The big comparison between the two: Which was better? DK's first time with his brand-new look and 3D-like graphics? Or was it his first big step into 3D? Live from NGC, Professor Kirby reports from the crime scene... I mean, the review room.
Graphics- DKC: 9/10
Graphics- DK64: 9.5/10
Many people may be angered that I didn't give Donkey Kong Country a 9.5, or even a 10, but I stand by the current score. Just the fact that the next two DKC games were able to improve upon the graphics proves that this game is, indeed, worthy of a 9 rating. As for Donkey Kong 64, I truly do believe that they applied some of the best graphics and texturing possible, and it definitely is one of the most graphically stunning N64 games. Both were able to simulate beautiful and visually impressive environments, but for the time and system, although I did rate it lower, for its period of time and console, DKC did the job better.
Sound- DKC: 9.5/10
Sound- DK64: 8/10
The first time I saw Donkey Kong burst out of his treehouse and into the vast jungle stage, the graphics and game style would've been enough to convince me that Rare had set a new standard for games. But, when the music cued, I realized that they hadn't made a regular old platform game. No, they created a monster, and I think everyone can agree that it was a well-executed combination of the right game elements. As said, the music suits the environment of the game, and no song feels too mismatched. Unfortunately, unlike its predecessor, DK64 could not produce the same quality, and although sound effects are improved, the music is not. After a while of hearing the same music over and over again, you tend to get sick of it. Although, thumbs up to the composers, because the remixed version of the DK Theme in Jungle Japes is as good as ever.
Gameplay- DKC: 9.5/10
Gameplay- DK64: 8.5/10
If there's the real catch, the eye opener, the show stopper to DKC, it's definitely the gameplay. The control style is simplistic, as is the gameplay. Yet, there's something about it that keeps you coming back for more, and sadly enough, DK64 couldn't reproduce that element, and it gets boring pretty fast. However, DK64 did improve upon the characters more, whereas in the DKC series one character was significantly better than the other. However DK64 is severely flawed in several departments, such as the camera, and all in all, it did not meet expectations.
Overall- DKC: 9.3/10
Overall- DK64: 8.6/10
Although Donkey Kong's first adventure in 3D was decent, it still failed to live up to the Super NES Donkey Kong series. However, they also had a lot to live up to, and in the end, DK64 delivered exactly what it set out to do. A fun, and entertaining experience that proved that Donkey Kong still had a few aces up his sleeves. Or, hidden somewhere in his tie. I mean, he really doesn't have sleeves, does he? Just fur and a tie. Of course, it was a figure of speech, but... Ah, whatever. You get it.
Graphics- DKC: 9/10
Graphics- DK64: 9.5/10
Many people may be angered that I didn't give Donkey Kong Country a 9.5, or even a 10, but I stand by the current score. Just the fact that the next two DKC games were able to improve upon the graphics proves that this game is, indeed, worthy of a 9 rating. As for Donkey Kong 64, I truly do believe that they applied some of the best graphics and texturing possible, and it definitely is one of the most graphically stunning N64 games. Both were able to simulate beautiful and visually impressive environments, but for the time and system, although I did rate it lower, for its period of time and console, DKC did the job better.
Sound- DKC: 9.5/10
Sound- DK64: 8/10
The first time I saw Donkey Kong burst out of his treehouse and into the vast jungle stage, the graphics and game style would've been enough to convince me that Rare had set a new standard for games. But, when the music cued, I realized that they hadn't made a regular old platform game. No, they created a monster, and I think everyone can agree that it was a well-executed combination of the right game elements. As said, the music suits the environment of the game, and no song feels too mismatched. Unfortunately, unlike its predecessor, DK64 could not produce the same quality, and although sound effects are improved, the music is not. After a while of hearing the same music over and over again, you tend to get sick of it. Although, thumbs up to the composers, because the remixed version of the DK Theme in Jungle Japes is as good as ever.
Gameplay- DKC: 9.5/10
Gameplay- DK64: 8.5/10
If there's the real catch, the eye opener, the show stopper to DKC, it's definitely the gameplay. The control style is simplistic, as is the gameplay. Yet, there's something about it that keeps you coming back for more, and sadly enough, DK64 couldn't reproduce that element, and it gets boring pretty fast. However, DK64 did improve upon the characters more, whereas in the DKC series one character was significantly better than the other. However DK64 is severely flawed in several departments, such as the camera, and all in all, it did not meet expectations.
Overall- DKC: 9.3/10
Overall- DK64: 8.6/10
Although Donkey Kong's first adventure in 3D was decent, it still failed to live up to the Super NES Donkey Kong series. However, they also had a lot to live up to, and in the end, DK64 delivered exactly what it set out to do. A fun, and entertaining experience that proved that Donkey Kong still had a few aces up his sleeves. Or, hidden somewhere in his tie. I mean, he really doesn't have sleeves, does he? Just fur and a tie. Of course, it was a figure of speech, but... Ah, whatever. You get it.
