It's been over two decades, and for many, the ape-tastic Donkey Kong Country for SNES is still one of the kings of the jungle in terms of platforming prowess.
In an era where Mario and Sonic were duking it out for supremacy, British studio Rare blasted onto the scene in a big way with one of the prettiest, most memorable titles of the 16-bit era. They managed to take Nintendo's seemingly aged arcade romp and rebrand it as a platformer that was both flashy and fun.
Though this game largely still stands on its own in terms of its rich presentation and solid mechanics, the recent sidescrolling renaissance has brought some similar efforts. This list will highlight some of the best platformers and sidescrollers - both old and new - which DKC fans are likely to go ape for.
10 Battletoads
Before the success that was Donkey Kong Country, Rare was quietly making a name for themselves on the NES with this smashingly-fun 8-bit romp. Battletoads from '91 emphasizes intense, grueling beat 'em up gameplay, pummeling players with a slew of challenges and uniquely colorful settings.
Much like Donkey Kong, this sidescroller thrives on its edgy presentation, tight mechanics, and enjoyable multiplayer. Fans of the trickier DKC sequels, in particular, should get a kick out of this one, given its punishing twitch gameplay.
9 Little Big Planet
PS3's Little Big Planet is one of the prettiest, most vibrant 2D platformers since Nintendo's ape mascot blasted onto the SNES over a decade earlier. Not only does it look the part, but this charming sidescroller is also a delight to play, with an interesting blend of puzzle and platforming elements.
LBP's coup de grâce, however, is its versatile gameplay and emphasis on user-created content. Like DKC, this gives players a uniquely memorable platforming experience to go along with its rich atmosphere and well-crafted mechanics.
8 Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
It's easy to overlook a seemingly straightforward platformer whose controls are tethered to a pair of plastic bongos. And while most would agree this quirky GameCube platformer doesn't quite reach DKC levels, it offers a smashing good time in its own distinct way.
Moving Kong around by repeatedly smacking the bongos feels surprisingly great and provides tighter mechanics than one might assume. Thanks to the acrobatic, free-flowing gameplay and rewarding combo system, DKJB makes for an exhilarating ride through the jungle.
7 Vectorman
As was the case with Rare's series, the Sega Genesis was known for its thrilling, flashier brand of platformers and action games. 1995's Vectorman is a fitting representation of the spirit of that console, and certainly resembles Rare's platformers.
Those who know the history behind this run-and-gun romp shouldn't be surprised by its similarities - as it was largely designed to be Sega's answer to DKC.
These influences can be seen in the graphics, which pushes the 16-bit console to its limits, along with a heavy dose of action and fine-tuned platforming. Vectorman can even take on a slew of different forms including a drill and a car, reminding one of the unique animal buddies that Donkey and Diddy can ride for extra firepower.
6 Rayman Legends
Much like Rare's Donkey Kong renaissance, Ubisoft breathed new life into their Rayman series, with perhaps one of the most lavish, refined 2D platformers of the decade, Rayman Origins. Just two years later, they managed to outdo themselves with this even more robust and enjoyable sequel.
The game keeps players engrossed with some gorgeous backdrops, fluid animation, and a range of gameplay elements. Rayman Legends also stands with its unique challenges and mechanics that utilize touch controls, along with a solid multiplayer mode.
5 New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
There's a good chance DKC players will not only enjoy Mario games, but have likely already played many of them. After all, Rare's series can partly be seen as a spiritual successor to the 2D Mario titles for NES and SNES. Still, one can certainly draw parallels to this remastered version of New Super Mario Bros. U, in particular.
Not only is it one of the prettiest Mario efforts in the 2D realm, but it also emphasizes multiplayer, which Rare's series is known for. Rather than 2 players being forced to switch off or compete, though, this game enables 4 simultaneous players - with a 5th throwing down platforms.
This enjoyable feature, along with the wealth of content included, makes this quite an appealing package for platforming fans.
4 Sonic Mania
Not to be left out of the fun, Sega's iconic Sonic series has also seen a major revitalization, just when it seemed that the old blue hedgehog was out of new tricks. Like DKC, the early Sonic titles were about action-laced thrills as well as flashiness, and this 2017 game greatly captures the spirit of those originals.
Sonic Mania truly feels like a swift trip back to the 90s, with its range of colorful settings, charming retro tracks, and tight mechanics. At the same time, PagodaWest and Headcannon rev up the speed, scope, and detail to fit modern sensibilities. They achieve this with some rich, elaborate level design, along with a slew of gameplay modes and multiplayer options.
3 Yoshi's Crafted World
While 3D platforming giant Super Mario Odyssey largely hogs the limelight on Switch, Mario's dino pal Yoshi takes center stage in one of the best Switch platformers in the 2D space. But really - the game takes more of a "2.5D" approach by cleverly interweaving 3D elements into the gameplay, adding to both the presentation and fun.
The game's unique concept of movable cardboard cutouts adds an interesting dynamic to a tried-and-true formula. At the same time, there's plenty of that charming Yoshi gameplay reminiscent of another SNES classic - Yoshi's Island. Crafted World's array of obtainable goods should compel fans of the similarly collectible-heavy DKC.
2 Earthworm Jim
This zany sidescroller happened to come out the same year as DKC, and it certainly shows in terms of the look and feel of the game. Like Rare's hit series, Earthworm Jim serves as an emblematic symbol of the edgy, in-your-face action of mid-90s gaming; and really the culture as a whole.
Through the role of this oddball hero, players will shoot, leap, and swing through many creative settings laced with detailed backdrops and insane hazards. The range of elements, coupled with some fluid mechanics and tough gameplay certainly has shades Rare's franchise.
1 Yooka-Laylee And The Impossible Lair
It shouldn't be shocking that this entry finds itself atop this list, given the history behind Playtonic Games. After all, the studio is comprised of various former Rare employees, many of whom were involved in the crafting of DKC. And the influences can certainly be sensed - given the similarly rich environments and smooth, refined mechanics of this platforming gem.
Yooka-Laylee's colorful heroes are equipped with unique abilities that really add to this enjoyable adventure. Not only are they versatile in their moves, but each stage is rife with baddies, hazards, and creative design elements to keep things interesting.
The result is akin to a delightful blend of Donkey Kong Country, Yoshi, and Sonic, dressed with a colorful backdrop that's like a virtual storybook.