GENRE
	Platformer
	DEVELOPER
	Rare
	PUBLISHER
	Nintendo
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1
	CONNECTIVITY
	No
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The Donkey Kong Country series is best known for it?s mind-blowing Graphics and incredible gameplay. Thus far, every game has been a technological masterpiece. Rare does not disappoint with the sixth game in the series (third for Game Boy). Donkey Kong Land III manages to acquire the impressive elements that made the series popular on SNES and keep it alive with Game Boy. If you?ve played the previous two incarnations, then you know what to expect, only add to the mixture better graphics and enhanced gameplay.

Assuming the role of either Dixie or Kiddy (Dixie?s cousin) the player attempts to foil King K. Rool?s plans (sound familiar) by traveling the plains of many unique environments. Featuring basic platforming action we?ve all become accustomed to, this is one challenging adventure.

Impressive. This one word is enough to sum up the visuals. Using amazing techniques, it appears as if more then just four colors are being displayed simultaneously, creating a lusher environment. Animation is also fantastic, some of the most inspiring ever seen on Game Boy. With the aid of a Super Game Boy, you?ll be treated to a vibrant border using 256 colors, super!

Several worlds feature neat weather effects, such as rain or snow. The backgrounds, although lacking liveliness, look great with vital objects creating an appropriate feel for each level. The over-world graphics are superb with subtle details such as a water wheel rotating or a flowing river.

The main characters are incredibly detailed and feature truly admirable animations. For instance, when the character is doing nothing in particular, they may glance at the screen briefly or perform some other nifty movement. Upon being defeated, the Kong?s feature a humorous animation showcasing the pain they experience. Another plus: characters are all large and easily recognizable.

Enemies are explicit and animate smoothly. They are easy to discern from the background, which is a problem for many Game Boy games. Gamers still playing on the original Game Boy may experience blurring, which is a common occurrence for many Game Boy games. This can make it difficult to negotiate cliffs or even opponents at times.

The best audio tracks from Donkey Kong Country 3 are here. But remember this is Game Boy we?re talking about. Don?t expect the same crisp audio heard from the Super Nintendo version.

The sound effects are the typical array of beeps and bops we?ve all learned to live with. Unfortunately, the Kong?s themselves don?t make any noises. To hear them yelp when receiving damage would have made the audio more enjoyable.

Featuring 30+ levels, numerous boss battles and even a few mini-games, this cartridge is filled to the seams with adventure.

The levels are brilliantly designed, making each a unique and enjoyable experience. Enemies are well placed, adding a strategic element to the gameplay. If you recall the Mine-Cart levels of the original Donkey Kong Country, you?ll be pleasantly surprised to find they make a return, only in the form of a bobsled run.

In typical Rare fashion, there?s more to do then meets the eye. Throughout the stages are hidden ?DK coins? that must be accumulated. My advise, look for these baby?s from the beginning as the game cannot be completed without them. Believe me, it?s not very enjoyable to replay every level searching for those blasted coins. If you have played JetForce Gemini (JFG), you know what I?m talking about. The Tribals of JFG are the equivalent of these coins, which might lead many gamers to frustration.

N/A

Easily the best of the three DK Land games. The usual platforming action may become tedious after a while, especially with the involvement of the DK coins. In general, it is a superior game that will not be completed overnight. Lets hope Rare continues to design outstanding products such as this for the Game Boy.

8.5/10