10 Video Games That Mocked Their Rivals

Platformers were one of the mainstays of '90s gaming. While many companies tried to break into the platformer field with new characters (Bubsy, Gex, Glover), there were only a few whose games consistently both sold well and were generally well received - Donkey Kong, Mario, Sonic, and Earthworm Jim.

Nintendo wasn't afraid of pointing out the supremacy in both sales and volume of titles featuring the big ape, the plumber, and their sidekicks, and they did so brilliantly in Donkey Kong Country 2.

At one point in the game, you are presented with an awards ceremony, of sorts, for collecting coins during the levels. There is a traditional 1, 2, 3 podium; Mario, Yoshi, and Link are in those positions respectively (Nintendo was also never afraid of a little cross-branding!)

It's what's next to the podium, however, that brings the laughs. On the ground is a garbage can labelled 'No Hopers'. Next to the can is a very distinctive pair of red and white running shoes belonging to Sonic and a red raygun belonging to Earthworm Jim.

It was a very direct shot in the middle of the console wars and it scored a solid hit.