10 Rejected Video Game Ideas Literally EVERYONE Would've Loved
6. Donkey Kong Racing
During their time working under Nintendo, Rare produced a lot of classic titles across both the Super Nintendo and the N64. During the holiday season of 1997, they followed their success with the Donkey Kong brand by releasing Diddy Kong Racing.
Whilst the title did eventually get a DS remake, it was (at one point) meant to have an out-and-out sequel.
At E3 2001, Nintendo revealed that Rare were working on Donkey Kong Racing for the Nintendo GameCube. Instead of karts, boats and planes, DK and friends would go for something far more true to the series and instead ride wild animals like rhinos, swordfish and wasps. These could be “upgraded” by collecting food on the track and even swapped out mid-race for something else.
However, Donkey Kong Racing was a victim of Rare’s buyout in 2002. When the company agreed to be bought by Microsoft, they did so under the pretence of finishing Star Fox Adventures before moving to the black and green side. As a result, Donkey Kong Racing was rebranded into original IP Sabreman Stampede before, eventually, being cancelled.
And what became of Donkey Kong’s hopes to race? Well, he did get Barrel Blast for the Wii in 2007 which might well be the lowest point in the ape’s adventures.