SNES Classic Mini: 20 Video Games It Must Have
5. Donkey Kong Country
It might not be made by Nintendo but it had all the feel of a classic Nintendo platformer. Donkey Kong Country blossomed into a trilogy after former ace developers Rare impressed everyone with 3D graphics within a 2D game.
Donkey Kong Country 2 (Diddy's Kong Quest) was arguably the best in the trilogy, but the first game had all of the platforming action, gorgeous graphics and catchy music. Levels were detailed and varied, with mine cart levels always fondly remembered, and elsewhere lighting effects meant you could be playing in the dark one moment and under flickering lights the next.
The partner system meant you were able to switch between characters on-the-fly and take advantage of different attacks and jumping characteristics. Diddy was lighter and faster whereas Donkey was slower but more powerful.
This entry - and series - proved that others could make platforming games just as well as the Big N.