Summary
Donkey Kong Countryis one of the greatest Super Nintendo games of all time, if not, one of the greatest games in general. It has a fantastic ambient soundtrack perfect for studying and graphics that still hold up by today’s standards.
There are plenty of memorable levels in the game. Some have unique gameplay mechanics not seen in any of the other levels, while others give you that sense of speed as you move from barrel to barrel or from enemy to enemy. These are the best levels in Donkey Kong Country that will never get old.
10Snow Barrel Blast
A Deadly Snowstorm
Some ofthe best level designsin Donkey Kong Country can be absolutely brutal and frustrating, yet satisfying to complete all the way. Snow Barrel Blast pushes you to the limit by blocking much of your view with a snowstorm. You will need to time your blasts correctly if you want to make it from one barrel to the next.
This level, however, does follow a similar pattern for speedrunners. It’s actually easier to make the right blast if you immediately shoot yourself out of the barrel instead of waiting for the right moment.
9Tanked Up Trouble
Don’t Run Out Of Gas
Tanked Up Trouble is a unique level that introduces some one-shot gameplay mechanics. This stage has a platform that requires fuel to keep moving. If you’re unable to collect more before the tank runs out, the platform will fall.
Keeping the platform moving will keeps you on your toes, which provides an exhilarating challenge for both casual players and speedrunners alike. If you can keep the momentum going all the way though, then you’ve truly mastered the game.
8Blackout Basement
Who Turned Out The Lights?
When the lights go out in Blackout Basement, you will have to rely entirely on memory if you wish to proceed. This is easier said than done with the stage containing the occasional moving platforms and enemies that can’t be seen in the dark.
You will have a chance to memorize the layout before everything goes dark again, but after that you’re on your own. This is one of the most tense levels in the entire game. Even those familiar with the stage will have a hard time avoiding enemies that suddenly pop up.
7Poison Pond
Don’t Drink The Water
Underwater stages are usually the easiest stages, and while not the most iconic one, Poison Pond has its own distinct look to it. As the name suggests, the pond is indeed filled with poison. This gives it a distinct green hue and hazy effects.
Enemies inside the pond are also more mechanical than the ones encountered in other underwater levels. All this adds up to one of themost unique experiencesin the entire game. It is also another chance to ride Enguarde the Swordfish.
6Gangplank Galleon
The Best Boss Level
Gangplank Galleon has some of the best gameplay elements fora boss level. It breaks all the conventions of the previously established bosses, not being a previously encountered enemy and having unique background music.
K. Rool also has multiple attacks, such as tossing his crown, charging, bouncing, and dropping cannonballs around the stage. This is also the only boss that requires you to take advantage of each Kong’s unique abilities to easily vanquish.
5Stop And Go Station
Kremlin Jump Scare
Donkey Kong Country is not a horror game. However, it has onelevel that is completely terrifying. This is Stop and Go Station. There are stop signs scattered throughout the stage that need to be kept that way; otherwise, the Rock Krocs will awaken and give chase.
Rock Krocs also lay dormant on top of moving platforms that slowly make their way toward the other end of a chasm. This creates a tense environment that can leave you vulnerable as you wait to make the right jump.
4Jungle Hijinx
Free Lives Everywhere
Jungle Hijinx is a fantastic level and one of the best to utilize if you want to play the game without save states. Being the first level makes it the one stage everyone will experience at least once. Enter DK’s banana cave and the apes will sulk.
Jungle Hijinx has plenty of free lives to grind inside Donkey Kong’s Cabin and atop the treetops. you may also ride Rambi the Rhino through various walls for more free lives and bonus games. So make sure to return here using Funky Flights when you’re running low on lives.
3Tree Top Town
Master Your Barrel Blasts
Tree Top Town is the key to understandingwhat makes speedrunning such a blast. You have plenty of opportunities to jump on enemies one after the other without touching the floor. Meanwhile, blast barrels make the level even more challenging.
Using blast barrels is so satisfying when you get it right the first time. This time you not only need to time the blast, but also time the right moment for when you go into the barrel. Otherwise, you’ll miss your shot and lose a life.
2Mine Cart Madness
High-Speed Chase
Mine Cart Madness is fast-paced with plenty of moments where you need to jump on enemies if you want to reach a collectible or access a shortcut. The best part about the level is how it doesn’t stop unless you get to the end or fall into a pit.
The background music also sells the idea of frantic antics as you constantly feel pressured to make the right jump or go along the correct path to get an extra life. Minecart levels are a staple in every Donkey Kong game and this one is one of the best.
1Coral Capers
The Best Level And Soundtrack
Coral Capers is one of the most iconic Donkey Kong levels, if not the best one of them all. The first world in Donkey Kong Country feels like a quick tutorial, giving you a taste of everything the game has to offer. From jungles to treetops, you soon find yourself underwater.
Not only does this level have the best aquatic ambiance in any game, but the visuals are stunning even by today’s standards. The sand in the background looks therapeutic, while the new underwater controls introduce a different way of going through the levels.
