Donkey Kong 64. The very name evokes memories of sprawling jungles, collectible bananas of every hue imaginable, and the relentless pursuit of Golden Bananas. While there’s no actual “Donkey Kong 7” in the official series numbering, players often refer to achieving 101% completion in Donkey Kong 64 as reaching a symbolic “Donkey Kong 7” – a testament to your mastery and dedication to conquering everything the game has to offer. This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough of the steps required to achieve this prestigious status.
The Core Objectives: Gathering Every Collectible
The path to “Donkey Kong 7” is paved with collectibles. Lots and lots of collectibles. The core gameplay loop revolves around exploring the vibrant levels, completing challenges, and gathering every single item scattered throughout the Kong Isle. Let’s break down the most crucial elements.
Golden Bananas: The Primal Objective
Golden Bananas are the primary collectible and the key to progressing through the game. Each of the five Kongs – Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Lanky Kong, Tiny Kong, and Chunky Kong – has their own set of Golden Bananas to collect in each level. This means you’ll be constantly switching between Kongs to access different areas and complete specific challenges. Knowing which Kong can access which banana is vital.
Each level contains 50 Golden Bananas, 10 per Kong. These are obtained by completing mini-games, solving puzzles, defeating enemies, and accessing secret areas. Paying attention to the color of the Banana Balloons and Banana Pads will indicate which Kong is required to collect that specific banana.
Remember, you’ll need a significant number of Golden Bananas to unlock new levels by opening doors in K. Rool’s hideout.
Blueprint Bonanza: Securing Every Blueprint
Each Kong also has five blueprints to collect per level. These blueprints are scattered throughout each stage and are given to Snide, who in turn trades them for Battle Crowns. These Crowns are required to enter the final level of the game, so missing a single blueprint can halt your progress.
Blueprints are typically guarded by enemies or hidden in less obvious locations. Utilizing the Kongs’ unique abilities is essential to reaching them. Remember to check every nook and cranny, behind waterfalls, inside buildings, and on high platforms.
Banana Fairies: Capturing Elusive Sprites
Twenty Banana Fairies are hidden throughout the game. These fairies are often tucked away in hard-to-reach locations and require specific abilities to capture with the Camera weapon. Once captured, they must be taken to the Fairy Queen in her mushroom home in the Jungle Japes lobby. Finding all 20 unlocks the ability to see the ending credits whenever you desire.
Listen carefully for the distinct sound of a fairy nearby. Sometimes, a simple scan of an area with your camera is enough to reveal their presence. Don’t underestimate the power of exploration and observation.
Crown Collecting: Royal Recognition
Each level has a Battle Crown hidden within it. To obtain the Crown, you have to defeat the designated opponent within the Battle Arena. The arenas are often themed to match the level they are located in. They require a specific Kong to enter and are found in remote or secret locations.
Boss Battles: Defeating K. Rool’s Minions
Each level ends with a boss battle. Defeating these bosses is crucial to progressing through the game and obtaining a Golden Banana for each Kong. Each boss is weak to a specific Kong’s weapon, so experimentation is key. Pay attention to the boss’s attack patterns and exploit their vulnerabilities. These battles are not only about brute force; strategy and timing are essential.
Nintendo And Rareware Coins: Industry Icons
Hidden throughout the game are two special coins: the Nintendo Coin and the Rareware Coin. These coins are required to unlock the final boss battle against King K. Rool. Finding these coins requires completing specific challenges and utilizing all of the Kongs’ abilities.
The Nintendo Coin is located in Frantic Factory and requires Donkey Kong to complete the Donkey Kong arcade game with a high score. The Rareware Coin is located in Creepy Castle and is obtained by completing the Jetpac minigame that is found within the Castle.
Mastering The Kongs’ Abilities: A Symphony Of Skills
Each Kong possesses a unique set of abilities that are crucial to solving puzzles, defeating enemies, and accessing hidden areas. Mastering these abilities is key to achieving “Donkey Kong 7”.
Donkey Kong: The Powerhouse
Donkey Kong is the strongest of the Kongs and excels at brute force. His abilities include:
- Ground Pound: Destroys certain objects and reveals hidden items.
- Strong Kong: Lifts heavy objects that the other Kongs cannot.
- Coconut Shooter: Fires powerful coconuts at enemies and targets.
Diddy Kong: The Agile Acrobat
Diddy Kong is known for his agility and speed. His abilities include:
- Rocketbarrel Boost: Allows him to fly for short periods.
- Simian Spring: Allows him to jump higher.
- Peanut Popguns: Fires peanuts at enemies and targets.
Lanky Kong: The Inflatable Wonder
Lanky Kong is the most unusual of the Kongs, with his stretchy limbs and bizarre abilities. His abilities include:
- OrangStand: Allows him to walk on his hands to climb steep slopes.
- Baboon Balloon: Inflates him like a balloon, allowing him to float.
- Grape Shooter: Fires grapes at enemies and targets.
Tiny Kong: The Miniature Marvel
Tiny Kong is the smallest of the Kongs, giving her the ability to shrink and enter small spaces. Her abilities include:
- Pony Tail Twirl: Allows her to float across gaps.
- Mini Monkey: Shrinks her down to a tiny size.
- Feather Bow: Fires feathers at enemies and targets.
Chunky Kong: The Gentle Giant
Chunky Kong is the largest of the Kongs and is known for his incredible strength and ability to disappear. His abilities include:
- Hunky Kong: Becomes incredibly strong.
- Primate Punch: Delivers a powerful punch.
- Invisible: Turns invisible to avoid enemies and bypass obstacles.
The Importance Of Item Shops: Cranky’s Lab And Funky’s Armory
Cranky’s Lab and Funky’s Armory are essential stops throughout your journey. Cranky provides new abilities and upgrades for each Kong, while Funky sells new weapons and ammo. Spending your Banana Coins wisely at these locations is crucial for success. Prioritize upgrading your weapon ammo and obtaining essential abilities like the Simian Slam.
Cranky’s Lab: Unlocking New Skills
Cranky Kong provides new abilities for each Kong in exchange for Banana Coins. These abilities are essential for progressing through the game and collecting all of the Golden Bananas and blueprints. Make sure to visit Cranky after completing each level to learn the new abilities.
Funky’s Armory: Gearing Up For Battle
Funky Kong sells new weapons, ammo, and upgrades for each Kong. Upgrading your weapon ammo is essential for defeating bosses and completing certain challenges. Be sure to stock up on ammo before entering a new level.
Navigating The Worlds: A Kong’s-Eye View
Donkey Kong 64 features a variety of vibrant and expansive worlds, each with its own unique challenges and secrets. Mastering the layout of each world is crucial to efficiently collecting all of the collectibles. The main levels include:
- Jungle Japes: The starting world, filled with lush jungle environments.
- Angry Aztec: A desert-themed world with temples and pyramids.
- Frantic Factory: A mechanical world with conveyor belts and machinery.
- Gloomy Galleon: A pirate-themed world with ships and underwater caves.
- Fungi Forest: A mushroom-filled forest with towering trees.
- Crystal Caves: An icy world with frozen caverns.
- Creepy Castle: A spooky castle filled with ghosts and ghouls.
- Hideout Helm: K. Rool’s final fortress.
Tips And Tricks For Completionists: Pro Strategies For “Donkey Kong 7”
Achieving 101% completion in Donkey Kong 64 requires more than just diligent collecting. Here are some pro tips to help you on your journey:
- Utilize Warp Pads: Warp pads can significantly reduce travel time between areas. Learn their locations and use them strategically.
- Check Every Nook and Cranny: Many collectibles are hidden in obscure locations. Don’t be afraid to explore every corner of each level.
- Listen Carefully: The game provides audio cues for hidden items, such as the sound of a Banana Fairy or a puzzle jingle.
- Use a Guide (Sparingly): While exploration is key, sometimes a guide can help you find those last few elusive collectibles. However, try to explore on your own first to maximize the sense of accomplishment.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Some mini-games require precise timing and skill. Don’t get discouraged if you fail at first; keep practicing until you master them.
- Manage Your Time: With so much to collect, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Break down the game into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Prioritize Golden Bananas: Golden Bananas are essential for progressing through the game, so focus on collecting them first.
- Don’t Forget the Bonus Stages: Each world has hidden bonus stages that award Golden Bananas.
- Learn the Kongs’ Weaknesses: Knowing which Kong is best suited for each challenge can save you a lot of time and frustration.
The Final Showdown: Defeating King K. Rool
After collecting all of the Golden Bananas, blueprints, crowns, fairies, and coins, you’ll finally be ready to face King K. Rool in his Hideout Helm. This final boss battle is a challenging test of your skills and knowledge of the game. You’ll need to utilize all five Kongs and their abilities to defeat K. Rool in a series of mini-games.
The King K. Rool fight has each Kong taking a turn fighting K. Rool in a boxing ring. Be sure to anticipate his attacks and utilize each Kong’s unique abilities to take him down.
Once you defeat King K. Rool and watch the credits roll, you’ll have officially achieved 101% completion and earned the title of “Donkey Kong 7” master. Congratulations! Your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and you can now proudly claim to have conquered one of the most challenging and rewarding games on the Nintendo 64.
Beyond Completion: The Lasting Appeal Of Donkey Kong 64
While achieving 101% completion is a significant accomplishment, the true reward of Donkey Kong 64 lies in the journey itself. The game’s vibrant world, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters have captivated players for generations. Even after reaching “Donkey Kong 7,” the game’s replayability ensures that there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. The sheer scale of the game makes each playthrough a unique experience. So, embrace the challenge, gather your bananas, and embark on your own adventure to conquer Kong Isle and become a true Donkey Kong master.
What Is The Most Efficient Way To Collect Golden Bananas In Donkey Kong 64?
Efficiency in Golden Banana collection stems from a structured approach. First, prioritize learning each Kong’s unique abilities and their specific bananas. Refer to a detailed guide or online resources that list each banana’s location and the corresponding Kong needed. Next, systematically explore each level, focusing on completing all of one Kong’s tasks before switching. This avoids backtracking and maximizes progress in each play session.
Furthermore, consider using warp pads and shortcuts once available to minimize travel time. Keep a checklist to track your progress and identify any elusive bananas you may have missed. Finally, don’t hesitate to consult walkthrough videos for particularly difficult or obscure bananas; visual guidance can save a significant amount of time compared to aimlessly searching.
Which Kong Is Best To Start With In Each Level, And Why?
There’s no universally “best” Kong to start with, as it depends on individual preferences and level layout, but certain Kongs are generally more effective early on. Donkey Kong, with his strength and Coconut Shooter, is often a good choice for opening doors and taking out early enemies. Diddy Kong’s jetpack allows for early exploration and access to higher areas, while Lanky Kong can access otherwise unreachable locations with his Baboon Balloon.
Ultimately, the optimal starting Kong often depends on the specific level’s layout and available warps. Experiment with different Kongs at the beginning of each level to quickly identify which one can unlock new areas or collect easily accessible Golden Bananas. Adapt your approach based on your findings for the most efficient progression.
What Are The Best Strategies For Beating The Bosses In Donkey Kong 64?
Mastering boss battles in Donkey Kong 64 requires understanding each boss’s attack patterns and vulnerabilities. Prioritize learning the timing and sequence of attacks to effectively dodge or block them. Each boss has a specific weak point, often highlighted or only accessible during certain phases of the battle. Observe the boss’s behavior carefully to identify these openings and exploit them with the appropriate Kong and weapon.
Resource management is also critical. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of ammunition for your ranged weapons, and collect health items when available to sustain damage. Utilize each Kong’s unique abilities to your advantage; for example, Diddy’s jetpack can be used to evade ground-based attacks, while Lanky’s inflatable ability can reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Adapt your strategy as needed based on the boss’s evolving attacks.
How Do I Unlock The Final Boss, King K. Rool, And What Items Are Required?
Unlocking King K. Rool requires completing several key milestones. You must collect all 200 Golden Bananas, obtain all 40 Banana Fairies and photograph them, collect all 15 Battle Crowns, complete all four Jetpac stages, and retrieve the Nintendo and Rareware Coins. Completing these tasks grants you access to the final boss arena within Hideout Helm.
Specifically, the 200 Golden Bananas unlock the K. Rool’s face switches on each level’s main hub, activating the corresponding level’s boss battle. The Banana Fairies, when photographed, unlock the Rareware Coin. The Nintendo Coin is obtained by completing the original Donkey Kong arcade game within the Frantic Factory level. Gathering all these collectibles is essential for the final showdown with King K. Rool.
What Are The Benefits Of Collecting All Banana Fairies, And How Do I Find Them?
Collecting all 40 Banana Fairies grants you the ability to use the Fairy Camera, which is crucial for unlocking the Rareware Coin. This coin is one of the two coins required to access the final battle with King K. Rool. Beyond that, completing the Banana Fairy challenge unlocks a special cheat that can be used during gameplay, often altering character appearances or enabling special effects.
Finding Banana Fairies requires keen observation and exploration. They are often hidden in obscure locations throughout the levels, requiring the use of specific Kong abilities to reach them. Listen for their distinct chime sound, which indicates a fairy is nearby. Use the camera to photograph them when they are visible to register their capture. Many online guides provide detailed locations and strategies for collecting all the Banana Fairies.
What Are Some Common Glitches Or Exploits In Donkey Kong 64 That Can Aid In Progression?
Donkey Kong 64 features several glitches that can expedite progress, but use them at your own risk. One common exploit involves clipping through walls or floors using specific character movements and camera angles. This can allow players to bypass certain obstacles or access hidden areas early, potentially skipping entire sections of a level. Another glitch exploits the game’s loading mechanics, allowing players to duplicate items or trigger unintended events.
However, it’s important to note that using glitches can also cause game instability or unexpected errors. Save your game frequently before attempting any glitches, and be aware that excessive reliance on glitches may diminish the overall gaming experience and sense of accomplishment. Consider using glitches sparingly or only when encountering particularly frustrating sections of the game.
How Does The Multiplayer Mode In Donkey Kong 64 Work, And What Are Its Key Features?
Donkey Kong 64 features a multiplayer mode that allows up to four players to compete in various arenas. The multiplayer mode is accessed through Cranky Kong’s lab and offers several distinct game types, including deathmatch, capture the flag, and king of the hill. Each arena is tailored to different gameplay styles and Kong abilities, encouraging strategic use of each character’s strengths.
The key features of multiplayer include customizable rulesets, allowing players to adjust game duration, respawn settings, and weapon availability. Players can choose their preferred Kong and utilize their unique abilities and weapons to gain an advantage. The multiplayer mode provides a competitive and engaging experience for players looking to challenge their friends or test their skills in a more dynamic setting.