was ever bad.

[@Dukephillips88]

I rented donkey Kong country 1 and beat it in 2 days. Rented donkey Kong country 2 and beat it in 4 days. (Rental fees be damned) Good games but I'm glad I didnt pay the price tag of 70 bucks for em. Yes Snes carts that were new were 70 bucks where I lived in 1994.

[@HOG_ZONE]

hey, i'll clear this up for you; donkey konga got a sequel because it was Peak.

[@Funaru]

Hope you don't find too many things to KONGplain about.

[@ProjectRedfoot]

Oh, what's her name?! I DIED

[@1gnore_me.]

fuck yeah

[@woooooooah]

Biggest problem, as a 90s kid, returns felt like dkc3. Too cartoony. I personally think soundtrack is the most important thing about a game. Or at least as equal to gameplay.

[@maxisenberg9093]

Am I the only one who thinks tropical freeze is just ok lol

[@Zarathustra-rj4yz]

Is this big old words because the voice sounds just like him

[@bandicootsauce4569]

Hey, Josh, any thoughts on Nikoderiko? If you haven't heard of it, it's best described as a DKC-like. Look it up and you'll see what I mean.

[@Don11037]

Real gamers make 3 hour videos on genshin impact and raid shadow legends

[@nolancho]

Wii U > Wii I said what i said.

[@MJamesRave]

15:22 Donkey Kong Love Shack

[@justinbuergi9867]

I came for DK64

[@jdotco23]

Lol, "BaSeD oN sKiLl MaStErY" like Sonic. Right, because only those games require skill. Not that baby-friendly Mario series. Watch Mario speed runners more before you decide to tell us what requires skill. I can lollygag through any DK or Sonic level, too. Also, the bonus stages of all the DKC games are super fun, not annoying. I'd never avoid those; Sonic games interrupt the flow of the levels ALL THE TIME for bonus stages, yet all you do is laud Sonic level design, lol.

[@woooooooah]

Nice

[@Ubersnuber]

I have to admit that in the first half hour, I thought "oh here we go, another fan swooning over a game series." I gave it a few more minutes. Then you started talking heart to heart regarding the kinetics in 3. You finally made it click for me how to explain what is wrong with DKC 3. The kinetics, how it plays differently in regards to where the focus in the gameplay lies et cetera. I still don't hate it, either, but it doesn't have the same dopamine return like the first two. DKC1 is my personal favourite. I prefer the atmosphere and how direct and lagless the Diddy controls are.

[@emaldon7]

Hell yes!!!

[@phil6844]

Your slander of Candy is unacceptable and I can no longer support this channel.

[@WheeledHamster]

I hated the Return series with their long ass levels and stupid musical instruments and polar bear enemies.

[@redonyx9281]

L take

[@themindfulmoron3790]

Okay

[@pabeldark]

You review is lame on DK 64, game is huge and you cover it in so few time. I respect if you do not like it but you should have covered it better to have a full view of the game.

[@GeekCritique]

Agreed, if I redo another DK video, it'll probably be that one. This was the early days of the channel, and I was experimenting with shorter videos I could release more frequently, which is why DK64, DKL, and Diddy Kong Racing were so short.

[@punkpin]

Glorified 90's recognized by you but you have to give negative points for Candy being a pinup girl? Stop being lame.

[@genkaiba15]

The moment DK punched the moon, I knew Retro did not understand what made DKC so cool. I questioned the pig and a few other things as I played, but the moon was the last straw. I haven't touched a DK game since. I have zero interest in any Retro DK game now, old or new. I realize Rare is no longer Rare, so I won't be a purist and say they have to come back. I do not, however, enjoy how this game feels or presents itself. DKC returned in name only.

[@zebrhodehouse9440]

Try Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair, it had a lot of who was rare make it and it’s a lot like the old DKC games in terms of gameplay. The first yooka laylee was a weak banjo kazooie type game that’s getting a remake which might fix a lot of things, too. I don’t dislike retros donkey Kong but I do see the disconnect.