DKC is on the harder side for a retro platformer, lots of 'gotcha' moments included, which means it takes a trial and error approach unless you have abnormal reflexes, although you have a stock of lives to tip the scale.

It does have elements that's shunned contemporarily, like its water levels. Other gimmicky levels are pretty good, some cart and slippery ice stages are spikes in difficulty, but I've grown to enjoy these as well in moderation.

While some platformers leave skill moves as a player advantage, DKC expects you to get accustomed to using them regularly or else you'd be hemorrhaging lives. Losing one of your Kongs is a good buffer but for some stages you'd better be holding dearly to Diddy since he's much more useful in obstacle heavy levels. Donkey is much better for eliminating enemies but Diddy is my - and others'- favorite.

Artistically I love its style. A good variety of cool designs keeps you well entertained, even water levels aren't rough on the eyes, despite how simple they are visually. With special mention to cave levels squeezing some extra flair just when you thought you got used to them.