Donkey Kong

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Donkey Kong is a video game franchise created by Nintendo. The series primarily features the adventures of a large ape named Donkey Kong and his friends. The franchise began with the arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981, which was a major success and introduced the character Mario (originally known as Jumpman).

History

The original Donkey Kong arcade game was designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and released by Nintendo in 1981. In the game, players control Mario as he attempts to rescue a damsel in distress, Pauline, from the titular ape, Donkey Kong. The game was notable for its innovative gameplay and became one of the best-selling arcade machines of its time.

Following the success of the original game, several sequels and spin-offs were developed. Donkey Kong Jr. was released in 1982, featuring Donkey Kong's son as the protagonist. In 1983, Donkey Kong 3 was released, introducing a new character, Stanley the Bugman.

In 1994, the franchise was revitalized with the release of Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Developed by Rare, the game featured advanced graphics for its time and introduced new characters such as Diddy Kong and King K. Rool. The success of Donkey Kong Country led to several sequels and established Donkey Kong as a major Nintendo franchise.

Gameplay

The gameplay of the Donkey Kong series varies between titles. The original arcade games are platformers where players must navigate through levels, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemies. The Donkey Kong Country series, on the other hand, features side-scrolling platform gameplay with a focus on collecting items and defeating bosses.

Characters

• Donkey Kong: The main character of the series, a large ape who often finds himself in various adventures.
• Diddy Kong: Donkey Kong's sidekick and best friend, introduced in Donkey Kong Country.
• Cranky Kong: The original Donkey Kong from the arcade games, now an elderly ape who provides advice.
• Dixie Kong: Diddy Kong's girlfriend, introduced in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest.
• King K. Rool: The main antagonist in many of the games, a crocodile who leads the Kremling Krew.

Legacy

The Donkey Kong series has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The original game is considered one of the most important titles in the history of video games, and the Donkey Kong Country series helped to establish the Super Nintendo Entertainment System as a leading console in the 1990s. The franchise has also expanded into other media, including an animated television series and various merchandise.

Related Pages

• Mario
• Pauline (Nintendo)
• Rare (company)
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System
• Shigeru Miyamoto

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