Donkey Kong
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- “It’s hammering time!”
- —Donkey Kong, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour
Donkey Kong, also known as DK is a powerful ape from Donkey Kong Island. Contrary to popular belief, he is not the ape in the arcade game Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong is the son of the game’s antagonist, now known as Cranky Kong. Introduced in Donkey Kong Country the current Donkey Kong is a carefree simian who spends his days collecting Bananas and spending time with his friends, particularly his nephew, Diddy Kong. However, when trouble arises, Donkey Kong jumps headfirst into the action to help his friends and protect his island.
Donkey Kong’s character design was created by Shigeru Miyamoto for the Donkey Kong arcade game. Takashi Nagasako and later Charles Martinet voice acted for the character.
Biography
Kidnapped by Kamek
- Main articles: Baby Donkey Kong, Yoshi’s Island DS
When Donkey Kong was a baby, he was stolen from his treetop home by Kamek and his Toady army during their massive kidnapping spree. However, DK met the Yoshis and greatly helped them in their quest to defeat the Koopa Troop. When riding on a Yoshi’s back, Donkey Kong helped them perform many special moves such as the vine climb and shoulder charge.
Kidnapping Pauline
- Main articles: Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong (Game Boy)
While the original Donkey Kong game did not feature Donkey Kong, the Game Boy remake featured Donkey Kong in a minor role, then known as Donkey Kong Jr. Kidnapping Pauline, Cranky Kong found himself hotly pursued by her boyfriend, Mario, then known as Jumpman. Donkey Kong Jr. helped his father by flipping switches and hurling Poison Mushrooms at the carpenter. However, Mario trapped him in the Tower shortly before Cranky Kong and Mario’s final battle. While Donkey Kong was able to escape, Cranky Kong was taken away.
Rescuing Cranky Kong
- Main articles: Donkey Kong Jr. (arcade game), Donkey Kong II
Donkey Kong followed Mario to a dangerous Jungle, where he placed the caged Cranky Kong. DK used his vine climbing skills to dodge the Snapjaws that infested the jungle and unlocked the cage. Cranky and Donkey Kong fled the scene.
Learning Math
- Main article: Donkey Kong Jr. Math
After Cranky Kong returned form his incident with Stanley the Bugman in Donkey Kong 3, he taught Donkey Kong Jr. and an unnamed pink monkey math. Presumably, this pink monkey was a friend of DK Jr., although his story was never explained. DK collected various numbers and mathematical signs to arrive at the answers his father held up.
A New Enemy
Donkey Kong finally returned to stardom in a big way when he was made the main character of Donkey Kong Country. In this game he was given a single piece of clothing-a tie-and an entirely new personality. He was portrayed as the hero instead of the villain, creating much controversy among fans.
In this game, Donkey Kong lives on Donkey Kong Island along with a group of other Kongs. He has his own house and a huge collection of Bananas. However, the other main race of Donkey Kong Isle, the vile Kremlings (led by King K. Rool) are less friendly and often at odds with the Kongs. Because of this Donkey Kong has to frequently keep a close eye on his Banana Horde. One night, Donkey Kong allows his friend Diddy Kong to guard his horde, but the smaller Kong is attacked by the Kremlings and stuffed in a Barrel. The villains then steal every one of Donkey Kong's Bananas and sneak away with them. The next day Donkey Kong finds his Bananas and his friend missing, and angrily busts open the Barrel that Diddy is imprisoned in. The duo then go on an adventure to defeat the Kremlings and regain his Banana's. After journeying through many different regions of Donkey Kong Island and defeating and defeating many of the Kremling Krews members, the two heroes confront King K. Rool himself and fight a long battle with him, finally defeating him and getting back his Bananas.
Not long after Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong make a bet. Cranky does not think that Donkey and Diddy Kong would have been able to defeat K. Rool and win back the Banana Horde if they had to do it on an 8-bit system (Donkey Kong Country was released for the SNES, a 32-bit system. It should be noted that the premise of this is questionable, since video game characters are not supposed to know about systems and the fact that they are inside a video game, though Cranky Kong does this often) DK decides to try this, so Cranky calls King K. Rool and asks him to return to the island and steal the Bananas again. K. Rool complies, and this sets off the events of Donkey Kong Land, (which was released for the 8-Bit GameBoy system). After traversing even more regions of DK Island, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong once again defeat King K. Rool, win back there Bananas, and win Cranky Kong's bet.
A Monkey in Distress
Despite the fact that his name would feature prominently in the next few Donkey Kong games, Donkey Kong himself was given fairly small roles. In Donkey Kong Country 2 Donkey Kong is kidnapped by a vengeful King K. Rool (now going by the alias of "Kaptain K. Rool") and the Kremling Krew. Donkey Kong is locked in a cage (not unlike his predicament in Donkey Kong Jr.) and held captive in Crocodile Isle, the current home of the Kremlings. This game actually stars Donkey Kong's sidekick Diddy Kong and his friend Dixie Kong as they travel through Crocodile Isle to save Donkey Kong (it should be noted that Cranky Kong, Wrinkly Kong, Swanky Kong, and Funky Kong also travel to Crocodile Isle to aid the rescue of Donkey Kong, but they feature less prominently). At the end of the game, Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong defeat Kaptain K. Rool and free Donkey Kong, allowing him to deliver the final blow to the main villain. Crocodile Isle sinks to the bottom of the ocean, and the Kongs happily return to Donkey Kong Island.
Later, Kaptain K. Rool was somehow able to kidnap Donkey Kong once again (thus setting the events of Donkey Kong Land 2 in motion. Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong (once again accompanied by a variety of other Kongs) return to the recently re-submerged Crocodile Isle to rescue him. This time Kaptain K. Rool sends Donkey Kong away to fight Kerozene while he tries to defeat Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong. He fails in the long run, and Crocdile Isle is finally sunk for good. The Kongs travel back to Donkey Kong Island, thinking that K. Rool has been defeated for good.
A Whole New World
After a short period of peace, both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are kidnapped by the new leader of the Kremling Krew, the mysterious KAOS, and taken to the Kremlings current hideout, the Northern Kremisphere. Dixie Kong sets out to the Northern Kremisphere to save the duo (again, a variety of different Kongs follow her) and she is soon joined by Kiddy Kong. This sets the events of Donkey Kong Country 3 into motion. Together, the two Kongs journey through all of the Northern Kremisphere, eventually finding and defeating KAOS. Upon defeat however, the two Kong's learn that KAOS was actually a mere puppet, being controlled behind the scenes by King K. Rool (now having took the name of Baron K. Roolenstein). Even more abominable, KAOS was actually being powered by the brain power of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong themselves. Yet another battle begins, and finally Baron K. Roolenstein is defeated and Donkey and Diddy Kong are freed.
During the events of Donkey Kong Land 3 (which takes place shortly after Donkey Kong Country 3), a contest to find the Lost World of the Northern Kremisphere begins. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are quick to enter the competition, but they do not ask Dixie Kong to go with them. Becoming angry, Dixie Kong decides to travel to the Northern Kremisphere herself and enter the contest. When an enraged Dike Kong (accompanied once again by Kiddy Kong) reaches the Northern Kremisphere, they find that the Kremlings have invaded and that Baron K. Roolenstein has seemingly re-built KAOS. While Dixie and Kiddy Kong defeat the Kremling Krew, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are nowhere to be found. It can be assumed that they were searching other parts of the Northern Kremisphere, looking for the Lost World. Thus, Donkey Kong was actually only mentioned in this game, never seen.
Back in The Spotlight
Donkey Kong finally gets his starring role back in Donkey Kong 64, his first true 3D outing. This game also sees the return of Diddy. Both are playable characters, along with three new Kongs; Lanky Kong, Tiny Kong (Dixie's younger sister) and Chunky Kong (Kiddy's older brother). In this game, K. Rool (returning to his old title of 'King' K. Rool from Donkey Kong Country) attacks Donkey Kong Island with a huge battleship, shaped in likeness of K. Rool himself. However, due to incompetent pilots, the ship crashes into Donkey Kong Island, allowing passage between both places. K. Rool's henchmen steals DK's Golden Bananas, and imprisons the other four Kongs as a distraction to power up the battleship's Blast-O-Matic that was going to destroy DK Island. Squawks informs DK of the disaster, and he sets out immediately to save the other Kongs and retrieve his Golden Bananas.
A Musical Adventure
During the events of Donkey Konga, Donkey Konga 2 and Donkey Konga 3, Donkey, Diddy and Dixie Kong have found a special bongo set. Seeing an opportunity, they use the drums to become musical stars, earning them plenty of money to buy bananas with.
The Quest For Crests
In Donkey Kong Jungle Beat Donkey Kong travels to a new land. There, he defeats a bunch of new enemies, including the deadly Ghastly King. He leaves the new world and returns to Donkey Kong Island with hundreds of bananas, and a few rare trinkets called Crests.
Fighting Again
Mario and Donkey Kong duel again in Mario vs. Donkey Kong, it was almost identically similar to the original, though it had better graphics and the newer Donkey Kong. While watching T.V. one day, Donkey Kong sees a commercial for a new toy, the Mini-Mario Toy. He instantly falls in love with the little toys, and is determined to get one. But when he gets to the store, they're sold out. In a fit of rage, Donkey Kong steals a whole sack full of the toys from the Mario Toy Company. However, little does he know that Mario, the old foe of the Kong Family, is equally determined to get them back. Donkey Kong sets many traps for Mario, but in the end he is caught and forced to give the toys back (but out of pity, Mario lets him keep one of them).
In the sequel, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, he now works in the Mario Toy Company. Donkey Kong then kidnaps Pauline, the V.I.P. guest, when she chooses Mario's Mini-Mario toy over his Mini-DK toy. It is likely that he made the Mini-Donkey Kong toys, and perhaps he created the monkey-like enemies that appear in the game.
The Festival Ruined
Donkey Kong had more work to do during DK: King of Swing. It was time for the annual Jungle Jam, a festival for the Kongs. However King. K. Rool returns and steals all of the medals needed to have the festival. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong go after him to get there tokens back. In the end, they defeat K. Rool, and the festival is celebrated.
The Future
Donkey Kong is scheduled to appear in Donkey Jet, Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber and Itadaki Street DS.
Speculation
Donkey Kong's exact role in the Marioverse is somewhat sketchy. His original appearance portrayed him as a villainous (or maybe simply stupid) ape with unequaled strength. In these games, Donkey Kong was naked (like most real-life gorillas.
However, with the release of Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong was given a new personality, a new home, and a single piece of clothing (a tie with the letters DK printed on them). Donkey Kong Country also saw the appearance of Cranky Kong, who claimed to be the original Donkey Kong from the old [[ Arcade]] games. It was confirmed that the tie wearing DK was a different character from the original DK in Donkey Kong's Mario Superstar Baseball bio, where it makes a reference to "his ancestor (the original Donkey Kong)....". Thus, it is widely believed now that Cranky Kong is an older version of Mario age-old nemesis, while the current Donkey Kong (who inherited his ancestors name) is the older version of Donkey Kong Jr.. This argument still goes on today.
Powers and Abilities
Unlike most characters, who have some kind of special power, DK relies mainly on his brute strength to get his way through. In the original Donkey Kong he had a seemingly unlimited supply of Barrels, and could throw them easily. This carried on to the Donkey Kong Country games, where he can pick up and throw Barrels with ease. Also in Donkey Kong Country, he can destroy certain enemies that Diddy Kong cannot hurt with a single jump. In Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, his strength is shown yet again, it makes him so strong that when he Claps, a sound-wave is produced. This is his main attack throughout the game.
Other Appearances
Donkey Kong appears in various Mario sub-series. He was playable in all of the the Mario Kart games except Super Mario Kart (this game instead had Donkey Kong Jr. as a playable character). In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Donkey Kong is partners with Diddy Kong. His special item is the Giant Banana and his kart is the DK Jumbo. He also gets his own course, DK Mountain. In Mario Kart DS he has two of his own karts: the Rambi Rider and the Wildlife. He was also playable in Mario Kart Super Circuit, and Mario Kart Arcade GP. It is presumed he will be playable in Mario Kart Arcade GP 2. In all of these games he was a heavyweight driver.
He is also playable in all of the golf, tennis and other sports titles. He is usually portrayed as a slow but powerful character.
He was playable in all of the Mario Party games, up until Mario Party 5, here he leaves and starts hosting his own space. He is basically the opposite of Bowser, since when a character lands on his space, something good happens.
He was going to appear in the now-canceled Diddy Kong Pilot and Donkey Kong Racing. He is now going to appear playable in DK Bongo Blast.
Super Smash Bros. Games
Donkey Kong has been playable in both of the Super Smash Brothers games, and will possibly be playable in the third. In Super Smash Bros. he is a default character. In one-player mode, the player must fight a giant Donkey Kong. This is the only fight where the player is given two partners to help him, instead of one. Giant DK can stand about 350 damage before being knocked off the stage.
DK was also a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Once again, he was a default character. In the new one-player mode Adventure the player must first fight two mini-Donkey Kongs's, and then fight another huge Donkey Kong at Jungle Japes. Donkey Kong is always one of the strongest characters in the game. When he picks up a character, he also has the power to carry them a short distance, something no other characters can do.
Super Smash Bros. Special Moves
- B - Giant Punch
- Smash B - Headbutt (SSBM only)
- B ↑ - Spinning Kong
- B ↓ - Hand Slap
Trophy Information from Super Smash Bros. Melee
Classic
While he now prefers the laid-back jungle lifestyle to construction site mischief, DK is often forced back into action by the Kremling Krew. The great ape is quite fast despite his burly physique, and he keeps his strength up with a steady diet of his favorite food: bananas. His one extravagance (and only piece of clothing) is a monogrammed necktie.
Adventure
Donkey Kong is a huge target in a fight, so he hates crowds. When he's in the fray, his Giant Punch deals serious damage to multiple opponents. The big ape's Headbutt hits so hard that it temporarily buries opponent's in the ground. DK is a lot faster than he looks, and he's lethal in the hands of a master.
All-Star
Being the strongest simian around, DK has the upper hand once he grabs an opponent. He can even lift his foe up and make him or her an unwilling traveling companion; if DK grabs you, shake your Control Stick as fast as you can to break his grip. His Spinning Kong covers more lateral distance than vertical, so use it quickly to recover.
Physical Appearance
Donkey Kong has muscular pecs, a slim stomach, and large triceps and biceps; all surrounded in chocolate brown fur. The fur on his head gives off the appearance of a human hairstyle. He wears a single item of clothing, a red necktie with the "DK" logo printed on it in yellow.
Appearances in Other Media
Donkey Kong, along with Mario and Pauline appeared in several episodes of the Saturday Supercade. Here Donkey Kong was a gorilla who had escaped from the circus and was now traveling the across country, with Mario and Pauline on his tail. Donkey Kong Jr. was also featured in a few of Saturday Supercade's episodes. On the show DK Jr., along with his pal Bones traveled across the globe searching for Donkey Kong.
Donkey Kong made occasional appearances on Captain N: The Game Master. Here he was, more or less, a giant, bestial, monster. Often times on the show Donkey Kong was manipulated by Mother Brain and her minions to do evil. Donkey Kong also appeared in the Captain N comics.
Donkey Kong was also one of the main characters on the Donkey Kong Country animated series. Here he was the future ruler of Kongo Bongo Island and the guardian of the Crystal Coconut, often times Donkey Kong and his pals would need to defend the Crystal Coconut from the Kremling Krew and Kaptain Skurvy and his minions. On this show Donkey Kong was, like in recent games, somewhat of a slacker who loved bananas above all else.
Official Artwork
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Mario Hoops 3-on-3 info
- Baller Name: Dunky Monkey
- Type: Powerful
- Special Shot: Konga Dunk
- Letter to Tap: M
Mario Superstar Baseball Bio
"A gorilla known for raw power, DK lives a carefree jungle life... unless someone messes with his bananas, in which case he just loses it. His ancestor, Cranky Kong (the original Donkey Kong) wore no necktie. His talents lead in beating on primate foes and kart-racing. Fear his Banana Ball.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Information
- Partner: Diddy Kong
- Class: Heavy
- Personal Kart: DK Jumbo
- Special Item: Giant Banana
Trivia
- When Donkey Kong does his Mega Strike in Mario Strikers Charged, he shoots himself into the air like a rocket. Once he's suspended in midair next to the ball, he separates his arms, his eyes go blank, and electricity forms in his hands. Once the transformation is complete, he will clasp hands together with immense force, sending the ball down the field, at the goalie, with terrifying speed.
- Super Mario Strikers is the first game in which Donkey Kong has worn something other than a tie since Donkey Kong Jr.
- Donkey Kong's number in Super Mario Strikers is 55.
- DK appears in Nintendo Monopoly. He replaces Marvin Gardens, and costs $280.
- In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga a skeleton monkey named Bink bears an uncanny resemblance to Donkey Kong
- Donkey Kong's emblem in various games is his DK logo.
- Donkey Kong's emblem in the Super Smash Bros. Series is also his DK logo.
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