Happy birthday you banana-hoarding beast
A quick Google search suggests the average lifespan for a gorilla is in the neighborhood of 35 years.
As it turns out, Donkey Kong, Nintendo’s premier primate, turns 35 today. Were a real ape, DK probably wouldn’t have many more years ahead of him. And given his tendency to kidnap women, my guess is zoo keepers would have shot him dead many, many years ago.
35 years a damn long time, longer than I’ve been on this Earth. For him to not only still be relevant today, but also starring insome of the best games of this generation, shows how great game design can help build a lasting legacy. Sure, theDonkey Kongseries has had its share of low points, but between those valleys are peaks most other platformer franchises could only dream of reaching.
WhichDonkey Konggame is your favorite? Are you a fan of his arcade roots or the superior GameBoy remake? Perhaps you prefer theCountryseries from Rare and Retro Studios? Maybe theMario vs. Donkey Kongspin-offs are your jam? Or could it be you’re like me and have a soft spot forKing of SwingandJungle Climber? Let us know in the comments below!
