Donkey Kong S ... The S is For SUPERB!

At its core, Donkey Kong is simple: climb ladders, dodge barrels, and save the girl. But anyone who's spent more than a few seconds with the game knows it’s a pixelated gauntlet of perfectly timed jumps and split-second decisions. You play as Mario (well, Jumpman at the time), racing to rescue Pauline from the clutches of a giant, grinning gorilla. Sound easy? Yeah—until you’re dodging flaming fireballs while balancing on a slanted girder.

The magic lies in its layered design. Unlike most arcade games of the early '80s, Donkey Kong wasn't just a single loop repeated endlessly. Each level introduced something new—a different layout, moving elevators, or conveyor belts of doom. And every stage required a different approach, forcing players to learn and adapt rather than just rely on quick reflexes.

Now, let’s talk high scores. If you’re playing for points instead of just survival, it’s all about the bonuses. Leaping over barrels can earn you extra points (the more you hop, the richer you get), and grabbing every item—umbrella, purse, hat—adds to your total. There’s also a time bonus for finishing quickly, but hardcore players know to milk the timer and stack up points before climbing to victory.

Mastering Donkey Kong is less about brute force and more about rhythm, timing, and reading the chaos. It’s a beautifully frustrating game that turns strategy into an art form. And if you're not sweating by the second stage, you're doing it wrong.

When Donkey Kong barrel-rolled into arcades in 1981, it didn’t just shake things up—it flung the entire industry to new heights. Back then, most arcade games were space shooters or simple sports clones. But here came a game with a story, characters, and actual platforms to climb. It wasn’t just about scoring points—it was about rescuing a damsel from a cranky, oversized ape. The arcade scene had never seen anything like it, and suddenly, platformers were the next big thing.

But perhaps the biggest plot twist of all? The unexpected birth of Nintendo’s soon-to-be megastar: Mario. Originally dubbed “Jumpman,” this mustachioed carpenter was just a guy in overalls trying to save his girlfriend. Yet his humble debut in Donkey Kong sparked one of gaming’s most iconic legacies. Mario would go on to become the face of Nintendo, the mascot of video games, and arguably the most famous digital plumber of all time. (Yes, he switched careers pretty fast.)

And let’s not forget the merchandising mayhem. At its peak, Donkey Kong was slapped onto everything—lunchboxes, t-shirts, cereal boxes, and even a Saturday morning cartoon. If there was a flat surface, odds are someone tried to print Donkey Kong’s face on it.

In short, Donkey Kong didn’t just entertain—it transformed. It kicked off Nintendo’s global takeover, introduced the world to Mario, and helped redefine what arcade games could be. All that, and it only needed a few barrels and a damsel in distress to do it.

Over the years, Donkey Kong has shown that he is more than simply a vengeful ape with a taste for kidnapping, despite his beginnings as a cranky barrel-chucker on a building site. Donkey Kong, the first arcade game, was only the start. Subsequent games included Donkey Kong 3 (where the objective was to shoot bugs from his bottom) and Donkey Kong Jr. (where the roles were reversed and DK became the dad in distress). Yeah, it got weird—and fun.

As gaming tech evolved, so did DK’s adventures. The Donkey Kong Country series on the Super Nintendo changed everything. Suddenly, Donkey Kong was in glorious 16-bit jungle glory, swinging from vines, riding rhinos, and fighting pirate crocodiles with his cool sidekick, Diddy. The franchise leaned hard into platforming excellence, with tighter controls, layered level design, and a surprisingly funky soundtrack.

DK didn’t stop there. He’s popped up on just about every console Nintendo has ever made—Game Boy, Wii, Switch, you name it. He’s gone rhythm-based in Donkey Konga, competitive in Mario Kart, and even had a workout stint with Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

Donkey Kong is a vital component of Nintendo's ecosystem today, not just a throwback relic. He still has the moves, the charisma, and the strength to keep players going back for more in recent games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. After all these years, he’s still swinging strong, one banana at a time.

Donkey Kong might be one of the most famous faces in gaming, but even this big ape has a few secrets up his sleeve—or under his fur. The original Donkey Kong arcade game is packed with little quirks. For example, there’s a "kill screen" at level 22 where the game glitches out due to a coding bug, ending Mario’s heroic climb before it begins. And did you know Mario was originally called "Jumpman"? Not exactly catchy, but hey, it was the '80s.

Now, let’s talk world records. The Donkey Kong high score saga has been legendary (and occasionally dramatic). The current record holder is Robbie Lakeman, who reclaimed the top spot after years of fierce competition, racking up a score that most of us couldn’t dream of reaching—over 1.2 million points. The road to that score is paved with strategy, patience, and yes, probably a few broken joysticks.

But Donkey Kong’s influence isn’t limited to arcades and basements. Believe it or not, this barrel-hurling classic has made its way into academia. Researchers in artificial intelligence have used the game to train AI agents in decision-making and problem-solving. It's simple on the surface but surprisingly complex underneath—perfect for testing how machines learn.

So next time you're climbing ladders and dodging barrels, just remember: you're not just playing a game, you're engaging with a piece of tech history, pop culture, and even science. Not bad for a pixelated gorilla in a tie.

Donkey Kong turned 40, and you’d better believe he didn’t just blow out a candle and call it a day. Nintendo celebrated the big milestone with a mix of nostalgia and subtle fan service. While there wasn’t a giant parade (missed opportunity, honestly), fans got limited-edition merch, themed events, and shoutouts during Nintendo Directs. The anniversary also stirred hope among longtime fans for a proper new Donkey Kong title—which is still bananas to think we haven’t gotten yet.

In the realm of collaborations, Donkey Kong’s been surprisingly busy. He’s crashed the party in Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and even Skylanders at one point, proving that you can teach an old ape new tricks. He also popped up in cross-brand promotions and mobile games, and you just know he’d be the star of a banana brand partnership if Nintendo ever let that happen.

But what really keeps Donkey Kong swinging is the diehard fan community. These folks aren't just reminiscing—they’re building. From custom ROM hacks and challenging mods to full-on reimaginings of the original arcade game, fans have found endless ways to keep DK’s legacy climbing. Some even mod original arcade cabinets to enhance gameplay or create entirely new levels.

So while the ape may be vintage, his spirit is very much alive. Between official nods, unexpected cameos, and fans with serious coding skills, Donkey Kong continues to barrel his way through pop culture, one platform at a time.

Donkey Kong might’ve started his career as a grumpy barrel-chucking villain, but over the decades, he’s done a full PR makeover. In the early days, he was the original big bad, giving Mario (then known as Jumpman) a run for his money. But by the time the Donkey Kong Country series hit the SNES, DK had mellowed out into a banana-loving hero with a chill vibe, strong fists, and a fondness for bongo beats. He’s still got attitude, but it’s more “laid-back jungle king” than “rooftop menace.”

The supporting cast in the Donkey Kong universe is pure gold. Diddy Kong, DK’s energetic sidekick (and possibly the most enthusiastic hat-wearer in gaming), plays the loyal little buddy. Then there’s Cranky Kong, who’s basically the grandpa of the franchise and possibly the original Donkey Kong from the arcade—grumbling about “kids these days” while still dishing out advice. Dixie Kong, Funky Kong, and even Lanky Kong have all helped round out the Kong clan, each bringing their own flair to the jungle.

And then, of course, there are the villains. King K. Rool is the most iconic—a crocodile with a Napoleon complex, a love for capes, and a rotating list of evil alter egos. His motivations? Mostly stealing bananas and being unnecessarily dramatic. Other antagonists, like the Tiki Tak Tribe and the Snowmads, have kept things interesting, though none have matched K. Rool’s sheer over-the-top villainy.

So yeah, Donkey Kong’s world is a wild ride of personality, plot twists, and a whole lot of banana drama.

Donkey Kong’s music isn’t just background noise—it’s part of the soul of the game. From the catchy, jungle-infused beats of Donkey Kong Country to the classic arcade jingles that practically scream “1980s,” the soundtrack has always been a standout. One name that gets major props is David Wise, the legendary composer behind Donkey Kong Country’s moody, melodic, and unexpectedly emotional tracks. “Aquatic Ambience” isn’t just a water level theme—it’s a full-on vibe. Wise managed to turn 16-bit audio into something atmospheric and downright immersive, and that was no small feat.

Sound effects in the series aren’t just there for kicks either. Every barrel blast, banana grab, and cart crash helps pull you into the action. Whether it’s the satisfying “thwack” of a Kremling taking a hit or the clunky clambering of DK hopping up platforms, the audio cues are sharp and memorable. Even the goofy grunts and chest-pounding noises from DK himself have become iconic in their own right.

As for the evolution of audio in Donkey Kong games—well, it’s come a long way from the beeps and boops of the arcade era. Completely organized soundtracks, surround sound settings, and intricately layered sounds that respond dynamically to gameplay are all features of contemporary games. The jungle seems to have decided to put on a performance and come to life. The sound design and music of Donkey Kong have developed with the games, transforming what may have been merely filler into an essential component of the DK experience.

Donkey Kong has come a long way from his humble 8-bit beginnings where pixels were blocky, colors were limited, and “art style” meant “whatever fits on the screen without crashing.” Back in 1981, the original Donkey Kong arcade game sported what you might kindly call “retro charm”—but it laid the groundwork. Fast forward a few years, and things got seriously artistic with Donkey Kong Country on the SNES. Using groundbreaking pre-rendered 3D graphics, it was a jaw-dropper for its time. It looked like the future—and honestly, it kind of was.

The visual glow-up didn’t stop there. As consoles got stronger, DK’s jungle world became more vibrant, more detailed, and way more fun to explore. From lush rainforests to icy caverns and mine cart mayhem, the series leaned into colorful, exaggerated environments that matched the games’ playful, over-the-top tone.

Artistically, the series has always walked the line between cartoonish and cinematic. You’ll see hints of classic animation styles mixed with tropical flair and even some steampunk-ish vibes in levels with gears, factories, and mechanical baddies. Each game reflects a bit of the visual trends of its time, whether it’s the gritty textures of the GameCube era or the clean, vibrant art style of the Switch.

And those character designs? DK’s gone from an angry-looking ape in a tie to a full-blown video game icon with personality to spare. His pals, from Diddy to Cranky to Dixie, have all seen redesigns too—just enough to keep them fresh without losing their banana-loving essence.

Now fasten your seatbelts because we are about to go into the deliciously geeky realm of Donkey Kong's competitive scene. It's a full-fledged sport with drama and suspenseful endings, not simply about saving Pauline from a pixelated monkey.

High score chasing in Donkey Kong has a surprisingly long and storied history. It's essentially arcade royalty, with folks vying for the top spot since the early 80s. Imagine the sheer dedication required to memorize every pattern, every jump, every barrel. These weren't just casual players, they were digital gladiators, pushing the limits of what was thought possible. The scene was, for a long time, defined by a battle for the top spot, with players like Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe becoming legendary figures.

Then came the speedrunners. These folks approach Donkey Kong with a laser focus, optimizing every movement for sheer velocity. They're less concerned with racking up points and more about shaving milliseconds off their times. Records are constantly being broken, with intricate strategies and glitch discoveries becoming the norm. It’s a wild ride, watching them dance through the levels with almost inhuman precision.

And let's not forget the notable players. Beyond the old guard, we've got a new generation of Kong conquerors. Names like Robbie Lakeman and Wes Copeland have redefined what's possible, pushing the boundaries of the game with incredible skill and dedication. It's a community that's both passionate and fiercely competitive, and honestly, a little bit bonkers. But in the best possible way.

Alright, let’s talk about Donkey Kong’s off-screen adventures, because our favorite tie-wearing ape gets around. It's not just arcade cabinets and consoles for him; he's a regular media darling, or at least, he tries to be.

Donkey Kong's television appearances have been, shall we say, varied. Think of the "Donkey Kong Country" cartoon. It’s a surreal blend of CGI and…well, let’s call it creative license. With DK as a silly, banana-hoarding hero, it's an exciting trip. Even while it's not always for the correct reasons, it's undoubtedly unforgettable. His reputation as a video game icon has been cemented by his appearances in various cartoons, frequently in cameos.

Then there are the cameos and references. Donkey Kong's face has shown up in all sorts of unexpected places. From subtle nods in other Nintendo games to outright character appearances, he's a constant presence. It's like a "Where's Waldo?" for gaming nerds, spotting him in the background or hearing a familiar tune. He's basically the gaming equivalent of a celebrity guest appearance, always good for a nostalgic chuckle.

As for film adaptations, well, he’s had his moments. The more recent animated Super Mario Bros. Movie, gave him a pretty good representation, it’s fair to say. He was portrayed as a strong and somewhat arrogant character, which fits his general persona. Older attempts, though, are best left to the annals of "things we try to forget." Let's just say translating a pixelated ape into live-action or early CGI was a challenge, and not always a successful one. But hey, at least he’s trying to broaden his horizons. You’ve got to admire the ambition.

When it comes to classic arcade games, BurgerTime is often pitted against its contemporaries like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, but in this culinary showdown, who really wins? While Pac-Man gave us the first taste of maze-chasing, and Donkey Kong set the bar for platforming, BurgerTime was cooking up something entirely different. The challenge? Building burgers while avoiding a band of food-themed foes. It’s the only arcade game where you can literally get chased by a hotdog. And let’s be honest, that’s a scenario we didn’t know we needed but definitely appreciate now.

Comparing BurgerTime to other early platformers, it’s clear that it stands out as one of the weirdest. While Donkey Kong had barrels and Space Invaders had aliens, BurgerTime had enemies that were literally made of food—egg, hot dog, and pickle! The kitchen setting, combined with the platforming mechanics, made for a quirky but delightful experience that pushed the genre’s boundaries.

Now, imagine BurgerTime in a crossover with games like Cooking Mama or Overcooked. The chaotic burger-building could be cranked up to eleven. Picture Peter Pepper teaming up with Mama for a culinary showdown or collaborating in Overcooked’s frantic kitchen—now that's a game worth serving up.

In the grand scheme of platformers, BurgerTime might be one of the weirdest. It’s a game where food fights back, and yet, it’s strangely satisfying. You might not get the classic "hero saves the day" vibe, but you get an oddly rewarding experience, one burger at a time.