The Unsung Brilliance of the Donkey Kong Country Trilogy on the GBA

[@TheJustintendo]

Join the JUSTINTENDO DISCORD! discord.gg/arHNbpARkj

[@ODUBlue]

DEWIT!!!

[@not_the_vampire]

Hope these come to NSO!

[@TheJustintendo]

Same!!

[@wlliamson53]

I’d rather have a complete overhaul hd remake on the switch than a port.

[@WCircuit7224]

100% Agree!

[@Sly88Frye]

Okay I'm telling you there is no way that's going to happen. All three of the dkc games had been put up on the SNES catalog for Nintendo switch online years ago. I just don't think they would have any reason to release this GBA version unless it's completely different than the SNES original. The closest thing to something on GBA coming out that was on the other catalogs is the Super Mario Advance games but I think they're at least a little different enough especially Super Mario Advance 4 having all of those extra levels for Super Mario Bros 3

[@Glitterrckvamp]

Aren't they on the Switch? Or is it GBC?

[@CompleteAnimation]

I wish there was a mod that combined all the best aspects of the SNES and GBA versions into one cohesive package.

[@ultraspinalki11]

@@CompleteAnimation I'm surprised no one has made a romhack of DKC3 that adds/recreates the GBA-exclusive world.

[@CantThinkofaNamern-t8f]

these versions were my introduction to dkc as well, excellent video as usual 🙌🏻

[@TheJustintendo]

Thank you!! :)

[@shadeofeternity4990]

I wish there was a new DKC game for the year 2025

[@TheJustintendo]

Agreed🙌🏻

[@FroggoBeanYT]

Great video! I do really agree the gba remakes have their own magic to them, and do love their soundtracks just as much as the snes one! Just one really small correction tho, the entire music for the 2 first games on the gba was done by Jamie Hughes, the same guy who worked on diddy kong pilot (all three games even share a lot of the same instrument samples). The only gba remake where David Wise worked on was on dkc3, which fun fact, he originaly wanted to maintain the original soundtrack, but ultimately decised to do a full original one because of time constrains and the gba's poor audio quality not being capable of recapturing the deep bass songs from Eveline.

[@TheJustintendo]

Thanks for the comment, and thanks for the clarification!!

[@TheCartoonGamer8000]

The GBA soundtracks (at least for 1 and 2) weren't done up by Wise, but primarily Jamie Hughes, who's still at Rare today. I feel he did a great job at converting Wise and Fischer's stuff and making it work for inferior hardware, even adding some bells and whistles to tracks like Treetop Rock and Forest Frenzy. Most people don't know this either, but these aren't technically ports - the handheld team basically remade the games from the ground up because what they had archived from the SNES days was basically unusable, so they instead used a SNES emulator and other tools to try and replicate the original mechanics and physics as best as possible, feeling they nailed it by DKC3. No small feat.

[@KMDEOD]

It’s nice to see somebody not trash on the GBA games, but instead go over what they did better and what they did worse. For me, DKC3 GBA made me a fan of video games. It’s just perfect to me. Probably the most nostalgic game in my life.

[@TheJustintendo]

Thank you for the comment, they definitely deserve more love🙏🏻

[@paulgilbert5278]

These are the ones I grew up with. The third game especially. Brings me back to 2005

[@TheJustintendo]

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@NintendoMania98]

Same!

[@WhitePointerGaming]

The biggest problem I had with the GBA games is that they don't have the same feel as the originals, the physics feel off. This is a result of Rare actually losing the source code to the original games so the team that was tasked with porting them to the GBA needed to rewrite the engine from scratch. They did an admiral job considering that, but didn't quite nail it. Also the minigames didn't really add anything substantial imo. I also don't think Pacifica in DKC3 was particularly good, the level themes just reused themes from other levels and the overall level design was very average. It was pretty clearly kinda slapped together at the last minute. DKC2 also added an extra boss fight - Kerozene - which was... uhhh... something.

[@lpfan4491]

If anything, it's more of a reason both should be accessible on NSO. There is bound to be someone prefering the GBA physics.

[@AdamMerdy123]

Thank you so much for making this video. Your story actually made me think of my best friend. You see, we both grew up playing the DKC games, but it was on my Super Nintendo as he never had one. So while for me, the SNES versions will ALWAYS be my preferred versions, he very enthusiastically bought all the GBA versions as they came out. They were HIS chance to own and play through the trilogy in its entirety, and for that reason alone, I will always respect the GBA entries. Even if I personally consider them inferior to the SNES originals. I think it was important for them to come out on the GBA so that a lot of people like you and my best friend could experience them and fall in love with one of the best series in gaming.

[@TheJustintendo]

This is such a great comment, thank you for this. These games absolutely deserve their time in the spotlight.

[@AdamMerdy123]

@ they absolutely do! And you’re so welcome! I’m glad we live in a world where we have two excellent versions of this amazing series. Keep up the good work with your content! I just discovered your channel and you’re awesome! :)

[@john-sp8jk]

Nintendo really needs to remaster this trilogy of DK games on the Nintendo switch! 🕹️🎮🕹️

[@TheJustintendo]

I agree!!

[@ODUBlue]

I don't know how I missed these versions! 😱 Good stuff

[@TheJustintendo]

You should check them out! Thanks! :)

[@mudshrooze]

While you've been doing a DK December with the DKC games mostly. Super Joe Bro has been convering DK64. This DK December has been amazing

[@TheJustintendo]

That's awesome, really great to hear. Glad you've been enjoying it :)

[@AL_Talks]

These games coming out on GBA were sort of the first, second chance, a lot people had for a great trilogy in gaming (myself included) it's not like a game had been remade or rereleased but this was the first one that was like a snapshot of a period that maybe you were too young to have had experienced or didn't have a chance to (I didn't have a Super NES) so it brought the games and the narrative to a new audience and generation of players. I'm glad you got share in that ethos and that it made you into a gamer, that's really special - thank you for sharing.

[@TheJustintendo]

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@davidm.1678]

I grew up playing DKC on Super Nintendo with my brother. I eventually got DKC 1 on GBA to play it on the go and I really loved the minigames. I didn't even know there was a DKC 2 or 3 as a kid, so when they were announced for the GBA , I was beyond excited. The GBA ports were my intro to the DKC sequels in general, and they are actually my preferred versions to this day (likely for nostalgia). The soundtrack in 3 GBA is my favorite version as well.

[@JacklostYedmore]

The first DKC game was the first game I ever got, my grandma bought me a SNES back in 1995 when I was 3-4 years old (don’t know if it got it before or after I turned 4) I had so much fun with the game for the next years until I got my next game, A Link To The Past ❤️

[@unwrappin]

10/10 video. Side note that it's totally crazy that they fit a DK Country port on Game Boy Color--recently played through it

[@TheJustintendo]

Thank you! :) And yes, CRAZY!

[@lpfan4491]

I have to say, I actually really vibe with the bright visual style of the GBA. In a way, it reminds me of Minecraft in a good way. It's the neon Alpha in the raw output and the lush Beta if filtered through the original screen(Replicated on NSO). I actually find it kinda sad that the style was abandoned after being made redundant by the SP's backlight.

[@Nelward64]

I thought the original DKC for GBA failed to capture the atmosphere of the SNES version. The music, bright colors (I understand the necessity) were off. Heard they get better as they go along though, culminating in DKC3 being the best one. I hope to play it some day.

[@TheJustintendo]

For sure

[@SwaggyP55]

I still very much like the GBA trilogy for the added collectible aspect

[@laffyfluvy7351]

I'm happy that you pointed out everything that I love about the GBA versions of this trilogy! I also love the different vibes the music givesand how much they were expanded. It is for those reasons why they are some of my favourite 2d platformers on the system!

[@TheJustintendo]

Yes!!

[@kidgruesome407]

Any fan of the DKC is a friend to me.

[@TheJustintendo]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@HighFuel90]

Funny, the GBA mini games felt so tacked on to me. The DKC 3 added world was awesome though, and the one underwater level music and theme was amazing.

[@TheJustintendo]

Completely fair! It could very much be nostalgia talking for me, but I won't lie when I say that I did miss the mini games when I played the Super Nintendo versions for the first time

[@AB1138-]

People keep sleeping on the ENTIRE BONUS WORLD included in DKC3. Different soundtrack than the SNES version. Its the only 2D Donkey Kong game that deserves a remake. The others are classics, but DKC3 has so much untapped potential.

[@TheJustintendo]

EXACTLY!!

[@michaelhockaday7426]

I personally think DKC 3 is already the most polished out of the 3. Lol.

[@JacklostYedmore]

I wanna give a shoutout to the Magical Quest games to, that and DKC are some of the best trilogy of games ever made in my opinion! The Jak and Daxter trilogy is high on that list to just to.

[@oOignignoktOo1]

I never played the GBA games. I still got my childhood cartridges for the SNES but it's been awhile since i played through them I may have to give it another go at some point.

[@TheJustintendo]

Couldn't recommend them more!

[@HotStormProductions]

Enjoyed this video and I have subscribed i look forward to seeing more content from you

[@TheJustintendo]

Thank you! :) Really appreciate that

[@usernameyunovalid1]

I'd played the original trilogy as a kid because my dad had a snes. Eventually I got a gameboy micro and a copy of dkc3 the Christmas of whatever year that came out. the colors at max brightness were so friggin bright but I didn't know many other games so I didn't really register it until seeing videos about the game years later. I only ever saw dkc2 in a gaming magazine and figured that's why the game looked so painfully bright and I didn't even know of the existence of dkc(gba) because I had a copy of dkc (gbc) and thought that the gaming magazines and that bradygames "secret cheat codes for handhelds" (ow nostalgia, I'm getting old) were all just getting the platform wrong somehow. Especially since some of the wording technically applied to both games On the brightness of the game being crazy, I remember lowering the micro's brightness to save battery (I don't think it turned off, just dimmed but it's been years) and I was still able to play even in suboptimal lighting so whoever came up with that knew what they were doing Eventually sold my copy of dkc3 to GameStop for probably like 48¢ off something else, didn't consider gameboy games rare and figured I'd grow up and get a job and just buy it back for like $5. Why are kids so dumb and stupid😂 I mean I can just e***ate them but it's not the same. Glad to still have the original snes and cart versions while they still work

[@Papi_Keep_Playin]

I've never seen this port of DKC on the Gameboy Advance. Interesting to see footage of it and the actual look of the cartridge shown in the video.

[@TheJustintendo]

Thanks!! It's very underappreciated imo and deserves a lot more credit.

[@DonMoody4]

Happy new year brother keep working and grinding and dont forget to take care of yourself 🙏

[@TheJustintendo]

Thank you so much, you as well🙏🏻

[@maverickhuntermeta4954]

I missed out on the DKC trilogy for GBA.

[@TheJustintendo]

I recommend trying them out! They're very underrated

[@alexorear7807]

I grew up with the SNES and loved playing the DKC games when they originally released. I also had a GBA and later a GBA SP but didn't get the DKC GBA games until recently. I enjoy both versions and actually prefer the coloring on DKC 1 on the GBA. Both sets of games are great. It's kinda like comparing the Mario Advance games to their original counter parts, they're the same but different. I enjoy them all 😅

[@fishingmule3266]

I wouldn’t say that the SNES versions lack social elements. They all have two controller co-op play. It’s one of the very few old platformers where you can do that

[@FiercedeityBrad]

I played this version first when i got the game as a gift, i remember getting to the snow level with the blizzard and getting stuck snd quitting 😂😂. Same thing happened with Yoshi's Island in GBA, after the original SNES versions came to Wii VC and SNES NSO respectively, I've preferred those versions since, snd gotten further in them since.

[@tryffel8]

Well made video! Have you seen that there is a GBA color hack version of the first DKC? Its here on youtube and they have restored the colors to look almost the same as the orginal snes version. i think it looks amazing, and i hope someone will also do the second and this game in the same way.

[@TheJustintendo]

Thank you! And I have seen it!

[@Tellekampz1]

Thanks for the video! What do you think of the Donkey Kong Land series on the Gameboy?

[@TheJustintendo]

I really like them!! I made a video on them!

[@Boomblox5896]

Hey, I had a blue Gameboy Advance SP too! And a copy of DKC as well. Sadly I never got to play the other two on GBA.

[@randnew1]

Playing it on Gameboy SP is a blast compared to playing on PC emulator. Same with other GBA games

[@susybucket-le6vy]

what do you mean? why is emulation worse?

[@randnew1]

@@susybucket-le6vy I personally just had more fun playing on console

[@maverickhuntermeta4954]

Playing on official hardware is definitely more fun.

[@TheBeird]

I like the look of adding what I read in the manuals for the original SNES games come to life as prologues. Give the stories some in-game context. But . . . I'll always prefer the original versions.

[@TheJustintendo]

Completely fair!!

[@travismarshall3089]

I always thought that the graphics should have been better and thought the egine was more "custom" than just a straight port. Later on, I'd see interviews with Rareware staff that said...no, it's the exact same aspects they pulled from and shrank it down. I...still "sort of" didn't believe that. THEN... A few years ago I found a ROM hack that restored proper contrast and brightness to its proper levels. This hack makes it look near identical! A true shrunk down port...marred by its over-brightness. Loved it, though! Still have mine too!

[@TheJustintendo]

I have actually seen that hack on Reddit! It's so cool!

[@jaysonkuti]

I personally can't play any snes games on the gba because of the sound and music. The sound chip was amazing on the snes and is really feels like something is missing on the gba.

[@AizaBreathe]

"afternoon" it’s 9:23 PM here 😅

[@TheJustintendo]

😂

[@Minty_subby]

Yo final vid of the year!

[@TheJustintendo]

Yessir!!

[@michaelhockaday7426]

The only game in this trilogy that i prefer on the SNES is DKC 2. I like DKC 1 and 3 better on the GBA. And I grew up with all the SNES versions too, so it's not nostalgia talking. Lol.

[@TheJustintendo]

Valid!!

[@Michirin9801]

I don't like lumping all 3 together, because each game improved on the previous one and by a fair bit! The physics, the colours, the music, the sound, it ALL got progressively better with each game! Also like, ANY sound hardware will only ever sound as good as the devs using it, the main advantage the SNES soundchip has over the GBA's direct audio is that it has 8 channels, vs only 2 on GBA, they had to mix multiple instruments into those two channels in software, hence the existence of different GBA sound drivers, with different results quality-wise, but the GBA also has its own advantages over the SNES audio-wise, such as WAAAAY more storage and RAM, so samples can be uncompressed, or have lossless compression, which is impossible on SNES, plus the presence of a 2nd soundchip, that of the GB/C which it carried over for backwards compatibility, and it can be used on GBA games! Most of the best-sounding GBA games used both soundchips in tandem to handle the music, some put the music on the GBA DA, and the sound effects on the GB/C Soundchip, some did the opposite, this trilogy didn't, but you can hear just how much better DKC3 sounds on GBA than the first two, because they didn't try to cram some of the most complex SNES soundtracks, so tailored for THAT soundchip, into VERY different sound hardware, instead, Wise composed a whole new OST playing to the GBA DA's strengths!

[@reversalmushroom]

I don't know what uncompressed sound is talking about because GBA instruments always sound worse than SNES ones. Some of the ones in the GBA DKC games even sound grating.

[@Michirin9801]

@@reversalmushroom The raw sample in ROM can be uncompressed, or have lossless compression, the SNES MUST play samples in BRR format, which IS a lossy compression format. Also, I can tell you don't listen to much GBA music

[@mariowario5945]

@@Michirin9801 I thought you prefer gbc/dmg to gba? Dont you like the dkland trilogy better in this regard?

[@Michirin9801]

​@@mariowario5945 Nope, GBA all the way. DKL3 is a fantastic game, especially the Japanese version cuz it's in colour, but on GBA all 3 games are great, but each one gets better than the last, and by quite a bit!

[@ImZclaw]

I always considered the GBA as a portable SNES.....and I loved the SNES, the link to the past and 4 swords Played just exactly like a link to the past on SNES from my memory at least.....

[@TheJustintendo]

That's not a bad comparison!

[@Solid-Lion_Official]

Some people probably cut down the gba games because they're jealous of the additional content and quality of life improvements, plus not having them on a home console. It's not like the SNES cartridges can be patched to include the additional content and improvements either lol. I can't think of any good reason to hate on these games.

[@TheJustintendo]

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@reversalmushroom]

I think they're inflated with unnecessary cutscenes.

[@Solid-Lion_Official]

@@reversalmushroom lol there's only a few cutscenes at the beginning to flesh out the story. They only play once, then never again. I think they're a welcome addition.

[@ultraspinalki11]

​​@@Solid-Lion_OfficialOnly at the beginning? The true ending of DKC2 is absolutely awful in the GBA version! Instead of getting the original's simple, well-presented ending with a slight ominous touch, we're given unnecessary back-and-forth Saturday morning cartoon levels of dialogue between the characters, with Funky Kong added to the scene to drop bombs on K.Rool'a escape boat. Utterly ruins the intended tone. Don't forget DKC1's uselessly extended ending in the GBA port, where K.Rool discusses with the Kongs about returning in the sequel and asks them to get off his ship...

[@Solid-Lion_Official]

@@ultraspinalki11 Ok, I didn't get all the kremcoins yet lol (as I'm trying to now) but I don't see an issue since it's a remake, not a port or remaster, even if it seems otherwise as it was built from the ground up. The tone doesn't need to be the exact same for that reason. With DKC3 you will see that the soundtrack is actually completely different from the original. Also in DKC1 K Rool has a bit of back and forth talk with the characters. I thought it was funny and matched the silliness of the game even the original such as Cranky Kong and this should even be cohesive with what you described in the sequel.

[@johern27]

I was so disheartened that these and Kirby Super Star Ultra never got a Virtual Console release.. Hopefully that changes for NSO. What I'd really like is a definitive edition combining the best from both versions but there wouldn't be enough interest I'm sure.

[@TheJustintendo]

I completely agree🙏🏻

[@lpfan4491]

Honestly, a more complete retro library would really be nice for once, which is why it is exciting that they annlunced that at least the Switch 2 will carry over NSO. However, they kinda did it again already interms of giving us something incomplete. European versions of gamss are not in the NES and SNES apps. I get that they largely suffered from 50hz issues(Though N64 games also did and those are here) and the german localization of Kirby's Adventure in particular is...well, kinda disowned by Nintendo for being controversial, but I still feel like they belong for historical reasons.

[@Jelly_shy_guy_man]

Personally I think the gba music is way better it just sounds way different and better. And i’m not even nostalgia blinded, I played the Wii U versions hope they add it to nso cause I like content that’s exclusive to older verison’s like meat boy.

[@TheJustintendo]

Fair!

[@ultraspinalki11]

I personnaly cannot stand the new cutscenes filled with cheesy dialogue that makes me think of the below-average CG Donkey Kong show. DKC2 in particular loses ALOT of its original tone as a result of this.