The Most Popular Donkey Kong Game: Revealing the Fan-Favorite Title

Choose the game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 2, 2023 07:38)
Welcome to StrawPoll, the ultimate hub for ranking and voting on your favorite Donkey Kong games! As one of the most iconic and beloved video game franchises, Donkey Kong has captured the hearts of millions with its engaging gameplay and unforgettable characters. Now, it's time for you to weigh in on which Donkey Kong game deserves the crown! From the groundbreaking original arcade game to the thrilling adventures of Donkey Kong Country, this is your chance to vote for your favorite or even suggest a hidden gem that's missing from our extensive list. So, get ready to swing into action and help us determine the ultimate Donkey Kong game that reigns supreme. Can you barrel through the competition and choose the one true king of the jungle? There's only one way to find out – vote now and let your voice be heard!

What Is the Most Popular Donkey Kong Game?

  1. 1
    75
    votes
    This game is often considered the most popular of the Donkey Kong series due to its revolutionary graphics, music, and gameplay. It was a critical and commercial success, selling over 9 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Country (1994) is a platforming video game developed by Rare and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential games in the Donkey Kong series. The game follows Donkey Kong and his nephew Diddy Kong as they embark on a quest to retrieve their stolen banana hoard from the villainous King K. Rool and his Kremling army.
    • Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Release Date: November 21, 1994
    • Players: Single-player, multiplayer (co-op)
    • Graphics: 2D
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    The second entry in the Donkey Kong Country series is also widely regarded as a classic. It introduced new characters, improved graphics, and a more complex storyline.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (1995) is a platforming video game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It is the sequel to the highly successful Donkey Kong Country game. In this game, players control Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong as they embark on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from the clutches of the villainous Kaptain K. Rool.
    • Release Date: November 1995
    • Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Number of Players: Single-player, Multiplayer
    • Game Modes: Story Mode, Time Attack Mode
  3. 3
    32
    votes
    This game was the first 3D Donkey Kong game and was praised for its large, open levels and variety of gameplay mechanics. It also introduced new characters and items to the series.
    Description
    Donkey Kong 64 is a popular platform game released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 console. In this game, players control Donkey Kong and his friends as they embark on a journey to rescue their kidnapped bananas from the evil King K. Rool. The game features a mix of platforming, puzzles, and exploration across multiple themed worlds.
    • Platform: Nintendo 64
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Release Year: 1999
    • Number of Players: 1-4 (Multiplayer)
    • Playable Characters: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Lanky Kong, Tiny Kong, Chunky Kong
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    A return to the series' roots, this game was praised for its challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. It was also notable for its use of the Wii remote's motion controls.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010) is a critically acclaimed side-scrolling platformer game for the Nintendo Wii console. It was developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo. The game brings back the classic Donkey Kong Country series with updated graphics and gameplay.
    • Platform: Nintendo Wii
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Release Year: 2010
    • Players: 1-2
    • Co-op Mode: Yes
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    The sequel to Donkey Kong Country Returns, this game received critical acclaim for its challenging and varied levels, stunning visuals, and memorable boss battles.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a popular platforming video game released in 2014. It is the fifth installment in the Donkey Kong Country series and follows Donkey Kong and his friends battling against viking creatures known as the Snowmads, who have taken over their home, Donkey Kong Island.
    • Platform: Nintendo Switch
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Players: 1-2 players
    • Release Date: February 13, 2014
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    The sequel to the original Donkey Kong, this game introduced players to Donkey Kong's son, Junior. It was popular in arcades and on home consoles at the time of its release.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Jr. (1982) is a popular arcade game developed by Nintendo. It is the sequel to the original Donkey Kong game and features Donkey Kong's son, Donkey Kong Jr., as the main playable character. The objective of the game is for Donkey Kong Jr. to rescue his captured father from Mario, who has imprisoned him in a cage. The game consists of four different levels, each with its unique challenges and obstacles.
    • Release Date: 1982
    • Platform: Arcade
    • Genre: Platform
    • Number of Players: 1-2
    • Controls: Joystick
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    The final entry in the Donkey Kong Country trilogy, this game was praised for its graphics and music but criticized for its lack of innovation. It still remains a popular game among fans of the series.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! is a popular platform video game released in 1996. It is the third installment in the Donkey Kong Country series developed by Rare and published by Nintendo. In this game, players control Dixie Kong and her baby cousin Kiddy Kong as they navigate through various levels in order to rescue Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong from the villainous King K. Rool.
    • Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Release Date: November 23, 1996
    • Number of Players: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Modes: Story mode, bonus games
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    This game was a handheld version of the Donkey Kong Country series and was popular among Game Boy players. It was praised for its graphics and gameplay, despite being limited by the Game Boy's hardware.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Land (1995) is a platform video game developed by Rare and released for the Game Boy. It is a handheld adaptation of the popular Donkey Kong Country game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994. The game features similar gameplay and visual style to its SNES counterpart, offering an exciting adventure through various levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and puzzles.
    • Platform: Game Boy
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Release Year: 1995
    • Publisher: Nintendo
    • Number of Players: 1
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    This game was praised for its unique control scheme, which used the GameCube's bongo drums as the main input device. It was also notable for its bright and colorful graphics and creative level design.
    Description
    Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat (2004) is a platforming video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is a unique entry in the Donkey Kong series, as it utilizes the DK Bongo controller, a set of bongo drums, as the primary control method. Players must use these drums to control Donkey Kong and guide him through various levels.
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Release Date: 2004
    • Platform: GameCube
    • Gameplay Style: Side-scrolling
    • Number of Players: 1-2
  10. 10
    11
    votes
    This game was a port of the original Donkey Kong Country for the Game Boy Advance, with some added features and improvements. It was popular among fans of the series who wanted to play the game on a handheld console.
    Description
    Donkey Kong Country: Game Boy Advance (2003) is a platforming video game that was developed by Rare and published by Nintendo. It is a remake of the original Donkey Kong Country game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game features updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and additional content.
    • Platform: Game Boy Advance
    • Release Year: 2003
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Players: 1-4
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

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Ranking factors for popular game

  1. Player ratings and reviews
    Players' opinions on the game should also be taken into account, as they provide invaluable insight into the game's strengths and weaknesses. Look for user ratings and reviews on gaming websites, forums, and social media platforms to gauge the game's popularity among players.
  2. Replayability
    A popular game will often have a high replay value, meaning that players return to the game multiple times due to its engaging and enjoyable gameplay. A Donkey Kong game with high replayability could be considered more popular.
  3. Gameplay mechanics
    The quality of the gameplay mechanics in a Donkey Kong game is crucial. Intuitive and enjoyable gameplay can significantly contribute to a game's popularity.
  4. Graphics and art style
    The visual appeal of a Donkey Kong game can be influential in determining its popularity. Games with impressive graphics and unique art styles tend to be more popular among players.
  5. Soundtrack and audio design
    The quality of the game's soundtrack and audio design is important to consider. A memorable and well-composed soundtrack can contribute to a game's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Donkey Kong game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2070 views
  • 209 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular donkey kong game

Donkey Kong has been a beloved video game franchise since its debut in 1981. The series follows the adventures of the titular character, a gorilla named Donkey Kong, and his allies as they battle against various enemies. Over the years, the franchise has spawned numerous games across a variety of platforms, including consoles, handheld devices, and even mobile phones. As a result, the question of which Donkey Kong game is the most popular is a hotly debated topic among fans. From the classic arcade game that started it all to more recent entries like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, there are plenty of contenders for the title of most popular Donkey Kong game.

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