10 Awesome Video Game Characters REPLACED In Sequels
8. Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong Country 3)
What on Earth did Rare have against poor old Donkey Kong?
In the original Donkey Kong Country, Rare sent the lovable ape on a platforming adventure alongside his nephew, Diddy Kong. When the game proved to be a smash hit, Rare made the same mistake as The Simpsons' early seasons did - namely, that they believed the youngest member of the family to be the star of the show.
This meant that DKC 2 shelved Donkey Kong himself, as the elder ape suffered the indignity of being kidnapped and having to be rescued by Diddy and new character Dixie Kong. And while most people would think this would set the stage for Donkey Kong's big comeback in DKC 3, Rare had other ideas.
DKC 3 saw both Donkey and Diddy placed firmly in the roles of Dudes in Distress, as the original duo were held captive by the game's big bad. This meant Donkey Kong once again missed out on a starring role in the series bearing his name, and players had to put up with a pair of irritating youngsters in his place. (Dixie and the never-seen-again Kiddy Kong).
No wonder Donkey Kong 64's sublimely silly DK Rap introduced Donkey Kong by saying "he's finally back!"