Rare’s divisive title is set to join the Nintendo Classics lineup.
Nintendo has revealed that Rare’s Donkey Kong 64—previously the sole fully 3D Donkey Kong platformer until last year’s Donkey Kong Bananza—is set to join the Nintendo 64 lineup in Nintendo Classics next week. This classic from 1999 will be available starting Wednesday, June 3, for subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
While it received a warm reception upon release, Donkey Kong 64 has developed a mixed legacy over the years. Rare’s earlier 2D Donkey Kong titles, beginning with Donkey Kong Country, were hailed as benchmarks in platforming excellence. However, Donkey Kong 64 took a different route, heavily influenced by the design philosophy of Banjo-Kazooie, focusing on an overwhelming number of collectibles.
Some critics have labeled this approach as excessive, suggesting it played a role in the downturn of 3D platformers. In 2018, Donkey Kong 64 was ranked as the 18th best Donkey Kong game of all time out of 23.
Then there’s the infamous “DK Rap.” This somewhat cringeworthy theme song by Grant Kirkhope has been dubbed one of the worst rap tracks ever, yet it has since gained a cult following for its so-bad-it’s-good charm, arguably overshadowing the game itself.
While Donkey Kong 64 may not represent Rare’s peak or even stand as the best 3D platformer on the N64, it remains an important chapter in Nintendo’s history, making its addition to the Nintendo Classics collection a noteworthy event.