Donkey Kong 64

 Nintendo 64
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 319 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 260 out of 319
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 319
  3. Negative: 14 out of 319
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  1. BillS.
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    This is da best game ever.You suck rustys for given it a 3.if you had a mind you would realize it is 1 of da best n64 games.
  2. SilentNinja
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    This game is so cool it reminds me of my old friends. he he . . .i still have the rap memorized!
  3. AlyssaW.
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    This is a wicked awesome game! Rusty you are SOO stupid if you hate this game. I think this game has alot to it and can be challengeing and fun! Me and my brother play it all the time and my brother had this game since he has been 6 and now he's 18 and still hasn't beaten it!
  4. JonathanG.
    May 21, 2006
    10
    Freakn awesome game. Rusty just does not have his head screwed on right. DK all the way.
  5. CesarG.
    May 8, 2005
    9
    My daughter loves this game.
  6. J.M.
    Jun 20, 2005
    9
    I thought this was a cool game, I may not play it anymore but I remembered how cool it was, the sound, the graphics for it's time. The only problem is that there could have been more challenge because there could have been more moves and more minigames and stuff.
  7. Whatsyourtipple?....apintthereof
    Apr 12, 2004
    10
    Oh come on! this game is a god damn classic!
  8. BrandenL
    Jul 10, 2008
    9
    Hmm. well for one thing, DK64 came out in 1999, and it hasn't even been 10 years since release, so if your brother was 6 when it came out, wouldn't he be about 16-17 by then? And by the way, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that goes for all of you below me, so he can give the game the score whatever he wants. i give the game a 8. it was fun, it wasn't perfect, Hmm. well for one thing, DK64 came out in 1999, and it hasn't even been 10 years since release, so if your brother was 6 when it came out, wouldn't he be about 16-17 by then? And by the way, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that goes for all of you below me, so he can give the game the score whatever he wants. i give the game a 8. it was fun, it wasn't perfect, it was fun while it lasted, but i consider even DKC2 a better game (obviously).… Expand
  9. SamH.
    May 28, 2006
    9
    There are WAY too many collectibles in this game but the gameplay, graphics, and most of all, the music makes up for the game.
  10. FromKanga
    May 1, 2017
    9
    One of my favourite 3D platformers, I grew up with donkey kong so being able to play a game like this was truly magical.
    The story is like a normal donkey kong game, the villain is back so you are going to beat bosses until you meet the final boss, it's simple but funny enough.
    A lot of people said it's a collectathon and it wasn't enjoyable, as someone who likes exploring, I didn't    One of my favourite 3D platformers, I grew up with donkey kong so being able to play a game like this was truly magical.
    The story is like a normal donkey kong game, the villain is back so you are going to beat bosses until you meet the final boss, it's simple but funny enough.

    A lot of people said it's a collectathon and it wasn't enjoyable, as someone who likes exploring, I didn't mind, I actually really enjoyed it and I love the variety of characters, you have 5 different characters with great personnalities, that's the game's greatest strenght it's personnality.
    It's full of comedic moments which makes this game a blast to play throught.

    I love this game and I highly recommend it    … Expand
  11. Amora
    Apr 2, 2018
    9
    Donkey Kong 64 is an amazing game, but a few things stopped me from making this a perfect 10. The game feels a little clunky sometimes and the amount of collectables confuses the player, but besides that it is a fun platformer that gave a good name to the Donkey Kong series and a good name to Rareware.
  12. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  13. Zeldafan81
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    It holds up. You can't play this game and not laugh, smile and have a good time
  14. GeoKaiser
    Jan 14, 2020
    10
    The best 3d platform game along with super mario 64,excellent graphics and variety in gameplay
  15. floofdog124
    Apr 1, 2022
    10
    Honestly this is the best Donkey Kong game in the series.
    It's art style and the way its played reminds me of a series call Banjo Kazooie. (former title of n64)
    Fun collectibles, honesty when I found the golden bananas, or the banana fairies i felt a fun sense of accomplishment! My personal favorite part is when your in the boxing ring with King k rool. Over all one of my favorite n64    Honestly this is the best Donkey Kong game in the series.
    It's art style and the way its played reminds me of a series call Banjo Kazooie. (former title of n64)
    Fun collectibles, honesty when I found the golden bananas, or the banana fairies i felt a fun sense of accomplishment!
    My personal favorite part is when your in the boxing ring with King k rool.
    Over all one of my favorite n64 games would 99% recommend this game!
    One little nitpick of mine with this game would be the 3d platforming could be a little tricky with the standard n64 joystick.    … Expand
  16. ShawnL
    Dec 8, 2008
    10
    The best game I will ever play! The collectibles, the music, everything in this is perfect. I will remember it forever.
  17. asggamefan
    Jun 18, 2011
    9
    Still worth playing today! I loved the Donkey Kong Country series but this took it and advanced it to a whole new level. I still enjoy playing Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong 64 today. This is a great franchise that I hope can continue to put good games together.
  18. javier_2998
    Nov 23, 2011
    9
    This game is the best game of all! I have an old Nintendo 64, my parents gave it to me as a Christmas gift when I was just 3 years old, and this game is the first video game I played in my life. Of course I could not beat this game when I was 3 years old, but recently I decided to try to beat this game and I finally did it. The Music in this game is the best game music ever. An interestingThis game is the best game of all! I have an old Nintendo 64, my parents gave it to me as a Christmas gift when I was just 3 years old, and this game is the first video game I played in my life. Of course I could not beat this game when I was 3 years old, but recently I decided to try to beat this game and I finally did it. The Music in this game is the best game music ever. An interesting plot, some levels are quite hard, but all you need to beat this game is perseverance. Best game ever!… Expand
  19. MichaeI
    Dec 21, 2010
    10
    There is no game I know of in the last few years that match up to this masterpiece. The music is memorable and catchy, the characters varied, the collectibles in large number and a joy to collect (especially when you feel like a god when you know where everything is on familiar levels). The graphics were great for the time and really there needs to be more games like it - a horde ofThere is no game I know of in the last few years that match up to this masterpiece. The music is memorable and catchy, the characters varied, the collectibles in large number and a joy to collect (especially when you feel like a god when you know where everything is on familiar levels). The graphics were great for the time and really there needs to be more games like it - a horde of collectibles that you can take your time with and enjoy instead of rushing to get to the top of a leaderboard and not truly taking in the sensation.… Expand
  20. sampearl
    Sep 23, 2011
    10
    I do agree trying to collect everything and be a completionist is VERY OVERWHELMING. I never knew where to start. BUT it is self awarding. The game is very nostalgic (at least for me) I remember watching my nephew play it when I was little and having a blast. A couple flaws, the camera is frustrating, and hard to get used to, plus, I felt the combat wasn't as good as it could be, thingsI do agree trying to collect everything and be a completionist is VERY OVERWHELMING. I never knew where to start. BUT it is self awarding. The game is very nostalgic (at least for me) I remember watching my nephew play it when I was little and having a blast. A couple flaws, the camera is frustrating, and hard to get used to, plus, I felt the combat wasn't as good as it could be, things re-spawned 5 seconds after you kill them, so there's no point to killing enemies, really.… Expand
  21. Zilcell
    Nov 8, 2011
    9
    So many items to collect in the game. You play as 5 different DK crew characters: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong. There are a lot of fun places in the game and the missions add even more fun to the game, especially the bosses.
  22. BlackPriest
    Mar 31, 2012
    10
    This is the best game ever
    I love Collecting everything and the music is awesome
  23. [Anonymous]
    Feb 12, 2005
    9
    Good but the mechanical fish is to hard it took me 5 years to beat it. also gets boring.
  24. YoshiiR.
    Apr 27, 2005
    8
    Kinda good, despite the fact it truly gets boring. Also, the lack of challenge is disturbing: when the game expected me to have 60 golden bananas, I had 70... you got the point.
  25. wegie125
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    What else can be said about this game? Everyone knows that it was amazing and still is amazing to this day. This is one of the main things that makes me so sad when I am reminded that Microsoft now owns rareware. They made amazing games like this that we will never see remastered. I would like Nintendo to try to get some of those rights though for them to remake this game. It was trulyWhat else can be said about this game? Everyone knows that it was amazing and still is amazing to this day. This is one of the main things that makes me so sad when I am reminded that Microsoft now owns rareware. They made amazing games like this that we will never see remastered. I would like Nintendo to try to get some of those rights though for them to remake this game. It was truly amazing and can't ever be replicated the same way. This game would be awesome on the switch though and I know for a fact that almost everyone that owned a switch would get one and people who didn't have a switch would run to the store to get one because this game is just that good. Platforming that is just perfect, music that is just magical, and the level design is just breathtaking. They did so much right here and this stands as one of my highest rated games of all time… Expand
  26. MrZanctum
    Jul 10, 2013
    10
    Donkey Kong 64 is literally the best game that I will ever play. Everything in this game is perfect. All of the collectables in this game will keep you busy for weeks and weeks. After every golden banana or blueprint you collect is rewarding in every way. This game makes you work hard to collect everything, which is something that modern games don't make you do. The music in this gameDonkey Kong 64 is literally the best game that I will ever play. Everything in this game is perfect. All of the collectables in this game will keep you busy for weeks and weeks. After every golden banana or blueprint you collect is rewarding in every way. This game makes you work hard to collect everything, which is something that modern games don't make you do. The music in this game is also some of the greatest in video-game history. It really amps up the gameplay experience to a great extent. This game could get repetitive to some, but to me, this game is perfect. The difficulty, though, can make it tough to collect everything and get a 101% in this game, but when you finally collect everything, the challenge was well worth the rewarding feeling you get. I couldn't possibly find a fault in this game if you paid me and I will always love this game. To me, this game is a pure masterpiece!… Expand
  27. Yohis95
    Nov 27, 2012
    10
    I dont get why so many people are giving this game a low score and saying its too difficult i could beat this game when i was 10 and its one of the best games ever.
  28. AGK
    Aug 23, 2016
    8
    This game was magnificently well done and well thought out. Nicely designed levels and game-play, challenging boss battles, combine all that and you got yourself fun all around for ages.
  29. DrDoom64
    Sep 7, 2016
    10
    A true grand adventure. DK64 is one of the most beautiful, large, and fun games to play. The soundtrack fits in with one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time, most of the tunes will 99.999999999% be stuck in your head for years to come. This is a game you TRULY feel like you on a quest/adventure, sure the 1st world may throw you off and you may think "oh just another 3DA true grand adventure. DK64 is one of the most beautiful, large, and fun games to play. The soundtrack fits in with one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time, most of the tunes will 99.999999999% be stuck in your head for years to come. This is a game you TRULY feel like you on a quest/adventure, sure the 1st world may throw you off and you may think "oh just another 3D platform game with a jungle world" but after world 1 the rest of the worlds are pure, true, and creative worlds masterly crafted. The game controls great(that is if your playing the N64 version, and other version is a different story), the gameplay is fine if you liked games such ad Banjo Kazooie and Tooie, but if your not in to collecting stuff then this isn't the game for you. The only flaw in this game are the mini games that are sometimes VERY unfair, but many people fail to realize YOU DON'T NEED TO DO THEM unless it's a mandatory mini game. You see in DK64 some people believe you need to collect all 200 golden bananas to beat the game, hence them believing you have to do all the unfair mini games but thats not the case AT ALL, I beat this game only getting about 145-160 golden bananas, I think you can even get less to beat this game. The graphics are one of the unquestionable absolute best on the N64, better than Banjo Kazooie but not better than Tooies. The multiplayer mode is also a good time(if you have 4 people) where you and you're friends are in 1 of 3 maps seeking each other to murder one another with combat,fruit guns, and grenades. If the one friend gets the heat seeking ammo it's all over(unless you as well have some heat seeking ammo). At the end of the day DK64 is definitely one of the greatest N64 games period, you certainly get a lot of content for the money you spent to buy this game, heck it has MUCH MORE content then most games today(as well as better music,charm, and adventure). DK64 is about $15-$20 online and in retro stores.… Expand
  30. leondaniel21
    Oct 3, 2012
    10
    Eh el mejor juego que he jugado, me encanta, este juego para es como un tesoro.. me enamora...........................................................................
  31. bestbloodyday
    May 29, 2012
    8
    Pretty good platform arcade game. Although it shares some Super Mario 64 mechanics, having 5 characters at our disposal assures lots of hours of fun. Every map has hidden and hard to reach areas. Using one character or another will allow the player to access the new zones. The game is very fun because of the huge number of mini games included. Every character have its own little secretsPretty good platform arcade game. Although it shares some Super Mario 64 mechanics, having 5 characters at our disposal assures lots of hours of fun. Every map has hidden and hard to reach areas. Using one character or another will allow the player to access the new zones. The game is very fun because of the huge number of mini games included. Every character have its own little secrets and way of playing. On the downside, the game can be frustrating at some times because of the mini games difficulty and the amount of tasks.… Expand
  32. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    Okay, this game was so ridiculous and the whole time I kept thinking how retarded the game was....But it was so addicting :D Some how it entranced me to play the game 101 percent through. This game was very fun, addicting, and challenging. A truly great game, just wish it wasn't so corny.
  33. chronoT
    Sep 5, 2012
    8
    For a good 3D game similar to Super Mario 64 it sits well, for a follow up to Donkey Kong Country... not so much. I am a huge fan of the Donkey Kong Country series, DK 64 takes it in a different direction and overall does a decent job. Story (8): Same ol' good ol' story here of King K being a banana thief and reacking havoc on DK's life. Graphics (9) Damn good, pretty much the best 64 hasFor a good 3D game similar to Super Mario 64 it sits well, for a follow up to Donkey Kong Country... not so much. I am a huge fan of the Donkey Kong Country series, DK 64 takes it in a different direction and overall does a decent job. Story (8): Same ol' good ol' story here of King K being a banana thief and reacking havoc on DK's life. Graphics (9) Damn good, pretty much the best 64 has to offer. The island is pretty cool, does feel a bit like DKC and has some rich areas. Sound (8): Some of the music and sounds bring back memories and some other music is pretty mediocre. Gameplay (9): Definitely a fun game to play, the controls are nice and the areas are diverse. There is actually a lot to do, you can interact with other characters as you progress and they can unlock different content for you. Endgame (8): The game is fairly large, and there are a lot of extra things to collect and areas to explore. You will notice as you travel many areas are off-limits at first but open up later. Overall Nintendo did a pretty good job bringing us back DK and his friends. I personally prefer DK in a 3D platform enviroment, but if you like open world exploring games such as Mario 64 or Banjo Kazooie, this games absolutely worth a shot. Overall: 8… Expand
  34. robertogallo
    Sep 20, 2016
    8
    Rare's collecting might went a bit too far. The game is loaded with content, but collecting five hundred bananas with five different characters, having to go through the levels again and again made this the least fun of the big-named Mario 64 rip-offs.
  35. joaopontesvaz
    May 27, 2014
    9
    Graphics: 10 Sound: 10 Gameplay: 9 Fun/Story: 9

    Another great game and a fine graphics example of N64 capacities. Although not being a DK fan, this game really made me fun and smile.
  36. Hypernova2k
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    This game is an all around masterpiece
    It features 5 playable kongs (The previous Donkey Kong games featured 2) each differentiate greatly from one another. The game features 2 ranged weapons that are both great additions to the gameplay. There are lots of coins and golden bananas that are good in creating replay value. The music is very nostalgic and reminds you greatly of the beloved    This game is an all around masterpiece
    It features 5 playable kongs (The previous Donkey Kong games featured 2) each differentiate greatly from one another. The game features 2 ranged weapons that are both great additions to the gameplay. There are lots of coins and golden bananas that are good in creating replay value. The music is very nostalgic and reminds you greatly of the beloved donkey kong country series. Some funny and entertaining scenes and generally silly character movements( Don't move your kong and you'll know what im talking about. This game is very very long, and makes you so proud of yourself when you beat it.
    Overall a masterpiece.
    I would like to say THAT **** BUNNY IN FUNGI FOREST PISSES ME OFF    … Expand
  37. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  38. memers
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    amazing rap music. the game is okish, but the rap alone made it worth it 100%. I now randomly say "HE HAS NO STYLE" in public, and my friend has adopted "HE'L MAKE YOU SMILE WHEN HE PLAYS HIS TUNE" the DK Rap is the most magical thing you will ever experience. it exceeds the entire soundtrack of DKC2 by 1000%
  39. MWSoapMactavish
    May 14, 2016
    9
    Back then, when Nintendo were entertaining, I played Donkey Kong 64, the game were near perfect, nice music, interesting mechanics, the graphics were not that good, but still good, something bad from this game was the lack of voiced dialogue, but the game can really compensate that.
  40. EpicLadySponge
    May 1, 2016
    9
    Donkey Kong 64 will always remain the best modern Donkey Kong game, and as in modern, I mean the original games after the Donkey Kong Country trilogy. Lovable and outstanding, Donkey Kong 64 is a must play before you die.
  41. GamecubeLover
    Jul 2, 2016
    10
    I spent hours on this game and this game is an endless pool of fun. I love the variety this wonderful game has. The graphics are great and the game is enjoyable with great fun times. I recommend it.
  42. GoodGameAnyway
    Jul 29, 2016
    10
    A good old classic that somehow managed to be full of modern stuff! With multiple characters, huge levels and a great variety of modes, this game really stands out of the N64 crew. Unlike Mario, exploration on exciting levels instead of doing missions is a huge part of the game and unlike Banjo, no, you don't really need to collect everything, at least not at once.

    And if that didn't    A good old classic that somehow managed to be full of modern stuff! With multiple characters, huge levels and a great variety of modes, this game really stands out of the N64 crew. Unlike Mario, exploration on exciting levels instead of doing missions is a huge part of the game and unlike Banjo, no, you don't really need to collect everything, at least not at once.

    And if that didn't sound good enough, there are also tons of minigames. Some of them can be tricky, but you can skip most if not all of them if you aren't going for 100% completion. Hey, not everyone of them is like Beaver Bother: races and mine cart rides are fun!

    If you somehow do manage to reach the 100% completion, that does NOT mean the fun ends! With multiplayer up to 4 players, you can go competitive with the Kongs. Being a good mix of fighting, shooters and platformers, the multiplayer mode is truly beautiful with all of its modes. Trust me: it's better than Super Mario 64 DS. A LOT better.    … Expand
  43. 2bitplayss
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    one of my favorite games ever. yes this game has problems. camera sucks everything is seperated between kongs.
    but i think in order to enjoy this game today you need a form of nostalgia for it
    if u play a level one kong at a time its a blast.
    bosses are great.
    and donkey kong says OK so its an automatic 10/10
    ans also there is the dk rap that makes it 20/10
  44. smahlt
    Sep 7, 2022
    8
    Very good and not flawless. If you could change kongs at any time, and if they fixed some of the more annoying minigames, this would be an easy 9/10,
  45. not-john-locke
    Feb 19, 2019
    10
    One of the great N64 games. The game looks fantastic-- especially considering the limitations on the console-- with vivid colors, cool lighting effects, and lively character designs and animations. And the sounds of this game are something else-- the music is absolutely brilliant, and the sound effects really help bring the world to live, being just cartoony enough without goingOne of the great N64 games. The game looks fantastic-- especially considering the limitations on the console-- with vivid colors, cool lighting effects, and lively character designs and animations. And the sounds of this game are something else-- the music is absolutely brilliant, and the sound effects really help bring the world to live, being just cartoony enough without going overboard. The controls are smooth and responsive, with each character having it's own set of specialized moves. And the world is fun to explore, with some of the best level design the N64 ever saw. I know this game gets a lot of grief for taking the 'collectathon' concept too far, but i always found it fun figuring out how to get those last bananas in each level. It's my opinion that this is the best 3D platformer Rare ever made.… Expand
  46. thealexmott
    Mar 27, 2017
    8
    I have 100%-ed this game on three different occasions (2000, 2008 and 2016). As a kid 17 years ago, I was enamored with everything about this game. Every single music track stuck with me, courtesy of the incredible Grant Kirkhope. The level designs were so unique and thought-out that I could still remember where everything was years later. The characters are endearing and now my toddler isI have 100%-ed this game on three different occasions (2000, 2008 and 2016). As a kid 17 years ago, I was enamored with everything about this game. Every single music track stuck with me, courtesy of the incredible Grant Kirkhope. The level designs were so unique and thought-out that I could still remember where everything was years later. The characters are endearing and now my toddler is obsessed with Chunky and Tiny Kong.

    This game mostly holds up, but assigning 100 bananas and tons of coins to specific Kongs does lead to some annoying backtracking. Creepy Castle does the best job with colored bananas by mainly using them as paths to Golden Bananas, instead of scattered randomly through the level. Some of the barrel minigames are pretty brutal (I'm looking at you, Beaver Bother) but all in all, the game is a success.    … Expand
  47. siphus007
    Jul 11, 2019
    9
    Donkey Kong 64 is a shockingly impressive and good-looking collectible-based adventure platformer of the 90s. It gets a bad rap simply because several video game commentators choose to target this game as the point where "collectibles went horribly wrong". This is confusing to me, because collectibles were a part of nearly all N64 platformers, as well as many current gen and recent games,Donkey Kong 64 is a shockingly impressive and good-looking collectible-based adventure platformer of the 90s. It gets a bad rap simply because several video game commentators choose to target this game as the point where "collectibles went horribly wrong". This is confusing to me, because collectibles were a part of nearly all N64 platformers, as well as many current gen and recent games, which provides the classic *100% completion* hunt for players who enjoy that sort of thing.

    DK64 is a masterpiece in doing what it intends to do -- provide 30-45 hours of engaging platforming (and very, very light "third person shooter") gameplay with various characters who learn multiple unique abilities over time. Because of this gameplay style, you are opening up new areas constantly -- with a nearly Metroidvania feel -- while exploring dynamically lit, animated, and rendered, giant group of worlds.

    The biggest frustration may come in the fact that you often have to switch between characters at confusing or inopportune times to use one of their abilities to solve a puzzle or reach the next banana. But I love it. There are 201 bananas spread out through gorgeous and expansive levels, and the fact that you are often switching between characters keeps the gameplay fresh, and gives many new ways for them to throw puzzles at you. By the time you've found ~90% of the collectibles, the hunt may get stale, but at that point, you are entering completionist-only territory, which means that you know what you're getting yourself into.

    While Mario 64 revolutionized 3D platforming, DK64 took everything that Nintendo had built, and added more variety, options, abilities, and even a fun multiplayer mode... well... at least for 1999. The graphics were excellent for the time, but I will admit that the textures start to look pretty bland, and the framerate often drops. The game does so much with lighting that the system can't always handle it, but thankfully it never crashes (with help from the memory expansion pack). The camera does have some issues, but it's a rare annoyance. The music is pleasant, and the game has a ton of heart, humor and silliness that is ridiculously endearing. It doesn't have much of a story, but cutscenes and sequences and the developing dynamic and structure of the island, and routes that are opened up, do give it the slightest story-like feel to it, even if this part is a bit lacking.

    I'm not sure why this game gets the brunt of collectible-rage (other than holding a collectible world record), as I could give dozens of examples of games that take far more than 40 or so hours to collect all the nonsense, and at least DK64 keeps it extremely fresh as you tackle each banana. Give it a shot, and soak up one of the last versions of pure Nintendo 64 platformer brilliance.    … Expand
  48. gamecatz
    Jan 28, 2019
    10
    A lot of people have negative opinions about this game because of it massive amount of collectibles, but AlyssaW is right. This is still an AMAZING game. This is the kind of game that really challenges you. It has got some flat out nice worlds. Jungle Japes, Crystal Caves, Creepy Castle, Frantic Factory, Fungi Forest, they're very neat. Sure the graphics aren't the best, but the game stillA lot of people have negative opinions about this game because of it massive amount of collectibles, but AlyssaW is right. This is still an AMAZING game. This is the kind of game that really challenges you. It has got some flat out nice worlds. Jungle Japes, Crystal Caves, Creepy Castle, Frantic Factory, Fungi Forest, they're very neat. Sure the graphics aren't the best, but the game still has some great level design and gameplay. If anyone was to ask me what world I think would most likely be poorly designed I would probably just say Gloomy Galleon. Even though it seemed like inside the giant mushroom of Fungi Forest that Rare was being lazy and putting the color-coated bananas everywhere so they could cut the players some slack. Although, This issue still does not affect the game. I for one think this game in my opinion is even better than Banjo-Tooie. Metacritic, you MUST rate this a Must-Play. I don't care what people say about this game. It's great, fun, amazing, and the only thing Donkey Kong got close to having a 3D Platformer. If anything, the game that fans should really give Rare a hard time for making is Jet Force Gemini. Though, it doesn't have as many collectibles as Donkey Kong 64, but its intense difficulty would really make it seem that way.… Expand
  49. KowieT
    Aug 19, 2020
    9
    I busted out the Wii U to play this game again.
    The music, the collecting, the primates, everything about this game oozes nostalgia for me. I was finally able to play this game to completion now that I'm older and more patient.
    The idea to change characters mid level is neat, but I have always hated when I find a small hoard of bananas that belong to a monkey I haven't traversed that far    I busted out the Wii U to play this game again.
    The music, the collecting, the primates, everything about this game oozes nostalgia for me. I was finally able to play this game to completion now that I'm older and more patient.
    The idea to change characters mid level is neat, but I have always hated when I find a small hoard of bananas that belong to a monkey I haven't traversed that far with yet, but they had to pad the game out a little to give us more meat.
    My biggest gripe with this game has to be the mini games. At first they aren't that bad, but by the time you get to the 3rd world the mini games start to repeat themselves. The mini games are exactly the same but now you have more items to collect in a lesser amount of time. I know the N64 had limitations, but variety would've been nice.
    And holy mother of pearl do I HATE the mine cart levels in this game! I'll take the hardest kart ride or barrel rocket from the new Donkey Kong Country game by Retro Studios tenfold over this **** These were the most anger inducing portions of DK64 and made me question if 101% is worth it. In the end, I'm glad I stuck to it and finished the game.
    This could have been the Wii U version not being optimized, but once I got to 150+ golden bananas I had several game crashes. I was worried that my obsessive "collect everything before progressing to the next level" mentality was breaking the game.
    For a great blast to the past, boot this game up, but 101% completion wasn't as rewarding as I'd hoped. I the words of The Completionist, "I give this game my Completionist rating of 'Finish it'."    … Expand
  50. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    Platform game that despite being quite expensive at that time (about € 80 today) and needing a transfer pack (included in the game) is still a jewel of the Nintendo 64. Personally one of my donkey kong preferred.
  51. TheBeast11
    Jun 15, 2020
    9
    One of the best Nintendo 64 games, providing fun that lasts many hours (a point that many complain about, for a variety of collectibles that tire), in addition to a problematic camera, which does not diminish the fun that Donkey Kong 64 provided at the time. Very beautiful graphics, spectacular soundtrack, gameplay that flows smoothly, making the game one of the best of its generation.
  52. Azaiku
    Nov 29, 2021
    10
    The Donkey Kong series is one of the most different adventure video games! The characters, the action, and the sure thrill of adventure makes this game a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!

    Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here! Graphics: The    The Donkey Kong series is one of the most different adventure video games! The characters, the action, and the sure thrill of adventure makes this game a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!

    Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!

    Graphics: The graphics are wonderful especially for the N64! The backgrounds are really beautiful!

    Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!

    Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!

    Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!

    Overall: I have always loved Donkey Kong 64! If you like excellent adventure up games then I strongly recommend you play this game!    … Expand
  53. neojotic
    Aug 27, 2020
    10
    This game is a prime example of Rareware's dominance in N64 development. This game puts DK and all his friends into a 3D world carrying on the tradition from DKC. The levels are fantastic and controlling DK and his friends in an open 3D world is an exciting experience.

    There has not been a DK game since that has really made a mark like this one and the one's released before this one.    This game is a prime example of Rareware's dominance in N64 development. This game puts DK and all his friends into a 3D world carrying on the tradition from DKC. The levels are fantastic and controlling DK and his friends in an open 3D world is an exciting experience.

    There has not been a DK game since that has really made a mark like this one and the one's released before this one.

    A must have for any Nintendo fan and could be named a top 5 game for the console.    … Expand
  54. mannamaker
    Mar 8, 2021
    10
    It's a must have, must play n64 title, the expansion pak usage was an issue with de devs team, so it doesn't use it as intended. Anyway, excelent title!
  55. Jahir22
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    Kkkkjkjjkjkkkkkkkkkjjkjkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
  56. superlakitu64
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    Ich denke, wer dieses Spiel jemals gespielt hat, der kann auf dieses Spiel nicht mehr ganz objektiv schauen. Es wirft mich zurück in so viele wundervolle Erinnerungen heiteren Spielspaßes.
    ich kann nicht anders als diesem Spiel eine 10/10 zu geben!
  57. LuckyLever
    Aug 22, 2022
    8
    Good game with an awesome soundtrack and funny characters but Beaver Bother and the beetle races are painful
  58. LFG199YT
    Feb 3, 2023
    8
    Absolutely beautiful music and storytelling, but the gameplay gets really tedious really fast. Once you unlock all the kongs, you may as well call it. Still love the game though.
  59. 113
    Apr 27, 2023
    8
    Mario 64 has aged incredibly well. This game revolutionised gaming: the first Mario 3d platformer. And what a good game it was! I really enjoyed getting all 128 stars (twice because I loved the game so much). Despite the n64's controller (remember it?) The controls were actually good, and the different levels are varied have just the right difficulty. Although my favorite game is Dead orMario 64 has aged incredibly well. This game revolutionised gaming: the first Mario 3d platformer. And what a good game it was! I really enjoyed getting all 128 stars (twice because I loved the game so much). Despite the n64's controller (remember it?) The controls were actually good, and the different levels are varied have just the right difficulty. Although my favorite game is Dead or Alive Paradise (which I have finished 4 times due to the hot girls playing volleyball and incredible and realistic Boob jiggle physics...) this game is the best n64 game and an incredible Mario game.… Expand
  60. GameMan2005
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    Really ambitious and fun game but some QoL like being able to swap Kongs on the fly would make it amazing.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best N64 Game of 1999
2
#2 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1999
1
#1 Most Shared N64 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Nintendorks
    90
    Rewarding gameplay, extremely deep control mechanics, beautiful graphics and sheer gameplay variety are just some of the elements that make this game a triumph.
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  2. Gaming Maxx
    98
    Though some view this as just Banjo-Kazooie with some minor improvements, take it from me, it is far from that. Definitely a candidate that is well deserving of being this years "Game of the Year".
    Read full review
  3. TotalGames.net
    95
    There is so much to do in this enormous, indepth game that you could get sucked into its fantastically animated absorbing world and stay there for weeks. Donkey Kong 64 deseves the fanfare of being the most eagerly-awaited game since Zelda.
    Read full review
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