LogFAQs > #914119479

#9. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
https://static-cdn.jtvnw.net/ttv-boxart/Donkey%20Kong%20Country%203%3A%20Dixie%20Kong%27s%20Double%20Trouble%21.jpg

We've now reached the point in the list where every remaining game was enjoyable for me! But alas, there must be a least enjoyable enjoyable game, and for me that was (narrowly) DKC3.

The Donkey Kong Country series stands out from its peers because of its emphasis on ambiance and creating an overarching mood while you play. They accomplish this through lush visuals, gorgeous music, and fluid gameplay that feels legitimately zen-like when you're locked in. Unfortunately for DKC3, some of these take a major step back from its predecessors.

The first thing I noticed in this game is that the music mostly sucks. I can't even express to you how much this bummed me out after playing DKC2, which arguably has the greatest soundtrack in 16-bit gaming history. With David Wise's departure from Rare, the OST for the final game in the trilogy is just a mess. It's inconsistent in tone and at times comes off as very childish. Couple that with the awful addition of Kiddy Kong, and parts of the game are straight-up obnoxious. Speaking of Kiddy, I can only imagine how much it would suck to play DKC3 co-op and getting stuck with him. He truly has no redeeming qualities from a gameplay perspective and, once again, this fact is extra apparent when playing the game after DKC2.

Another common complaint I've seen is that the levels are too gimmicky. In fact, all 48 levels in the SNES version are distinctly original and contain a mechanic or gameplay element unique to that stage. Sometimes this fails miserably (Rocket Rush), but other times it can be really fun and memorable. Although it's flawed, I actually like the game better because of the stage variety--not only out of respect for the developers, but because many of the levels are stunning showcases of the SNES capabilities in its twilight.

Overall, DKC3 lacks much of the charm and consistency of the other entrants in the series, but the sheer creativity and impressive visuals definitely make it a black sheep worthy of a playthrough.

Not good
11. Sonic the Hedgehog

Fine
10. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Great
9. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
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Excellent
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Spectacular
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All-timers
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"A more mature answer than I expected."~ Jakyl25
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