Barrel Jets



The Barrel Jets are a gadget used by Diddy Kong in multiple games in the Donkey Kong franchise. Beginning with 2010's Donkey Kong Country Returns, the barrel jet now only has one barrel instead of two, and resembles a small rocket rather then a jetpack. In addition, the barrel jet no longer travels vertically, and can only be used for a short period of time. Cutscenes in DKCR show the barrel jet to be concealed in a small gray backpack Diddy wears through the adventure.

Donkey Kong 64
The barrel jet appears in Donkey Kong's debut on the Nintendo 64, as one of Diddy's special moves purchased from Funky Kong. When using it, he will fly around for a short time, equipped with his Peanut Popguns, which can be shot at foes, in the manner of the planes in the Air Force.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
The barrel jets appears in the 3rd installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, as Diddy Kong's up-special move, Rocketbarrel Boost. It can be used to fly upwards after being knocked down off the stage, and can also be used as an attack, as it will deal damage to anyone Diddy hits, or anyone who touches the flames left behind. This move can only be used every once in a while though. Diddy's Final Smash, Rocketbarrel Barrage features him using the barrel jet to fly around the stage like an invincible missile, while firing explosive peanuts at the ground, to attack opponents. It is to note that in the Subspace Emissary, Diddy uses his barrel jets to propel himself onto the smash skiff, after Falco releases him from the Arwing, and blasts the Primids with peanuts. This is one of the few times, that the Barrel Jets have appeared in a cutscene in any of Diddy's appearances.

Donkey Kong Country Returns
The barrel jet reappears in one of Donkey Kong's many appearances on Wii. In said game, when Diddy Kong rides on DK's back, Donkey Kong will have control of the barrel jet, and the primate pair can extend their jump distance. It can also be used in 2-player mode, as Diddy can use it on his own.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
The barrel jet reappears in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze where it functions exactly as in the prequel.

Trivia

 * In Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, Diddy's bongo barrels have a similar design to the barrel jet in its most recent appearance, (Donkey Kong Country Returns).
 * In DKCR, the barrel jet is used in a few cutscenes as well:
 * In the cutscene where the Kongs reach Stu's temple, after they fall through the broken ground, Diddy Kong breaks his fall by using the barrel jet.
 * In the cutscene where they reach Thugly's fort on top of a cliff, Diddy breaks his fall after they crash through the rock wall.
 * In DKCR, if Diddy Kong is on Rambi, he can use the Barrel Jet to extend their jumps somewhat. However, under Rambi's weight, the Barrel Jet works for a shorter time than with Donkey Kong.