Post Games The forgotten history of Donkey Kong
Jul 28, 2025
Gaming historian Jeremy Parish, co-creator of Retronauts and Video Works, dives into the fascinating history of Donkey Kong, detailing how it saved Nintendo from decline. He discusses the innovative gameplay that made Donkey Kong a genre-defining title and its evolution through partnerships that revitalized the brand. Parish also touches on the challenges of creative freedom in modern gaming, referencing recent controversies while addressing the impact of new titles tackling deeper themes. A must-listen for any gaming enthusiast!
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Donkey Kong's Origin Story
- Nintendo's Donkey Kong originated from a failed Radar Scope arcade shipment in the U.S.
- They quickly converted it into a new game by removing Popeye licenses and creating original characters.
Donkey Kong: The First Platformer
- Donkey Kong was the first significant platformer emphasizing jumping as a core mechanic.
- It differed from prior arcade games by focusing on navigating to a goal, not merely clearing enemies.
Donkey Kong Boosted Nintendo Consoles
- Nintendo leveraged Donkey Kong's arcade success to launch the Famicom and later the NES.
- Donkey Kong remained familiar but was overshadowed by the revolutionary impact of Super Mario Bros.