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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Donkey Kong 64

Universal acclaim
Based on 14 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 29 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Platform
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: November 15, 1999
Summary
Donkey Kong 64 is a 3D adventure game created by the same code masters who gave the world GoldenEye 007, Diddy Kong Racing and Banjo-Kazooie. Accompanied by a pack of his primate pals, Donkey Kong is charged with the task of overthrowing King K. Rool and his army of piratical Kremlings. [Nintendo]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Donkey Kong Country
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
GamePro
Donkey Kong stands tall over other similar-minded action titles. It's one of those Rare games that makes you remember why you liked video games so much in the first place.
Read Full Review >Games Domain
The range of gameplay features is truly expansive beyond belief and one minute you may be charging around as a rhino, the next you may be riding in a slot car or mine cart or even a jet ski as part of the bonus games.
Read Full Review >Gaming Maxx
Though some view this as just Banjo-Kazooie with some minor improvements, take it from me, it is far from that. Definitely a candidate that is well deserving of being this years "Game of the Year".
Read Full Review >TotalGames.net
There is so much to do in this enormous, indepth game that you could get sucked into its fantastically animated absorbing world and stay there for weeks. Donkey Kong 64 deseves the fanfare of being the most eagerly-awaited game since Zelda.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
Very intriguing, but nothing new. The game is fun, but unless you have time to collect every single object in the game, it can get old fast.
Read Full Review >Nintendorks
Rewarding gameplay, extremely deep control mechanics, beautiful graphics and sheer gameplay variety are just some of the elements that make this game a triumph.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Those who obtain perverse pleasure from collecting every last coin and item in this type of game will be titillated - and those who don't will be frustrated.
Read Full Review >IGN
It's DK64's length that really sets it apart from any other competition in the genre. This is Rare's War and Peace, it's that simple.
Read Full Review >GameShark
While it's still not as good or creative as the original Super Mario 64, if there's one true claim to fame it can make, it's that you'll get your moneys worth if you really do try and complete the game 100%.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
Everyone needs a good monkey to count on when times are tough. Tarzan had Cheetah, B.J. had the Bear, Clint had Clyde and Nintendo has Donkey Kong. The result? Another cartridge packed to the brim with play value and reason enough to get a Nintendo 64.
Read Full Review >Game Critics
Some gamers will feel overwhelmed just as I did on a few occasions, but thats understandable. DK64 was never meant to be beaten in one sitting. Be warned that there is a lot of backtracking involved and its not for the faint of heart.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
The real problem is that right to the end, it's just more of the same. There isn't the sharp contrast that DKCountry brought to the SNES as most hoped and expected. While no major ground is broken from Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong is still all there as a 3D platform game.
Read Full Review >Electric Playground
As cranky as DK64 made me, I can ill refute the fact that the game is still remarkable. Had this title come from any other game developer in the world I'd be doing back flips raving about how great it is.
Read Full Review >Hot Games
Since the game requires the bundled Expansion Pak, you would think that the graphics would take the Nintendo 64 to new levels. This sadly isn't the case - there's still cases of pop up and fog - but we can safely say that there aren't many games out there that look as good as this.And hey, any game with monkeys in it is cool by us.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.2 (out of 10) based on 29 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Branden L gave it a9:
Hmm. well for one thing, DK64 came out in 1999, and it hasn't even been 10 years since release, so if your brother was 6 when it came out, wouldn't he be about 16-17 by then? And by the way, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that goes for all of you below me, so he can give the game the score whatever he wants. i give the game a 8. it was fun, it wasn't perfect, it was fun while it lasted, but i consider even DKC2 a better game (obviously).
Alyssa W. gave it a10:
This is a wicked awesome game! Rusty you are SOO stupid if you hate this game. I think this game has alot to it and can be challengeing and fun! Me and my brother play it all the time and my brother had this game since he has been 6 and now he's 18 and still hasn't beaten it!
Sam H. gave it a9:
There are WAY too many collectibles in this game but the gameplay, graphics, and most of all, the music makes up for the game.
Jonathan G. gave it a10:
Freakn awesome game. Rusty just does not have his head screwed on right. DK all the way.
Bill S. gave it a10:
This is da best game ever.You suck rustys for given it a 3.if you had a mind you would realize it is 1 of da best n64 games.
Silent Ninja gave it a10:
This game is so cool it reminds me of my old friends. he he . . .i still have the rap memorized!
Rusty S. gave it a3:
I think this game is highly overrated and its a piece of crap. All you do for the whole time is collect these stupid bannanas and blueprints...hey Rare, I don't give a damn! Oh yeah, and when it came out it was not worth 70 bucks.
