All Hail the Donkey Kong
When the gaming industry talks about iconic characters from video games, it’s all too easy for commercial favorites like Sonic, Mario and Luigi to come to the fore. However, there’s one name that’s often overlooked when it comes to these types of discussions. A name that has proven equally influential in the gaming space.
Since making his console debut in 1981, Donkey Kong has not only established himself in gaming lore, but he’s also helped to shape the platformer genre and the wider gaming industry.
Where it all began
The first appearance of Donkey Kong was in Nintendo’s eponymous arcade game. Many consider this to be one of the first genuine cases of a platform video game. In this version, Donkey Kong was cast as the enemy – the giant ape attempting to snare a young lady from the clutches of Jumpman. It was an arcade floor hit overnight. The continuous vertical gameplay took gamer engagement to whole new levels, laying the groundwork for Nintendo’s later platform game domination via Super Mario Bros.
Donkey Kong’s personality evolution
Although Donkey Kong began his video game journey as a villain, his personality evolved over the years. In Donkey Kong Country, he became a more heroic, playful figure – someone who shouldn’t be messed with but was easy to get along with amongst his jungle tribe. He’s by no means your stereotypical video game hero. He’s a big, bold and somewhat goofy character whose actions appear almost human-like despite his ape origins.
Donkey Kong became the face of video game comic books, cartoons, and plenty of Nintendo merchandise to boot. His face became synonymous with platform gaming culture – a symbol of the fun yet challenging spirit that defines many of Nintendo’s finest platformers to this very day.
His gaming legacy
Donkey Kong’s influence has extended far beyond the field of arcade gaming. In the world of iGaming, many online casino game developers have been inspired to design and build slot games featuring domineering primates like Donkey Kong. In fact, one of the newest slot releases at Rhino – a UK casino, is titled Primate King Megaways, featuring an intimidating gorilla as the slot’s protagonist. The Megaways game engine has become a staple amongst slots online, with its ability to increase win ways and trigger multiple features or reel modifiers.
Of course, it wasn’t just his own Nintendo game series where Donkey Kong made his mark in video gaming, either. His heavy frame made for a bulky addition to Mario Kart, while his formidable strength made him a popular entry in the Super Smash Bros. series.
In many ways, Donkey Kong’s success also paved the way for other commercial hits from the Nintendo stable. If it wasn’t for their Donkey Kong Country franchise, who’s to say if Nintendo would’ve had such success with releases like The Legend of Zelda or Pokémon? Even video games not made by Nintendo have elements of Donkey Kong DNA all over them. Crash Bandicoot was another jungle-themed platformer that seemed to follow on from the good work of Donkey Kong Country.
