I thought the theme of DKC3 was very well done. It's essentially lumberjack territory; North American rockies + lumbre industry. You've got the tree levels, the lumberjack bears, the cavernous areas, the canyon levels, and the "industrial" levels. It's all very North American...probably why the place is called Northern Kremisphere.
The Northern Kremisphere is basically just the Pacific Northwest. All of the environments in the PNW are also in the game: lake, mountains, snow, desert, forests, etc.
I do think that's one thing DKC1 and DKC3 have over DKC2, a more consistent and structurally sound world. Both 1 and 3 are a lot more natural, DKC2 gets kinda radical with its levels.
The reason the Funky Boat mini games in the GBA port feels odd and out of place is because it is a remake of an NES game that Rare made, Cobra Triangle
Cliff Reeser Yeah, a lot of people have told me that. I didn't think they were so much out of place as they were not a particularly fun sidequest. Thanks for the info, though.
@@PeruvianPotato How strange, I always thought that DKC was based on Western European ecosystems, like the Swiss Alps and the forests and lakes of Germany, Lake Eibsee for example, although it also makes sense that it is based in Northamerica.
8:26 David Wise said that the reason the GBA port of DKC3 has a new soundtrack is because he was given a short amount of time to make it and it simply wouldn't have been possible for him to port Eveline's soundtrack to the GBA sound chip intact within the time he was given, and that it was much easier and faster to just make a new soundtrack from scratch instead.
I still think he’s an overhated character on his own merits (in fact, I don’t even think there really is such thing as a bad Donkey Kong character except for maybe Cranky because, to say his name speaks for itself would be a massive understatement since he even went as far as to call DK his “lazy grandson” and “crueler than K. Rool”, which is something we are just so glad Jungle Climber, Tropical Freeze and evening Barrel Blast got against by giving him more consistently kind spirit)!
For DKC3, I feel it's extremely underrated as I have a lot of fun in it. It was frustrating the first time I played it, but so was DKC1 and DKC2. I don't find DKC3 anymore annoying then the DKC2, and I find it less annoying then DKC1. All three games are solid faves of mine, but I feel DKC1 has aged the least well where 2 and 3 have aged far better. I also do enjoy the Bonus Room search and playthroughs in DKC3 for the most part. So far, I think DKC2 is definitely the best as people say, but I find DKC3 the second best. DKC1 is still quite solid though. Also, I agree that Dixie is awesome. I love her as both a playable and as a character. I think a big thing is that canonically, she's a female playable that has never really been a damsel in distress as some other girly females have been, so I have a lot of respect for her due to that. Anyway, awesome review as always. Very well constructed. :)
+Ed Prins-Stairs Also Elie is underrated. Sure having Rambi missing may be a little disappointing but she certainly beats Ratley any day of the week because she can do more than just jump higher.
Absolutely. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
I'm really loving these comments. DKC3 is right up there with DKC2, and I've never really heard anyone who doesn't like it effectively articulate why. Usually it's "Kiddy is a baby, and that's dumb," or "the game is gimmicky." In almost every case, the game's "gimmicks" are carefully integrated with the core platforming gameplay, gently introduced, then developed and expanded upon throughout a stage. I don't see gimmicks; I just see a healthy variety of platforming (except maybe Rocket Rush and Poison Pond). And yeah, as someone who loves rhinos and would love a version of DKC3 with Rambi, hating on Ellie for "replacing" him just isn't right. They don't fulfill the same niche at all. Rambi is a high-speed, high-powered tank meant to charge through stages quickly and bust down walls for hidden paths. For one, DKC3 only has a couple collapsible walls, so that cuts down on Rambi's things to do. For another, Ellie doesn't play like that at all, being much more based around using her long-ranged abilities both for combat and navigation (creating stepping stones in water, attacking enemies that are protected by red Buzzes). She also has a unique weakness (Sneeks), which is really clever, since it transforms one of the weakest enemies into a huge barrier to progress, and means you need to come up with more indirect ways to defeat/bypass them from a distance. You even have to account for her buoyancy/water physics to reach a bonus! She's way more puzzle-oriented than Rambi, which isn't necessarily better or worse, but it's not like Rattly, who just took Winky's job and did it better.
The theme in this game is actually meant to be based on the Industrial Revolution. That’s why several levels take place inside mills, factories, pipelines, etc. and K. Rool is a mad scientist
Whoever voted up this comment thank you. Glad to see I am not alone for liking the end game worlds of K3, Razor Ridge, and Kaos Kore. Oh and Krematoa too. I think that for me was where the game really started to get challenging to match the difficulty of a Donkey Kong Country game.
Absolutely. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
What I hate in DKC3 is how they made the bonus levels and DK coins difficult and a chore. When you reach the end of an animal themed stage it will reward you with bonus barrel or steel keg when you pass the "no animal" sign. I you screw up on the bonus round you will have to restart the whole level in order have another shot, same goes with the steel kegs, if you cant kill the Koin enemy in 1 attempt then you have to restart
That only applies to about three Koins in the entire game. The vast majority give you infinitely respawning kegs to work with. Similar with the bonus levels: there are two times when getting Parry to the "no animal" sign turns him into a bonus level and you only get one shot. For every single other instance in the game, you can try again (there are a few where you may need to travel a couple screens to get back to a bonus, but they generally place you pretty close).
4:52 Yeah, I didn't understand why people hated Kiddy Kong either. He is pretty forgettable, but he did have some usefulness in the game. Jar Jar Binks in Phantom Menace did not, lol.
Heh, I mentioned the third-tier stages in my video, too! But in contrast to you, Razor Ridge and beyond was where I started having MORE fun with the game, like this less-experienced team was finally getting a handle on things. Pot Hole Panic was the crux of this turn, the moment the game took a sharp spike upward. However, I definitely see your criticisms, and concede that part of the reason I was suddenly enjoying myself more may be specifically BECAUSE it was more challenging and frustrating. I do find it interesting that, as you said, I've never seen anyone else say anything one way or another about the back half of the game compared to the rest.
The Geek Critique I'd say that Pot Hole Panic and Kaos Kore (besides Buzzer Barrage) is where the game's quality starts to pick up again; unless the player chooses to go for Krematoa.
I'm probably the odd one out when I say this but not only is this my favorite of the trilogy, but my all-time favorite game. To me it feels like the sequel to Super Mario World I've always wanted. The overall theme of DKC3 helps with that, which is supposed to be Canadian with the pinetrees and snowy mountains. The levels everyone seems to hate I never had a problem with honestly, although I do agree on Pacifica. Ellie & Squitter I gotta say are my 2 favorite animal buddies.
Absolutely. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. Ellie is no question a plus to the game and adds more diversity to the series. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
I also love how DKC3 experimented. As for people putting DKC3 last, people really exaggerate it's complaints. DKC2 while still great and had it's own things going for it, some of the levels were annoying like Bramble Blast. If I had to rank them... DKC3 > DKCTF > DKC2 > DKCR > DKC1 I love all 5 though.
I love this game. It's my favorite of the original trilogy. It has the most stuff! And basically has everything that was great about DKC2. And I like the theme. It's not clear cut, but it's essentially Canada (with coral reefs, for some reason...) with an industry taking over the place. It allows for some very impressive visuals. The visuals are the most realistic yet. I wish the cave levels had more to them though, and had more variation to their color scheme across the four different cave levels. And I don't think the soundtrack is inferior to the previous games. I think all games have pretty much equal soundtracks, and I like Eveline a lot, even if just because she seems to be the underdog of the two main composers of the trilogy. I really quite like the GBA soundtrack as well, but the samples just don't sound as pure...or something...as I'd like them to be, compared to the SNES. It'd be so good to hear SNES-ified versions of the GBA music. My biggest problem actually is that it's tiny...there were a lot more tracks in the SNES version. And...yeah I don't hear Credits Concerto in GBA Rockface Rumble...there's bound to be vague similarities considering they're both from the same composer.
God, I missed these videos. Once again, really well done. I am really happy you did this series. They completely convinced me to replay/play the original series and I don't think I would have so soon if you had not done so. And after playing all three (I am still on DKC 3), I think I enjoyed DKC 2 the most, like you. But I think I love DKC 3's soundtrack to the best out of the three. Nevertheless, keep up the great work, mang! :D
DKC 3 is awesome. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
Stampede Sprint is a solid level. I really don't get Exo's complaints at all. It's basically just a reskinned mine cart/toboggan stage. And there is precisely ONE instance where you don't have to jump to protect Ellie, but do to protect Parry. Otherwise, by avoiding obstacle as Ellie, you'll naturally protect Parry.
5:00 while I don't have a problem with Kiddt I think people hate for gameplay wise being near identical to the title character Donkey Kong and wanted to play as DK again
4:47 I think the reason why the DK fanbase hates Kiddy is because DK could've very easily filled his spot as Dixie's partner, and I can't say I blame them. For a game series called Donkey Kong Country, I think it would've been nice to play as DK in more than one game in the original trilogy.
lolrus555 rumor has it rareware did it as vengeance for Shigeru Miyamoto not liking the first game. He (allegedly) said “Donkey Kong Country is proof people will put up with mediocre gameplay if the art is good”
These are definitely the best reviews of this series that I've seen. You are super fair and knowledgeable, and you're the first person I've seen who actually understands who wrote the soundtrack for each game. You're very clear about what is good in this game and what could be improved. Personally, this is my favorite game in the series, but that's mostly due to nostalgia. Most reviews of this game that I've seen are angry that it's not DKC2. All that said, this is a pretty fair review.
No nostalgia needed for DKC 3. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
Exo! Shit, I should have mentioned that there is a code for a harder difficulty. It raises the completion to 105%. All it does is remove the checkpoint barrels and removes some of the DK Barrels. I DO NOT recommend this at all. Mostly, because this requires you to play a new save with the code activated. Anyone who wants to try it (IDK why, but whatever), go to the Select Game menu, highlight a saved game and press L, R, R, L, R, R, L, R, L, R then enter TUFST. Aside from that, this is a pretty great review. Who cares that it's almost 37 minutes. It covers everything that needed to be addressed. Lightning Lookout is probably my favorite level in the game. Stampede Sprint and Rocket Rush are the WORST levels I have ever played. Luckily, I never cared about Krematoa, so I ignored them. Also, is it just me or as the DKC trilogy went from 1 to 2 to 3, there seems to be more inclusion of machines as the next game came along?
GaminTank I think all of the games feature cheat codes for higher difficulties. DKC1 GBA also features a Hero Mode where you play as a yellow beclothed Diddy Kong attempting to retrieve the banana hoard on your own. I think you unlock it by getting 101%.
With time, Exo expanded on the attention to detail with his reviews. Going beyond speaking his mind, he focuses on going in depth with constructive criticism while taking into account the opinions of other people in the gaming sphere. This may be why these types of videos take longer to make now, but I'm more than willing to be patient.
DKC 3 on the Gameboy Advance was my first Donkey Kong game in 2010... and I sucked ass at it when I played it on my Gameboy Advance SP aty Momaw's... And I had one good sleep after seeing the Game Over screen. And I don't hate Kiddy Kong as much as everyone.
I honestly feel the problem people have with DKC 2 and DKC 3 is that Donkey Kong isn't playable despite his name being in the Title. It would have been better to call DKC 2 "Diddy Kong Country" and DKC 3 "Dixie Kong Country".
Coming back after 103%'ing and 105%ing the SNES version, I've got to say, my preference is for the GBA remake. The toboggan levels are MUCH more fair and fun because they go more slowly and you have more visibility, Dixie and Kiddy both control much better in my opinion, and I generally prefer the GBA soundtrack. That said, I refuse to 100% the GBA version. The mini-games are so god-awful, not fun in the slightest, and make an already challenging game absolutely infuriating. That stupid boat race... URGH!!! I just CAN'T beat that first boat race. Edit - I forgot to mention I HATE the GBA version of Squirt's Showdown. I think it's unreasonably hard, even when compared to how ridiculously easy the SNES version was. Couldn't there have been a happy middle-ground?!
...and that's with me taking all of your advice on how to shorten the script. I think that I want to start making shorter videos from now on. Maybe more in the twenty minute range.
Being able to save after every level and boss makes this game seem a lot friendlier and more modern, especially for an SNES game. Part of what makes hard levels and hosses seem intimidating is the fear of losing progress and being unable to try again without redoing a long ammouny of other parts before it. But if the levels are permanently saved and you can always retry any boss immediatelly after dying, that in theory makes this game a lot more friendly, especially towards inexperienced players, because the game is never going to kick you back to previous levels (unless you deliberately don't save), only to the start of the level you died in. Not so harsh, especially for SNES standards.
I honestly would love to see K. Rool return in a future DKC game. Fighting the Tiki Tribe in Returns is fun and all, but I really wanna see him and his goons make a comeback, unlikely as that may be.
I think thats highly likely now actually. The new donkey kong country game is as big of a secret as metroid prime remastered was on the 8th of februari 2023. Weve also had him in SSB. And its most likely been in development longer than metroid prime 4.
I just hope they bring back some old physics, like the roll counter resetting after a enemy. Being able to jump while falling, and slightly speed up the movement speed.
+Jailon Thomas Yeah having the music cutting off for something that's basically just rubbing it in that you died gets kinda annoying in a series known for it's difficulty.
@@williamwhite2568You are delusional if you think DKC 1 was better than 3. DKC 3 is It is a way better than DKC 1. Take those nostalgia glasses off. DKC 3 did everything the first did but much better and the creativity is off the charts. It is a close call between 2 and 3 as the best in the series.
Remake or Re-break: Diddy Kong Racing? Well, I know it's a total Re-break (unless you want to give it a Re-meh), but I just wanna hear you criticize this "remake"
ExoParadigmGamer Well isn't the solid part referring to Snake and I think it may be a pun on the fact that the games are 3D. Rising doesn't include Solid in the title because he's pretty dead by that point. Still, DK was shooed out by Diddy and Dixie and Solid Snake was shooed out by Big Boss and Raiden. X at least was playable in all Mega man X games even though Zero was way more popular.
I actually prefer the music in the GBA version of DKC3 over the SNES, but that’s mostly because I grew up with that version. Edit: I never did finish the game because I could never find out to get water from the waterfalls.
FYI the crevice creeper coin, the one you have to throw then run to get over to the other side, you can actually jump under it and kill it with the steel barrel. Way, way easier. Gonna have to disagree with the camera issues too, with number 3. I have far more camera issues with the first game. Also, your problem with the elly run level seems more like a reflex problem, I've not had issues with that since I was like, 11. Donkey Kong 3 is personally my favourite. I suspect part of the issue, for you anyway, is the remembering how to do each place and bonus level. These are things that are ingrained with me at this point. Yea, there are some aggravating godamn bonus levels in three, but there are definitely some annoying ones in two. Can't remember where they are because I honestly haven't actually been through the three of those games in... shit. Years. Maybe I should fix that. Kinda overdue a replay of a lot of games.
Actually, believe it or not, the GBA version was at one point intended to include the snes music as an alternate soundtrack, but they ran out of cartridge space, so the new music won out.
ExoParadigmGamer One thing i don't think you brought up is the one level in the bonus world, is incomplete. I remember seeing a video where it talked about how the rocket level in the original when doesn't contain the G in KONG. It was fixed on the virtual console & GBA version of the game.
The speakers dont just blow out, they burst into flames. It's my favorite new feature. Right next to the game physically slapping you in the face when you lose.
DKC3 is fun as it is, I don't get why Kiddy is so hated, I like him I guess this is another reason why I prefer this game over DKC2, Kiddy and Dixie were a great team, just like DK and Diddy One was more powerful, while the other was more agile, it gave me more of a reason to have both Kongs around, and that was lacking in DKC2! For those who don't know Chunky is Kiddy's older Brother, Tiny is Dixie's younger sister
Nice tidbits about Tiny and Chunky. I had no idea. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
DKC 3 was my favourite of the trilogy as a kid, but as I got older I started to favour 2 more. But over the years I’ve actually put 3 back on the top of my list. I realised after a while that while 2 is an incredible game there’s so much cheap bullshit in it. DKC 3 is immersive and is arguably the first of the classic Rareware collectathons despite being a side scroller. There’s so much to collect, DK coins, banana birds, all of the objects for the bears etc. There’s a lot to do!
Every single video in this series has me 90% agreeing, but the very MOMENT you mention soundtracks, I have to stop and brace for impact, because I know I'm going to end up cringing at what I'm about to be told. Every. Single. Video.
Haedox From a technical standpoint hardware wise, and as much as this comes off as trolley, he tends to be objective wrong when it comes to something sounding better on the GBA. Sure one can argue about preference, but from a technical standpoint, it's an opinionated fact that many GBA soundtracks, especially from ports can't "sound better." Developers have to do their best to sound optimal, but optimal is the farthest the hardware can really go.
Nazrat84 I agree in this instance of SNES>GBA, but you overlook the fact that art, but more specifically music, is more than the sum of its parts. I really like the Donkey Kong Land version of DK Island Swing. It's clearly inferior, but my preference has less to do to bitrate, and more to do to the way in which the music is crafted and presented. Some of the most popular music uses cheap sounding synth, and while I don't care for much of it, it's almost like the 'objective' difference in quality is irrelevant to people's ability to enjoy it. tl;dr - It dun need be all fancy 'n shit to be fun
Poketto I agree. Music is entirely preference. I would be more likely to agree with his views had the GBA's hardware allowed for better quality and midi strings. It's notable with DKC3 especially that the composer was doing his best.
I like the atmospheric tone of the DCK3 soundtrack... A lot of the levels soundtracks on GBA don't really fit the level and take away from the whole vibe. Also I think it's among some of Davids worst work, which is saying a lot considering I really love his work in the other games.
Glad to see this video get posted! I..... still think I'm how I was on the earlier videos I commented on, where Kiddy IS a turn off for me, but I WILL try it out eventually. Main thing holding me back is money being tight, so when I actually AM able to get some games, I go for something more sure fire like than something kinda..... iffy. I do have all 3 DKL games, so.... I have those to keep me busy too. lol
lol No I figured. I can be arrogant at times, but I never think someone on youtube is talking about me unless I see them screencap my comment XD (It's never happened XD)
The GBA version, has some good music, new levels, new minigames and new physics. The game is very good one, of course SNES still better, but GBA is unique too
Fun fact: The Funky minigames are essentially a copy of Cobra Triangle. Another Rare NES game. I can't remember if I told you this, but I did play through the American game and I was still having the Ellie problem so it must be an emulation thing. I never really thought about it, but I do agree with you that K3 and Razor Ridge is where the game starts to drag.
ExoParadigmGamer If you jump on a Kopter while on Ellie the controls are completely locked until you land. It isn't really a problem but it is possible to get completely stuck if you're not careful.
For me, the songs I don't like in the original are improved in the GBA version, but the songs in the original I love that are replaced in the GBA version I hate.
I can pinpoint "mindblown" moments in my early gaming life. One was finally understanding the boardgame "melee" (steve jackson games). Another was playing this game to completion at my best friend´s house, it felt like such an adventure. The final one worth mentionbing is when i later played "Arcanum: of steamworks....", the first game i purchased with my own money. This DK3 game is special to me and I love Kiddy Kong.
I Don’t Know Why A lot Of People REALLY Seem To Hate Kiddy Kong, Sure He Has A Goofy Character Roll And He’s Not As Memorable As The Other Kongs But I Don’t See Why A lot Of People Hate Him, It Must Be His Annoying Cry When You Loses A Life!
This might sound shallow, but I think the hate for Kiddy Kong, at least for me has to do with his name. Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong all have those iconic "DK" initials. Where as Kiddy Kong's initials are just one K short of the Klu Klux Klan. Kiddy Kong also represents a missed opportunity. Functionally he's like a combination of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. He's heavy enough to defeat the muscle bound enemies and barrel rolls much like Donkey Kong, but he holds the Barrels in front him as a shield like Diddy Kong. Kiddy doesn't even come close to replacing either Donkey or Diddy. He's a missed opportunity to me, because DKC 3 had the opportunity to give us a Terrific Trio to play as. Imagine having DK, Diddy, and Dixie as a team. Giving you 3 hits instead of just 2, and having the option to speed through the game as Diddy, Soar across levels as Dixie, and just stomp enemies as Donkey Kong.Imagine the team up move where DK could toss both Diddy and Dixie. Instead of that though, DKC 3 just repeated the same plot as DKC 2. DKC 3 also excluded Rambi. Ellie's mechanics are great, but she doesn't hold a candle to Rambi. But I get it, It was nice to have Dixie be the star of the game. She's one of the very few female protagonists in games that isn't overtly sexualized. Can't say the same thing for her little sister Tiny.
Which is probably one of the main reasons why I’d give the SNES version of the DKC trilogy (let alone DKC3DKDT) a “Replace” score compared to the GBA version (and this is coming from someone who actually likes the GBA version of DKC2 nearly if not quite as much as the home console version, so even as someone who is nowhere as much of a fan of handheld game remakes as much as their home console counterparts like with the Pac-Man World trilogy, Mega Man & Bass and Earthworm Jim series, ExoParadigmGamer is indeed Someone to be proud of for looking at both the bad and good qualities of the GBA version of the trilogy and not being able to point out some small (but less minor in the case of DKC3 such as Ellie the Elephant being much worse than even Kiddy Kong because of her cowardice) flaws in the otherwise awesome SNES version of the trilogy).
Wow this goes in-depth. I think you have quite a gift of noticing even the smallest details in the games and putting in to words what you observe. You are giving both games and in depth review, comparing them to each other and to all the other DKC games - all at the same time. As you say it at one point in the video you put a name to things that no one seems to be talking about even though they are kind of obvious! Keep up the great work.
the second game is my favorite, the third is in 2nd place, and the original while still good is my least favorite. The other two DKC games have more interesting gameplay, locations, and enemies in my opinion.
@@fausthanos08 It's not a DK COUNTRY game which is why it wasn't mentioned. It's been years since I played it so I would at least rank it between DKCR and DKC1.
The theme of DKC3 is basically Canada. Though I guess in the DK universe, it would be Kanada. Also, the GBA soundtrack > SNES soundtrack. I really wish they'd re-release DKC3 with a better quality version of the GBA soundtrack.
You harp so much on the bonus stages. But I find these stages much easier then DKC2. As long as you actually explore, you can always spot something that catches your eye. Where as in DKC2, I'm pushing against every wall and guiding off so many cliff because I'm missing a bonus or DK coin. 3 is way less cryptic. I don't know why you lose at the bonus' though, I didn't really have an issue difficulty wise. Great review. Going to check out the rest of the trilogy. liked.
Your problems with the camera stem from not being patient, man. You have to go forward a little, wait for anything coming, study the patterns and then proceed carefully. All three games do a good job with cameras and also a good job with forcing the player the chill the F out and remember there are obstacles.
I find it interesting that you complain that Mega Man didn’t move onto the new console, but not DKC 3. Maybe it’s some sort of bias for a certain system.
Yes! I'm so excited to watch this. By the way, don't worry at all about taking a while to make this video. I'm happy to wait for videos as good as these!
The Side Quest Gamer And I was right. This and Sonic 2 are by far your best ROR episodes. I am one of those who thinks this game is the weakest in the trilogy, but i do prefer the GBA version. DKC3 is at least a B+ experience.
ExoParadigmGamer Because your opinion on Sonic 2 was very unpopular, but you've made a lot of great points that can even make lovers of Sonic 2 understand the misery of your first play through.
Stampede Sprint kicks ass, git gud scrub. nah I kid, I played the ever-living fuck out of these games as a kid and that's probably the only reason I don't struggle with any of the levels at this point, I can definitely see how that level can be frustrating to people playing for the first time, or even seasoned players of platformers
I absolutely love the Remake or Rebreak series and got to shoutout Exo for the hard work he always puts into these. But... Man, I couldn't disagree more about this weird "back half of the game has a steep decrease in quality" take. I think no one has ever brought it up because it doesn't exist. The game is consistent as ever to me, if not getting better in the second half. In particular, some of those levels you mentioned hating, like Kong-fused Cliffs and Stampede Sprint, are genuinely some of the best levels in the whole series to me. But you know, opinions gonna opinion. Still love me some classic ROR. Think I watched this way back in the day, but I've been listening to a lot of the GBA soundtrack recently (an underrated masterpiece), so it was on my mind. Thanks for the nostalgia trip!
You can 105% this game by entering TUFST as a code after pressing L+R a bunch... it takes away dk barrels and continue barrels and adds the "immortal kong" title. (SNES version, haven't played the GBA one)
Well, the GBA version wasn't supposed to be a remake, or better than the original... it's just a handheld version for people who don't own a console or prefer to play the game on the Gameboy. I really believe you can't compare GBA with SNES, because SNES games are clearly better graphicwise, soundwise and many times gamewise as well. I give credit where credit is due, and the GBA DKC games were a great alternative way of playing such an amazing collection of games, but not a replacement or improved version at all. Still, I'm very impressed at how much they pushed GBA's limits with this game in particular! I'd say it's one of the best games for the handheld console. Great job with the reviews, man. They are pretty fun to watch and reflect.
Fun fact: Kiddy Kong's original name was supposed to be Dinky Kong, per the Japanese version. Why the US Version decided to break the initials trend is beyond me.
actually ExxoParadigmGamer, %103 isn't the highest % in the game. The highest % in the game is %105. But in order to get that, you would have to put in a secret code and not get a game over once you put in that code for one of the files you play it on. And no, by game over, I'm not talking about losing a life and continuing, I'm talking about losing ALL your lives in the game. But anyway, the only thing exclusive to getting the %105 rating in DKC3 is after beating the games true ending, you see Cranky Kong Kong in some kind of karate theme making all these karate kicks at the rating screen of the game after beating it. Something that really isn't worth your time doing for yourself, just type it in on youtube and try to find a DKC3 video with a %105 rating in it's title. It's really nothing special.
It's strange but I'm of the opposite mind over the OST. I GREATLY prefer the SNES soundtrack. The GBA had a few notable tracks but overall I just prefer the composition, melodies, and overall sound quality of the SNES. It's a shame the GBA sound capabilities are so weak compared to the SNES! It keeps it from being my fave handheld Nintendo system
I _loved_ the first Donkey Kong Country on the GBA! I got it on or close to its June 2003 release, so I was young, and I didn't know about the sequels back then. I'm currently replaying DKC on the Switch, and I'll play the sequel soon!
I thought the theme of DKC3 was very well done. It's essentially lumberjack territory; North American rockies + lumbre industry. You've got the tree levels, the lumberjack bears, the cavernous areas, the canyon levels, and the "industrial" levels. It's all very North American...probably why the place is called Northern Kremisphere.
yamammiwammi but i still liked DKC3 the least. lol.
The Northern Kremisphere is basically just the Pacific Northwest. All of the environments in the PNW are also in the game: lake, mountains, snow, desert, forests, etc.
yamammiwammi It's themed after natural American territory
I always pictured Europe for some reason. I feel like I read it somewhere. But Canada makes sense.
In layman's terms Canada
The DKC3 theme, in my opinion, is focused on the COUNTRY aspect...the great outdoors.
It's a distinct possiblity.
dkc3 theme is based on canada
I do think that's one thing DKC1 and DKC3 have over DKC2, a more consistent and structurally sound world. Both 1 and 3 are a lot more natural, DKC2 gets kinda radical with its levels.
TTTTTsd where exactly do each DKC take place or try to take place.i have a feeling that DKC 3 has a canada feel to it
Alex M Well, the setting IS called the Northern Kremisphere. I always got an Alaska vibe... which I guess you could argue is the same as a Canada vibe
The reason the Funky Boat mini games in the GBA port feels odd and out of place is because it is a remake of an NES game that Rare made, Cobra Triangle
Cliff Reeser Yeah, a lot of people have told me that. I didn't think they were so much out of place as they were not a particularly fun sidequest. Thanks for the info, though.
@@ExoParadigmGamer Those boat missions are from a little known NES game called Devils Triangle made by of course Rareware.
I think DKC3 it's Canada themed. That's it.
DKC3 is based off of Northern USA and Southern Canada
Peruvian Potato or the northern hemisphere
@@jebbryant6522 The Northern Hemisphere can include tropical areas which DKC3 doesn't have any
Peruvian Potato dkc 3 has elephants dude it’s not a 1 for 1
@@PeruvianPotato
How strange, I always thought that DKC was based on Western European ecosystems, like the Swiss Alps and the forests and lakes of Germany, Lake Eibsee for example, although it also makes sense that it is based in Northamerica.
The purple Squawks is named Quawks.
Why, because he sucks so much Quawk?
@@sethkauffman9915 -_-
@Christoman64 Cool Miss Kobayashis Dragon Maid profile pic 👍
Christoman64 It’s the same name but without the S.
@@sethkauffman9915 Clever girl...
8:26 David Wise said that the reason the GBA port of DKC3 has a new soundtrack is because he was given a short amount of time to make it and it simply wouldn't have been possible for him to port Eveline's soundtrack to the GBA sound chip intact within the time he was given, and that it was much easier and faster to just make a new soundtrack from scratch instead.
figures. the gba soundtrack is obnoxiously loop-heavy
@@tsvtsvtsvI guess it's a matter of opinion. Imo the SNES soundtrack is boring. The GBA soundtrack is much better.
@@michaelhockaday7426Both have ups and downs. Somecallmejohnny said it the best.
I think people hate Kiddy Kong because there isn't really a difference between him and Donkey Kong, so they would've preferred to just have DK.
Eh. He does the skipping stone thing.
When he bounces over water that's why I prefer Kiddy kong as trickster Kong
I found him clunkier to play as, and hated moving Dixie when he was piggybacking. Missed having the flexibility of both team-ups being the same.
RetroGamer 64 yea but they could have made DK do that?? Lol
I still think he’s an overhated character on his own merits (in fact, I don’t even think there really is such thing as a bad Donkey Kong character except for maybe Cranky because, to say his name speaks for itself would be a massive understatement since he even went as far as to call DK his “lazy grandson” and “crueler than K. Rool”, which is something we are just so glad Jungle Climber, Tropical Freeze and evening Barrel Blast got against by giving him more consistently kind spirit)!
For DKC3, I feel it's extremely underrated as I have a lot of fun in it. It was frustrating the first time I played it, but so was DKC1 and DKC2. I don't find DKC3 anymore annoying then the DKC2, and I find it less annoying then DKC1. All three games are solid faves of mine, but I feel DKC1 has aged the least well where 2 and 3 have aged far better. I also do enjoy the Bonus Room search and playthroughs in DKC3 for the most part.
So far, I think DKC2 is definitely the best as people say, but I find DKC3 the second best. DKC1 is still quite solid though. Also, I agree that Dixie is awesome. I love her as both a playable and as a character. I think a big thing is that canonically, she's a female playable that has never really been a damsel in distress as some other girly females have been, so I have a lot of respect for her due to that.
Anyway, awesome review as always. Very well constructed. :)
+Ed Prins-Stairs Also Elie is underrated. Sure having Rambi missing may be a little disappointing but she certainly beats Ratley any day of the week because she can do more than just jump higher.
Ed Prins-Stairs It's 2nd fav in the trilogy after DKC2
Absolutely. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
@@GatorRay Definitely. I see Ellie as a big plus that brought several new ideas to the DKC series.
I'm really loving these comments. DKC3 is right up there with DKC2, and I've never really heard anyone who doesn't like it effectively articulate why. Usually it's "Kiddy is a baby, and that's dumb," or "the game is gimmicky." In almost every case, the game's "gimmicks" are carefully integrated with the core platforming gameplay, gently introduced, then developed and expanded upon throughout a stage. I don't see gimmicks; I just see a healthy variety of platforming (except maybe Rocket Rush and Poison Pond).
And yeah, as someone who loves rhinos and would love a version of DKC3 with Rambi, hating on Ellie for "replacing" him just isn't right. They don't fulfill the same niche at all. Rambi is a high-speed, high-powered tank meant to charge through stages quickly and bust down walls for hidden paths.
For one, DKC3 only has a couple collapsible walls, so that cuts down on Rambi's things to do. For another, Ellie doesn't play like that at all, being much more based around using her long-ranged abilities both for combat and navigation (creating stepping stones in water, attacking enemies that are protected by red Buzzes). She also has a unique weakness (Sneeks), which is really clever, since it transforms one of the weakest enemies into a huge barrier to progress, and means you need to come up with more indirect ways to defeat/bypass them from a distance. You even have to account for her buoyancy/water physics to reach a bonus! She's way more puzzle-oriented than Rambi, which isn't necessarily better or worse, but it's not like Rattly, who just took Winky's job and did it better.
The theme in this game is actually meant to be based on the Industrial Revolution. That’s why several levels take place inside mills, factories, pipelines, etc. and K. Rool is a mad scientist
26:25 don't forget he also says KAOS was made of his wife's pots and pans and she'll kill him when she finds out they're broken
MetalBoozyjupiter 64 All K. Rool has rod is disassemble KAOS and get the pots and pans back that way. Problem-a solved.
I liked K3 and Razor Ridge actually. They were hard but fun for me. Just like a DKC level should be.
Whoever voted up this comment thank you. Glad to see I am not alone for liking the end game worlds of K3, Razor Ridge, and Kaos Kore. Oh and Krematoa too. I think that for me was where the game really started to get challenging to match the difficulty of a Donkey Kong Country game.
Absolutely. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
What I hate in DKC3 is how they made the bonus levels and DK coins difficult and a chore. When you reach the end of an animal themed stage it will reward you with bonus barrel or steel keg when you pass the "no animal" sign. I you screw up on the bonus round you will have to restart the whole level in order have another shot, same goes with the steel kegs, if you cant kill the Koin enemy in 1 attempt then you have to restart
That only applies to about three Koins in the entire game. The vast majority give you infinitely respawning kegs to work with. Similar with the bonus levels: there are two times when getting Parry to the "no animal" sign turns him into a bonus level and you only get one shot. For every single other instance in the game, you can try again (there are a few where you may need to travel a couple screens to get back to a bonus, but they generally place you pretty close).
4:52 Yeah, I didn't understand why people hated Kiddy Kong either. He is pretty forgettable, but he did have some usefulness in the game. Jar Jar Binks in Phantom Menace did not, lol.
The Side Quest Gamer 100% agreed, sir.
Crafty Bastard I actually always found that funny
I agree... it's just a fucking baby kong... I think those people have problems. Btw, the water bounce-jumping was BADASS.
At least Kiddy was depicted wearing blue jammies instead of a diaper, so that's gotta count for something. ;)
I just don't like his design. It sticks out like a sore thumb.
Heh, I mentioned the third-tier stages in my video, too! But in contrast to you, Razor Ridge and beyond was where I started having MORE fun with the game, like this less-experienced team was finally getting a handle on things. Pot Hole Panic was the crux of this turn, the moment the game took a sharp spike upward.
However, I definitely see your criticisms, and concede that part of the reason I was suddenly enjoying myself more may be specifically BECAUSE it was more challenging and frustrating. I do find it interesting that, as you said, I've never seen anyone else say anything one way or another about the back half of the game compared to the rest.
The Geek Critique I'd say that Pot Hole Panic and Kaos Kore (besides Buzzer Barrage) is where the game's quality starts to pick up again; unless the player chooses to go for Krematoa.
+The Geek Critique Eh So I now that the third tier has mixed opinions.
The Geek Critique Twas hoping to see you here.
Geek Critique and Exo Paradigm Gamer together? What is this, a crossover episode?
I'm probably the odd one out when I say this but not only is this my favorite of the trilogy, but my all-time favorite game. To me it feels like the sequel to Super Mario World I've always wanted. The overall theme of DKC3 helps with that, which is supposed to be Canadian with the pinetrees and snowy mountains. The levels everyone seems to hate I never had a problem with honestly, although I do agree on Pacifica. Ellie & Squitter I gotta say are my 2 favorite animal buddies.
Absolutely. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. Ellie is no question a plus to the game and adds more diversity to the series. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
I also love how DKC3 experimented. As for people putting DKC3 last, people really exaggerate it's complaints. DKC2 while still great and had it's own things going for it, some of the levels were annoying like Bramble Blast.
If I had to rank them...
DKC3 > DKCTF > DKC2 > DKCR > DKC1
I love all 5 though.
Dat Kiddy Kong jumpscare at the end doe.
chuy Marquez wat.
@@subscribetopewdiepie6914I think he means the beginning
I love this game. It's my favorite of the original trilogy. It has the most stuff! And basically has everything that was great about DKC2. And I like the theme. It's not clear cut, but it's essentially Canada (with coral reefs, for some reason...) with an industry taking over the place. It allows for some very impressive visuals. The visuals are the most realistic yet. I wish the cave levels had more to them though, and had more variation to their color scheme across the four different cave levels.
And I don't think the soundtrack is inferior to the previous games. I think all games have pretty much equal soundtracks, and I like Eveline a lot, even if just because she seems to be the underdog of the two main composers of the trilogy.
I really quite like the GBA soundtrack as well, but the samples just don't sound as pure...or something...as I'd like them to be, compared to the SNES. It'd be so good to hear SNES-ified versions of the GBA music. My biggest problem actually is that it's tiny...there were a lot more tracks in the SNES version.
And...yeah I don't hear Credits Concerto in GBA Rockface Rumble...there's bound to be vague similarities considering they're both from the same composer.
+Caleb Jaaniste (K-leb) Same here. Good to know someone has the same opinions as me.
wait... you were talking about the Snes version, right?
God, I missed these videos. Once again, really well done. I am really happy you did this series. They completely convinced me to replay/play the original series and I don't think I would have so soon if you had not done so. And after playing all three (I am still on DKC 3), I think I enjoyed DKC 2 the most, like you. But I think I love DKC 3's soundtrack to the best out of the three. Nevertheless, keep up the great work, mang! :D
Mangdox
Boondox
i think most of the people who hate kiddy kong are people (like me) started with the GBA and his.....death scream....
How did you like the end gag, bee tee dubs? 😉
ExoParadigmGamer gud.
I think the original "earrape" started with him.
Personally dkc 3 Is my favorite out of the original trilogy, in fact it's my second favorite game of all time behind megaman 7
DKC 3 is awesome. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
User name def checks out lol
@@jacobschmidt2709 That is your opinion and I completely disagree with your whole comment.
@@nf7998 You can disagree, but at least back your argument with good reasons instead of just cus.
Stampede Sprint is actually one of my favorite levels in the game. It's challenging, but not too hard to me. Fight me.
I like Stampede Sprint better then Riverside Race.
I love both Stampede Sprint and Riverside Race.
@@jacobschmidt2709 Same.
I actually like Rocket Rush level. It’s not that challenging , it’s has right difficulty.
Stampede Sprint is a solid level. I really don't get Exo's complaints at all. It's basically just a reskinned mine cart/toboggan stage. And there is precisely ONE instance where you don't have to jump to protect Ellie, but do to protect Parry. Otherwise, by avoiding obstacle as Ellie, you'll naturally protect Parry.
5:00 while I don't have a problem with Kiddt I think people hate for gameplay wise being near identical to the title character Donkey Kong and wanted to play as DK again
4:47 I think the reason why the DK fanbase hates Kiddy is because DK could've very easily filled his spot as Dixie's partner, and I can't say I blame them. For a game series called Donkey Kong Country, I think it would've been nice to play as DK in more than one game in the original trilogy.
lolrus555 rumor has it rareware did it as vengeance for Shigeru Miyamoto not liking the first game. He (allegedly) said “Donkey Kong Country is proof people will put up with mediocre gameplay if the art is good”
@@kylecampbell565 except he didn't say it
Superish Star Warriah hence why I put allegedly and rumor
These are definitely the best reviews of this series that I've seen. You are super fair and knowledgeable, and you're the first person I've seen who actually understands who wrote the soundtrack for each game. You're very clear about what is good in this game and what could be improved. Personally, this is my favorite game in the series, but that's mostly due to nostalgia. Most reviews of this game that I've seen are angry that it's not DKC2. All that said, this is a pretty fair review.
+Caleb “The Hurricane” Lieurance You're welcome, mister.
No nostalgia needed for DKC 3. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
Let me just say, I always appreciate how ridiculously high-quality the channel intros are
Exo! Shit, I should have mentioned that there is a code for a harder difficulty. It raises the completion to 105%. All it does is remove the checkpoint barrels and removes some of the DK Barrels. I DO NOT recommend this at all. Mostly, because this requires you to play a new save with the code activated.
Anyone who wants to try it (IDK why, but whatever), go to the Select Game menu, highlight a saved game and press L, R, R, L, R, R, L, R, L, R then enter TUFST.
Aside from that, this is a pretty great review. Who cares that it's almost 37 minutes. It covers everything that needed to be addressed.
Lightning Lookout is probably my favorite level in the game.
Stampede Sprint and Rocket Rush are the WORST levels I have ever played. Luckily, I never cared about Krematoa, so I ignored them.
Also, is it just me or as the DKC trilogy went from 1 to 2 to 3, there seems to be more inclusion of machines as the next game came along?
GaminTank I think all of the games feature cheat codes for higher difficulties. DKC1 GBA also features a Hero Mode where you play as a yellow beclothed Diddy Kong attempting to retrieve the banana hoard on your own. I think you unlock it by getting 101%.
@@ExoParadigmGamer i think you get hero mode from getting 90% and choosing the yellow diddy icon
Exo: I'm sorry this review is so long, even by my standards
Sonic Unleashed: allow me to introduce myself
With time, Exo expanded on the attention to detail with his reviews. Going beyond speaking his mind, he focuses on going in depth with constructive criticism while taking into account the opinions of other people in the gaming sphere.
This may be why these types of videos take longer to make now, but I'm more than willing to be patient.
DKC 3 on the Gameboy Advance was my first Donkey Kong game in 2010... and I sucked ass at it when I played it on my Gameboy Advance SP aty Momaw's... And I had one good sleep after seeing the Game Over screen. And I don't hate Kiddy Kong as much as everyone.
I honestly feel the problem people have with DKC 2 and DKC 3 is that Donkey Kong isn't playable despite his name being in the Title. It would have been better to call DKC 2 "Diddy Kong Country" and DKC 3 "Dixie Kong Country".
Am I the only one who actually likes Kiddy Kong? ._.
No
i love him because how stupid he is
No. I actually kind I like him.
THE SUPREME GENTLEMEN HAHAHA YOUR PROFILE PICTURE
I'd say yes but apparently other people like him too (not me)
So the new mini-games in DKC 3 on the GBA.
Rare essentially snuck in a remake of Cobra Triangle.
Raymond Gallant My colleague ***** mentioned that. That's kind of neat.
+Raymond Gallant At least for Funky Kong.
The Beginning At 0:25 Is Funny When Kiddy Kong Goes “Ahhhhhhhhhh” At a The Camera, Then Dixie Goes “Ow” 😄😄
Coming back after 103%'ing and 105%ing the SNES version, I've got to say, my preference is for the GBA remake. The toboggan levels are MUCH more fair and fun because they go more slowly and you have more visibility, Dixie and Kiddy both control much better in my opinion, and I generally prefer the GBA soundtrack. That said, I refuse to 100% the GBA version. The mini-games are so god-awful, not fun in the slightest, and make an already challenging game absolutely infuriating. That stupid boat race... URGH!!! I just CAN'T beat that first boat race.
Edit - I forgot to mention I HATE the GBA version of Squirt's Showdown. I think it's unreasonably hard, even when compared to how ridiculously easy the SNES version was. Couldn't there have been a happy middle-ground?!
INB4 someone comments about how long this video took to come out.
ExoParadigmGamer This video is too fucking long. Jesus. WHY ARE SO LONG, EPG-SAMA?!??!
...and that's with me taking all of your advice on how to shorten the script. I think that I want to start making shorter videos from now on. Maybe more in the twenty minute range.
***** Is it finished and released?
ExoParadigmGamer By the way, I'd like to thank my good buddy +Haedox for providing me with stock footage for a certain end gag. Thanks, mang.
When can you do any more ratchet and clank games
29:08 Lol. The Nautilus. That's a reference to the submarine in Jules Verne's classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
The Side Quest Gamer Review Show Also a great ride or was😭😭😭
What did Kiddy Kong do to earn the disrespect of players? LAG. He introduced LAG to a series that up to this point, was almost completely lag-free.
Tony TheTGR how exactly is kiddy responsible? His sprite is smaller than DK
What dumb nonsense is this ?
11:12 "You're in travel around the northern hemisphere in search of DK & Kiddy"
But Kiddy is always with you
He messed up the script
The "purple Squawks" is called Quawks and you forgot the Parallel bird whose name I've forgotten.
His name is Parry
Ain't nobody thinking that DKC2 snake handling like a dream
Being able to save after every level and boss makes this game seem a lot friendlier and more modern, especially for an SNES game.
Part of what makes hard levels and hosses seem intimidating is the fear of losing progress and being unable to try again without redoing a long ammouny of other parts before it.
But if the levels are permanently saved and you can always retry any boss immediatelly after dying, that in theory makes this game a lot more friendly, especially towards inexperienced players, because the game is never going to kick you back to previous levels (unless you deliberately don't save), only to the start of the level you died in.
Not so harsh, especially for SNES standards.
Some games give you passwords for every level like Mega Man X. Even Mega Man 2 had it for every level in 1988. So it really depends on the game.
I honestly would love to see K. Rool return in a future DKC game. Fighting the Tiki Tribe in Returns is fun and all, but I really wanna see him and his goons make a comeback, unlikely as that may be.
I think thats highly likely now actually. The new donkey kong country game is as big of a secret as metroid prime remastered was on the 8th of februari 2023. Weve also had him in SSB. And its most likely been in development longer than metroid prime 4.
I just hope they bring back some old physics, like the roll counter resetting after a enemy. Being able to jump while falling, and slightly speed up the movement speed.
9:59 I don't know about you but I'm glad the death jingle is gone for some reason.
+Jailon Thomas Yeah having the music cutting off for something that's basically just rubbing it in that you died gets kinda annoying in a series known for it's difficulty.
DKC3 the worse game? I still preferred it to the original DKC. The first game was the pioneer, but it was boring as hell
thecomradered 3 is the weakest but still fun
@@williamwhite2568You are delusional if you think DKC 1 was better than 3. DKC 3 is It is a way better than DKC 1. Take those nostalgia glasses off. DKC 3 did everything the first did but much better and the creativity is off the charts. It is a close call between 2 and 3 as the best in the series.
@@jacobschmidt2709 DKC3 has too many gimmicky levels and the soundtrack is notably weaker so no it's not just nostalgia glasses.
Remake or Re-break: Diddy Kong Racing?
Well, I know it's a total Re-break (unless you want to give it a Re-meh), but I just wanna hear you criticize this "remake"
Ah Donkey Kong Country, just Like Metal Gear Solid, where you don't even play as the titular character in the 2nd and 3rd game.
ew275x Well, Solid Snake isn't in the title, but I get your point.
ExoParadigmGamer Well isn't the solid part referring to Snake and I think it may be a pun on the fact that the games are 3D. Rising doesn't include Solid in the title because he's pretty dead by that point.
Still, DK was shooed out by Diddy and Dixie and Solid Snake was shooed out by Big Boss and Raiden. X at least was playable in all Mega man X games even though Zero was way more popular.
I actually prefer the music in the GBA version of DKC3 over the SNES, but that’s mostly because I grew up with that version.
Edit: I never did finish the game because I could never find out to get water from the waterfalls.
Kiddy Kong has a wonderful swim animation
GBA DKC3 has a MUCH better soundtrack. I can’t believe people think otherwise
FYI the crevice creeper coin, the one you have to throw then run to get over to the other side, you can actually jump under it and kill it with the steel barrel. Way, way easier. Gonna have to disagree with the camera issues too, with number 3. I have far more camera issues with the first game. Also, your problem with the elly run level seems more like a reflex problem, I've not had issues with that since I was like, 11.
Donkey Kong 3 is personally my favourite. I suspect part of the issue, for you anyway, is the remembering how to do each place and bonus level. These are things that are ingrained with me at this point. Yea, there are some aggravating godamn bonus levels in three, but there are definitely some annoying ones in two. Can't remember where they are because I honestly haven't actually been through the three of those games in... shit. Years. Maybe I should fix that. Kinda overdue a replay of a lot of games.
The bonuses in DKC1 are awful to find and pointless to compete; they are certainly worse than in the two games that follow.
Actually, believe it or not, the GBA version was at one point intended to include the snes music as an alternate soundtrack, but they ran out of cartridge space, so the new music won out.
ExoParadigmGamer One thing i don't think you brought up is the one level in the bonus world, is incomplete. I remember seeing a video where it talked about how the rocket level in the original when doesn't contain the G in KONG. It was fixed on the virtual console & GBA version of the game.
The speakers dont just blow out, they burst into flames. It's my favorite new feature. Right next to the game physically slapping you in the face when you lose.
Your videos are so awesome you really deserve 100,000+ subs imo
DKC3 is fun as it is, I don't get why Kiddy is so hated, I like him
I guess this is another reason why I prefer this game over DKC2, Kiddy and Dixie were a great team, just like DK and Diddy
One was more powerful, while the other was more agile, it gave me more of a reason to have both Kongs around, and that was lacking in DKC2!
For those who don't know
Chunky is Kiddy's older Brother, Tiny is Dixie's younger sister
Nice tidbits about Tiny and Chunky. I had no idea. DKC 3, along with DKC 2 and Tropical Freeze, are no question the best games in the series. The gameplay in DKC 3 is better than DKC and just as refined as DKC 2. The levels are very creative and they throw many fun and different ideas to keep things fresh. The side quests with the bears are fun and I, in contrast to this gamer, had a blast completing all of the lost worlds. The gameplay never felt unfair to me and the difficult levels were satisfying to get through. It still perplexes me that some people would go as far as rating this masterpiece last in the DKC series.
I wonder if it's possible to hack a scrapbook/status menu into the GBA version to make it match up with the other GBA remakes?
"A bear named Boomer makes his home hear..."
so, whenever he tells you to do something, you respond, "Ok Boomer." Nice
DKC 3 was my favourite of the trilogy as a kid, but as I got older I started to favour 2 more. But over the years I’ve actually put 3 back on the top of my list. I realised after a while that while 2 is an incredible game there’s so much cheap bullshit in it. DKC 3 is immersive and is arguably the first of the classic Rareware collectathons despite being a side scroller. There’s so much to collect, DK coins, banana birds, all of the objects for the bears etc. There’s a lot to do!
Anyone else notice that the funky kong missions are literally cobra triangle?
Rugal Bernstein You're not alone, that mission protecting DK from being shot as you shoot the enemies was familiar xD
Every single video in this series has me 90% agreeing, but the very MOMENT you mention soundtracks, I have to stop and brace for impact, because I know I'm going to end up cringing at what I'm about to be told.
Every. Single. Video.
Nazrat84 What do you mean by "cringing at" what he says
Haedox From a technical standpoint hardware wise, and as much as this comes off as trolley, he tends to be objective wrong when it comes to something sounding better on the GBA. Sure one can argue about preference, but from a technical standpoint, it's an opinionated fact that many GBA soundtracks, especially from ports can't "sound better." Developers have to do their best to sound optimal, but optimal is the farthest the hardware can really go.
Nazrat84 I agree in this instance of SNES>GBA, but you overlook the fact that art, but more specifically music, is more than the sum of its parts.
I really like the Donkey Kong Land version of DK Island Swing. It's clearly inferior, but my preference has less to do to bitrate, and more to do to the way in which the music is crafted and presented.
Some of the most popular music uses cheap sounding synth, and while I don't care for much of it, it's almost like the 'objective' difference in quality is irrelevant to people's ability to enjoy it.
tl;dr - It dun need be all fancy 'n shit to be fun
Poketto I agree. Music is entirely preference. I would be more likely to agree with his views had the GBA's hardware allowed for better quality and midi strings. It's notable with DKC3 especially that the composer was doing his best.
I like the atmospheric tone of the DCK3 soundtrack... A lot of the levels soundtracks on GBA don't really fit the level and take away from the whole vibe. Also I think it's among some of Davids worst work, which is saying a lot considering I really love his work in the other games.
In my view, Kiddy Kong later on became Chunky Kong when he grew up.
Seriously he would never be able to be called Kiddy Kong when he grew up.
From Super Mario Wiki, I heard that they were actually brothers (and cousins of sisters Dixie and Tiny Kong).
Glad to see this video get posted! I..... still think I'm how I was on the earlier videos I commented on, where Kiddy IS a turn off for me, but I WILL try it out eventually. Main thing holding me back is money being tight, so when I actually AM able to get some games, I go for something more sure fire like than something kinda..... iffy. I do have all 3 DKL games, so.... I have those to keep me busy too. lol
GRex7777 To be clear, I wasn't directing that comment at you, but to that argument more generally. I get where you're coming from.
lol No I figured. I can be arrogant at times, but I never think someone on youtube is talking about me unless I see them screencap my comment XD (It's never happened XD)
@@GRex7777 so did u get some money yet and try them out?
Dk3 is my fav of the snes. Tropical freeze is my fav overall now
Your DKC videos are good stuff.
The GBA version, has some good music, new levels, new minigames and new physics. The game is very good one, of course SNES still better, but GBA is unique too
This is probably my favorite review of the marathon. also I agree the new soundtrack in the GBA version sounds really awesome!
Fun fact: The Funky minigames are essentially a copy of Cobra Triangle. Another Rare NES game.
I can't remember if I told you this, but I did play through the American game and I was still having the Ellie problem so it must be an emulation thing.
I never really thought about it, but I do agree with you that K3 and Razor Ridge is where the game starts to drag.
***** Can you remind me what problem it was you encountered with Ellie?
ExoParadigmGamer If you jump on a Kopter while on Ellie the controls are completely locked until you land. It isn't really a problem but it is possible to get completely stuck if you're not careful.
***** I'll have to try that for myself.
I wish you would make a DK64 review sometime. That would be awesome.
For me, the songs I don't like in the original are improved in the GBA version, but the songs in the original I love that are replaced in the GBA version I hate.
Agree mostly, except for the waterfall themes and the coral themes. Both versions of both are excellent.
I really like better the DKC3 music from SNES, it goes beautifully with the landscapes and backgrounds of the game. Great ROR! keep'em coming!
I can pinpoint "mindblown" moments in my early gaming life. One was finally understanding the boardgame "melee" (steve jackson games). Another was playing this game to completion at my best friend´s house, it felt like such an adventure. The final one worth mentionbing is when i later played "Arcanum: of steamworks....", the first game i purchased with my own money.
This DK3 game is special to me and I love Kiddy Kong.
I Don’t Know Why A lot Of People REALLY Seem To Hate Kiddy Kong, Sure He Has A Goofy Character Roll And He’s Not As Memorable As The Other Kongs But I Don’t See Why A lot Of People Hate Him, It Must Be His Annoying Cry When You Loses A Life!
This might sound shallow, but I think the hate for Kiddy Kong, at least for me has to do with his name. Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong all have those iconic "DK" initials. Where as Kiddy Kong's initials are just one K short of the Klu Klux Klan. Kiddy Kong also represents a missed opportunity. Functionally he's like a combination of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. He's heavy enough to defeat the muscle bound enemies and barrel rolls much like Donkey Kong, but he holds the Barrels in front him as a shield like Diddy Kong. Kiddy doesn't even come close to replacing either Donkey or Diddy. He's a missed opportunity to me, because DKC 3 had the opportunity to give us a Terrific Trio to play as. Imagine having DK, Diddy, and Dixie as a team. Giving you 3 hits instead of just 2, and having the option to speed through the game as Diddy, Soar across levels as Dixie, and just stomp enemies as Donkey Kong.Imagine the team up move where DK could toss both Diddy and Dixie. Instead of that though, DKC 3 just repeated the same plot as DKC 2. DKC 3 also excluded Rambi. Ellie's mechanics are great, but she doesn't hold a candle to Rambi.
But I get it, It was nice to have Dixie be the star of the game. She's one of the very few female protagonists in games that isn't overtly sexualized. Can't say the same thing for her little sister Tiny.
My opinion these remakes were better than original.
Go for 105%! Not sure if that's possible in the GBA version but it definitely is on the SNES version by naming your save file TUFST.
Which is probably one of the main reasons why I’d give the SNES version of the DKC trilogy (let alone DKC3DKDT) a “Replace” score compared to the GBA version (and this is coming from someone who actually likes the GBA version of DKC2 nearly if not quite as much as the home console version, so even as someone who is nowhere as much of a fan of handheld game remakes as much as their home console counterparts like with the Pac-Man World trilogy, Mega Man & Bass and Earthworm Jim series, ExoParadigmGamer is indeed Someone to be proud of for looking at both the bad and good qualities of the GBA version of the trilogy and not being able to point out some small (but less minor in the case of DKC3 such as Ellie the Elephant being much worse than even Kiddy Kong because of her cowardice) flaws in the otherwise awesome SNES version of the trilogy).
Donkey Kong country 3 is my favorite in the original trilogy
bruce Camargo mine is 2
DrCamargo for me 2 is the best
2 is the best one. But I still enjoy 3; despite it's flaws.
Wow this goes in-depth. I think you have quite a gift of noticing even the smallest details in the games and putting in to words what you observe. You are giving both games and in depth review, comparing them to each other and to all the other DKC games - all at the same time. As you say it at one point in the video you put a name to things that no one seems to be talking about even though they are kind of obvious! Keep up the great work.
the second game is my favorite, the third is in 2nd place, and the original while still good is my least favorite. The other two DKC games have more interesting gameplay, locations, and enemies in my opinion.
For me it is DKCTF > DKC2 > DKC3 > DKCR > DKC1.
@@Victory-in-YAHUSHA dk64?
@@fausthanos08 It's not a DK COUNTRY game which is why it wasn't mentioned. It's been years since I played it so I would at least rank it between DKCR and DKC1.
@@Victory-in-YAHUSHA it is actually a dkc
@@Victory-in-YAHUSHA if u search donkey kong country (series) on mario wiki, donkey kong 64 will be listed there as well
One of the coolest features in DKC3? Being able to play Christmas versions of the bonus stages. :D
Dk3 is my favorite game. I love dk returns, tropical freeze, dk2,dk1 and even dk64. But , dk3 snes will always be the best for me
The theme of DKC3 is basically Canada. Though I guess in the DK universe, it would be Kanada.
Also, the GBA soundtrack > SNES soundtrack. I really wish they'd re-release DKC3 with a better quality version of the GBA soundtrack.
You harp so much on the bonus stages. But I find these stages much easier then DKC2. As long as you actually explore, you can always spot something that catches your eye. Where as in DKC2, I'm pushing against every wall and guiding off so many cliff because I'm missing a bonus or DK coin. 3 is way less cryptic. I don't know why you lose at the bonus' though, I didn't really have an issue difficulty wise. Great review. Going to check out the rest of the trilogy. liked.
Your problems with the camera stem from not being patient, man. You have to go forward a little, wait for anything coming, study the patterns and then proceed carefully. All three games do a good job with cameras and also a good job with forcing the player the chill the F out and remember there are obstacles.
I find it interesting that you complain that Mega Man didn’t move onto the new console, but not DKC 3. Maybe it’s some sort of bias for a certain system.
Yes! I'm so excited to watch this. By the way, don't worry at all about taking a while to make this video. I'm happy to wait for videos as good as these!
This will definitely be worth the wait just by the first few seconds already.
The Side Quest Gamer And I was right. This and Sonic 2 are by far your best ROR episodes. I am one of those who thinks this game is the weakest in the trilogy, but i do prefer the GBA version. DKC3 is at least a B+ experience.
The Side Quest Gamer What about my Sonic 2 ROR made it so good?
ExoParadigmGamer Because your opinion on Sonic 2 was very unpopular, but you've made a lot of great points that can even make lovers of Sonic 2 understand the misery of your first play through.
I read somewhere that the GBA final boss theme was just placed into the spider boss and the new octopus one by mistake
Stampede Sprint kicks ass, git gud scrub.
nah I kid, I played the ever-living fuck out of these games as a kid and that's probably the only reason I don't struggle with any of the levels at this point, I can definitely see how that level can be frustrating to people playing for the first time, or even seasoned players of platformers
gotta say, the homage to Cobra Triangle for the GBA port is pretty awesome :)
DKC3 is better than DCK1 but not as good as DKC2
Was KSI stopped?
This game is huge, complex, beautiful and very fun. I love the goofy Kiddy
Now I want to see a gba play deep sounds
I absolutely love the Remake or Rebreak series and got to shoutout Exo for the hard work he always puts into these. But...
Man, I couldn't disagree more about this weird "back half of the game has a steep decrease in quality" take. I think no one has ever brought it up because it doesn't exist. The game is consistent as ever to me, if not getting better in the second half. In particular, some of those levels you mentioned hating, like Kong-fused Cliffs and Stampede Sprint, are genuinely some of the best levels in the whole series to me.
But you know, opinions gonna opinion. Still love me some classic ROR. Think I watched this way back in the day, but I've been listening to a lot of the GBA soundtrack recently (an underrated masterpiece), so it was on my mind. Thanks for the nostalgia trip!
I just seen all dk reviews you have. Very informative. I dont mind ur vids being long..
You can 105% this game by entering TUFST as a code after pressing L+R a bunch... it takes away dk barrels and continue barrels and adds the "immortal kong" title. (SNES version, haven't played the GBA one)
Well, the GBA version wasn't supposed to be a remake, or better than the original... it's just a handheld version for people who don't own a console or prefer to play the game on the Gameboy.
I really believe you can't compare GBA with SNES, because SNES games are clearly better graphicwise, soundwise and many times gamewise as well.
I give credit where credit is due, and the GBA DKC games were a great alternative way of playing such an amazing collection of games, but not a replacement or improved version at all. Still, I'm very impressed at how much they pushed GBA's limits with this game in particular! I'd say it's one of the best games for the handheld console.
Great job with the reviews, man. They are pretty fun to watch and reflect.
Fun fact: Kiddy Kong's original name was supposed to be Dinky Kong, per the Japanese version. Why the US Version decided to break the initials trend is beyond me.
Honestly this is my favorite DKC game, I really like the locals. Also Kiddy Kong is the best, his pure goofiness puts this game up a notch
actually ExxoParadigmGamer, %103 isn't the highest % in the game. The highest % in the game is %105. But in order to get that, you would have to put in a secret code and not get a game over once you put in that code for one of the files you play it on. And no, by game over, I'm not talking about losing a life and continuing, I'm talking about losing ALL your lives in the game. But anyway, the only thing exclusive to getting the %105 rating in DKC3 is after beating the games true ending, you see Cranky Kong Kong in some kind of karate theme making all these karate kicks at the rating screen of the game after beating it. Something that really isn't worth your time doing for yourself, just type it in on youtube and try to find a DKC3 video with a %105 rating in it's title. It's really nothing special.
It's strange but I'm of the opposite mind over the OST. I GREATLY prefer the SNES soundtrack. The GBA had a few notable tracks but overall I just prefer the composition, melodies, and overall sound quality of the SNES. It's a shame the GBA sound capabilities are so weak compared to the SNES! It keeps it from being my fave handheld Nintendo system
I _loved_ the first Donkey Kong Country on the GBA! I got it on or close to its June 2003 release, so I was young, and I didn't know about the sequels back then. I'm currently replaying DKC on the Switch, and I'll play the sequel soon!