The 10 Best Donkey Kong Games

The provided episode offers a comprehensive ranking and historical overview of the Donkey Kong video game franchise, spanning over four decades from its 1981 arcade debut to the highly-rated Donkey Kong Bananza. It tracks the series' evolution from simple platforming to lush 2D adventures and sprawling 3D collectathons, highlighting key developers like Rare (creators of the iconic Donkey Kong Country trilogy) and Retro Studios. The ranking itself lists the top ten games, citing critical scores, fan consensus, and lasting impact, with titles such as Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (often considered the pinnacle) and Donkey Kong ’94 (hailed as a Game Boy masterpiece) receiving specific praise for their innovation and design brilliance. Ultimately, the source frames the franchise as being synonymous with tight controls, memorable music, and continuous innovation.