Editing Donkey Kong Country (section)

==Legacy==
''Donkey Kong Country''{{'}}s visual appeal helped the SNES remain popular in a period of uncertainty for cartridge-based games.<ref name="USG: RetroReview" /> Consumers were unfamiliar with 3D graphics at the time.<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> According to ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'', by bringing next-generation graphics to the SNES just 12 days before the PlayStation's Japanese launch, ''Donkey Kong Country'' persuaded consumers that an immediate upgrade was unnecessary.{{Sfn|Castle|2014|p=100–101}} ''[[IGN]]'' wrote that the game "saved the SNES" and revitalised sales by bringing back lapsed fans.<ref name="IGN: Review" /> ''Donkey Kong Country'' also helped Nintendo pull ahead of Sega and win the [[console wars]] of the 1990s.<ref name="BBC: CWs">{{cite web|last=Kelion|first=Leo|title=Sega v Nintendo: Sonic, Mario and the 1990's console war|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27373587|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=26 April 2022|date=13 May 2014|archive-date=2 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702174225/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27373587|url-status=live}}</ref> Whereas Nintendo continued to release [[AAA (video game industry)|AAA]] games such as ''Donkey Kong Country'', Sega had alienated audiences with add-ons such as the Mega-CD and 32X,<ref name="IGN: SNESvsGen" /> and its subsequent console, the Saturn, failed.<ref name="BBC: CWs" />

The ''Donkey Kong Country'' series re-established ''Donkey Kong'' as one of Nintendo's most popular and profitable franchises.<ref name="NWR: Years" /> ''Donkey Kong Country'' heralded Donkey Kong's transition from villain to hero;<ref name="NWR: Years" /><ref name="GSpot: DK64" /> Rare's redesign became his standard appearance,<ref name="GSpy: Overrated" /> and its gameplay format was followed by sequels.<ref name="NWR: Years" /> The game inspired [[Donkey Kong Country (TV series)|an animated series]] that ran for [[List of Donkey Kong Country episodes|40 episodes]] from 1997 to 2000,<ref>{{cite web|last=DiRienzo|first=David|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' (Cartoon)|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/donkey-kong-country-cartoon|website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|access-date=2 June 2022|date=18 May 2014|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601155700/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/donkey-kong-country-cartoon/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Diddy Kong starred in a Nintendo 64 [[racing game]] spin-off, ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' (1997).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Watts|first=Martin|date=23 February 2014|title=Month of Kong: The making of Diddy Kong Racing|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/month_of_kong_the_making_of_diddy_kong_racing|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601155608/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/month_of_kong_the_making_of_diddy_kong_racing|archive-date=1 June 2022|access-date=1 June 2022|website=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref> Following ''Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!'', the ''Country'' series went on a hiatus until ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'', developed by [[Retro Studios]], was released for the Wii on ''Donkey Kong Country''{{'s}} 16th anniversary in 2010. A sequel, ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'', was released for the Wii U in 2014.<ref name="NWR: Years" /> Wise, who left Rare in 2009, returned to compose ''Tropical Freeze''{{'s}} score.<ref name="Poly: Remaking">{{cite web|last=Gera|first=Emily|title=Synth, big band jazz and the remaking of Donkey Kong Country's amazing sound|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/5/5456852/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-music|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=2 June 2022|date=5 March 2014|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531023549/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/5/5456852/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-music|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Retrospective assessments===
[[File:Shigeru Miyamoto at E3 2013 1 (cropped).JPG|thumb|upright=0.75|alt=Shigeru Miyamoto, a middle-aged Japanese man wearing a herringbone blazer and white shirt.|False rumours spread that ''Donkey Kong''{{'s}} creator, [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] (pictured in 2013), disliked ''Donkey Kong Country''.<ref name="USG: Bluff" />]]

Reviewing the Virtual Console rerelease, ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' felt the visuals were still among the SNES's best,<ref name="NLife: Review">{{Cite web|last=Olney|first=Alex|date=24 October 2014|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' review (Wii U eShop / SNES)|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/donkey_kong_country_snes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303022649/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/donkey_kong_country_snes|archive-date=3 March 2021|access-date=10 June 2022|website=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref> and ''[[Jeuxvideo.com]]'' said they had offered a new depth of realism.<ref name="Jeux: SNESTest">{{cite news|last=Garnier|first=Michel|title=Test du jeu ''Donkey Kong Country'' sur SNES|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00012136-donkey-kong-country-test.htm|access-date=4 June 2020|work=[[Jeuxvideo.com]]|date=22 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030083735/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00012136-donkey-kong-country-test.htm|archive-date=30 October 2019|language=fr}}</ref> ''IGN'' and ''[[AllGame]]'' said the visuals remained impressive for the SNES (though ''IGN'' thought they were no longer as significant a draw),<ref name="IGN: Review">{{Cite news|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=20 February 2007|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' review|work=[[IGN]]|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/20/donkey-kong-country-review|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823012726/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/20/donkey-kong-country|archive-date=23 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="AllGameRev">{{Cite web|last=Marriott|first=Scott Alan|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' review (SNES)|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2475&tab=review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114125055/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2475&tab=review|archive-date=14 November 2014|publisher=[[AllGame]]}}</ref> while ''GameSpot'' thought the graphics rivalled 32-bit consoles.<ref name="GSpotRev">{{Cite web|last=Provo|first=Frank|date=23 February 2007|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-review/1900-6166362|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401224009/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-review/1900-6166362/|archive-date=1 April 2019|access-date=4 June 2020|website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Conversely, ''USGamer'' said that, though technically impressive, they did not age well, with "cringe-inducing", "paper-thin backgrounds".<ref name="USG: RetroReview">{{Cite web|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|date=23 January 2019|title=Super NES retro review: ''Donkey Kong Country''|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-nes-classic-reviews-game-by-game-15-donkey-kong-country|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120063355/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-nes-classic-reviews-game-by-game-15-donkey-kong-country|archive-date=20 November 2020|access-date=5 June 2020|website=[[US Gamer]]}}</ref> ''Hardcore Gaming 101'' agreed, writing that the visuals looked plastic-like, did not hold up well once the novelty of pre-rendering had worn off, and were clearly experimental, even if their detail was admirable.<ref name="HG101: DKC" /> Critics praised the GBC version for attempting to preserve the visuals in spite of hardware limitations,<ref name="GSpotGBC">{{Cite web|last=Provo|first=Frank|date=17 May 2006|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-review/1900-2657317|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126185554/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-review/1900-2657317/|archive-date=26 January 2018|access-date=11 June 2022|website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|title=''Donkey Kong Country''|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/donkey-kong-country-8|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=22 November 2000|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528162857/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/donkey-kong-country-8|url-status=live}}</ref> but criticised the GBA version's downgrades,<ref name="NWR: GBARev">{{cite web|last=Kosmina|first=Ben|title=''Donkey Kong Country''|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4124/donkey-kong-country-game-boy-advance|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=11 June 2022|date=5 September 2003|archive-date=11 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911112852/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4124/donkey-kong-country-game-boy-advance|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mariott|first=Scott|title=''Donkey Kong Country''|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=42630&tab=review|publisher=[[AllGame]]|access-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114211741/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=42630&tab=review|archive-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> which ''IGN'' considered detrimental to the experience.<ref name="IGN: GBARev" />

''Donkey Kong Country'' became divisive in the years following its release.<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> ''Eurogamer'' wrote that it became popular to dislike it in the early 2000s,<ref name="Euro: GBARev">{{cite web|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|title=''Donkey Kong Country''|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_dkc_gba|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=3 June 2003|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001035319/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_dkc_gba|url-status=live}}</ref> and it was often described as one of the most overrated video games.<ref name="GSpy: Overrated">{{Cite web|last=''GameSpy'' staff|date=19 September 2003|title=25 most overrated games of all time|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/september03/25overrated/index18.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508010107/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/september03/25overrated/index.shtml|archive-date=8 May 2006|access-date=11 June 2022|website=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=DiRienzo|first=David|title=''Donkey Kong Jungle Beat''|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/donkey-kong-jungle-beat|website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|access-date=12 July 2020|date=17 April 2015|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813023826/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/donkey-kong-jungle-beat/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' staff|title=The 10 most overrated games|url=http://www.1up.com/features/10-overrated-games|website=[[1Up.com]]|access-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512073328/http://www.1up.com/features/10-overrated-games|archive-date=12 May 2012|date=4 April 2005}}</ref> For example, ''[[Vice Media|Vice]]'' wrote that it did not deserve to be considered a classic and, alongside ''[[GameSpy]]'', called its gameplay unremarkable and lacking depth.<ref name="GSpy: Overrated" /><ref name="Vice: Terrible">{{cite web|last=Dransfield|first=Ian|title=Twenty years on, 'Donkey Kong Country' is still as terrible as it ever was|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/donkey-kong-at-20-years-old-442/|website=[[Vice Media|Vice]]|access-date=31 May 2022|date=2 December 2014|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531001349/https://www.vice.com/en/article/exm9bn/donkey-kong-at-20-years-old-442|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''IGN'', critics accused ''Donkey Kong Country'' of "sacrificing gameplay for the sake of a short-run attention grab and quick impulse sales",<ref name="IGN: Review" /> which ''USGamer'' attributed to the "flimflammery of its visuals and the relative mundanity of its actual game design".<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> ''USGamer'' wrote the game was often criticised as an example of [[style over substance]], with gameplay that was arguably inferior to SNES [[launch game]]s such as ''Super Mario World'' and ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]'' (1991).<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> ''GameSpy'' complained that ''Donkey Kong Country'' overshadowed games such as ''Yoshi's Island'', which it considered superior.<ref name="GSpy: Overrated" />

''Donkey Kong Country'' has been described as one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games of all time]].{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite web|title=The 100 greatest games|url=http://www.empireonline.com/100greatestgames/default.asp?p=76|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|access-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102359/http://www.empireonline.com/100greatestgames/default.asp?p=76|archive-date=6 July 2011|page=76|date=2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Moore|first1=Bo|last2=Schubak|first2=Adam|title=The 100 greatest video games of all time|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/gaming/g134/the-100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/?slide=37|website=[[Popular Mechanics]]|access-date=11 June 2022|page=37|date=15 March 2022|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611135725/https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/gaming/g134/the-100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/?slide=37|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=''Polygon'' staff|title=The 500 best games of all time: 300-201|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/29/16693094/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-300-201|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=29 November 2017|archive-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211534/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/29/16693094/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-300-201|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=''Slant'' staff|title=100 greatest video games of all time|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P4|website=[[Slant (magazine)|Slant]]|access-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717084539/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P4|archive-date=17 July 2015|page=4|date=9 June 2014}}</ref>}} ''USGamer'' wrote that the criticism was unfair because it "exudes craftsmanship ... Rare went to great pains to create a consistent, seamless world that managed to convey [[trompe-l'œil|trompe-l'oeil]] immersion", something few developers could replicate.<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> Though retrospective reviewers criticised the boss fights,<ref name="HG101: DKC" /><ref name="NLife: Review" /><ref name="USG: RetroReview" /> they praised the rhythm, variety, and replay value.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="GSpotRev" /><ref name="NLife: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /><ref name="USG: RetroReview" /><ref name="AllGameRev" />}} ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' said that although some aspects had not aged well, ''Donkey Kong Country'' remained among the best ''Donkey Kong'' games and deserved praise for resurrecting the franchise.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|title=The definitive ranking of ''Donkey Kong'' games|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/5/10/17333228/donkey-kong-rankings|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=31 May 2022|date=10 May 2018|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403080041/https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/5/10/17333228/donkey-kong-rankings|url-status=live}}</ref> Its soundtrack is considered one of the best in games,<ref name="Vice: Xanax">{{cite web|last=Pollack|first=Hilary|title=The {{'}}''Donkey Kong Country''{{'}} soundtrack is better than Xanax|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-donkey-kong-country-soundtrack-is-better-than-xanax/|website=[[Vice Media|Vice]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=17 July 2020|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129173429/https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxqp5n/the-donkey-kong-country-soundtrack-is-better-than-xanax|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN: GBARev">{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|title=''Donkey Kong Country''|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/06/donkey-kong-country-4|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=6 June 2003|archive-date=29 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529232142/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/06/donkey-kong-country-4|url-status=live}}</ref> praised for its atmosphere and diversity.<ref name="HG101: DKC" /><ref name="Jeux: SNESTest" /><ref name="USG: RetroReview" /> ''Hardcore Gaming 101'' said it was the one element that had unquestionably aged well and contained some of the [[16-bit era]]'s most memorable music.<ref name="HG101: DKC" />

In the years following its release, rumours spread that Miyamoto disliked ''Donkey Kong Country'' and found it amateurish,<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> and had created the hand-drawn art style of ''Yoshi's Island'' in retaliation for its pre-rendered visuals.<ref name="USG: Bluff" /><ref name="Shack: 21Facts" /> Miyamoto spoke highly of ''Donkey Kong Country'' in a 2000 interview; he said that Rare "breathed new life into" Donkey Kong, had demonstrated excellent research into what made a Nintendo game work, and proved they could be trusted with the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise.<ref name="MiyamotoNOM">{{cite web |title="ドンキーコングの生みの親" 宮本茂独占インタビュー |trans-title=Exclusive Interview with Donkey Kong Creator Shigeru Miyamoto |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0002/01/miyamoto.html |website=Nintendo Online Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040212000129/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0002/01/miyamoto.html |archive-date=February 12, 2004 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |language=Japanese |date=February 2000}} ([https://themushroomkingdom.net/interview_miyamoto_nom18_feb2000.shtml Translation])</ref> However, the author [[Steven L. Kent]] claimed Miyamoto said that "''Donkey Kong Country'' proves gamers will put up with mediocre gameplay if the art is good" in a 1995 ''[[Electronic Games]]'' interview.<ref name="Shack: 21Facts" /> Kent said that Nintendo's marketing department had rejected ''Yoshi's Island'' as it lacked ''Donkey Kong Country''{{'s}} pre-rendered graphics, and that this had possibly motivated Miyamoto's remark.<ref name="Shack: 21Facts">{{cite web|last=Craddock|first=David|title=21 facts you might not know about all the games on the SNES Classic|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/100456/21-facts-you-might-not-know-about-all-the-games-on-the-snes-classic|website=[[Shacknews]]|access-date=16 June 2022|date=27 June 2017|archive-date=16 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616235458/https://www.shacknews.com/article/100456/21-facts-you-might-not-know-about-all-the-games-on-the-snes-classic|url-status=live}}</ref> Miyamoto denied this in 2010, noting he "was very involved" in ''Donkey Kong Country'' and had corresponded with Stamper throughout development.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|title=E3 2010: Shigeru Miyamoto likes ''Donkey Kong Country'' after all|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/17/e3-2010-shigeru-miyamoto-likes-donkey-kong-country-after-all|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=17 June 2010|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627062028/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/17/e3-2010-shigeru-miyamoto-likes-donkey-kong-country-after-all|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, ''USGamer'' described Kent's claims as "seemingly apocryphal",<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> and in 2019, the video game historian [[Frank Cifaldi]] found that the ''Electronic Games'' interview did not contain the alleged quote from Miyamoto.<ref>{{cite tweet|last=Cifaldi|first=Frank|title=Sorry, they do talk about tech but there's nothing remotely like that in here.|user=frankcifaldi|number=1144373230364266496|date=27 June 2019|access-date=13 June 2020}}</ref>

===Influence===
''Donkey Kong Country'' exerted "revolutionary influence", according to ''GameSpot''.<ref name="GSpot: DK64">{{Cite web|last=Taruc|first=Nelson|date=22 November 1999|title=''Donkey Kong 64'' review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-64-review/1900-2543651|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126185623/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-64-review/1900-2543651/|archive-date=26 January 2018|access-date=26 April 2022|website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> ''Kotaku'' said its unprecedented graphics represented the future of games and ''Nintendo World Report'' wrote that it set standards for how platform games could look and play.<ref name="Kotaku: 25Yrs" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Hernandez|first=Pedro|title=''Donkey Kong Country 1'' & ''2''|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27421/the-snes-20-donkey-kong-country-1-namp-2|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=1 June 2022|date=17 August 2011|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221151814/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27421/the-snes-20-donkey-kong-country-1-namp-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Sega commissioned [[BlueSky Software]] to develop the Mega Drive game ''[[Vectorman]]'' (1995) in response to ''Donkey Kong Country''{{'s}} popularity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Elston|first=Brett|title=Game music of the day: Vectorman|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-vectorman|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|access-date=20 August 2022|date=30 September 2010|archive-date=15 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715232447/https://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-vectorman/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Taborda|first=Zillion|title=Vectorman|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/vectorman/|website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|access-date=20 August 2022|date=27 December 2015|archive-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927222036/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/vectorman/|url-status=live}}</ref> Many developers imitated the visuals;<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> ''IGN'' identified the Saturn games ''[[Clockwork Knight]]'' (1994) and ''[[Bug!]]'' (1995) as examples.<ref>{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|title=What hath Sonic wrought? Vol. 10|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/02/what-hath-sonic-wrought-vol-10|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=2 February 2009|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611180258/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/02/what-hath-sonic-wrought-vol-10|url-status=live}}</ref> ''USGamer'' wrote that few games achieved the same quality and that [[2.5D]] games, such as [[Crystal Dynamics]]' ''[[Pandemonium! (video game)|Pandemonium!]]'' (1996), exposed the "illusion upon which [''Donkey Kong Country''] was built".<ref name="USG: Bluff" /> ''Kotaku'' said ''Donkey Kong Country'' was an event that could not be replicated in modern times due to the game industry's growth.<ref name="Kotaku: 25Yrs" />

[[Naughty Dog]]'s founders [[Andy Gavin]] and [[Jason Rubin]] cited ''Donkey Kong Country'' as the primary influence on their break-out game ''[[Crash Bandicoot (video game)|Crash Bandicoot]]'' (1996).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126015810/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog|title=Rising to greatness: The history of Naughty Dog|last=Moriarty|first=Colin|date=4 October 2013|archive-date=26 November 2013|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=31 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Crash''{{'s}} first functional levels drew upon techniques employed by ''Donkey Kong Country'', such as steam vents, drop platforms, bouncy pads, heated pipes, and enemies that move back and forth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/2011/02/05/making-crash-bandicoot-part-4|title=Making Crash Bandicoot - part 4|last=Gavin|first=Andy|author-link=Andy Gavin|date=5 February 2011|publisher=All Things Andy Gavin|access-date=2 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707112809/http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/2011/02/05/making-crash-bandicoot-part-4/|archive-date=7 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The pre-rendered visuals inspired other games, including ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' (1996) and ''[[Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island]]'' (1996),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sao|first1=Akinori|title=Kirby Super Star developer interview - SNES Classic Edition|url=https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-kirby|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|date=10 October 2017|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817122322/https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-kirby/|archive-date=17 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|''Mean Machines Sega'' staff|1996|p=25}} and critics have identified ''Donkey Kong Country'' references or influence in games such as the Mega-CD version of ''[[Earthworm Jim (video game)|Earthworm Jim]]'' (1995),<ref>{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Mike|title=Nothing wrong with playing it again|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/starting-screen-nothing-wrong-with-playing-it-again|website=[[USgamer]]|access-date=17 June 2022|date=29 May 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022175352/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/starting-screen-nothing-wrong-with-playing-it-again|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Sonic Blast]]'' (1996),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ronaghan|first1=Neal|title=Grinding Game Gears: An overview of Sonic's portable origins|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/34741/grinding-game-gears-an-overview-of-sonics-portable-origins|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=19 June 2022|date=21 June 2013|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509194307/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/34741/grinding-game-gears-an-overview-of-sonics-portable-origins|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rayman Origins]]'' (2011),<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parkin|first=Simon|date=14 November 2011|title=''Rayman Origins'' review|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/rayman-origins-review|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617170353/https://www.eurogamer.net/rayman-origins-review|archive-date=17 June 2022|access-date=17 June 2022|website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> ''Mekazoo'' (2016),<ref>{{cite web|last=Priestman|first=Chris|title=''Donkey Kong Country''-inspired platformer ''Mekazoo'' will have tag team-style local co-op|url=https://www.siliconera.com/donkey-kong-country-inspired-platformer-mekazoo-will-have-tag-team-style-local-co-op/|website=[[Siliconera]]|access-date=17 June 2022|date=28 July 2015|archive-date=17 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617170357/https://www.siliconera.com/donkey-kong-country-inspired-platformer-mekazoo-will-have-tag-team-style-local-co-op/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''Kaze and the Wild Masks'' (2021).<ref>{{cite web|last=Peeples|first=Jeremy|title=Review: Kaze and the Wild Masks|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-kaze-and-the-wild-masks/401033/|website=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=17 June 2022|date=26 March 2021|archive-date=17 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617170353/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-kaze-and-the-wild-masks/401033/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] credited ''Donkey Kong Country'' for maintaining the popularity of 2D games and ensuring the development of new entries in the ''Mario'', ''[[Kirby (series)|Kirby]]'', and ''[[List of Yoshi video games|Yoshi]]'' series.<ref name="ABC: Reboot">{{cite web|title=Good Game Stores - Feature: Reboots|url=https://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3698754.htm|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=1 June 2022|date=26 February 2013|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601153323/https://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3698754.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Wise's soundtrack was considered highly influential, developing a [[cult following]] for his work.<ref name="Kotaku: Tunes">{{cite web|last=Hopkins|first=Matt|title=Gaming tunes that whip sack both in and out of their virtual worlds|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/11/gaming-tunes-that-whip-sack-both-in-and-out-of-their-virtual-worlds/|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=29 November 2019|archive-date=10 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610153959/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/11/gaming-tunes-that-whip-sack-both-in-and-out-of-their-virtual-worlds/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''IGN'' said ''Donkey Kong Country'' contributed to an increased appreciation for [[video game music]] as an art form,<ref name="IGN: AquaticAmbience">{{cite AV media|title=The Most Emotional Video Game Music in the Unlikeliest of Places|author=''[[IGN]]''|via=[[YouTube]]|date=6 August 2023|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwFJdaxM89c|access-date=12 August 2023|archive-date=11 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811115820/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwFJdaxM89c&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''The New York Times'' called it the video game equivalent to [[the Beatles]]' ''[[Revolver (Beatles album)|Revolver]]'' (1966).<ref name="NYT: Wise" /> Rearrangements of the music appear in ''Donkey Kong 64'', ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'', and ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Power|first=Tom|title=As ''Donkey Kong 64'' turns 20, the devs reflect on its design, the infamous DK Rap, and how a shocked Shigeru Miyamoto created the Coconut Shooter|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/making-of-donkey-kong-64|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|access-date=14 June 2022|date=7 December 2019|archive-date=14 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614132033/https://www.gamesradar.com/making-of-donkey-kong-64/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=DiRienzo|first=David|title=''Donkey Kong Country Returns''|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/donkey-kong-country-returns|website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|access-date=14 June 2022|date=17 April 2015|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421174045/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/donkey-kong-country-returns/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mejia|first=Ozzie|date=1 May 2018|title=''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'' (Nintendo Switch) review: Funky like a monkey|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/104677/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-nintendo-switch-review-funky-like-a-monkey|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417103301/https://www.shacknews.com/article/104677/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-nintendo-switch-review-funky-like-a-monkey|archive-date=17 April 2021|access-date=14 June 2022|website=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref> and in [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] games such as Nintendo's ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' fighting series.<ref>{{cite web|last=Green|first=Jake|title=''Super Smash Bros Ultimate'' music list - every song in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, full soundtrack|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/17-12-18-super-smash-bros-ultimate-song-list-every-music-track-in-ultimate-full-soundtrack|website=[[USGamer]]|access-date=14 June 2022|date=17 April 2019|archive-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115162830/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/17-12-18-super-smash-bros-ultimate-song-list-every-music-track-in-ultimate-full-soundtrack|url-status=live}}</ref> Its tracks are often remixed, Wise contributing to an [[OverClocked ReMix]] album in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reynolds|first=Shawn|title=New ''Donkey Kong'' Aquatic Ambience remix composed for video game music awards|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/videos/new-donkey-kong-aquatic-ambience-remix-composed-for-video-game-music-awards/232903/|website=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=11 June 2022|date=29 October 2016|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611140409/https://hardcoregamer.com/videos/new-donkey-kong-aquatic-ambience-remix-composed-for-video-game-music-awards/232903/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sorlie|first=Audun|title=Original ''Donkey Kong Country'' composers contribute to OverClocked ReMix's Serious Monkey Business|url=http://www.originalsoundversion.com/serious-monkey-business-needs-serious-human-cash|publisher=Original Sound Version|access-date=11 June 2022|date=6 November 2009|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907021936/http://www.originalsoundversion.com/serious-monkey-business-needs-serious-human-cash/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sofka|first=Samantha|title=GameChops releases Club Kong: A modern jazz remix of Donkey Kong music|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/gamechops_releases_club_kong_a_modern_jazz_remix_of_donkey_kong_music|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=10 February 2014|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611140409/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/gamechops_releases_club_kong_a_modern_jazz_remix_of_donkey_kong_music|url-status=live}}</ref> "Aquatic Ambience" has been particularly influential. It has been described as "the '[[Eleanor Rigby]]' of video game music", praised by artists such as [[Trent Reznor]] and [[Donald Glover]],<ref name="IGN: AquaticAmbience" /> and ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' wrote that it spawned a "minor cult" dedicated to remixes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vishnevetsky|first=Ignatiy|title=Chill out with ''Donkey Kong Country''|url=https://www.avclub.com/chill-out-with-donkey-kong-country-1798242884|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|access-date=29 June 2022|date=7 January 2016|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629094540/https://www.avclub.com/chill-out-with-donkey-kong-country-1798242884|url-status=live}}</ref> Glover sampled it in his 2012 song "Eat Your Vegetables", to which Wise expressed approval.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reseigh-Lincoln|first=Dom|title=Random: Childish Gambino sampled ''Donkey Kong Country'' and David Wise definitely approves|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/05/random_childish_gambino_sampled_donkey_kong_country_and_david_wise_definitely_approves|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=11 June 2022|date=24 May 2018|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611140232/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/05/random_childish_gambino_sampled_donkey_kong_country_and_david_wise_definitely_approves|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Donkey Kong Country'' established Rare as one of the leading video game developers<ref name="IGN: History" /> and set the standard for its work.<ref name="Vice: Terrible" /> It originated conventions characteristic of Rare's later output, including an emphasis on collecting items,<ref name="HG101: DKC" /> irreverent humour,<ref>{{cite web|last=Gilbert|first=Henry|title=Nintendo trivia - 64 little known facts about the gaming giant|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendo-trivia-20-little-known-facts-about-gaming-giant|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|access-date=15 November 2023|date=23 September 2014|archive-date=15 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115133612/https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendo-trivia-20-little-known-facts-about-gaming-giant/|url-status=live}}</ref> visual appeal, and tech demo-like design.<ref name="Vice: Terrible" /> Nintendo and Rare's partnership continued until ''[[Star Fox Adventures]]'' (2002) for the [[GameCube]], after which Rare was acquired by Microsoft.<ref name="IGN: History" /> The 2019 game ''[[Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair]]''—developed by [[Playtonic Games]], whose staff includes Rare alumni that worked on ''Donkey Kong Country''—was noted for its gameplay similarities to ''Donkey Kong Country'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Davenport|first=James|title=''Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair'' is basically ''Donkey Kong Country'' on PC|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/yooka-laylee-and-the-impossible-lair-is-basically-donkey-kong-country-on-pc|website=[[PC Gamer]]|access-date=1 June 2022|date=28 June 2019|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531214617/https://www.pcgamer.com/yooka-laylee-and-the-impossible-lair-is-basically-donkey-kong-country-on-pc/|url-status=live}}</ref> though Playtonic's head Gavin Price declined to label it a [[spiritual successor]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dring|first=Christopher|title=Playtonic: "We are never using the term spiritual successor again"|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-06-08-playtonic-we-are-never-using-the-term-spiritual-successor-again|website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]|access-date=1 June 2022|date=14 June 2019|archive-date=16 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616141249/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-06-08-playtonic-we-are-never-using-the-term-spiritual-successor-again|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Nintendo Life'' also identified similarities between ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''Kroko Bongo: Tap to the Beat!'' (2017), a platform game developed by the Stampers' [[mobile game]] studio [[FortuneFish]].<ref>{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/09/the_latest_game_from_the_stamper_brothers_feels_like_a_donkey_kong_country_sequel|title=The latest game from the Stamper brothers feels like a Donkey Kong Country sequel|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=16 June 2022|date=5 September 2017|archive-date=16 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616184027/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/09/the_latest_game_from_the_stamper_brothers_feels_like_a_donkey_kong_country_sequel|url-status=live}}</ref>